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POLITICS
County News
VOL 8 NO.597
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
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CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA
MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
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
MONDAY, MAY12, 2014 L$88.00/US$1 L$89.00/US$1
BUYING SELLING
L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
L$85.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1
SATURDAY, MAY17, 2014
MONDAY, MAY19, 2014


LIFESTYLE pg. 5
NOT THE
PROBLEM
A TWO HORSE
RACE?
JAPANESE FILMMAKER TAKESHI FUKUNAGA TAKES ON THE
PLIGHT OF LIBERIAS CONTROVERSIAL RUBBER PLANTATION
WORKERS IN NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM



OUT OF MY HAND
My driving force for this feature, or rather flmmaking for that matter is to tell a
universal story. As much as Liberian aspect takes a big role in this movie, ultimately, this
is a universal story about a man who is trying to go beyond his inherent limits of his life.
Through watching this movie, I hope people will be able to put themselves in the shoe of
the main character, Cisco and feel something deep inside. - Takeshi Fukunaga
GIVING BACK
UNDECIDED
VERDICT
LAW & ORDER
County News
PYJ, Boley disclaim war Attribution at
Nimba, Grand Gedeh peace Initiative
KAIPAY BATTLES FINDLEY
FOR POPULARITY AHEAD
OF SENATE RACE
US BASED BASSA GROUP LAUNCHES $200K
PROJECT IN GRAND BASSA
Civil Law Court To Rule In Vamoma Case Today
Page 2 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Gbarnga, Bong County -
A
young man has died after setting himself on fre
in Gbarnga, apparently in protest at economic
hardship in Liberia, the family and police said
on Monday.
Suffering third-degree burns to his face, chest
and hands, the man was rushed to the Phebe hospital in
Suakoko for treatment, said emergency services representative
Caroline Peters.
Originally from the impoverished Sergeant Kollie Town in
Suakoko district, the young man was a victim of deprived
social circumstances and suffered psychological problems,
and had tried to kill himself late last month by leaping from a
plum tree, his father said.
Junior Siafa, 32, left his home on Friday after an argument
with his father, who had urged him to fnd work to help feed
his poor family.
Frustrated in his job hunt, Siafa doused himself in petrol and
set himself alight on the main street in Gbarnga.His neighbors
suggested he might have chosen to immolate himself at the
hospital because he had wanted to make a gesture rather than
kill himself, but medics there could not save him.Siafa had
asked nurses at the Phebe hospital to take his life away but they
refused, one resident told FrontPage Africa.
He was pronounced dead on Sunday.He left to seek work and
he did not come back. My heart was shattered, his weeping
father told a local radio station.We live in a miserable
condition. We live in a rented house and I hardly can afford the
rent, he added.
A police offcial in Gbarnga told FrontPage Africa that an
investigation was under way to determine the motive of Siafas
death, as he cited unemployment as the possible motive.
Siafas suicide was another sign of frustration over the lack of
work in the country, where another manin Bong County set
himself ablaze last year in despair but survived.
Siafa was tired of Economic Growth Sister
According to a woman only identifed as Lorpu, claiming to
be the sister of the deceased, the late Siafa could no longer
understand the defnition of "Economic Growth" on the pages
of newspapers.
According to her, Siafa wondered why "Economic Growth"
was no longer about food on table, roof above the head,
affordable medical facilities and good education. She added
that her late brother was caught in the web of economic
depreciation which has been choking him for years. Things
went bad for my brother and the lack of jobs caused problems
for his relationship, she said.
Suicide rate increases in Bong
The suicide of Siafa is still generating a lot of comments in
the metropolis of Gbarnga and beyond, as many people are
still shocked that a young man that was full of life could have
killed himself.
Just as the news of Siafa's death was breaking, a boy in
Gbartala, Jerry Benson, was also said to have jumped into a
nearby river, after he alighted himself.
Siafa and Benson are among the many Bongese (citizens of
the Bong) who are reported to have taken their lives in the last
two years. On February 7, 2014, Elizabeth Kamara of Salala
district lower Bong, was found hanging on the metal burglary
bars behind a window in her apartment. Before help could
reach her, Kamara was dead.
A month before that, Ezekiel Scott was also found hanging in
his room in Totota, lower Bong County.
In the month of March this year, three suicide cases were also
recorded in lower Bong. The Crimes Services Division of the
Liberia National Police Bong County chapter got a report on
March 26 that one Jackson McCauley was found hanging in a
house in Sanoyea district.
These suicide cases are among the few that were reported to the
police in Gbarnga this year. Last year, the police did not have
any record of suicide between March and December 2013.
The suicide cases are not limited to lower Bong. In Beleifana,
Zota district upper Bong, a 30-year-old woman, Mrs. Hellena
Kanasuah, committed suicide after her husband reportedly
took a second wife. Kanasuah was said to have set herself
ablaze and eventually fell into a well in her residence.
Also in Kokoyah district upper Bong, Mamie Suah killed
herself after her longtime boyfriend, Simeon Keselley, rejected
her pregnancy. Her suicide note read, "Please, I killed myself
by taking rat poison because he rejected my pregnancy. I was
sincere to him and I never double-dated. So, I decided to take
my life and my God will revenge because I did not forgive
him."
In Jorwah, a 36-year-old man, Tarnue Pewee, was said to have
committed suicide by hanging himself with an electric cable
in his house on April 3. According to the witness, Pewee was
a drug addict and had been living alone since he divorced his
wife a few months ago.
No doubt, this year has witnessed an increase in the number
of Bongese committing suicide; and the cause of their deaths
varies across sexes, while the method used predominantly was
hanging, followed by self-poisoning.
FrontPage Africa investigations have established that even in
Ghana, suicide is fast becoming a common occurrence. In a
report released by the International Association for Suicide
Prevention, the number of reported cases for 2009 was 21,500,
and the statistics has continued to increase.
Most of the reported cases, according to the IASP, resulted
from the complex interaction of casual factors, including
mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, social isolation,
losses, relationship diffculties and workplace problems. The
main methods used by the victims, IASP says, are hanging,
shooting with fre arms and poisoning.
The Chief of Crimes Services Division of the Liberia National
Police Bong County Chapter, Alvin James, says that even
though there is an increase in the number of people committing
suicide, cases of this nature has always occurred but people are
hardly open about them.
He said, "Suicide is not just happening. It's just that Liberians
have mechanisms in their culture and religion that hide it. It is
often considered a taboo for anyone to broadcast information
that pertains to suicide, especially when it concerns royalty. In
the past, we have had so many chiefs in our environment who
committed suicide, but no one was willing to discuss it.
"The implication of this is that it is underreported and even the
police do not get to hear about it because of the stigma attached
to it. So, under-reportage is a major issue here."
James further said that suicide was on the increase as a result
of socio-economic pressure. "There is an erosion of the
traditional values and the family system. We've always had
a fair share of economic pressure, but the presence of the
Internet and mobile phones have increased the pressure. Most
families want to send their children abroad for holiday and
when these children come back, they pressurize their parents
to give them what they saw during their visits. "Also, young
ladies in urban areas want to give birth abroad, whether their
husbands can afford it or not. That is why more suicides are
recorded in urban regions."
Jesse Barchue Cole, Coordinator of the Justice and Peace
Commission in Bong County, says that those that face the
greatest risk of suicide include the elderly, especially those
who are a burden on their family, anyone who is ostracized by
their kin, someone unable to provide for their kin, dependent on
their reproductively capable kin, or anyone who has diffculty
relating with the opposite sex.
He said, "All of these conditions will lead to emotional and
psychological conditions that will make suicide more likely."
In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60 per cent
worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports
that it is now among the three leading causes of death among
those aged 15-44 (male and female).
