BUSINESS pg 13 TOP STORIES

EQUIPMENT NOT US$1M TO JFK

JINDAL STEEL CLARIFIES

DID MOTHERWELL ABANDON LIBERIA?

LPRC Dismisses Report, Says project to refurbish storage tanks on course for 2015 completion

CORPORATE NEWS

pg 12

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

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BUYING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1

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

www.frontpageafricaonline.com

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

VOL 8 NO.540

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

PRICE L$40

DID MONEY CHANGE HANDS? GRAND BASSA SENATOR SLAMS LTAS WEEKS CONFIRMATION

In my opinion, the integrity of the senate has been compromised, because there were sufficient evidences to indict Madam Weeks of misappropriation, serious serious credibility issue!! and two days after the rejection the committee on public utility had recommended an audit of Weeks' administration, after a public hearing. On what basis was she confirmed?

SENATE INTEGRITY COMPROMISED

Corruption Watch pg. 6

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Monday, February 24, 2014

Monrovia n a March 2006 address to the joint sitting of the United States congress, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, fresh off her election as the first woman head of state in Africa promised to make Liberia "America's success story in Africa." One year later, in an October 2007 meeting with the 43rd President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, president Sirleaf once again reminded Bush and the U.S. government of her desire to make America proud of its stepchild when she declared: I want you to know that the challenges are many, but with the continued support of the American people and continued support of the American administration and Congress, that we feel that Liberia can become a post-conflict success story. We Are Committed Sirleaf went a step further in a 2008 meeting with Bush to emphasize again: We are committed to make Liberia a post-conflict success story. We want it to be part of your legacy. We want you to be able to look back and say, when I was there I helped Liberia to be a success, to come out of the ashes of war and to be a successful economy responding to the needs of its people. That was 2008. Five years later and eight years into her post-war reign, the challenges Sirleaf feared are still haunting her leadership amid growing concerns that things could get worse before they get better. What went wrong? How did a nation with so much promise and hope continue to flirt with a return to a confused state of terror which sent scores of its citizens into exile? Last years Foreign Policys Failed State Index maintained Liberia under a failed state category, declaring: In the past year, Liberia has worsened on the whole, with over half of its indicators showing signs of (albeit slight) deterioration. The most notable changes were in the External Intervention and Demographic Pressures scores. Only the Economy and State Legitimacy indicators registered a very slight improvement. Over a five-year period, the country experienced has seen the majority of its indicators worsen to varying degrees. There was a significant worsening in External Intervention and a marked worsening in Refugees/IDPs and in Demographic Pressures. Still Waiting for Papa Today, the state of the economy remains poor and the plight of many Liberians is becoming more and more unbearable as many struggle to make ends meet and provide for their family a contrast to Sirleafs pledge in her 2006 inaugural address when she promised to make suffering children smile again. Said Sirleaf: Across this country, from Cape Mount in the West to Cape Palmas in the East, from Mount Nimba in the North to Cape Montserrado in the South, from Mount Wologizi in North central to Mount Gedeh in the Southeast, our citizens at this very moment are listening to my voice by radio and some are watching by television. I want to speak directly to you. As you know, in our various communities and towns, our children have a way of greeting their fathers when they come home after a long, tiring day of trying to find the means to feed the family that night and send the children to school the next day. They say, Papa na come. Sirleaf went on to say that too many times, for too many families: Papa comes home with nothing, having failed to find a job or to get the help to feed the hungry children. Imagine then the disappointment and the hurt in the mother and children; the frustration and the loss of self-confidence in the father. Through the message of this story, I want you to know that I understand what you, our ordinary citizens, go through each day to make ends meet for yourselves and for your families. Times were hard before. Times are even harder today. But I make this pledge to you: Under my Administration, we will work to change that situation. We will work to ensure that when our children say papa na come, papa will come home joyfully with something, no matter how meager, to sustain his family. In other words, we will create the jobs for our mothers and fathers to be gainfully employed. We will create the social and economic opportunities that will restore our peoples dignity and self-worth. The president pledged to make the children smile again.

In the past year, Liberia has worsened on the whole, with over half of its indicators showing signs of (albeit slight) deterioration. The most notable changes were in the External Intervention and Demographic Pressures scores. Only the Economy and State Legitimacy indicators registered a very slight improvement. Over a five-year period, the country experienced has seen the majority of its indicators worsen to varying degrees. There was a significant worsening in External Intervention and a marked worsening in Refugees/IDPs and in Demographic Pressures. Foreign Policy Index
his belief in her leadership. Said Sirleaf at the time. I am told that in Liberia, President Bush saw the embodiment of what can be accomplished when responsible governance is embraced and then encouraged by policies of donor nations. I further understand that in Liberia a new paradigm of bilateral relationship was re-defined; one that makes our nations partners in development. Many, including some senior officials in Sirleafs government fear that her blind eye against good governance and corruption could hamper her input in any influence she may be hoping to have in her succession. It is a problem she will have to deal with and it is a problem, I would not like to you, a senior Minister told FPA Sunday, on condition of anonymity. Many international observers point to Sirleafs failure to address the issue of corruption as a key reason why the current U.S. President Barack Obama has been coy toward her leadership. Obama has met Sirleaf officially only once since he took over compared to three times she met his predecessor, Bush. Liberia Noticeably Omitted Some diplomats point to Obamas snubbing of Sirleaf as a signal of his dissatisfaction with her lapses on corruption and governance although Sirleaf is expected to be among 47 African heads of states visiting the White House for a special summit in August. The summit according to the White House will focus on trade and investment in Africa, highlight Americas commitment to Africas security, its democratic development, and its people. Last May, many were caught aback when Obama jumped over Liberia to invite the heads of states of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma Macky Sall of Senegal, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Prime Minister Jos Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde to the White House. At the time, the White House noted that the United States has strong partnerships with these countries based on shared democratic values and shared interests. Each of these leaders has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, protect and expand human rights and civil liberties, and increase economic

The thousands of children who could not present their voting cards, but repeatedly told me whenever I met and shook their hands that they voted for me. Indeed, they voted with their hearts. To those children and to all other Liberian children across this nation, I say to you, I love you very, very much. I shall work, beginning today, to give you hope and a better future. In contrast, the future remains bleak for many as the deterioration of the local currency continues to cause hardships for many. Until last week, many Liberians felt abandoned by its adopted stepfather, the United States of America which has been coy on criticizing the Sirleaf administration over widespread corruption in the government. Sleepy US Finally Wakes up It was a surprise to many when Deborah Malac, the ambassador accredited here, finally termed corruption as a serious problem that needs to be addressed so as to ease the difficulties Liberians are faced with in affording ends meal. Said Malack: Corruption remains a serious problem in Liberia. It undermines transparency, accountability, and peoples confidence in government institutions. Continued Malac: It [corruption] also adds unnecessary costs to products and services that are already difficult for many Liberians to afford. President Sirleaf, in recent statement declared corruption to be public enemy number one. For many Liberians, corruption has become the ruling governments best friend and a far cry from what Sirleaf pledge to Bush and Congress in 2006 and 2007. The President, on the occasion of the White House Summit on International Development in 2010 even went a step further to express her gratitude to Bush for

Monday, February 24, 2014

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Page 3

Note that a change between 0.2 and -0.2 is considered within the margin of error and thus not statistically significant.

Liberia in 2013

Failed States Index Score

Click to see further coverage on Liberia by The Fund for Peace

Pressures Assessment:

Alert

Failed States Index Rank

95.1
Maximum 120

23rd

Average Indicator Score

Year-on-Year Trend

7.9
Maximum 10

+1.8
Worsened Since 2012

of 178 countries

Liberia is better off in 2013 than it was in 2006; indeed there was a two-year period of significant improvement between 2006-2008. However, since 2008 Liberia has experienced a generally worsening trend.

In the past year, Liberia has worsened on the whole, with over half of its indicators showing signs of (albeit slight) deterioration. The most notable changes were in the External Intervention and Demographic Pressures scores. Only the Economy and State Legitimacy indicators registered a very slight improvement. Over a five-year period, the country experienced has seen the majority of its indicators worsen to varying degrees. There was a significant worsening in External Intervention and a marked worsening in Refugees/IDPs and in Demographic Pressures.

The chart above demonstrates the proportion of the total score for which each indicator is responsible, with comparisons provided with the country experiencing the highest pressure (Somalia) and the country experiencing the lowest pressure (Finland).

opportunities for their people, the White House noted. President Obama said, the reason that I met with these four... they exemplify the progress we are seeing in Africa," said President Obama. "All of them have had to deal with some extraordinary challenges. Sierra Leone just 10 years ago was in the midst of as brutal a civil war as we have ever seen. And yet now we have seen consecutive fair and free elections. He indicated that his goal is to build on those gains. When you have got good governance - when you have democracies that work, sound management of public funds, transparency and accountability to the citizens that put leaders in place - it turns out that that is not only good for the state and the functioning of government, it is also good for economic development, he said. Must Behave to Meet Obama In VOA interview, at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Mathurin Houngnikpo noted that the Obama administration wants other African leaders to draw a simple conclusion: If I want to meet President Barack Obama, I need to behave. It is a demonstration that, indeed, the U.S. means it when it says it is going to support democracy on the continent," said Houngnikpo. Jennifer Cooke at Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies, in a separate interview added that it is no accident that President Obama met with the four leaders. Strong institutions, rather than strongmen, democratic principles, really [are] the cornerstone of U.S. policy towards Africa. And these are countries that have done well or are struggling to do well. They are not the big powerhouses on the African continent. But they are examples that I think he [Obama] and the administration want to encourage support and see continued democratic consolidation," said Cooke. But many Liberians counter that not inviting the Liberian President to Whitehouse events is not sufficient and that the U.S. needs to do more because Liberia depends on America for a lot of things and Liberians expect a different treat other than ignoring and speaking truth to power but rather, concentrate actions to rein the excesses of corruption and mismanagement in Liberia. Last July, Obama, said that although Liberia has made advances to promote democracy, and the Special Court for Sierra Leone recently convicted Charles Taylor for

Last May, many were caught aback when Obama jumped over Liberia to invite the heads of states of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma Macky Sall of Senegal, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Prime Minister Jos Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde to the White House. At the time, the White House noted that the United States has strong partnerships with these countries based on shared democratic values and shared interests. Each of these leaders has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, protect and expand human rights and civil liberties, and increase economic opportunities for their people, the White House noted.
war crimes and crimes against humanity, the actions and policies of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other persons, in particular their unlawful depletion of Liberian resources and their removal from Liberia and secreting of Liberian funds and property, could still challenge Liberia's efforts to strengthen its democracy and the orderly development of its political, administrative, and economic institutions and resources. In a rather stern message to Congress, the U.S. President announced in statement on the White House website, the continuation of the National Emergency with respect to the former Liberian Regime of Charles Taylor Said President Obama: "These actions and policies continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency with respect to the former Liberian regime of Charles Taylor." Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. "In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal Register for publication stating that the national emergency and related measures dealing with the former Liberian regime of Charles Taylor are to continue in effect beyond July 22, 2013," Obama said. Liberia also took a hit last year when the Foreign Policy magazine rated Liberia as among the worst Performers along with Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan and Haiti. Foreign Policy is the most widely read foreign policy magazine in the world and it is produced by the Council of Foreign Relations. Liberia currently ties among the-poorest-countries in the world and is labeled as suffering from a near total lack of infrastructure like clean water public-telephones or sewage. The West-African nation also-has a huge problem with refugees, according to the report. The watchdog group, Transparency International has also ranked Liberia the most corrupt nation on planet earth. Selective Indictments, Mounting Pressures For the foreseeable future many political observers say Sirleaf appears content with her two terms that she is no longer worried about her post-presidency or her legacy. But some say last weeks wake-up call from the U.S. could force Sirleaf to change her approach. Last week, the government finally announced indictments of several players accused of defrauding the country of millions of dollars by issuing bogus permits that allowed foreign companies to exploit the countrys hardwood forests between 2006 and 2012. The illegal permits defrauded the government of 12 to 15 million dollars. However many are concerned that the omission of some of the key players like Agriculture Minister Florence Chenoweth and some close aides to the President could taint the credibility of whatever inroads or appeasement the administration is hoping to make amid mounting pressure from donors and international partners.

FrontPage COMMENTARY EDITORIAL PROGRESSING OR STALLED: NOCALS

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Monday, February 24, 2014

Commentary

Ministry of Justice Must Proceed With Caution in issuance of indictments, the blanket must cover all, not just a select few
THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE came out swinging last week with the issuance of indictment and arrest of Mr. Moses Wogbeh, the former head of the Forestry Development Authority(FDA) and several others accused of defrauding the country of millions of dollars by issuing bogus permits that allowed foreign companies to exploit the countrys hardwood forests between 2006 and 2012. The illegal permits defrauded the government of 12 to 15 million dollars. THIS IS GOOD and we welcome any effort that will bring corrupt government officials to book for trying to defraud the nation. However, this must be done across the board and not through a strategic attempt to single out a few less-powerful and leastconnected folks. MR. WOGBEH was dismissed last year when an investigation panel found that he and others misused Liberias forests by granting illegal contracts. The permits should only be issued to allow commercial logging of privately-owned land. But Wogbeh and other former forestry officials granted permits to allow logging on community and public lands, according to the panels report. THE INDICTMENT SAID that Wogbeh and others in the forestry agency took advantage of the lack of regulations in ways that were unconscionable, illegal, and a violation of the public interest, stated the report. The multiple-count indictment served on Wogbeh and others alleges that they committed economic sabotage and criminal conspiracy. LIBERIAS TIMBER sector came under international sanctions during the regime of former President Charles Taylor when his government was accused by international environmental watchdogs, including Global Witness, of deforestation and using earnings from tropical hardwoods to fund conflicts. Taylor is now serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail after he was found guilty of supporting war in neighboring Sierra Leone in the 1990s. SINCE THE fall of Taylor and his predecessor Doe, Liberia continues to be boggled down by corruption amid widespread allegations of senior-level officials entangled in serious abuse of national resources. THATS WHY WE are concerned about the level of at which the Ministry of Justice is proceeding with the slate of indictments. WE HOPE THAT these indictments will not only mark the beginning of many more but that the MOJ will begin prosecuting officials accused of corruption before they are recycled from one ministry to the next. WE HAVE seen it all before. Mr. Francis Kaba was dismissed as head of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation for gross indiscretion in financial management only to show up on the board of the National Housing Authority(NHA) as chair.

AVOID SELECTIVE JUSTICE

Bai M. Gbala, Sr, bai_gbala@yahoo.com, Paynesville

its budgetary and oversight power that mandated that Block 13 be disposed off with no less than $27 million to the government treasury. This is how ExxonMobil made a counter offer that may now bring $45 million to our government . . . Mr. Robert A. Sirleaf . . . Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Liberia . . . Chairman of the Board of Directors of NOCAL (is) . . . a taxpaying citizen of the United States of America with US Passport number; 2181983813, issued June 7, 2006, in violation of Section 22.1 of the Alien & Nationality Law and receives thousands of US dollars representing per diem, first class air ticket, five star hotel bills inclusive of entertainment and incidental payments for each and every trip made in the name of NOCAL. Attached are a few supporting documents for your review. Mr. Robert Sirleaf drives two bullet proof Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles with private plates and is escorted by armed EPS (SSS) personnel in an EPS (SSS) pilot vehicle. Other than the President, neither the Vice President, the Speaker of the House, the Chief Justice nor the President Pro Temp of the Senate rides in a bullet proof vehicle. It leaves one to wonder if the safety or security of Mr. Sirleaf is more important than the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia and those others mentioned. Summary of Far-reaching Impact & Implications The credibility and, indeed, the commitment and dedication of both the former Chairman of the Board and President/CEO of NOCAL have been and called into question, including their citizenship loyalty and patriotism to the Republic and people. Both have been and are accused of dishonest activities in top management, including the renting of the nations off-shore, oil blocks, and selection and awarding of contracts for services which NOCAL does not need, implying conflict of interest, and purchase and use of expensive, bulletproof automobiles at public expense. The July 2013 controversy called into question the credibility, possible conflict of interest and, indeed, the style of top management of NOCAL, represented by its President/CEO, the Honorable Randolph McClain, by an investigative newspaper, with particular respect to the selection and award of a contract to DuPont, a US Chemical & manufacturing company. Because NOCAL is placed and situated to play major, significant role in the nations economy, concerned with exploration, production, sale and distribution of oil, the liquid gold, it is extremely necessary that Liberia prevent or guard against the experience of the much talked-about oil curse. The major factors that give rise to the oil curse are graft, greed, dishonesty, corruption, disloyalty to the nation, among many others. We felt, therefore, that the July controversy presented an excellent opportunity to find the truth. Now, with the claim of world-Class, transparency and accountability as the major requirement in the selection of contractors/investors, according to Mr. Robert Sirleaf, the out-going, board chairman, in February 2014, the same identical claim made by NOCAL President/CEO, Dr. McClain, in July, 2013, it is necessary that we revisit this continuing claim, for the truth. What, then, are the Facts? In response to the July, 2013 controversy and its implications, nationwide, we undertook a desk research of the activities of parties named in controversy FrontPageafrica newspaper, NOCAL and the DuPont Company. We present, hereunder, the-then unpublished results of that research and our conclusions, based on the research findings. The FrontPageAfircaonline Newspaper One of the nations leading, investigative, daily newspapers, FrontPageAfricaonline is based in suburban Congo Town of the city of Monrovia. The Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Rodney Sieh, is a journalist with training/experience, both, in the United States and Liberia. As the result of court action for libel, Mr. Sieh was imprisoned growing out of the suit against him by a former official of government for reporting alleged acts of corruption in which the official was named. He was subsequently released. The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) Section 4 of the Act of Legislature that established NOCAL states that The Corporation is established for the purpose of holding all of the right, title and interest of the Republic of Liberia in the deposits and reserves of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons within the territorial limits of the Republic of Liberia, whether potential, proven, or actual with the aim of facilitating the development of the oil and gas industry in the Republic of Liberia. By the language, holding all of the right, title and interest of the Republic of Liberia . . . with the aim of facilitating in the development of the oil and gas industry on behalf of the Republic, NOCAL is, in fact, a regulatory agency at this point in time, since NOCAL does not, yet, possess, the capacity expertise and finance capital to undertake the research, exploration, development, production, distribution, sale of oil, but leases out the nations oil blocks to foreign firms and regulates (facilitates) the activities of the foreign firms that are and will undertake the research, exploration, production, sale and distribution of oil from Liberia.

WORLD CLASS PARTNERS

n a change-of-command, investigative report of Mr. Robert Sirleafs turn-over to Mr. Seward Cooper as Chairman of the Board of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), the Analyst newspaper (Analyst Liberia, February 12, 2014) quotes observers that Hopes for the early passage of the new Petroleum Reform Law of NOCAL appeared dashed since companys path-finding board chairman, Mr. Robert Sirleaf, tendered in his resignation in September last year . . . the stalled status of the . . . oil bill on Capitol Hill indicated that the former chairman (Mr. Robert Sirleaf) was unnecessarily pushed to the center of controversy and scandal by individuals either out of ignorance or out of political machination designed to undermine the oil sector. The newspaper, also, quotes Mr. Robert Sirleaf that We decided (at NOCAL) we wanted to do it (manage the affairs of the company) the right way . . . let everybody know it is you (Robert Sirleaf) . . . the aim of his mandate was to get the type of companies (foreign contractors, investors) that actually represent world class in accountability . . . transparency . . . make NOCAL extremely transparent. We recall that Dr. Randolph McClain, President/CEO of NOCAL, used the same phrase, world class, in describing the US firm, DuPont, as a company with reputation for excellence in safety and a renowned, world class safety leader in environmental protection, in awarding a contract to the company. This contract was the issue of an article (FrontPageAficaonline, July 15, 2013) in which the newspaper reported: That the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and its President/CEO, Dr. Randolph McClain awarded a contract, unilaterally, to the American firm, DuPont, worth US $731,100.00, without notification of the Board of Directors; that Dr. McClain awarded the contract without prior approval by the PPCC; that the contract was or is out of DuPonts area of expertise (if it were, NOCAL is or was not in need, let alone urgent need of environmental protection services); and that DuPont was Dr. McClains former employer, while in the US, for more than 20 years. To these allegations, Dr. McClain responded in a prepared, press statement (FrontPageAfricaonline, July 22, 2013): That transparency, sustainability, inclusiveness, Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Care are the core principles underscored by NOCAL; that the latest step is the signing (or awarding) of a Safety, Health & Environmental Protection and training contract with one of the worlds leading Chemical & Environmental Organizations, DuPont, a company with a reputation for excellence in safety and a renowned, world class safety leader; that PPCC was informed of the exigency of ensuring the safety of our environment and hence the need to sole Source (select a single contractor without bidding) the agreement; that the PPCC, on January 11, 2013, approved NOCALs request for No Objection to the Sole Sourcing of DuPont; that awarding the contract unilaterally . . . when you are dealing with urgency, then you go to the PPCC and say look Ive got years of competence situation here . . . I need to go for this particular company (DuPont), they (PPCC) look at your (DR. McClains) merit . . . your companys (NOCALs) credibility and on that basis they (PPCC) made their move (approve your request to award the contract); that contrary to press reports, the contract was not out of DuPonts area of expertise; and that (regarding possible conflict of interest arising from Dr. McClains more than 20 years of employment by DuPont), Dr. McClain said well, there no connection . . . Ive worked for the DuPont Company before; I am a DuPont Retiree now since, about twelve years . . . I have no share position in the company. NOCAL and Controversy In considering the present, turn-over report, we reflected on the charges, counter-charges that characterized the short, relatively, life-time of NOCAL. Since the founding and establishment of the company of in 2000, it has been involved in numerous controversies regarding its manner of management, especially, public dishonesty (corruption), transparency, truth and disloyalty to the Republic, although the foreign firms to which it (NOCAL) leased the nations off-shore, oil blocks have not, yet, produced a single barrel of oil. The most, recent and serious allegations against NOCAL, among others, were made by a leading member of the National Legislature (Representative Edwin Snowe versus Mr. Robert Sirleaf) against Mr. Robert Sirleaf, then Chairman of the NOCAL board of Directors. The Honorable Representative held that: After learning that negotiations for block 13 were being held, and that only the President/CEO of NOCAL, Mr. Neyor and one member of the Board of NOCAL who, again, happened to be Mr. Robert Sirleaf along with his American lawyer, Mr. Jeff Woods, were in the know at the level of NOCAL, I decided to question this process. Why was Mr. Clemenceau Urey who was Chairman of the Board of NOCAL at the time not copied? Why is Mr. Robert A. Sirleaf the only member of the Board of NOCAL in the know of this transaction? Mr. Rob Sirleaf, who absolutely has no knowledge of how the international oil and gas sector operates, wanted to force NOCAL to give Block 13 to Chevron at half the amount offered by Gazprom even when Chevron had not participated in the bid for the block, it was the National Legislature with
v