According to WHO, suicide attempts are up to 20 times more
frequent than completed suicides; and although suicide rates
have traditionally been highest amongst elderly males, rates
among young people have been increasing to such an extent
that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of all
countries.
Sadly, youth suicide is increasing at the greatest rate in Bong
County.
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 3
NIGERIA'S HUMAN-TRAFFICKING CRISIS
Lauren JekowskyOliver Kaplan
BEYOND BOKO HARAM
FrontPage
v
Commentary
EDITORIAL
THIS WEEK, over 27,000 Liberian school students are writing
the annual examination, the West African Examinations Council
(WAEC), administered for West African students.
STUDENTS WERE seen Monday morning moving together,
trouping to various examinations centers in Monrovia and across
the entire country to showcase what they have learned over the past
twelve years the entire high school period in Liberia.
LIBERIAS EDUCATION Minister Etmonia Tarpeh in a message
ahead of the commencement of the exams warned students to desist
from exams malpractices including payment of a traditional fee
known as fexibility fee, which enables examiners to be a little
fexible on pupils sitting the exams allowing them to engage in
minor chats with collogues nearby.
THE PRONOUNCEMENT by the Education Minister is just yet
another public comment which does not refect the reality during
these exams, as the issue of fexibility fee is aged and it has never
ceased in the history of the exams.
SUCH PRACTICE will has never actually cease to exist once the
students are not prepared and confdent that based on the facilities
and quality of teaching they can perform better during these exams.
IN HIGH SCHOOLS and even the state run University of Liberia,
there are no well equipped laboratories that will provide students
an opportunity to carry out experiments in science related courses
including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, engineering amongst others
but yet during these exams, Liberians students have to grapple with
the harsh reality of facing questions from these science courses.
AS GOOD AS SOME Liberians students are in terms of intellect
based on their performances in the exams over the years, a bulk of
Liberians students are facing a diffcult task in competing on the
regional level with their counterparts from Ghana, Nigeria and other
countries where schools are equipped and up to the task in preparing
students for the regional exams.
BESIDES THE WAEC exams, the performances of Liberian
students in national exams such as the University of Liberia entrance
and placement examinations and other international exams point to
the dying need for resuscitating the sector to make it live up to the
task of serving the upcoming breed of leaders.
THE EDUCATION sector is amongst one of the three sectors in
Liberia with the highest budgetary allotment but yet it is amongst
the sectors in quagmire with condemnations from even the
President that universities in the country put out graduates who are
unprepared to perform.
SURE TO THE comments by the president and others, the education
sector of the country is below par as the output of some Liberians
students is dismal and unless concrete actions are taken, Liberia will
rely on foreign expertise in the not too distant future.
A WHILE AGO, the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia,
J. Mills Jones was heard on a secret recording boasting that his
children attend quality schools in the United States of America but
other children in Liberia have to sit on the bare foor or on blocks in
their quest to obtain low quality education.
INDIVIDUALLY, LIBERIANS students may not be as dull as
many perceive but the environment in which these students fnd
themselves is not competitive and up to the task in providing them
the quality education like their counterparts in West African region
and even globally.
MORE THAN 10 years from war is suffcient time to revamp a
system that will make the country better, an educated nation can
never go to war, as is the case with Zimbabwe, despite the bad state
of that countrys economy over the years, never has Zimbabweans
taken up arms against their state all because of the high level of
literacy in that country.
THERE IS NO better way of reducing poverty than educating a
nation, once people are educated, they can fend for themselves even
if there are no well paid jobs.
TALKS ARE not suffcient in rescuing this vital sector of Liberia
from total collapse, and it is time that Government stop the talking
and help to redeem the education sector of Liberia or else in the
ensuing years, the country will go backward once the young
generation does not have the requisite education.
AS THOUSANDS of Liberian students sit the WAEC exams this
week, we caution them to remain studious and do their best amid
the odds but it is certain that nothing much has changed over the
last 10 years and nothing extra ordinary is expected to happen this
time around. Without preparation, Liberia cannot set a high mark in
WAEC exams line other countries do.
THE PERFORMANCE of Liberian students in WEAC and other
examinations over the last years is a glaring example that something
needs to be done to resituate a system that is in quagmire to avoid
total collapse. It is better to act now and safe a nation from chaos in
the future as the more educated and well equipped Liberians are, the
better the country is protected from crisis.
COMMENTARY
DONT WATCH A
SYSTEM TOTALLY
COLLAPSE
T
he recent kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria by
the Islamist militant group Boko Haram is putting
the spotlight on the problem of human traffcking in
Nigeria, a scourge that has existed for some time and
reaches far beyond Boko Haram. Nigeria is currently ranked
as a Tier 2 country by the U.S. State Departments Offce of
Traffcking in Persons (TIP), which signifes a middle range
of success in combating human traffcking but with room for
improvement. However, the tier rankings can be imprecise
indicators that confate various concepts, including traffcking
severity and policy response, obscuring deeper patterns in
traffcking.
To get a clearer picture of the human-traffcking challenges
in Nigeria, we analyzed recent reports on the subject to get a
better sense of the situation.
Types of Traffcking
As horrifc as the kidnapping threat posed by Boko Haram is,
human traffcking in Nigeria is far more widespread and has
been for some time. In 2012, the Nigerian government and
NGOs identifed 480 victims of traffcking. Although likely
a large undercount of the actual number of victims given
frequent under-reporting and the often hidden nature of the
crime, this is nearly double the number of girls that were taken
by the militants in Borno state. There are also diverse forms of
both types of traffcking and victim profles. Women and girls
are traffcked for domestic servitude and sex traffcking, while
boys are forced into street vending, domestic service, mining,
agriculture and begging.
A Hub for Traffcking
Nigeria is a hub for human traffcking, with victims being
traffcked both domestically and outside the country. According
to our research, Nigerian victims have been traffcked to 33
countries in recent years. They have been traffcked throughout
West Africa to countries such as Ghana and the Central
African Republic and, although traffcking of Nigerians to the
United States is not especially common, there are extensive
human-traffcking fows from Nigeria to Europe. Nigerian
human traffcking victims have been reported in 20 European
countries, including Spain and Germany, and even countries
such as France, which are currently rendering assistance to
Nigeria to investigate the missing girls. Additionally, children
from Benin, Ghana, and Togo are traffcked into Nigeria and
forced to work in industries such as granite mines.
Policy Backsliding
As recently as 2011, Nigeria was actually ranked among
the top countries by the U.S. State Departments TIP report
for making serious efforts to address the problem of human
traffcking (in the same tier as countries such as Denmark
and Canada). Nigeria has a functioning, albeit under-funded,
bureaucracy to fght human traffcking in the National Agency
for the Prohibition of Traffcking in Persons (NAPTIP).
However, Nigerias progress may have been exaggerated, and
in more recent years, Nigeria has seen policy backsliding,
falling from Tier 1 to Tier 2. This is related to only minimal
increases in funding, failure to enact stricter penalties against
traffckers, and the remaining diffculties of the national police
to identify traffcking victims. The public pressure surrounding
the Chibok kidnappings could spur the Nigerian government
to pursue additional human-traffcking policy initiatives.
Protection of Victims
Recovering from the trauma associated with being a victim
of human traffcking often requires access to medical,
psychological and legal services and vocational training. The
Nigerian government offers protection services for victims of
human traffcking and has funded eight shelters that can provide
services for 293 people. However, access to these services may
be more limited in the countrys less developed rural areas and
additional resources and capacity may be required to provide
treatment for any of the girls that are recovered from Boko
Haram.
Taking on Traffckers
Nigerias recent record of arresting and prosecuting human
traffckers has been mixed, but it is improving. In 2012,
the Nigerian National Police and NAPTIP conducted 117
traffcking investigations and successfully convicted twenty-
fve traffckers. The Nigerian government has also conducted
trainings in collaboration with foreign governments and
international organizations. However, the northeast Borno
state from which the girls were taken has porous borders with
Cameroon and Niger, and it is not clear how well trained the
military units or border-patrol offcials deployed to the region
are in identifying and dealing with cases of human traffcking.