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

IN OTHER cases, many officials are asked to resign without prosecution only to resurface months or years later in another position. THE WAR against corruption is not a joke but it appears it has become on under the regime of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE must set the pace and

change the perception held by many that its recent attempts at indictments is nothing more than a charade targeting to less-protected and less-powerful while those seriously wreaking havoc appear to be getting an easy pass at the expense of a nation in the fringe of economic collapse.

Bai M. Gbala, Sr, bai_gbala@yahoo.com, Paynesville

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Monday, February 24, 2014

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COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

LIBERIA 'COLD WATER BUNCH' STRIKES AGAIN-REJECTED BUT CONFIRMED
SARR ABDULAI VANDI WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Angeligue WEEKS' tenure at the LTA has been characterized by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct, and far-reaching irregularities; and comprehensive telecoms sector incompetence. Correspondingly, Liberians must take note that the only language this wicked president and crooked plutocrat understands is massive opposition and uprising against her arrogant abuse of power and the public trust. We must follow the Maghreb example, and the ongoing demo in the Ukraine. The Madame and her "zama zamas" are in for a rude awakening! As for the useless legislators, and particularly the so-called senior senators who are wielding power in the senate must all be voted out in the pending midterm November 2014 elections. They are most responsible for legalizing bribery and normalizing corruption in the Republic. JAY WION WORKS AT NPRC Liberians have themselves to blame if we don't act now by staging protests and calling for the resignation of Ellen and the entire corrupt govt. The citizens in UKRAINE just drove their corrupt president out of power, and we in Liberia can do the same. This is the message the US Ambassador to Liberia delivered this week in Monrovia. Ellen is not crazy to order her security forces to shoot at peaceful protesters. She could find herself joining Charles Taylor in prison. There could be no better time to end the corrupt and criminal regime of Ellen. We call on opposition political parties, students, teachers, civil society leaders, religious leaders, market women, the unemployed, and others to join now the healthcare workers and start a revolution.. The USA will support our protests because President Obama continues to speak out against the corruption in the govt in Liberia. By next week, Monrovia will be blanketed with documents from the US Justice Department detailing how millions of dollars of our money is spent on US law firms here in DC for public relations purposes. These documents will include Obama's yearly warning to the US Congress on the secreting of Liberian money and the depletion of Liberian resources. Coming to your email soon and in the streets of Monrovia from me, and most of the money from our maritime program. ALTON V. KESSELLY UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN This act of rejecting a presidential appointee and then confirming such appointee after some wheeling and dealing is the well known stock-intrade of our callous and self serving senators. What is surprising is for FrontPageAfrica or anyone who has keenly followed the antecedents of our callous senators to have expected a different result. You just can't teach old dogs new tricks. Anyway, very soon, the Liberian people will again have another golden opportunity of making 50% of those self serving and callous bunch jobless. NYEMADE WANI AVERAGE JOE AT POWER TO THE PEOPLE It is ironic that he US ambassador will talk about corruption when Liberia is the most corrupt nation, bar none. I have given up on this country and 2017 will be the same if we do not kick Clarice Jah, Ballout and the others out of the Senate. Liberians keep saying we have peace but at what price. Where is the peace if we cannot find food to eat. We should and must take to the streets, Liberia is in disarray. This Weeks woman should be ashamed of herself. She and that Burphy who came running back to Liberia are dangerous people. This government is rotten to the core. The funny thing is I said that this woman was going to be confirmed because the Senate did not learn its lesson with Kilby. Liberia is in the garbage heap with all these Harvard Educated crooks. BOKAI PAGII STANFORD UNIVERSITY From the first appointment in her first term, this president has ascribed to the principle of bribery to accomplish her objectives. The Senators and representatives literally cowed in her presence and are therefore manipulated like puppies wanting food. Ellen the master manipulator has no feeling for Liberia and it citizenry, as her only intension is to loot the country and set it up for implosion in 2017.Personally; I think that she is an evil entity that has a spell on the people of this country. The corruption problem is a part of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf being and shall haunt us for many generations to come. BENJAMEN QUAYE UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA We may just be better of under military rule. At least we will expect political malfeasance and organized state theft. And if we should experience a political short-circuit, I will not moan for my country given what we are getting from this crowd. An estimated 250 thousand of our countrymen were sent to their early graves for nothing. No lessons learned!

THE MILLS JONES SAGA

The Editor,

A LEARNING PROCESS BAI BALA WEIGHS IN

I write in response to the outrage expressed by several writers regarding the CBL amendment passed by the National Legislature. The review and debate of some provisions of the law that created Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), amendment and passage of such amendment was or is a routine, Legislative action, in fulfillment of that bodys constitutional obligation, especially, in the light of recent, reported depreciation of the nations foreign exchange rate, negative impact on the terms of trade, and state of the economy. However, there are, in some quarters, indignations and outrage, with vicious attacks and condemnations directed against the nations lawmakers, the expression of constitutional right of free speech and disagreement. By this response, we, too, having a difference of opinion, register disagreement with our fellow Liberians featured on this issue in the newspapers. We entertain the hope that this encounter, a cordial, civil exchange of views, is, and will be, a learning process for the betterment of all Liberians. Miss Laura Golakeh, Student-at-Law writes (Analyst Liberia & FrontpageAfricaonline, February 20, 2014) that: 1. The House of Representatives illegally concurred with the Senate in passing the amendment, a violation of Article 11(a) of the Constitution. 2. Representative Alex Grant be suspended, because the amendment is not in the interest of the Liberian people. 3. In passing the amendment, the National Legislature overstepped its constitutional boundaries as provided by Article 34, and that CBL Governor, Dr. Mills Jones, is economically empowering the ordinary Liberians, because commercial banks give loans to small percentage of Liberians. Our Response: Article 11(a), On Fundamental Rights, provides that All persons are born equally free and independent and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, among which are the right of enjoyment and defending life and liberty, of pursuing and maintaining the security of the person and of acquiring, possessing and protecting property, subject to such qualifications as provided for in this Constitution. 1. In its concurrence for the passage of the amendment, the House (and Senate) performed its functions in accordance with Article 29 of the Constitution; therefore, that action (passage of the amendment duly debated) constituted no violation of any law, let alone Article 11(a), as claimed by Miss Golakeh. Article 11(a), as indicated, is one of the bills of fundamental Rights of all Liberians. Now, not only that Dr. Jones was or is not in a court of law charged commission of an offence deemed (by him) to be denial of his Rights, but also that RIGHTS are not absolute; enjoyments thereof are conditional to defined performance in obedience to prescribed law. For example, the right to operate (drive) a motor vehicle is conditional to or requires an operators (drivers) license; ones very life and liberty (freedom of movement) are conditional to abstention from commission of dangerous crimes, such as murder, etc. 2. On the recommended suspension/implied removal of Representative Alex Grant, an elected official, will be in violation of the basic principles, rules and practice of constitutional democracy. In that, the suspension/recall/removal of an elected official is the lawful right/ authority of the constituents that elected such official, and for lawful cause. The Honorable Grant, in participating in the lawful action of passing an amendment, committed no unlawful act. There was or is no shown violation of Article 34 as charged. Mr. Darius Dillion, Politician, argues (Analyst Liberia, February 20, 2014) that: 1. The passage of the amendment was a rather rash decision and a violation of Articles 20(a) and 21(a). Article 21(a) provides that No person shall be made subject to any law or punishment which was not in effect at the time of commission of an offense, nor shall the legislature enact any bill of attainder or ex post facto law. Our Response 1. Reference to Article 20(a), also a Fundamental Rights provision, we submitted that not only that Dr. Jones was or is not in a court of law charged commission of an offence deemed (by him) to be denial of his