Any Boko Haram members involved in the kidnappings and
human traffcking that are captured will certainly face intense
scrutiny. Still, the Nigerian government may require additional
resources and international assistance to effciently bring
them to justice and send a deterrent signal to other would-be
traffckers.
In sum, the problem of human traffcking is widespread in
Nigeria. While the government has made some progress
in addressing the problem, it can still do more to prevent
traffcking and protect victims. The Boko Haram kidnappings
only underscore this point.
Lauren Jekowsky is an M.A. Associate of the Human
Traffcking Center at the Josef Korbel School of International
Studies at the University of Denver.
Oliver Kaplan is an assistant professor at the Josef Korbel
School of International Studies at the University of Denver
where he is the Associate Director of the Human Traffcking
Center.
LIBERIAS EDUCATION QUAGMIRE,
SECTOR IN NEED OF RESUSCITATION

The Boko Haram kidnappings are just part of a much larger problem
Page 4 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
FrontPage
Send your letters and comments to:
editor@frontpageafricaonline.com
YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!
COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE
DISCLAIMER
The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and
bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica
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
Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528
Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.
com
Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline.
com, 0886-304498
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@
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0886257528
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E
DITORIAL TEAM
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
INFUSION OF NEW MONEY
CAUSES INFLATION, ERODES
PURCHASING POWER IN LIBERIA
DEMANDING ANSWERS
FROM ACDL FOUNDERS
AN OPEN LETTER TO
STUDENTS WRITING WACE
The Reader's Page
WEAH KARPEH NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL
INFORMATION OFFICER AT UNITED NATIONS MISSION
IN LIBERIA (UNMIL)
Great thoughts, Wade. They fairly present the problems the media
and their practitioners face hoping your projecting would lead to
solving them.
MUSTERPHA FOFANA TOP COMMENTER OWNER
AND CEO AT SELF EMPLOYED AND LOVING IT!
you know i think this sister is Excited, overjoyed, and gone of
track. i can'tf say exactly the reason why but if I can take a guess,
is probably because this could her frst visit to the UN and maybe
her fst time in New York City as well. No don't judge me yet..
I have not read her entire released and i don't have the courage to,
because I think her statement is what I will call glittering generality
propaganda. From the introduction statement she gave one can tell
what the body and supporting statement would be like. Is obvious
that she will not say anything good about the freedom journalists in
Liberia enjoy, but rather she will probably go into something about
how her boss or some members of her entity have been targeted.
My dear, please don't think that you are trying to speak for all the
journalist in Liberia. We urge you not to contradict the very good
report which you spoke about as being a herald in the transition
process. Remember that other good journalists have worked hard
toward that transition process to make it a success. And I like to ask
what's your own story that you will like the world to read? Please
do something that the Liberian people can be proud of you madam.
Please do us the favor.
PATRICK EMERSON PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
While journalists may be watchdogs of society, they are not and
should never be above the law. Individual rights and governance
can only be protected from unscrupulous and sometimes untrained
journalists through judicial recourse. To seek presidential
intervention in judicial matters only because journalists feel
aggrieved, is tantamount to constitutional violation of the
separation of the three branches of government. The statements
made at the UN by Wade Williams were unintellectual, partisan
and unpatriotic.
CHRISTOPHER HARRY LUKE ST. PETER CLAVER'S
HIGH SCHOOL
Emerson, tell me which journalists has claimed to be above the
law in Liberia and I will tell you how many Government offcials,
including the President, and the whole judiciary system that are
above the law in Liberia. As for seeking presidential intervention in
judicial matters, frst of all, we all know that is not right, and neither
is it healthy for a functioning democracy or governance. But, the
whole judiciary system in Liberia is corrupt. If the judiciary was
not corrupt as in the case of the FPA saga, there would have been no
imprisonment of Rodney. Did you see the whole confict of interest
in that case......judges....government offcials? It is due to those
unscrupulous behavior, hence the intervention of the President
are sometimes necessary, in order to save face to the International
community due to her incompetent... offcials and corrupt judges.
Where in the world have you been to even mention "Constitutional
violation of the separation of the three branches of Government in
Liberia"? We all know that there's no genuine separation of power
in Liberia among the three branches of Government. It is only on
papers my brother but when it comes to governance implementation
and enforcement, they all overlap, do the same functions or don't
know what the heck they are supposed to do.
I do not see any statement made by Wade Williams at the UN that
was partisan, neither was it unintellectual or unpatriotic. You and I
know what's going on in Liberia.....I means the daily intimidation
of journalist in Liberia. Did you want Wade to defend the UP
government for the wrongs they are doing to Liberians? Did you
want her not to speak the truth due to blind patriotism as a lot of
gravy seekers are doing? If anything, we should applaud her for
speaking the truth. When EJS was in the diaspora saying all kinds
of things against Doe and Taylor as a Liberian, was that being
unpatriotic?
JOHN WILLIAMS TOP COMMENTER EASTERN
UNIVERSITY, ST. DAVIDS, PA
Wade and FPA have taken the battle to the turf of the oppressors
and have won acceptance and sympathy. The myth/propaganda
that certain people enjoy exclusive privileged access to important
people/organizations has been shattered! The playing feld is
becoming level! Congratulations!
Dear Students;
Education Today, Inc. (ET-Liberia) is pleased that another
opportunity has come through the West African Examination
Council for the students of Liberia to prove acquired knowledge.
We are hopeful that students across the nation that are qualifed to
undergo this examination are in readiness for the process.
Every examination period is an opportunity for students to justify
their readiness after a particular period of studies. With WAEC
students are about to prove their competence and readiness for the
furtherance of high school education into institutions of higher
learning.
Education Today, Inc. is hereby admonishing students writing the
examination to govern themselves according to the prescribed rules
of the examination. It is expedient that students maintain good
behaviors in and outside the examination hall.
We hereby wish all students success in their testing period.
Signed:
Education Today, Inc
(ET-Liberia)
The Editor,
Will lawmakers ever hold Dr. J. Mills Jones (Central Bank Governor)
accountable for debasing our national currency?
Hey, if you don't that believe Dr. Jones is debasing our currency, just
look at the historical chart of the Liberian Dollar! From 2002 to 2013,
the Liberian Dollar averaged L$74 to 1 US$ -- but in 2014, it spiked to
L$90 to 1 US$!.... Why?
Because in 2013/14, Governor Joseph Jones started printing fake money
to lend to broke-a$$ Liberians, who in turn cashes it for real money (US
dollars)!!! (Re "THE LOAN-GIVER: CBLS JONES VISIT LURES
HUNDREDS IN BUCHANAN")
When Governor Jones started printing millions and millions of NEW
Liberian Dollars out of thin air, and giving them as "loans" to his
broke-a$$ buddies in LIBA, it diluted the value of the old money that
was already in circulation in the economy, thus leading to infation and
the depreciation of the Liberian Dollar by 20 percent!......
Today, the poorest of Liberians have seen 20 percent of the value of their
money vanish into thin air , all because of Jones' micro- loan scheme!
My free-loading family in Liberia are catching hard time, man! They're
struggling to put food on the table!
Before 2014, L$75 could buy 2 cups of rice, even after market women
have beaten in the bottom of the cup!!! But after Joseph Mills Jones
started printing fake money and "lending" it to his buddies in LIBA-
--L$75 now buys one cup of rice (and one vote for Mills Jones for
president) because of the steady depreciation of the Liberian Dollar!!
But depreciating the value of money by creating more is nothing new.
Irresponsible heads of state and dumb-ass central bank governors have
been doing it for decades! So Governor Joseph Mills Jones is not the
frst one!
In 2007, President-for-life, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, ordered his
Central Bank Governor to print an additional Z$1 trillion to pay for
civil servants' and soldiers' salaries that were hiked by 600% and 900%
respectively! Of course that meant Zimbabwean soldiers and civil
servants had lots and lots of "access to capital", but at whose expense?
Every Zimbabwean, poor or rich, saw the value of their money vanish!
Today, the Zimbabwean dollar is worthless! Many business owners do
NOT accept Zimbabwe dollars, instead they request U.S. dollars or
I WANT TO FACE HIM:
COURT VERDICT IN LAND
CASE DRAWS IRE ON DR. TOE
South African rand for their goods and services!
Look. If we allow Governor Joseph Jones to continue pumping fake
money (unsecured micro-loans) into our economy, Liberia would be just
like Zimbabwe! Nepotism benefciary like Binyah Kesselly would need
a Brink's truck (armored car) to pick up his bi-weekly pay check from
the Central Bank (in L$)!! By the way, can we pay Dr. Jones in L$$??
Just wondering...
The infusion of new money causes infation and erodes the purchasing
power of our national currency!
The CBL Act of 1999 specifcally states that "the principal objective of
the Central Bank shall be to achieve and maintain price stability in the
Liberian economy.. to this end, it shall devise and pursue policies to
...(a) preserve the purchasing power of the national currency",
But every time you read FPA, you see itchy beard Mills Jones playing
Santa with fake money! That's an abuse of power!
The CBL Act prohibits the Central Bank from making "secured and
unsecured advances, whether by loans or overdraft" to anyone, except in
few cases! And those few exceptions do NOT include making unsecured
loans to Jones' broke-ass buddies in the LIBA (Liberian Business
Association)!!!
It's time for lawmakers to jack up Jones before he turns Liberia into an
economic basket case!!
Martin Scott
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com>
The Editor,
Let me use your medium to call on all founders of the Association for
Constitutional Democracy in Liberia (ACDL), that the Liberian people are
demanding answers to the following questions:
1. What was the main objective for which the Association was founded?
2. What were then the underlying principles of the Association?
3. Did the ACDL in any form and manner support the NPFL insurrection
either morally or fnancially?
4. Did individual members within the Association contributed to the
NPFL rebellion?
5. Mr. Woewiuyu who is now being held in custody on immigration
charges in the US was he a founding member of the Association?
6. Did the leadership of the ACDL gave approval to a letter signed by
Mr. Harry A. Greaves, Jr. , TREASURER of the ACDL addressed to Cllr.
Clearance Simpson, Jr., dated April 9, 1990 soliciting money from Cllr.
Simpson in support of the NPFL rebellion?
7. Did other founding members of the ACDL are aware that other
overzealous members of the Association were in support of the NPFL
military campaign?
The Liberian people are awaiting your answers, because for the past 20
years or so ACDL members are in the constant habit denials of supporting
the military NPFLs campaign. Since the publication by the Frontpageafrica
of a letter dated April 9, 1990 written on the offcial Letter-Head of the
Association, it now refreshes the memory of the Liberian people of
connivance by the ACDL with the notorious NPFL in destabilizing Liberia.
A new debate has been open calling for the establishment of a Hybrid Court
to try war crimes suspect and human rights violators.
So, members of ACDL, please try to consciously clear your names especially
to our dear brother; Ezekiel
Pajibo, a social commentator who was then the youngest member of the
ACDL Executive Board. Ezekiel you are aware that aiding and abetting as
a serious crime. Please try to get to the other older guys who founded the
ACDL to give the Liberian people clear cut answers to these questions other
than constant denials or pretty soon it will be too late.

Micah Moore
Mooremicah123@yahoo.com
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 5
My driving force for this feature, or rather filmmaking for that matter is to tell a universal story. As
much as Liberian aspect takes a big role in this movie, ultimately, this is a universal story about a man
who is trying to go beyond his inherent limits of his life. Through watching this movie, I hope people
will be able to put themselves in the shoe of the main character, Cisco and feel something deep inside.
- Takeshi Fukunaga
JAPANESE FILMMAKER TAKESHI FUKUNAGA TAKES ON THE PLIGHT OF LIBERIAS
CONTROVERSIAL RUBBER PLANTATION WORKERS IN NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM
F
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LIFESTYLE
OUT OF MY HAND
Monrovia
W
ith seventy percent of production complete,
flmmaker Takeshi Fukunaga and crew are in the
fnal push for support for the completion of the
frst international feature flm to to be made in
association with Liberia Movie Union.
Filmed partly in Liberia, Out of My Hand tells the story of Cisco, a
struggling Liberian rubber plantation worker who risks everything
to discover a new life as a cab driver in New York.
Cisco works in a rubber plantation when his life is disrupted by
a Workers Strike. Risking everything to embark on a new life,
he accepts a chance invitation to New York, where he immerses
himself in its small Liberian community. But when Cisco meets
two Liberians from vastly disparate worlds than his own: one, a
former Liberian child solder and the other, a wealthy businessman,
hes forced to confront his own sense of self and of belonging.
The flm touches upon the controversy over the Firestone Rubber
Plantation, which has been drawing attentions over years.


Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Bishop (on the right) as main character, Cisco & Duke (On the left) as Francis
Since 1926, Liberia's Firestone Plantation in Harbel has been the
leading source of revenue in Liberia.
Under pressure of the US State Department, the Liberian
Government, represented by its Secretary of State Edwin
Barclay, negotiated the controversial 1926 Firestone Concession
Agreement and two additional agreements, giving Firestone a one
million acre concession for a 99-year period with exclusive rights
to selected lands with limited exceptions and exemptions to all
present and future taxes. Firestone acquired virtually unlimited
rights over an area equal to 4 percent of the countrys territory
and nearly 10 percent of what was considered the arable land in
the country. Moreover, Firestone borrowed Liberia $US5 million
through a wholly-owned and especially for this purpose created
subsidiary, the Finance Corporation of Liberia. The $5 million
Loan put Liberia virtually under control of US administrators
and supervisors. An American Financial Advisor appointed by
the US Government controlled the Republics fnance and had to
approve the countrys budget every year. But the most striking
and important consequence of this Loan was that the Liberian
Government was now forbidden to contract new loans without
the written consent of the Finance Corporation of America, i.e.
Firestone.
In 2005, the tire maker Bridgestone Firestone was mired in
controversy regarding working conditions of Liberian plantation
workers and a federal lawsuit in California accused the frm of
employing slave labor and child labor on its massive rubber
plantation in Liberia.
A lawsuit organized by the Washington, D.C.-based International
Labor Rights Fund, which also helped organize a lawsuit in the
1990s against Unocal Corp. alleging human rights violations
during the construction of a pipeline in Southeast Asia.
Out of My Hand however deals not with the politics of the
plantation but with the personal relationships and challenges of
those on it.
Takeshi says the flm is the second narrative feature flm shot in
Liberia by foreign production and gives much thanks to incredible
support from Liberia Movie Union and the local community.
Weve fnished the production in Liberia last spring, which is
about 70% of the movie, and we are currently raising funds to
fnish shooting rest of the movie in New York.
Born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, Takeshi studied flm at
Brooklyn College in New York City, where he continues to live.
His frst short flm, The Hole In the Sky," received an award from
the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.
He's made a variety of works from ranging from music video to
documentary. His short documentary, The Sword Maker was
nominated as a selection for Best Documentary Series in 2012
Vimeo Award.
Last year, Takeshi partnered with Donari Braxton to co-found the
production company, TELEVISION. The company's created
video content for producers ranging from HBO to Puma, Reebox
and Marc Jacobs, and produces both American and multinational
feature flms.