Rights, but also that RIGHTS are not absolute; enjoyments, thereof, are conditional to defined performance in obedience to prescribed law. For example, the right to the Holy Matrimony is conditional to procurement of marriage license; the right to enjoy ones liberty, freedom of movement and stay out detention is conditional to refrain from committing criminal acts, disobedience to law. 2. Article 21(a), prohibition of ex post facto enactments, does not apply, because this law (the CBL amendment) passed in 2014 takes effect in 2018, four years hence. Moreover, no one, including Dr. Jones, is in court charged under the passed amendment. We note that Mr. Dillon speculates, not upon cited, validated evidence, that the purpose of the action (amendment of the law) . . . is against the (persons of) Governors of the CBL is said to be premised upon suspicion that the CBL is dishing out state funds for political reasons, assuming, but not admitting that this suspicion is correct, the Legislature cannot now pass a law to punish for an act that was unlawful at the time of commission of said offence. Indeed, it is very important that we note that Mr. Dillon, the budding politician, appears to be in support of dishing out public funds for private, personal political gain, wherein ex post facto law does not apply. We argue, however, that any official of government positioned or with opportunity of access to enormous, public resources and dishes out those resources in hundreds of millions of dollars for personal, political gain is a criminal and corrupt, under existing law, ex post facto notwithstanding. It is, also, important to note that the law (CBL amendment) is directed NOT against specified persons, but any individuals so positioned, with access to public resources. Tiawon Gongloe, Counsellor-at-Law, holds (FrontpageAfricaonline, February 20, 2014) that or termed the act (in passing the amendment) as discriminatory; that, according to reports, while it was true that Governor Jones politicized the micro-loan scheme, the action taken against him . . . was discriminatory and breached Article 11(c) of the Constitution; that the amendment was not an action or punishment against Dr. Jones, but a law passed to depoliticize the functions of the bank. Our Response As indicated in our introduction, given the prevailing condition of the nations economy and guarding against abuse of public trust that could lead to or result in massive public dishonesty, it is reasonable for the National Legislature to review and debate some provisions of the law that created Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), amend and pass such amendment into law. Therefore, the action was not directed, per se, at the Governor, Dr. Mills Jones, and that there was or is no discrimination. Discrimination occurs or applies where and when choice is made in favor of or against an individual(s) or organization(s) out of several, not based on open, competitive, objective, fair and reasonable decision. This was not the case, because the amendment will impact several individuals, the board of CBL Governors who are similarly positioned as Dr. Mills Jones. Therefore, there is no relevance nor application, let alone violation of Article 11(). Mr. Eugene Karr, Central Monrovia ) Mr. Solomon Harris, Paynesville ) Mr. Dennis Sabato Zeana ) (FrontpageAfricaonline, Mr. Nyemah Nat, Somalia Drive ) February 20, 2014) Mr. Robert Sammie, Waterside, Monrovia ) While time and space do not permit comprehensive response to all the questions raised, and to navigate, with analytic vigor, all of the critical issues and reasons that occasioned the passage of the amendment, we appreciate, very deeply, the interest shown, particularly, the guts to speak out publicly on these critical issues concerned with public interest. Moreover, it is very important to note here, that we, the people, our country and the economy are the way we are, today, because we have not kept our eyes on, manage and control the movement of money, billions of US dollars that flow into our country, and the rigid concentration of money, administrative, economic and political power in the Republic of Monrovia. The issue of money lots and lots of it in US dollars in the hands of unregulated individuals has been and is in daily papers, every day, continuously, while there are no adequate roads in our capital city, let alone rural Liberia. Do not take our word for it; just talk to any taxicab driver or pick up a daily paper the FPA, Analyst, Democrat, New Dawn, etc., etc. anncered you will be faced-to-face with Corruption, Inc., Liberias Mafia and public enemy no.1!! Sincerely, Bai M. Gbala, Sr bai_gbala@yahoo.com Paynesville

The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

DISCLAIMER

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

EDITORIAL TEAM

Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@ FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com

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CORRUPTION WATCH

Monday, February 24, 2014

SENATE INTEGRITY COMPROMISED

In my opinion, the integrity of the senate has been compromised, because there were sufficient evidences to indict Madam Weeks of misappropriation, serious serious credibility issue!! and two days after the rejection the committee on public utility had recommended an audit of Weeks' administration, after a public hearing. On what Basis was she confirmed?

DID MONEY CHANGE HANDS? GRAND BASSA SENATOR SLAMS LTAS WEEKS CONFIRMATION

Monrovia enator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence(Liberty Party, Grand Bassa) has strongly condemned last weeks secret confirmation of Angelique Weeks, the embattled head of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA), lamenting that her peers in the upper house ignored several damaging violations of the Public Procurement Concessions Commission(PPCC). Speaking to FrontPageAfrica in an interview with FrontPageAfrica, Senator Karnga-Lawrence said the rejection and sudden 360-turnaround by the Senate has seriously compromised the integrity of the Senate. Honestly, I have not gotten any official information about the confirmation, what I do know is that after the confirmation hearing with the committee the committee presented the report to plenary. Because of all of the controversies with Weeks, which included allegations of misappropriation, and noncompliance with the PPCC guidelines, only Mr. McCritty, the new appointee was confirmed and all others were placed on hold. The Senator said she immediately wrote a letter to the PPCC requesting information on the allegations and the PPCC responded confirming non compliance and sent her office all communications to verify, including warning letters about other issues. Copies of the communications from PPCC were given to the committee and discussed in plenary, those communications led to the rejection. I Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence from Grand Bassa County, voted for the rejection. On why she did not participate in the motion to reconsider, the Senator said she traveled to neighboring Ghana on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to represent the senate committee on Health, and on Thursday Feb. 20, Weeks was confirmed. I don't know the details of how she got confirmed yet, because I just got in the country. I also tried calling the co-chair on the committee to inquire, but his telephone has been off. In my opinion, the integrity of the senate has been compromised, because there

Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Liberty Party, Grand Bassa County

were sufficient evidences to indict madam weeks off misappropriation, serious credibility issue!! and two days after the rejection the committee on public utility had recommended an audit of Weeks' administration, after a public hearing. On what Basis was she confirmed? Sen. Cherue is not the chair of the committee Sen, Ballout is, for clarification. FrontPageAfrica has learned that the committee was paid US$5,000 to overturn the rejection of Weeks but Senator Karngar-Lawrence said she was unaware. I

he management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, LEC has threatened to take serious action against any customer or communities found giving money to employees or contractors in the name of buying electricity poles for their areas. The LEC says it would take similar action including termination of service against any employee or contractor, who is found receiving money or requesting customers and communities to buy electricity poles for their areas. The LEC management in a press release issued in Monrovia over the weekend further stated that the cost of the poles is already embedded in the customer registration fees and as such there should be no cash payments made by customers to anyone for any poles. The LEC management says at no time in its existence has it requested or demanded money or sold electricity poles to customers or communities. The LEC threat comes in the wake of public complaints that

LEC THREATENS ACTION AGAINST CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES

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MONROVIA

don't know anything about money because I was away. Also, I don't know who voted for or against. Had I been in plenary when the decision was made, I would have maintained my position not to confirm. The controversy surfaced after Weeks signed a controversial lease agreement with a Chinese Landlord for which the LTA had committed the government of Liberia to pay US$1.1 million over a threeyear period. In the lease agreement, the LTA agreed to pay US$385,000.00 (Three Hundred Eighty Five

Thousand United States Dollars) per year, with a three-year upfront payment to a Chinese Landlord totaling US$1,155,000.00 (ONE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS). In fact, further investigation by FrontPageAfrica uncovered that the LTA entered into a separate contract to cover cosmetics and maintenance of the building for the duration of the contract. The LTA entered into the contract against objections from both the PPCC and the Ministry of Justice

which raised concerns about the deal. The PPCC recommended that that LTA explore several options including the possibility of purchasing a piece of land to construct its own building from scratch or refurbish an existing government property. HERE ARE THE FACTS: On Nov. 15, 2013, the LTA Wrote the PPCC requesting intent to award, On Nov. 20, the LTA Request was Received by PPCC; two days later on Nov. 22, the PPCC Responded to the LTA asking for more information and suggesting that the LTA considers other options including the renovation of an old government building or securing a land to build its own office from scratch. The LTA was also informed in the same communication that it had not submitted its procurement plan for 2012/13 and 2013/2014 and the need to bring their entity in compliance with the law, a clear violation of Section 40(3) of the PPCC Act. On Nov. 28, eight days later, the LTA received and signed for the PPCC response. The response was received by a staffer named Frannie

some unscrupulous employees and contractors have been extorting money or receiving money from customers and various communities as payment for electricity poles that are being erected in their areas. The LEC management pointed out that all electricity poles that are being erected in the communities had already been designated for the locations before they are transported for planting. LEC urges the public to report any such cases to the nearest police station or its headquarters at Waterside. In a separate development, the LEC management is appealing to customers to exercise patience as the powerhouse undertakes projects to improve the system. The LEC says it is currently replacing wooden poles in some areas with steel poles and as such some customers will experience power outages in their areas. Some of the areas where the poles are being replaced are Sinkor, Camp Johnson Road and central Monrovia among others.

PREVENTING CORRUPTION
GOL launches new auditing Software, says it is cost effective but efficientis cost effective but efficient
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
to do auditing. Although we got the manual that guide us Auditors in carrying out audit the way it should be done but with the introduction of pentana vision auditing will be done more professionally and faster. Speaking at a three day training program for internal auditors assigned at various ministries and agencies held in Careysburg Montserrado County, Collins said, the software was purchased from the British firm who invented it through the Multi Donor funds and it cost less than two hundred thousand United States dollars. He also told news men at the training that, the software will not only promote efficiency in the work of auditors but it will also promote integrity nothing that it will avoid auditors from personalizing internal audits. We dont want people running off the hook by bringing their personal feelings into internal audit. To be part of the entities in which we are being embedded to support management achieve their

Monday, February 24, 2014

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NEWS EXTRA

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iberia has joined other countries around the world in doing advanced auditing through the introduction of Pentana Vision new international accepted auditing software. According to Paul Collins Executive Director of the Internal Audit Agency in Liberia, the introduction of Pentana Vision will move Auditing in Liberia from what he calls the traditional way. Collins said: In the past people used traditional way iberias Internal Affairs Minister Morris Dukuly has warned traditional leaders around the country to stop interfering with operations of contractors with traditional activities. He vowed that anyone caught interfering with the operations of contractors will be dealt with in accordance with the laws governing the traditional community in Liberia. Dukuly said: let me say this, we have laws on the book governing traditional practices in Liberia, and one of the rules is that no child should be forced to go join the Sandi or Poro society, there should be no traditional activities during the day especially when children are in school anyone caught closing door while children are going to school will be dealt with in accordance with the laws on the book. The Internal Affairs Minister also warned Traditional leaders around the country not to get involved in solving land dispute cases because according to him they could be bias in the event one party is not part of certain tradition. The children that will be coming from far distances to attend school should do so without fear of devil closing door, if anyone tries to force any child to society bush that person will be made to bring that child out or we will send people in that bush to bring the child out by force, he added. He also warned contractors who are implementing developmental programs

DONT MIX TRADITION WITH DEVELOPMENT

Internal Affairs Minister Dukuly warns Traditional leaders
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com

deliverables, we are a support function, he added. The Internal Auditing Agency boss also claimed that, as part of the mandate given to the Internal Auditing Agency, internal auditors are currently assigned at government entities that are high spending entities and are working to help government achieve its National development under the Agenda for transformation. Asked if the software will help the internal Audit Agency eliminate corruption he said; the

fight against corruption is everybody fight. Our focus is on supporting our entities deliver on their mandates in a way that is cost effective, efficient and Economical. For his part Jim Butler head of sales and marketing for Pentana said, the software will also ensure risk management in the work of auditors and will make information gathered from audits conducted to be more rarely shared and more rapidly reported upon. Butler Said: There is very high level of security in the tools because everybody

accessing the tool will be known which will prevent unauthorized people from authoring reports already gathered by auditors. It is also highly secured and it is a difficult tool to break. Asked if the software is vulnerable to hiking he said; yes practically it is impossible but realistically, every software can be broken so I wouldnt guarantee it. The three days training program brought together over hundred internal Auditors from several Ministries and Agencies of Government.

around the country to stay away from traditional sites, daughters and wives of citizens in those areas. Speaking earlier Montserrado County Superintendent Florence Brandy described

as a dream come through the ground breaking for the construction of a school in Dowees Town. Superintendent Brandy said, the project is part of over 30 other projects that are being

carried out simultaneously around Montserrado County. She cautioned citizens of the Town to give their fullest cooperation to the contractors because according to her the project is intended to benefit

citizens living in that town. She also commended the citizens for providing the land free of charge for the construction of the school and promised the people of plans by the County leadership to

construct a hand-pump to provide safe drinking water and latrine in response to their request. Dowee Town is located in Todee District, rural Montserrado County, few kilometers away from the countrys capital Monrovia but has never had a school building constructed in that area since its establishment over fifty decades ago. Parents have in the past been forced to send their Children to other towns and districts closed to Monrovia in pursuit of education. On Saturday the government of Liberia through the offices of the Internal Affairs Minister and the County Superintendent broke grounds for the construction of a six class room elementary school value sixty-four thousand United States dollars (US$ 64,000) and is being funded under the African Union Peace fund. The project is being implemented by KASTHOM Company INC. and is expected to be completed by July of 2014.