Takeshi says he was driven to the subject matters universal
appeal. As much as Liberian aspect takes a big role in this movie,
ultimately, this is a universal story about a man who is trying to
go beyond his inherent limits of his life. Through watching this
movie, I hope people will be able to put themselves in the shoe of
the main character, Cisco and feel something deep inside. There
are so many people who supported this project and we couldnt
have come this far without them. Im really grateful and eager to
make them proud of being a part of this when they see the fnished
movie and thats another big driving force for me.
Filming in Liberia, according to Takeshi took a lot of adjustments
amid many challenges. We had to adjust ourselves to a very
different environment and culture to be able to do our job: running
a generator all the time no matter what time of the day it was,
driving on the rough road to get to the location every day, being
under harsh sunlight and getting hit with heavy rain, dealing with
different sense of time Liberian people have, and the list goes on.
Thankfully, we got what we needed with incredible support from
local crew and community.
The flm is expected to give local actors and actresses in Liberia
boost with its international appeal.
All of the cast members in Liberia are native to, and live in, the
country. This is, for the majority of them, the frst flm, if not the
frst feature flm, that they have been involved in. We consider
ourselves very fortunate to have found such an extraordinarily
talented cast in Liberia, Takeshi says.
Working with local movie Union, according to Takeshi was key
to the production. I was lucky to be connected with a Liberian
crew living in U.S. who connected me with Liberia Movie Union.
Before I frst went to Liberia by myself to do casting, they had
been making announcements through local radio and TV shows
about it, and the result was so successful that we saw hundreds
of actors amongst whom many were incredibly talented. Its
unfortunate that the movie industry in Liberia is still so small that
its virtually impossible to make living as actor there. Hope this
movie will bring more attention to them and help them move to
the positive direction.
The independent flmmaker says funding has been a challenge in
completing the project.
We launched a 30 days Kickstarter campaign in late April to
raise fund to shoot rest of the movie in NY. Even though weve
received incredible support thus far, the amount we still need to
raise in remaining couple days is still very challenging. As a basic
rule of Kickstarter, if we dont reach the pledged amount by the
end of the campaign, we dont get a penny. My team and I have
been striving to achieve the goal and believe that we can make it
happen.
For Takeshi, the flm will not only be an eye opener for Liberias
budding movie-making industry but a showcase of their potential.
There are of course few opportunities for actors to practice their
craft in the country of Liberia, due to its small, but resiliently
passionate flm community. Our hope is that this flm will shine
light on them, and hopefully contribute in whatever small way to
bringing still greater opportunities for them to do what they love.
For now, Takeshis frst priority is getting the movie completed.
If you want to see this movie completed, I hope you would
consider giving us a support through this crowd funding platform
and taking a journey with us.



Page 6 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
TRANSPORT BOOST
SIRLEAF MEETS WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE
LIBERIAN COMMUNITY OF METROPOLITAN BOSTON

Turkey Donates 20 Buses, 2 Dump-Trucks To Liberia As Foreign
Minister Ngafuan Concludes Weeklong Ministerial Visit
Istanbul, Turkey-
F
oreign Minister
Augustine Kpehe
Ngafuan at the head
of a six-man Liberian
delegation has concluded a
weeklong visit to Turkey with the
donation of twenty (20) buses to
the Monrovia City Corporation
(MCC) by the City of Istanbul,
Turkey.
A Foreign Ministry dispatch
discloses that out of the 20 buses,
four buses will be given to the
Liberia National Police (LNP)
while one goes to the Paynesville
City Corporation (PCC).
A Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) making
the donation a reality was signed
on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at
a colorful ceremony held in
Istanbul, Turkey.
Monrovia City Mayor Mrs.
Clara Doe Mvogo signed for the
MCC while Mr. Mimin Kahveci,
Deputy General Manager of
the Istanbul Electric Tramway,
and Tunnel (IETT) General
Directorate signed on behalf
of the Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality.
According to the MOU,
the Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality will provide
assorted spare parts for the buses
over a one-year period and also
dispatch a three-man technical
team (one mechanic, an
electrician and driver) from the
IETT (the company responsible
for public transportation in
Istanbul) to Monrovia to conduct
onsite training for a period of
one month following the arrival
of the buses in Liberia. The
donation of the 20 buses is a
result of the sister-city relations
between Monrovia and Istanbul
that was agreed upon in 2013.
Foreign Minister Ngafuan
who witnessed the signing
ceremony on behalf of President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the
F
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GOVERNMENT NEWS

Monrovia City Mayor Mrs. Clara Doe Mvogo and Mr. Mimin Kahveci, Deputy General Manager of IETT exchange the
MOU while Foreign Minister Ngafuan and others at the signing ceremony look on.Also see the 20 buses donated
Government and People of
Liberia as well as the citizens
of Monrovia expressed sincere
thanks to the Mayor and all the
members of the municipality
of Istanbul, the Turkish
Ambassador to Liberia and the
people of Turkey for what he
described as a great donation to
Liberia.
Since our arrival in Turkey, we
have held many productive and
mutually rewarding meetings
in Ankara and in Istanbul, but
obviously this ceremony tonight
is the crowning moment because
it is a concrete
demonstration of strong
partnership. These buses will
bring relief to a good number
of Liberian students, workers,
marketers, and ordinary people
who huddle on the streets for
hours looking for means to go
to or from school, work, market
or elsewhere., the Liberian
Foreign Minister stated.
Speaking through an interpreter
during the signing ceremony, Mr.
Ibrahim Kapaklikaya, Deputy
Secretary General of the Istanbul
Municipality, said, With the
signing of the MOU between
IETT and the City of Monrovia,
we have fnally concluded the
legal process of delivering the
buses.
Mr. Kapaklikaya said he
sincerely hopes the buses will
serve the intended purpose in
Monrovia, as the gesture was
a positive beginning that will
lead to stronger and broader
cooperation between the two
cities.
The Mayor of Istanbul, who
could not attend this ceremony
due to some unavoidable reasons,
attaches great importance to
Liberia and the donation is a clear
manifestation of this interest,
Mr. Kapaklikaya stressed.
For her part, Monrovia City
Mayor Clara Doe Mvogo
thanked the Mayor and people of
Istanbul and the Government of
Turkey for the donation.
When people see those buses
coming and when we have
said who is giving them to us,
they will always remember
the friendship of the people
of Turkey, not just Istanbul,
Mayor Doe Mvogo said. She
revealed that she and Minister
Ngafuan including the rest of the
delegation were moved by the
gesture because it means a lot to
the ordinary citizens of Liberia
who could not be at the signing
ceremony.
She revealed when she got on
the buses and saw the inscription
From the City of Istanbul to the
City of Monrovia she became
very excited.
I was really emotional; thats
why I cried because I could see
the parents who will get on the
buses and
the school children who
desperately need them, the
MCC boss added.
Meanwhile, the City Mayor
of Ankara, Melih Gokcek, has
expressed his citys willingness
to establish sister-city relations
with Monrovia. Mayor Gokcek
made the disclosure on Tuesday,
May 13, 2014 at a reception he
tendered in honor of the Liberian
delegation visiting Turkey
headed by Foreign Minister
Augustine Ngafuan. Modalities
for the formal establishment of
the sister-city relationship are
expected to be worked out by
the city mayors of Ankara and
Monrovia working closely with
the Ministries of Foreign Affairs
of both countries.
In a related development,
the Turkish International
Cooperation Agency (TIKA)
says it will provide two (2) dump-
trucks to the Government of
Liberia for use by the Paynesville
City Corporation. Paynesville
City Mayor Cyvette Gibson,
who was also on the delegation
to Turkey, welcomed the gesture
and said the two trucks will help
boost her administrations efforts
to keep Paynesville City clean
and healthy.
CAMBRIDGE,
MASSACHUSETTS --
A
s is her custom when
she visits cities
where there are
Liberians, President
Sirleaf met on Friday with a four-
member delegation representing
the Liberian Community of
Metropolitan Boston.
They were: Mr. Sesay Johnson,
Executive Director; Mr.
Samuel JBlee Tiah, Chairman
of the Board; Mrs. Mamunie
Dennis, Vice President for
Administration of FOLICAM;
and Ms. Jassie-Fredcia Senwah,
Secretary.
According to a dispatch from
Cambridge, President Sirleaf
welcomed the delegation,
asked what they were doing in
America, and their future plans
to return to Liberia and make
their contributions.
The delegation shared with
her their organizations many
activities in support of the
people of Liberia. These include:
a scholarship fund that awards
three scholarships annually;
collecting books, and school
and medical supplies for schools
and hospitals; water projects;
raising money to build a library
in Paynesville that was dedicated
in 2011; mobilizing women in
the Diaspora to empower women
in Liberia; and other ongoing
efforts to build capacity for
Liberia.
The delegation presented
President Sirleaf a Position
Statement on the Educational
Sector in Liberia. It states
that the mission and purpose
of The Liberian Community of
Metropolitan Boston is primarily
to cater to the needs of Liberians
residing in Boston and the
surrounding communities; that
the organization supports quality
education for students in Liberia,
and the Sirleaf administrations
efforts to identify and allocate the
appropriate resources; that a well
educated population represents
a secure, well developed, a
strong nation, and the President
should continue to coordinate
current interests in achieving the
Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) as regards universal
primary education, ensuring
quality education in line with
trends and technology of the
twenty-frst century.
President Sirleaf commended
the Liberian Community of
Metropolitan Boston for all that
they are doing for their country.
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 7
ALPHA DAFFAE SENKPENI, daffae82@gmail.com
F
RONT
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COUNTY NEWS
A TWO HORSE RACE?


KAIPAY BATTLES FINDLEY FOR POPULARITY AHEAD OF SENATE RACE
Buchanan, Grand Bassa
County-
I
f elections are held this
day in Grand Bassa
County two candidates
are most likely to go
neck-to-neck but eventually
someone will have to win,
thanks to the simple majority
clause in Liberias elections
law.
With a cross section of
views captured by political
observers, the daily comments
at intellectual forums in the
county, views aired by callers
on local community radio
stations, FrontPage Africa
which has been monitoring
these political activities and
can reveal that Grand Bassa
Countys senatorial race
for now is being led by two
individuals.
The two aspirants are the
incumbent, Gbehzongar
Findley who is famous in the
county for being arguably the
third most powerful person in
the country and his fnancial
ability to splash cash to
complement initiatives versus
Jonathan Kaipay a semi-rookie
politician who is building his
reputation on the number of
projects he has implemented
for the United Methodist
Church (UMC) through a
special fund from Norways
UMC churches.
Senator Findley is opting
for another term as his nine
years elapse this 2014. The
prominent Liberian Lawmaker
will obviously face stiff
political resistance from the
Liberty Party (LP) which is
poised to unseat him for being,
what many members of LP
term as selfsh, uncooperative
and impudent to their party.
Jonathan Kaipay is most likely
to contest on the LPs ticket
and sources inside the party
have recently revealed that the
offcial pronouncement will
be made in the coming days.
This means Kaipays political
fame will heighten as well, but
Findleys popularity in recent
months has made him a strong
incumbent.
Kaipays candidacy gained
some more weight when a group
originating from District Two
petitioned him on Unifcation
Day. Though the program
was held in Paynesville
City, it attracted Bassonians,
amongst them the Political
Leader of Liberty Party, Cllr.
Charles Walker Brumskine.
As expected, the prominent
Politician openly endorsed
Kaipay which signaled that
the former Unity Party man is
building his political reputation
at the Liberty Party.
Senator Findley is an
independent politician but will
certainly enjoy Unity Partys
(UP) support in this election
year election mainly because
of the political alliance he has
enjoyed with Madam Johnson-
Sirleaf over the years. As an
incumbent, hes formed strong
campaign teams featuring some
prominent folks in the county
and his arrays of provocative
propagandists are drawing the
sword on their oppositions.
Certainly, Findley and Kaipay
are not the only two politicians
eyeing or re-eyeing the Capitol;
there are several names but
some have made just minor
impact on the socio-political
environment of Grand Bassa
County especially with less
than six months to the election.
THE WEAKEST- LINKS
Much has not been heard
of Electoral District
Three (Buchanan City)
Representative, Hon. Gabriel
Buchanan Smith, since the
loquacious lawmaker opted
to remain tight-lipped on
whether hes joining the race,
though news of his intention
has been surfacing. Former
Liberian International soccer
star James Salinsa Debbah has
attracted few people especially
in Buchanan City since news
emerged that he wants to
become senator. FPA recently
gathered that Debbah is pretty
much unpopular in his home
town Debbah Town, District
Four with residents there
claiming he has done nothing
over the past years for the
county despite his success as
an international footballer.
Recently, Tom Woewiyou was
putting himself at the fore
with his public revelations
concerning the oil block-13
and how the county ought to
beneft from the hydro-carbon
industry but was being denied
just benefts. Serving as an eye-
opener, Woewiyou was gaining
some political grounds once
again in Grand Bassa County
but his arrest recently in the
United States for perjury seems
to have shattered his political
advances.
THE ODDS
Drawing analysis from public
debates, conversations at
intellectual forums and views
on local radio talk shows, it
is obvious that the two front
runners have some fne tuning
to do ahead of Octobers
showdown.
For Senator Findley, his critics
argue that giving him another
nine years is detrimental to
the countys future because
according to them, he has not
worked impressively in the
interest of the county to show
the authority and power he
poses at the Liberian Senate
and at the same time they see
him as the instigator of the on-
going row amongst the County
Legislative Caucus which they
say has impeded development
in the county.
As for Mr. Kaipay, hes
being criticized for changing
political lanes. His decision
to resign from the Unity Party
for the Liberty Party has left
people suggesting that hes
inconsistent and therefore,
incompetent to lead as a
senator.
Some argue that his success
with the UMCs projects
does not provide vindication
for him to win. Some have
already started frowning at
the UMC for allowing Kaipay
to use the church facility for
political functions while others
are suggesting that Kaipay
resigns as Director of the
UMCs Community Services
Department.
Despite the fact that the two
individual politicians are
currently gaining fame in
the county ahead of October
polls, each camp has being
unleashing strings of verbal
attacks against the other. In
Liberian politics, its obvious
to have these circumstances
but for a county like Grand
Bassa that has its Legislative
Caucus divided over political
differences, it could add more
insult to injury, some observers
fear.
GRAND BASSAs GEO-
POLITICS
On many occasions it has
been mentioned by individuals
that its time for a politician
from the hinter land of Grand
Bassa go to the senate and
represent the county. In fact,
Cllr. Brumskine re-iterated the
call when he recently endorsed
Kaipay during a program.
This might be a politically
motivated move by the astute
Liberian politician but its
ramifcations will precisely
prove disadvantageous to his
political foe Gbehzongar
Findley. Even Cllr.
Brumskines prodigy, Electoral
District Four Representative
Jeh Byron Browne said he was
opting to join the race because
it was time for Bassonians
from inside the county to take
power.
Findley hails from District
One; his home town is few
miles away from the historic
city of Edina which creates
assumption that his forefathers
are Americo-Liberians,
therefore; in the minds of
Brumskine and others he
should not be re-elected.
Ethnocentrism has often played
a role in Liberian politics even
at the national level despite
numerous cross cutting issues
Liberians share.
Mr. Kaipay is from Sehnya,
District Two, which means hes
from the interior of Bassa and
that could win some votes if
geo-politics comes into play.
This could signifcantly matters
in the rural areas where he has
also implemented projects
on behalf of the Methodists
Church.