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Monday, February 24, 2014

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION BASIC EDUCATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION BASIC EDUCATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) FOR PROCUREMENT ASSISTANT
REOI No: MOE/GPEP/PA/35/13 IDA GRANT ID: TF097456 3. Introduction The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments for the services of a Procurement Assistant for the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project of the Ministry of Education (MOE). 4. Background The overall priority of the Government of Liberia (GOL) is to reduce poverty. During the consultations for the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), education was identified as one of the sectors requiring the highest priority. The Liberia Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2010-2020 is fully aligned with the PRS and served as the basis for the countrys application for a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (formerly Education For All-Fast Track Initiative) Catalytic Fund in 2010. The application was approved and the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project became effective in January 2011. The development objective for the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project is to improve management capacity and accountability at the central and school levels for school construction in rural areas, procurement and distribution of teaching and learning materials, and school based management. The project has one Component and four sub-components Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthened Institutional Management Capacity and Accountability Sub-Component 1.2: School Construction in Rural Areas Sub-Component 1.3: Procurement and Distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials Sub-Component 1.4: School Based Management through School Grants. As the level of project activities increases, the MOE has realized that there is the need to employ an additional hand to ensure that all outstanding procurement activities are carried out by the closing date of the project. 3. Objective(s) of the Assignment The main objective of the Procurement Assistants assignment is to assist the 2 Procurement Specialists of the GPE Project to carry out the daily procurement activities within the Procurement Team so as to ensure efficient, accountable and transparent procurement. 7. Scope of Services and Expected Deliverables The scope of work includes (but is not limited to): Ensure that the conditions of the GPE Grant Agreement are fully complied with at all stages for procurement of goods, works and services under the Project; Assist in procurement of goods, works and services. Prepare drafts of public notices, requests for quotation, bidding documents, contracts for review and approval by the Procurement Specialists. Participate in bid opening sessions, prepare and record draft minutes of the sessions. Assist in preparing draft reports for review by the Procurement Specialists. Regularly update and keep the record of all expressions of interest, bids and proposals and incoming procurement requests. Liaise with relevant user departments in all aspects of the procurement process. Assist the National Procurement Specialist to maintain proper filing system. Is responsible for liaising with the MOEs Procurement Unit on administrative issues relating to procurement. Assist in implementation and administration of procurement procedures and policies. Timeline The consultants services are required for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory performance. 8. The MOE now invites applications from eligible individuals to indicate their interest in providing the required services as described above and to provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services, including CVs, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, etc. References will be required of short-listed candidates. 9. The shortlisting criteria will be based on the qualification and experience requirements outlined below.Educational and professional qualifications and experience will include: A High School Graduate. But a Bachelors degree in business administration or economics will be preferred. Minimum 2-3 years experience in procurement or contract management for projects implemented by government and other agencies. High levels of personal initiative, motivation, honesty and integrity, and be prepared to undertake on-the-job training. Exposure to or involvement with the procurement of goods, works and services in projects funded by international lending institutions would also be desirable. Knowledge of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of Liberia will be an asset. Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office and Internet). Strong interpersonal skills. Fluent in spoken and written English. 9. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers January 2011 ("Consultant Guidelines"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. 10. An Individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures for selecting Individual Consultants set out in the Consultant Guidelines. 9. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 0900 to 1700 hours local time. 11. Applications; clearly marked Procurement Assistant- GPEBEP, must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 5PM Local Time, on March 4, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 12. The address referred to above is:

REOI No: MOE/GPEP/AA/38/14 IDA GRANT ID: TF097456 1. Introduction The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments for the services of aAdministrative Assistant for the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project of the Ministry of Education (MOE). 2. Background The overall priority of the Government of Liberia (GOL) is to reduce poverty. During the consultations for the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), education was identified as one of the sectors requiring the highest priority. The Liberia Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2010-2020 is fully aligned with the PRS and served as the basis for the countrys application for a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (formerly Education For All-Fast Track Initiative) Catalytic Fund in 2010. The application was approved and the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project became effective in January 2011. The development objective for the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project is to improve management capacity and accountability at the central and school levels for school construction in rural areas, procurement and distribution of teaching and learning materials, and school based management. The project has one Component and four sub-components Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthened Institutional Management Capacity and Accountability Sub-Component 1.2: School Construction in Rural Areas Sub-Component 1.3: Procurement and Distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials Sub-Component 1.4: School Based Management through School Grants. 3. Objective(s) of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to enhance the smooth project operations by contributing to effective administration of the day-to-day activities of the PST. The recruitment of an experienced middle-level Administrative Assistant will also contribute to increasing management capacity within the MOE. 4. Scope of Services and Expected Deliverables The scope of work includes (but is not limited to): A. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Office Management Oversee all aspects of general office coordination as it relates to the PST Secretariat. Maintain office calendar to coordinate workflow and meetings Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and PST/Project related information Perform general clerical duties to include, but not limited to, bookkeeping, copying, faxing, mailing and filing. Procure stationery and supplies for the PST with responsibility for requisition, receipt and distribution of the same; Maintain an updated inventory of all office equipment, furnishings and other assets. File and retrieve Project related documents, records and reports; Manage petty cash purchases and receipts.

B. Communications and Meetings 9. Establish/Maintain contacts database for Project/PST 10. Acquire/Collate content for Project bulletin/newsletter and ensure timely distribution 11. Make and arrange meetings and appointments for staff members of the PST and for consultants on project-related assignments; 12. Ensure that filing of all communication is executed on a timely basis; 13. Set up and coordinate meetings and conferences 14. Compile, transcribe and distribute minutes of meetings C. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Administration and Logistics Coordinate and maintain records for staff, office space, etc. Manage vehicle fleet and drivers Arrange for the repair and maintenance of office equipment. Other duties as assigned by the project coordinator. Coordinate all immigration documents and work permits for consultants. Maintain project bulletin on all project activities. Design realistic travel plan and fuel usage log for all out of town travel. Coordinate all logistic and official programs regarding evaluations and public awareness on implementation.

Timeline The duration of the assignment is one (1) year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon a satisfactory performance evaluation. The Consultant will be on probation fora period of three (3) months from the date of assumption of duty. 5. The MOEnow invites applications from eligible individuals to indicate their interest in providing the required services as described above and to provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services, including CVs, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, etc. References will be required of short-listed candidates. 6. The shortlisting criteria will be based on the qualification and experience requirements outlined below.Educational and professional qualifications and experience will include: Experienced administrative professional who is dependable and highly organized with business, maturity, discretion, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude possessing: Bachelors degree Public Administration, Management, and Accounting Minimum of 4 years experience in office management, procedures in an office setting Knowledge of principles and practices of basic office management and organization. Technologically literate with strong computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel and other commonly used software. Access Database skills would be a plus. Good internet skills, including use of e-mail programs and group messaging Good organizational skills and record keeping (attention to detail is critical) Good oral and written communication skills Self-starter who can work independently Skill in establishing priorities and managing workload Ability to follow directions. 7. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers January 2011 ("Consultant Guidelines"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. 8. An Individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures for selecting Individual Consultants set out in the Consultant Guidelines. 8. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 0900 to 1700 hours local time.

9. Applications; clearly marked Administrative Assistant- GPEBEP, must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 5.00PM Local Time, on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 10. The address referred to above is:

The Project Coordinator, Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project, Ministry of Education, 3rd Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia Cell: +231 88 655 0234 Email: baysah.fti.moe@gmail.com, and copied to: fabu.fti.moe@gmail.com, cftumbay@gmail.com, gbasakollie@gmail.com.

The Project Coordinator, Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project, Ministry of Education, 3rd Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia Cell: +231 88 655 0234 Email: baysah.fti.moe@gmail.com, and copied to: fabu.fti.moe@gmail.com, cftumbay@gmail.com, gbasakollie@gmail.com.

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t the first post war retreat of Nimba Youth and students under the banner, the Federation of Nimba Youth and Student Organization (FENYSO), speakers have challenged the youth of the county to engage in activities that will prepare them to take over national leadership. Over 150 delegates drawn from the six statutory districts of the county, colleges in the county and universities and colleges in Monrovia, youth groups developed a 10 count resolution on how to revamp FENYSO, a glomeration of youth and student organizations from Nimba. Youth Advisor to President Sirleaf, Dr. Emmanuel Dolo at the end of the two day retreat cautioned youth and students of Nimba County to work towards rebranding the county to suit the current day realities including the vast natural and human resources and population the county continues to boast about. At the program the Youth Advisor to the president of Liberia Dr. Emmanuel Dolo charge, youth of Nambia to play a leading role in the rethinking, rebranding and remaking of their county. According to Dolo, if Nimba must move forward and take it rightful place among counties there is a need that all citizens work together to rebrand it. Went you hear about Nimba the only name that is associated with us is honorable Prince Johnson think about this for a moment and who is honorable Prince Johnson, think about a guy name Adolphus Dolo those are the only two names you tend to associate with us Nimba county sad right?. Dolo continues: if we are supposed to be this rich county while is it that the only two people they remember are people who fought on our behalf during the war and Im not making any derogotory comments about these people they are honorable people. The Youth Advisor to the President urged young people of Nimba not to be divided on tribal lines adding that they have a rich diversity. We are probably one of the only counties apart from Montserrado that can boast of having five tribes. We are a county that is rich in diversity but we allow ourselves to be prostituted, to go at logged head with one another. Dolo attributed mismanagement and underutilization of the human and natural resources as some of the reasons for Nimba under development.

REBRAND NIMBA
- YOUTH AND STUDENTS OF NIMBA URGED TO TAKE THE LEAD

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NEWS EXTRA

Monday, February 24, 2014

If this is the county that boast of having the second largest population in the country, if this the county that boast of having some of the most educated people in the country and they boast of having Accelor Mittal than one may ask why they are at the verge of bankruptcy but went you have so much access and you are mismanaging them and underutilizing them you are close to falling apart, Dolo said It is time that we rethink, rebrand and rebuild Nimba county from that old thought of the past to current happenings, we must now look at the county from a different perspective, says Dr. Dolo. Like Dolo the Post and Telecommunication Minister Fredrick Norkeh cited the mismanagement of the funding allocated to Nimba as a reason while the county is down in term of development. Nobody can tell me for the past six years what has been done with the one point five million dollars social development fund, Norkeh said. Norkeh said, there is need for a National Forum to know where we want Nimba to be in the next five to ten years. Norkeh recommended the establishment of an Economic council adding that it will be responsible for economic growth of the county. Dr. Frederick Norkeh serving as one of the speakers admonished youth of Nimba to depoliticize some of their activities and think of other important ventures to engage in for the growth and upliftment of their county and country as a whole. Can we do something more than politics, for example the yellow machines currently in the county, I was proposing at other time, we could establish a company to manage that so that

we generate resources for the county. Where we can perform work for other counties and generate income for Nimba, there are lots of things we can do, the Postal Minister observed. Dr. Norkeh challenged the youth and students to manage their time wisely if they are to make meaningful contributions to their county and the country. The Secretary General of the ruling Unity Party and also a veteran of FENYSO Wilmot Paye called on the current leadership of FENYSO to forget about taking credits adding that they should pursuit their goal. Paye told delegates at the retreat that they are the emerging leaders of Nimba and as such they should not be divided on sectional and tribe lines. What part of Nimba you came from is insignificant. What is important is that we are all from Nimba, Paye said. Also Representative Matolokay Tingpkan of District #9 in Nimba called on the youth to respect their leaders and the rule of law. The lawmaker lamented that it is disheartening for people to take on airwaves abusing the President and other elected officials for the sake of gaining prominence or getting attention in search of jobs. When I hear people or radio abusing the president and getting jobs in few weeks, I see that it is a bad trend taking over our society nowadays and this needs to stop, people have their rights to speak but there is nowhere in our constitution that gives people the rights to abuse their leaders, the lawmaker stated. The Deputy Director General of the National Archive, Martin S. Kollah who is also Policy Advisor to FENYSO expressed that the organization

is not interested in pushing the political agenda of any individuals as he said the youth do not want to be used by politicians in their political quest. Policy Advisor said the intent of revamping FENYSO is to play the role of advocating for the youth and students population of Nimba County at

the county and national level. The Acting President of FENYSO Prince Goah said, the retreat is a two day working session that includes a review of policy documents, drafting and finalizing of strategic resolution. Goah said, the review of FENYSO constitution and proposed recommendations for

adoption at congress was made at the retreat. The acting President of FENYSO said, the retreat is meant to reenergize the organization for future challenges. The organization is expected to go to congress in three months in Saclepea, Nimba County.

Monday, February 24, 2014

TEENAGE PREGNACY CAUSES OF FISTULA

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

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HEALTH NEWS

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UNFPA COUNTRY DIRECTOR DISCLOSES AS ZONTA REPRESENTATIVE VISITS LIBERIA

T
Monrovia-

he head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Liberia Ms. Ratidzai Ndhlovu has disclosed that the main cause of fistula among women and girls in Liberia is teenage pregnancy. She said the organization wants to broaden its fistula program, creating avenue for methods that are aimed at prevention of the disease. Child marriage; it is because of these issues that we end up with fistula, because they are too young to be pregnant, said Ms. Ndhlovu. We really want to integrate into the Fistula program, preventive methods, we want to make an integrated program where Fistula will be part of it, but that we concentrate on adolescent pregnancy, because that is where the whole problem comes from. She told journalists at a news conference in Monrovia when she paid host to Zonta an international group supporting women suffering from fistula that by integrating family planning into the program, it will lessen the burden on the only doctor performing the surgery in Liberia. At this point, I want to turn to Dr. Mulbah and say, I dont know how to thank you. You work from the heart I always

say and it is so true and I want to thank you for your commitment to your work, your dedication, you dont work for remuneration, you work for the satisfaction of saving lives and giving dignity to these girls and women, she said at the weekend. Speaking at the conference, Zontas Vice President Ms. Sonja Honig Schough, said she is impressed with the level of care given fistula patients in Liberia. She said the level of attention given to women with the disease in Liberia is remarkable. I have had a wonderful experience. I have had the possibility to see the three centers of excellence for fistula care, she said. I have also met several survivors; I would say many survivors more than I had expected to see. This is a very important thing, that I can come here in person, that I can see the constraints that are here in this country; that I can understand the problem. Ms. Schough who was visiting Liberia for the first time said her organization Zonta International is an international organization with a membership of about thirty thousand most of whom are women, mainly supporting the cause of women worldwide. It is all these members that are

BE GOAL ORIENTED
FACILITATOR CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO BE ENTREPRENEURS AT Seminar Ends in Monrovia

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donating to the fistula project as most of them are women, it is very easy to understand these problems, even if we dont have them in Europe or in the U.S. to a very big extent, she said. Excited over the level of work she was able to see around the country, the Zonta vice President said she has no doubt convinced that the organizations funding is being put to the right use and she pledged more support to the fight against fistula. I saw the centers of excellence and I saw the rehabilitation center and I saw the enthusiasm

NEWS EXTRA
Facilitator Rev. Krua told the participants to see what others have overlooked and take action where others have hesitated. Entrepreneurs are risk takers with a business idea, Rev. Krua said, adding, If the idea does not pay off, the entrepreneur stands to lose. He told the gathering that big problems mean big opportunities, and explained that they should create association, along with Young-Africa Inc., to be able to realize their dreams of establishing businesses in the country. He told them to have the spirit of adventure, and be willing to seek personal accomplishments in their lives. You must think with the information we are providing

and the professionalism of all the staff involved, she said. They showed me the hospital; so, Im very pleased with this visit. I have seen more than Ive expected. It has been a very organized trip with programs all the time, which I really like. UNFPA Liberia Representative thanked Zonta International for the level of support given to the UN organization to fight fistula worldwide. I must say, Im so impressed that Sonia, you were ready to go out into the fields and go up and down the rugged roads,

and be able to see for yourself what is on the ground, she said. Continued Ndhlovu: You cannot measure the success of any program by only reading the document. You have to go out and talk to the survivors; talk to them, listen to their stories, see the changes in their lives. I want to say a big thank you to Zonta International for the support you have been giving to this program. Your support has touched the lives of many women and girls in this country and we appreciate it and Im sure that the government of Liberia

appreciates this support. Zonta International is an international service organization with the mission of advancing the status of women. The first Zonta Club was founded in Buffalo New York in 1919 by a group of businesswomen and was organized along the lines of the Rotary Club, with one woman from each business classification admitted to the local club and all members required to give 60% of their time to the work under which they are classified.

A
Monrovia-

one-day entrepreneur seminar, organized by the Young-Africa Incorporated ended in Monrovia on Saturday, February 22, 2014, with more than 60 participants. Rev. Torli H. Krua facilitated the seminar, along with American economics professor Stephen Hunter. Hunter teaches English and Economics at the Qiqihar University of northeast Peoples Republic of China.

for you, Rev. Krua said, be goal-oriented, innovative and persistent. He explained that business opportunities are all around, but you to keep your eyes and ears open for them. In an interactive discussion, Rev. Krua told the participants to work along with one another with related background to develop products. On his part, Professor Hunter challenged the participants to make use of the information, and change their lives to benefit Liberians. Hunter said as prospective entrepreneurs, they must use their mind to create wealth and the best medium is to think about a problem and find solutions for it.

Hunter explained methods of acquiring micro loans, which are secured with the availability of a business plan, and urged them to follow the practical method of acquiring loans in the country. The seminars objectives included turning problems into issues, understanding the problems and identifying their solutions. The Young-Africa Inc, headed by Rev. Torli Krua and Jefferson King, with offices in USA and Liberia, is aimed to inspire, equip and engage young people to find innovative and marketable solutions to business problems. The participants were drawn from the various sectors of the Liberian society, including business-oriented students from several universities in Monrovia.

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Monrovia eports that Motherwell is bolted out of a contract to refurbish storage tanks at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company(LPRC) are far from the truth, according to LPRCs Managing Director Mr. T. Nelson Williams. Williams, responding to a FrontPageAfrica inquiry said the Motherwell Bridge Limited rehabilitation and expansion project is ongoing. The MBL project management team and workers are onsite. Yes, another group that was working on certain aspects of the project left while the new team arrived to continue other works as indicated in the status update. The project is on track to be completed by August, 2015. In July 2010, Motherwell Bridge won a multimillion pound contract to build and refurbish storage tanks in Liberia. As part of the deal, Motherwell Bridge is to renovate and build 22 oil storage tanks at the LPRC site. The project was trumpeted to create 33 jobs for Liberians directly with Motherwell Bridge and 40-50 jobs indirectly with civil and electrical contractors. The three-year contract worth more than 14 million to build a petroleum products storage had been penciled in for completion in 2013 in a bid to significantly increase the fuel holding capacity of Liberia. Due to the civil war some fourteen storage tanks had fallen into a state of disrepair. The refurbishing would have also increased storage of fuels including kerosene, automotive gas oil and aviation fuel. Last August, Mr. Russell Ward Chief Executive Officer of Motherwell Bridge Ltd was in Liberia and met with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during which time, the President praised the UK-based engineering company for the level of work done there so far. During that meeting,

DID MOTHERWELL ABANDON LIBERIA?

LPRC Dismisses Report, Says project to refurbish storage tanks on course for 2015 completion

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CORPORATE NEWS

Monday, February 24, 2014

s/n 1.0

Project Title / Description PST Expansion & Rehab Project (Motherwell) Laboratory Building

MOTHERWELL PROJECTS STATUS UPDATE - FEBRUARY, 2014

Progress Achieved 100% complete 96.3% complete

Current Status/General Comments

Fire Water Tank

Tank 3 (new tank)

96.2% complete

Tank 4 (new Tank)

95.25% complete

Tank 9 (new tank)

90.3% complete

Tank 11 Slop Tank (new)

86.0% complete

Bund Wall & Drainage Bund Slab Pavement

62.4% complete 28.6% complete

Turned over and now being used Hydrostatic tested sand blasting and painting remain. Behind schedule but expected to be completed before 6/30/14 Hydrostatic testing to start soon. Behind schedule but also expected to be completed before 6/30/14. Erection of water drain and remedial welding works ongoing before hydrostatic testing, sand blasting and painting. Also behind schedule but will be completed by 6/30/14. Welding of roof rafters and cover sheeting ongoing before hydrostatic test, sand blasting and painting. Also behind schedule but will be completed by 6/30/14. Awaiting hydrostatic test before completion. Behind schedule but expected to be completed by 6/30/14. Will be completed in 2014. Will be completed in

the President said although the project took a long time to jump-start, she was glad about the progress being reported, which will increase Liberias capacity to maintain adequate supplies of petroleum products for commerce in Liberia.