On the other hand, Senator
Findley has increasingly
visited the rural areas in recent
times too and his willingness
to spend the cash has won
him praises in some areas
as well. Findleys strong
support is based in almost
all the assessable areas in the
county, namely; Buchanan,
Edina, Compound Three, LAC
plantation, etc. His greatest
challenge from all indication
is to defuse the Liberty Party
sentiment which is cogently
embedded in amongst rural
Bassonians.
From electoral district one to
district fve there are several
factors that will impact each
of the two candidates political
endeavor and quest to win
the race. Take district one for
example, LP supporters believe
with Deputy Speaker Hans
Barchue supporting Kaipay
and having won against nine
others with 33.1% (4,799)
in 2011 as an independent
candidate, he will lure his
supporters to Kaipays camp.
If this is held constant, Kaipay
might well enjoy appreciable
success in that District.
For electoral District Five
which was won by UP-cum-
APD lawmaker Robertson
Siaway in 2011 is critical for
the incumbent, judging from
the number of votes LP has
accumulated from this district
in the past two elections.
When Siaway won in 2011, the
victor of the UP primary who
defeated Siaway at the party
level, Morris Johnson acquired
a total of 2,013 votes while LP
candidate in that race, Johnson
Gbor, accumulated 2,059 and
Siaway claimed 4,328 votes
on his way to the Capitol. Sen.
Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence
is pretty much popular in that
District if the votes she won
there will be matched against
what Kaipay himself managed
to win. In Siaways District
Four, politics has changed
and his popularity is still well
noticed but recent comments
by locals over the land saga
involving the Equatorial Palm
Oil (EPO) and the locals have
daunted his political fame with
some accusing him of taking
side with the oil palm company.
As much as land issue is not
ordinary in Liberia, the course
of activities has caused Hon.
Siaway to lose some numbers.
There are several other
instances like District Fives
and with the incumbent
looking to form his own
alliance with stakeholders
in the county especially
infuential politicians, it can
be stressed that Sen. Findley
has got only two lawmakers
in the county on his side. Hon.
Mary Karwor (District Two)
and Hon. Robertson Siaway
(District Five) are undisputed
political buddies of the Pro-
Temp and they too will have to
rally support for his re-run as
well as win the hearts of their
respective supporters.
Kaipay might not have the
blessing of Gabriel Smith yet
but the once-upon-the-time
Liberty Party strong man will
obviously prefer Kaipay to
Findley if hes ask to pick
between the two. Recent feud
between Smith and Findley
supporters over alleged
infdelity hullabaloo involving
the Senator summed it all up
as the senator propagandists
lunched a stinking attack on
Hon. Smith and accused him
of being behind the scandal.
So, Findley cannot easily form
a truce with Smith especially
with the latter showing interest
to run too. With Hon. Smith
still silent, Kaipay can count on
the support of Hans Barchue,
Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence
and Byron Browne.
Hon. Findley favored by the
county superintendent and
other key county offcials will
have to critically focus on the
hinterland areas of the county
while Kaipay needs to provide
a strong argument against the
re-election of his opponent and
at the same time he should
convince his critics about his
decision to quit the Unity Party.
Mr. Jonathan Kaipay Senator Gbehzongar Findley
Page 8 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
CBL Governor predicts bright future for entrepreneurship
LIBERIAN MILLIONAIRES INSIGHT?
C
entral Bank of
Liberia (CBL)
Governor
Joseph Mills
Jones believes theres
nothing wrong with having
wealthy Liberians once
they have truly worked for
what they have earned.
In the new economy order,
Jones said, competitive
entrepreneurs must be
encouraged because the
absence of competition
breeds stagnation and a
monopolistic economy is a
dead economy.
He said government
must create the enabling
environment for Liberian
businessmen and women
to have a fair share in
providing goods and
services.
Jones was speaking at
the second induction
of offcers-elect of
the Liberian Business
Association (Liba) at the
Paynesville city hall on
May 16.
We see an economy
where Liberians are not
sitting as consumers but
producers and owners. In
the new economy, we see
Liberians being partners
with foreign investors in
the dynamic environment
such that foreign investors
are welcomed to help grow
the Liberian economic
empowerment.
I have always said that
the Liberian economy is
not a zero sum game. The
fact that we believe that
Liberians must be made
the shareholders in the
Liberian economy doesnt
mean that there is no room
for foreign investors. We
must be part of the global
economy.
Now it should be
understood that in order
to get to the new Liberian
economy, Liberian
entrepreneurs must
have access to credit on
reasonable term. Here, we
must be prepared to stand
frm against those who
come with different tactics;
who sit in [different] places
that will suffce many to
throw road blocks in the
way of policies aimed
at improving access to
credit, Jones said.
He then called on people
in positions of trust to
show compassion to the
less fortunate in order for
Liberia to have lasting
peace and unity.
Jones warned that no
nation can prosper if
majority of the people
are preoccupied with the
daily struggle of live.
When this group of
people continues to live
in such circumstances,
hope becomes absent
in their minds. And
when hope becomes
absent, trust becomes a
scare commodity. And
when trust is scare, it is
diffcult to have peace in
a stable and functioning
democracy, he added.
Those inducted were
Dee Maxwell Kemayah,
president; David Sengbeh,
vice president; Leelai
Kpukuyon, secretary-
general and Reginald Sao
as fnancial secretary.
Delivering an
extemporaneous address,
Kemayah bemoaned
the fashion and form in
which government treats
indigenous Liberian
businesses.
Kemayah alleged that
government was awarding
contracts to foreign frms
instead of empowering
Liberian-owned
businesses.
Although government
boasts of a US$16 billion
foreign direct investment,
the Liba president is yet to
see its effect on the locals.
But when you look
around you or where you
came from when driving
through, it is diffcult for
you to measure the impact
of the US$16 billion
foreign direct investment
in transforming the lives of
the ordinary people.
When a country such
as ours, with 3.5 million
people, can have US$16
and if the leadership is
sensitive to the needs of
the Liberian people, then
that investment, even if
that fve percent or one
percent out of it, we will
see the effect around,
Kemayah said amidst a
round of applause.
Fombah Trawally of
KumbaBendu& Sons,
who turned US$200 into a
multimillion business, was
appointed by Kemayah as
his advisor on business
relations.
The Inquirer and Daily
Observer newspapers
and Liberia Wielding
Society Union were
among businesses and
organizations admitted as
members.

Associate Justice Sia A. Nyene G. Yuoh inducts the offcials (left) and congratulates them (right) after the installation ceremony




CBL governor Joseph Mills Jones delivers his keynote address
Liba president Dee-Maxwell Kemayah delivers a scintillating inaugural address
Dr. Jones chats with US Ambassador Deborah Malac (left) and Kemayah (right) shares a smile after his induction
Page 16 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 8a
F
RONT
PAGE
LAW & ORDER
Monrovia-
D
espite statement made
by states key witness
Thomas Gladior
that the ongoing
mercenary case involving 18
defendants in which most of
them are Grand Gedeans is
not politically motivated as
misconstrued by many Grand
Gedeans the issue of tribal
sentiment continues to linger
over the widely publicized trial.
This was evidence d on Monday
when one of the 13 defendants
took the stage and told the court
and jury that he is innocent of
mercenarism, claiming that his
prosecution is based on the fact
that he is a Krahn man, a tribe
that occupies mainly Grand
Gedeh County and other parts of
the south eastern part of Liberia.
Sam Tarlee, one of the defendants
whom the court denied acquittal
because of alleged confession
by one of the defendants of his
alleged role when the defense
counsel fled a motion of
acquittal that led to the release
of fve others defendants told the
court and jury Monday that he
has no knowledge of any act of
mercenarism in the Ivory Coast.
Why keep me in jail for act
that I dont know about because
I am a Krahnman? Let me tell
you people Krahn people are not
violent people as most people
think said Tarlee.