At the time, the President also called on the company to make the provision of jobs for Liberians a priority within its operations, as a means of fighting unemployment in the country. Companies operating in the country, she noted, can serve

as major partners in addressing Liberias unemployment rate. It is unclear how many Liberians are currently employed on the project. Ward said in his meeting with Sirleaf at the time that the company had completed at least

5 of the product storage tanks out of a total of 14 and the entire project would be completed by July 2015 as he expressed the companys readiness to continue working with Liberia in governments drive for infrastructural development.

Monday, February 24, 2014

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BUSINESS

OBITUARY SOLDIER DIPLOMAT STEPHEN J. KOFFA, SR. DIES AT 84

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JINDAL STEEL CLARIFIES

The new facility will also give the JFK a means of conducting Ultrasound imaging, a diagnostic procedure that produces pictures of the inside of a patient's body using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound images are always captured in real-time and show the structure and movement of the internal organs, and blood flowing through blood vessels. It is unclear whether Jindals delay is tied to the delay in its discussions with the Liberian government. The company, in a statement to FPA said it says it is still awaiting conclusive discussions on the setting up of a power plant or any other suitable opportunity in the iron ore mining sector for expanding its limited presence in the country and Participate in the Economic Transformation of Liberia. The company has been here for about 24 months but the government is yet to conclude the deal on the power project although it has already concluded power plant deals in Senegal, Mauritania and other nearby countries. Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. (JSP) is Indias second-biggest steelmaker by value and has in recent months explored interests in iron ore mine acquisition in West Africa for at least $2 billion as it seeks raw material to feed its factories at home and in Oman. READ THE FULL TEXT OF JINDALS STATEMENT BELOW: The Jindal Steel and Power Limited, an Indian based Company having interest in investing in Liberias energy and mining sectors, has clarified to a news story published in the Wednesday, February 19th edition of the FrontPage Africa newspaper under the caption:What Happen to Jindal Funds? Secrecy Mars US$1M to JFK. In the story, the paper alleged that JINDAL donated US$1 million to the JFK Medical Centre through the Presidents sister, Jenny Bernard to help renovate and provide some medications to the hospital, but that the whereabouts of the donation from the Indian Steel and Power giant remain unknown. In its reaction to the story, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd has categorically stated the allegation, that it did not give US$1M cash to the JFK hospital, let alone through anybody or intermediary. In fact, there was no cash given to any Government Official as stated in the report. Rather, the Company has clarified that upon the specific request of H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to the Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Mr. Naveen Jindal, during the latters visit to Liberia last year, the Company Chairman offered to assist with the setting up of an O.P. Jindal Imaging Diagnostic Centre at the JFK Memorial Hospital. The Diagnostic Centre is to have a MRI machine apart from other medical equipments, at the total cost of over US$1 million. Meanwhile, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd says it is awaiting conclusive discussions on the setting up of a power plant or any other suitable opportunity in the iron ore mining sector for expanding its limited presence in the country and Participate in the Economic Transformation of Liberia.

EQUIPMENT NOT US$1M TO JFK

Monrovia ndian Steel Giant Jindal Steel has clarified that it has not yet given US$1M cash to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center as reported by FrontPageAfrica last week. The company instead says that it has offered to assist with the setting up of an O.P. Jindal Imaging Diagnostic Centre at the JFK Memorial Hospital. The Diagnostic Centre is to have a MRI machine apart from other medical equipments, at the total cost of over US$1 million. In the aftermath of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs visit to India last year, several local newspapers reported a pledged donation of US$1 million to JFK but not much has been heard of the donation or whether or not it had been made. JFK officials responded to a FrontPageAfrica inquiry last week by saying it had not received any money from Jindal. In a statement to FrontPageAfrica, the company dismissed suggestions that it made a US$1 million donation to the JFK Medical Centre through the Presidents sister, Jenny Bernard to help renovate and provide some medications to the hospital, but that the whereabouts of the donation from the Indian Steel and Power giant remain unknown. Jindal Steel and Power Ltd has categorically stated the allegation, that it did not give US$1M cash to the JFK hospital, let alone through anybody or intermediary. In fact, there was no cash given to any Government Official as stated in the report. Jindals statement did not state whether it had already fulfill its obligation to JFK but hospital officials say, they have not yet received cash or the promised medical equipment. FrontPageAfrica has now been informed that the hold up of the more than one million medical supplies is due to the failure of the Liberian government to construct a center to facilitate the MRI imaging machine. Up to now, over four companies have submitted bid for the construction of the center but nothing has materialized, a source said Sunday. Liberia currently does not have an MRI or imaging center forcing many to travel to neighboring Ghana or the US for imaging tests. MRI scans use a combination of a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer in order to produce detailed images of both bony structures and soft tissue in the body such as the brain, head, joints, spine, abdomen, blood vessels (angiography), breasts and reproductive organs. MRI scans do not use any radiation during the diagnostic imaging process. Computed Tomography (CT ) sometimes called a CT scan or CAT scan uses specialized X-ray equipment to produce crosssectional images of the inside of the body. A computer joins these together. CT scans are used for many different types of screening: to detect coronary artery disease, lung cancer, colon cancer (virtual colonoscopy) and gall and kidney stones.. A CT scan can also detect certain bone problems such as osteoarthritis and fractures, tumors and organ problems, while providing much greater clarity than conventional X-ray examinations.

Soldier-Diplomat and Son of Jekwikpo, Sasstown, has passed on to Glory in his 84th Year! Precious in the sight of God is the death of his saints. The Soldier returns to his maker with the banner of victory in his hand. To God be the Glory! His Excellency Ambassador Stephen Jaitoh Koffa, Sr., - Liberias Ambassador to the Far East (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore) 1982 to 1994 Career Military Officer Armed Forces of Liberia 1954 to 1980. Retired Major General and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Republic of Liberia. A Soldier-Diplomat with 38 years of combined Civil and Military service to the Republic of Liberia (RL). The passing of his soul on to glory occurred on Friday, February 21, 2014 in Youngsville, North Carolina. His legacy lives on through his wife of 54 Years, Margaret Mona Karpeh Koffa, His Children: Vivian Koffa Anderson, Emmanuel Koffa*,Beatrice Tanneh Koffa *,Sanadeh Eugenia Koffa, Stephen Jaitoh Koffa, Jr., Jonathan Fonati & Dama Koffa, Stephenetta Koffa Benjamin, Lawrence Dekonti& Sheronda Koffa, Dave & Juliana Dixon(Sienynekon), Nathaniel& Penny Clarke, His Grandchildren: Prince Lorenzo Anderson, Jr.(daughter Faith Seyonah), Jamaar Boima Anderson, Lord Omar Cooper*, Mhabhusha Jamaal Koffa, Brandon Corneh Kesselly, Lawren Michelle Koffa, Marjan Mona Koffa, Nicholas Braxton Dennis, Jonda Janet Koffa, Sabrina Nathaniah Clarke, James Etienne Benjamin, Jared Edward Benjamin, Zybdyl Yekeson Koffa, Adrien Malachi Dixon, Jaiden Elisha Dixon, His favorite nephew in Liberia, James Togba Sackor and a host of relatives and friends in Liberia,the United States and the Far East. * Predeceased him Information on The Life Celebration Services in the State of Maryland is forthcoming! For further information and to share memories and well wishes, please visithttp://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/GeneralKoffa/ homepage.aspx Mrs. Margaret Mona Karpeh Koffa will be receiving sympathizers and well-wishersat her residence 10013 Old Frederick Road, Ellicott City Maryland 21042 Contact Information: Sanadeh Eugenia Koffa 919.569.7501 Stephen Jaitoh Koffa, Jr. 301.526.8705 Jonathan Fonati & Dama Koffa 443.982.1983/443.694.8960 Stephenetta Koffa Benjamin 240.848.0375 Lawrence Dekonti & Sheronda Koffa 919.395.4778 / 919.522.3478 Dave & Juliana Dixon (Sienynekon) 703.973.1345 /703.867.3216 Leon & Penny Clarke 301.332.8295/301.332.8192 James Togba Sackor 011.231.88.651.8687

Page 14 | Frontpage

IN BRIEF
THAILAND CRISIS: DEADLY ATTACKS ON OPPOSITION RALLIES

ZIMBABWE'S ROBERT MUGABE CELEBRATES HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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WORLD NEWS

Monday, February 24, 2014

n explosion has killed two people and wounded more than 20 others near an anti-government protest rally in the Thai capital Bangkok. A boy aged 12 and a 40-yearold woman died in the attack near the Central World shopping mall, officials said. It came hours after gunmen opened fire on an antigovernment rally in eastern Thailand, killing a five-yearold girl. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra condemned the attacks, describing them as "terrorist acts for political gain". She said her government would not tolerate terrorism, and ordered a full investigation. Tensions across Thailand have escalated since a wave of antigovernment protests began in November. The demonstrators want Ms Yingluck to resign to make way for an appointed interim government, but she has refused.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: IS AFRICAS YOUNG POPULATION A RISK OR AN ASSET?

he veteran leader, who has been in power since 1980, released 90 balloons into the air at a stadium east of the capital Harare.

He turned 90 on Friday but was in Singapore for eye surgery at the time. Many schoolchildren were among the crowd, waving flags and chanting Mr Mugabe's clan name.

Huge cakes were on display in the centre of the stadium in Marondera, about 80km (50 miles) from Harare, while the crowd wore red scarves, as is traditional on the president's birthday.
v

In an hour-long speech he said Zimbabweans did not hate former colonial masters the British, but loved their own country more. He also condemned homosexuals for performing

what he called "unnatural acts". The cost of the celebration - estimated at about $1m has prompted criticism in a country suffering from severe economic problems.

frica has more people aged under 20 than anywhere in the world and the continent's population is set to double to two billion by 2050. Two analysts put forward rival arguments about what this means for the Africa. Researcher Andrews AttaAsamoah believes it poses a major challenge unless properly managed, while below economist Jean-Michelle Severino argues it is a massive potential work force that can drive development. Walk into many cyber cafes in West Africa and you will see scores of young minds running sophisticated counterfeiting schemes aimed at making money by defrauding innocent people. They blame unemployment and lack of opportunities for driving them into entrepreneurial criminality. Their stories are similar to those of the young people who wait at secret North African ports for an opportunity to reach Europe by boat. They are also similar to those who have ended up in the ranks of the Somali Islamist group al-Shabab, because they were promised salaries by their recruiters when there were not any more conventional job offers. Such realities illustrate the threats associated with Africa's growing young population.

hree days of funeral ceremonies for the BBC presenter Komla Dumor have ended in the Ghanaian capital, Accra. The ceremonies concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass in the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic cathedral, where the broadcaster and his family worshipped. The Ghanaian journalist died suddenly last month in London at the age of 41. Ghanaian President John Mahama has said the nation lost one of its finest ambassadors with his death. "He was very passionate about Africa, he was very passionate about Ghana. I think Komla is one of the gifts we gave to the world," Mr Mahama told the BBC. Komla Dumor's rise Born: 1972 1988: Began medical studies in Jos, Nigeria, before quitting

KOMLA DUMOR: FUNERAL CEREMONIES FOR BBC PRESENTER

joined the BBC as a radio broadcaster in 2006 after a decade of journalism in Ghana. He was presenter for the BBC World News Channel and its Focus on Africa programme. Mr Dumor started out as traffic news reporter at the local Joy FM station whilst a university student, and within two years was hosting the station's breakfast show, becoming a household name. He developed his reputation as a charismatic presence on radio and television on a global stage when he went on to join the BBC. He first presented the BBC World Service African breakfast programme, Network Africa, before launching Africa Business Report on BBC World TV.

to study sociology and psychology in Ghana 1998: Joined Joy FM as traffic reporter 2000: Hosted Joy FM's morning show 2003: Named Ghana journalist of the year 2006: Joined BBC, presenting Network Africa on World Service radio

2009: Launched Africa Business Report on the BBC World News Channel 2012: Launched the Focus on Africa programme 2013: Named on New African magazine list of 100 most influential Africans Tributes to Komla Dumor After his body had lain in

state at the cathedral, his funeral was held in the grounds of State House in Accra on Saturday. Later he was buried in the compound where his mother was also buried five years ago. Mr Dumor, who featured in New African magazine's November 2013 list of 100 most influential Africans,

Monday, February 24, 2014

hould it be considered a closed chapter? Kumasi-based Asante Kotoko have told their fans to forget about the disappointment of the Caf Champions League and concentrate on the clubs future of retaining the premier league and win the FA Cup. The Ghanaian giants were the major casualties of the preliminary round at the hands of Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) on February 16 in Monrovia. Blamo Nimely struck two minutes from time to give BYC a 1-0 win and a last-32 place in Africas premier football club competition. Debutants BYC advanced on the away-goal rule, having lost the first leg 2-1 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on February 9. Kotoko, popularly called the 'Porcupine Warriors', have been African champions twice and runners-up five times. They were not expected to be unduly troubled by BYC given a poor Liberian record in the tournament with a string of early exits. But warning lights started flashing after the Ghanaians needed two penalties from national team footballer Kwabena Adusei to win at home. Kotoko had scoring chances during the return match with Ben Adama foiled by the woodwork midway through the second half. Richard Mpong was guilty of a bad miss soon after and Nimle latched onto a thru pass from Isaac Pupo to find the match winner. The plot, which was planned in New Kru Town and unearthed at the ATS, secured a first-round date

Sports

Frontpage

Page 15

SPORT BRIEF
ARSENAL CRUISE, CHELSEA LATE SHOW

A
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
with Ivorian outfit Sewe Sports San Pedro at the ATS in the first leg on March 2. And the defeat was certainly a pain to the Ghanaians with Dr. Kwaku Frimpong, who headed Kotokos failed campaign, among those accusing Burkina Faso international Soulama Abdoulaye of receiving US$3,000 to concede a cheap goal. But Kotoko acting general manager Samuel Opoku Nti wants to close that chapter on a painful exit. I am calling on all supporters and lovers of Kumasi Asante Kotoko to forgive us, the board, management and the players and support us in prayer. On behalf of the board and management, I say sorry to all our disappointed supporters across the globe, Nti told Daily Graphic, one of Ghanas leading local dailies, in a telephone interview on Friday. He said the exit of the team had been a learning process for him as, unlike others, he did not make lofty promises because he did not want to disappoint. Only God can promise and since I am not the one on the field, I cant promise everything like the manner in which all sorts of people were promising that Kotoko would win the African Club Championship. We must know that promises could fail, he added. Abdoulaye,equally hurt by the allegations brought against him,
v

rsenal took out their Champions League frustrations on Sunderland as Olivier Giroud put aside his recent off-field problems by scoring twice in a 4-1 victory at the Emirates. After suffering a 2-0 first leg loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night having played the majority of the match with 10 men, Arsenal returned to winning ways with a dominant win to close the gap to league-leaders Chelsea to one point. Giroud has been left out of the starting line-up for the past two games and he took five minutes to get on the scoresheet on his comeback following a neat finish from Jack Wilshere's pass. The France international then pounced on Santiago Vergini's terrible back pass to grab his second goal after the half-hour mark as Sunderland could hardly get into the match. With Arsenal in complete control, the third strike of the day rivalled their fine team goal that Wilshere scored against Norwich at the beginning of the season, with Tomas Rosicky scoring after some superb one-touch passing on the edge of the Sunderland box.

IMMINENT WITHDRAWAL?
Whats happening at Red Lions ahead of Confed Cup tie with Algerias Constantinois?

claimed he is innocent. God will fight for me. I am a Muslim and faithful in prayer and I know He [God] will fight for me. I plan to investigate this to the very bottom to know where this is coming from. I will not stop until I find the truth.I will give anything to know the truth; if it means with the last drop of my blood, Abdoulaye, who joined Kotoko in 2007, told GNA Sports. BYC, who has since described the report as laughable, were pleased with the latest report from Ghana. And President Sekou Konneh told UNMIL Radios Sport Extra program that they were vindicated by Abdoulayes reaction. They are bitter and it [the defeat]

has caused some serious stir in their camp. I spoke with Opoku Nti, the interim chairman, few days ago and told him that this thing [bribery allegation] is coming from one of their board members. And he just told me that we should forget about it. It was their internal problem and they will handle it. Abdoulaye has said to the Ghanaianpress that he has been with Kotoko for five unbroken years and why will he do that. And part of the thing is that why will Soulama, if he took bribe, wait until the 87th or 88th minute to concede that goal when there were other opportunities that we had and he saved? Its quite unfortunate, Konneh said on February 22.
February 22, Bility told FPA that it was better for the LFA to honor the match on behalf of the club than allowing Caf to impose a fine just the same as the cost of honoring the match. Contacted earlier, LFA vice president Musa Shannon and secretary general Alphonso Armah issued a different reaction. Shannon confirmed that talks are underway to resolve the matter, which will explicitly be made clear upon the arrival of Bility. But Armah sought to play a foolish diplomacy with a grave national issue. Dear Mr. Marteh: Reference to your inquiry in relation to Red Lions' participation in the CAF Confederation Cup Competition, the LFA confirms that the match against CS Constantine of Algeria will be played as scheduled. Besides, the LFA had never taught it expedient to place any club in its administration; however, if the need arises to do so in order to salvage the image and future of the nation's football industry, we will NOT hesitate in effectuating it. As it is, Red Lions administration is working closely with the LFA to ensure the club's participation in the competition. The LFA understands its leadership role in the development of football and will continue to always work with stakeholders of football to have our teams honored all international competitions, said Armah in an email exchange on February 22. Bility is due to hold his last monthly news conference on February 24ahead of the elective congress in March.

rontPageAfrica (FPA) understands that Red Lions FC are nearing a crisis with their Ghanaian partners seemingly reluctant to honor their debut appearance in Africas second premier club competition. Red Lions, formerly Fatu FC, are due to host Algerias Club Sportif Constantinois in the Caf Confederations Cup at the ATS on February 28. But their Ghanaian partners are frustrated, having so far failed to register some of their stars, including Liberia international Dweh Allison, because of a failed International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Board chairman Ansu Dulleh wants his partners to honor the terms and conditions of the merger deal, which compels the club to honor international competitions it qualifies to but the Ghanaians say that will be wasted money because the club have not assembled its best. Coach Kobina Amissah has bemoaned a lack of strikers or scoring chances but pundits believe this is down to a lack of creativity on the part of the coach to secure strikers. So is the club on the brink of a withdrawal and what are the sanctions Caf will impose? Chapter five, withdrawals, sanctions for refusal to play and replacements, of the rules governing the tournament, spelled out what punishment Red Lions will face.

Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

resulting from its withdrawal. If the withdrawal is declared after the playing of the first leg final, the withdrawing association shall have to make up for all financial prejudice resulting from its withdrawal. 4. Apart from the financial sanctions mentioned in paragraphs one to three above, every club withdrawing from the competition after the establishment of the fixtures will be forbidden from participating in all Caf interclubs competitions for three years following its withdrawal. Article 14 In case of withdrawal of a team from any round, until the group matches, the opponent which it was scheduled to meet will qualify for the next round. Who are CSC? They are sixth in Ligue One with 29 points from 19 games, 10 points behind joint leaders Entente Sportive de Setif and Union Sportive Medina dAlger. CSC won Algerian Ligue Professionelle 1 during the 1996/97 and Ligue Two in 2003/04 and 2010/11 respectively. Their only appearance Africas club competition was reaching the first round in Caf Champions League in 1998. And LFA president Musa Bility has confirmed that the LFA will place Red Lions into administration if there isnt a resolution to impasse. On the line from Accra, Ghana on

MOURINHO GROUNDED DESPITE LATE WIN

Article 12 1. The national associations which have engaged their clubs in the competition take the engagement to play all the matches of the competition. 2. In case of withdrawal, the concerned association shall be responsible for the financial and other consequences to be determined by the organizing and disciplinary committee of Caf. 3. A team withdrawing from a competition or renouncing to play the second leg match after having played the first leg at home, shall refund the opponent a sum equivalent to the receipts which it could have realized if the match was played. The amount shall be determined

by the organizing committee on the basis of the average receipt declarations made by the concerned association on the occasion of Caf matches. Article 13 1. Withdrawals declared before the start of the competition and until the 1/8th final round inclusive, shall entail a fine of US$1,500 in addition to losing the engagement fees. 2. Withdrawals after qualification for the group matches shall entail a fine of US$2,000 in addition to losing the engagement fees plus all financial prejudice resulting from this withdrawal. 3. Withdrawals after the team has qualified for the final match shall entail a fine of US$5,000 in addition to all financial prejudice

ourinhos muted and evasive press briefing on Friday was his response to a few weeks verbal sparring with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Manchester City's Manuel Pellegrini. John Terrys injury-time winner proved decisive in a tight game at Stamford Bridge, with Mourinho keen to distance his side from a challenge for the Premier Leagues top spot. We just want to try to keep our position [at the top of the table] and not give it up for free to our opponents, we have to fight, we have to play, Mourinho said. The reality is that the boys chased it, I feel sorry for Everton because maybe a point would have been fair, but we were the team that were really trying to win, which is our responsibility. A point for them is a good point, a point for us is not good, so I think in the end maybe we deserved it.

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espite fears that the overflow of feces from a burst sewage pipe down Waterside could cause health hazard for hawkers, many in an interview with FrontPageAfrica said they are not despaired by the odor. Marketers said the offensive stench has prevented buyers from using the route; something they say has taken a toll on their businesses. But the multiple of fashion clothes at the area never stops buyers from going there to transact. Buyers who brave the stench to transact are forced to hold their nose during transaction.