Appearing quiet furious during
his cross examination by the
prosecution led by Montserrado
County Attorney Daku Mulbah,
Tarlee who claimed to be
engaged in rubber business prior
to his arrest and detention added
that he was invited by Offcers of
the Emergency Response Unit
(ERU) under the pretense that
the Justice Ministry wanted to
see him.
He told the court that after his
arrival in Monrovia he was taken
TRIBAL FEUD GRIPS MERCENARY TRIAL-DEFENDANT
BLAMES PROSECUTION ON ETHNICITY
UNDECIDED VERDICT
Kennedy L. Yangiankennedylyangian @frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
Kennedy L. Yangiankennedylyangian @frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781

to the Liberia National Police
(LNP) Headquarters where he
was asked whether he knew one
Idi Amin. Tarlee said after he
replied that he never knew Amin
he was ordered detained by the
police offcer investigating him
who he identifed as Alfred
Quire.
Quire took my gold chain
that worth US$1,000 along
with my phone and US$200
cash and jailed me on the
basis of grudge because I was
fghting for the defunct rebel
movement Liberians United for
Reconciliation and Development
(LURD) while Quire the police
offcer was member of the fearful
elite force in the regime of
former President Charles Taylor
Anti-Terroristic Unit (ATU),
the defendant told the court.
Defendant Tarlee stated further
that he was a former fghter of
the defunct LURD where he had
the rank of a Brigadier General,
explaining that since the end of
the war he had been engaged in
the planting of rubber for living
and that his rubber business has
been making him to earn money
and he could not abandon same
to go to Ivory Coast to fght.
Like other defendants who
denied ever writing a statement
to the police upon their arrest,
Tarlee told the court and jury
that he was the only defendant
among the 13 defendants on trial
that was never charged adding
that no one had ever link him in
the trial therefore the court and
jury should free him in line with
the law.
Defendant Tarlee now discharged
from the witness stand is the
fourth defense witness to testify
on his own behalf since all
defendants took the witness
stand early last week. Other
defendants who have earlier
testifed include Bobby Sarpee
alias Alex Bobby Julu son of
former commander Charles
Julu of the Executive Mansion
Guard Battalion in the regime of
slain Liberian President Samuel
Kanyon Doe.
Like father, like son
Former commander Julu and
another Armed Forces of Liberia
personnel Andrew Dorbor both
dead were charged by the
current government with treason
but were tried and acquitted by
the court due to lack of evidence
linking them to an alleged plot
made in the Ivory Coast to
overthrow the Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf led administration.
Defendant Bobby Sarpee had
been accused by the prosecution
of been the middle man behind
the recruitment process of
Liberians to fght on the side of
former Ivorian President Laurent
Gbagbo but denied the claim
in his testimony to the court
indicating that his prosecution is
based on witch-hunt.
The same witch-hunt carried
against my father is the same
thing that they are bringing to
me said Bobby while testifying
before the court and jury recently.
Other defendants who have also
testifed include ex-general of
the defunct Liberians United for
Reconciliation and Democracy
(LURD) Ophori Diah who also
denied any involvement in the
cross border attack in the Ivory
Coast.
Defendant Diah is also accused
by the prosecution of traveling
to Dubai to purchase arms for
the Gbagbo rebel denied the
claim and stated no one ever
arrested him rather he had gone
to the police to report that some
unknown men entered his house
in the Thinker Village area on the
Robertsfeld Highway and set it
ablaze and while at the police
station to report the matter he was
ordered arrested and indicted for
mercenarism in the Ivory Coast
which he had no knowledge.
The case continues Tuesday with
several other defendants taking
the witness stand.
E
rror! Objects cannot be
created from editing
feld codes.
Monrovia: the long
standing trial between former
Finance Minister Alvin G. Jones
and former frst lady of Liberia,
Nancy B. Doe has now turned an
undecided verdict with the judge
of the Civil Law Court Judge
Peter Gbeneweleh postponing
ruling in the case on three
occasions but is now expected
to hand down the must expected
verdict toady.
The jury in the trial had earlier
ruled in favor of Mrs. Doe citing
that the articles of incorporation
and other documents from the
Jones is fraudulent but in counter
argument against the ruling,
lawyers representing the Jones
has cited that there was no test
carried out on the documents to
prove its fradulent nature and the
Judge is yet to bring down his
ruling.
Public attention will be drawn
to the Civil Law Court today
where Civil Law Court Judge
Gbeneweleh is expected to render
judgment whether to grant the
motion of re-trial fled onbehalf
of former Finance Minister G.
Alvin Jones or uphold the liable
verdict rendered against him
by the six-member jury over
the ownership of the Vamoma
House.
Tuesdays ruling comes
after presiding Judge Peter
Gbeneweleh called for the
suspension of the ruling on
three separate occasions since
the jurors verdict was rendered
a month ago with no further
explanation.
Early this year the family of
former Finance Minister G.
Alvin Jones fled a petition to the
Civil Law Court at the Temple
of Justice for a declaratory
judgment for ownership of the
Vamoma House located along
the Tubman Boulevard in Sinkor
owning to claim by former frst
lady Nancy B. Doe that funds
provided to build the house was
provided by her late husband
Samuel K. Doe at the time he
was serving as president and the
former Finance Minister was
appointed to serve as a agent and
was given a 15% share.
To the contrary the family of the
former Finance Minister differed
with the former frst lady Nancy
Doe and stated that at no time
that the former president ever
provided any funds to build the
Vamoma House in 1987 rather
Vamoma House name after the
children of the former Finance
Minister, Varney, Maxwell
and Momolu was built from
fund provided by the Vamoma
Transport Corporation owned
by the former Finance Minister
Alvin Jones.
After the case was ruled to trial
by the Civil Law Court April of
this year, Madam Frances Jones
wife of the former Minister
Jones and her son Maxwell who
testifed on behalf of the family
and told the court and jury that at
no time did the former President
Doe provide funds to build
Vamoma House.
If any fund was provided not
to my knowledge, no document
to prove this claim each of the
Jones witness told the court and
jury.
To further prove the case of
ownership both witnesses
presented to the court a copy of
articles of incorporation which
they said were prepared by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Division of Archives which was
presented to the court as its key
evidence.
Responding to the Jones former
frst lady Nancy B. Doe coming
in her own defense told the
court that she told the court that
statement by the Jones family
that she does not own Vamoma
House was untrue and that at the
time the article of incorporation
was incorporated it was done in
the name of her children.
Foreign Ministry Authenticates
Articles of Incorporation
Documents available to
FrontPageAfrica indicate that
the Government of Liberia
through the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs has authenticated the
incorporation of the Vamoma
Corporation.
In a letter dated September 26,
2005, addressed to Cllr. Cyril
Jones of the Jones and Jones
Law Firm, George Wallace,
Jr. Acting Minister of Foreign
Affairs informed Cllr. Jones
that the Article of Incorporation
Civil Law Court To Rule In Vamoma Case Today
of Vamoma Corporation is
legitimate.
This is the acknowledgement
and respond to your letter dated
September 23, 2005, regarding
matter with respect to a certifcate
of authentication dated October
4, 2004 issued and signed by
the then Acting Director of
Archives, and a subsequent
certifcate dated November
15, 2005, issued and signed by
the Director of Archives of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs who
declared or reported the non-
discovery of certain document or
evidence in the existing records
of the Bureau of Archives, the
letter signed by Acting Minister
Wallace stated.
The letter continued regarding
your request for clarifcation as
to whether or not the offcials of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
that issued the Instruments of
Clarifcation, did so within and
under their authority of function.
I am pleased to inform you that
the performance of the Director
and the Acting Director of
Archives were in accordance
with the chapter 20 sub-section
20.52, 1 1. B.c. d and 2 a. b.c.e.f
of the new Executive Law of
Liberia.
Letter of non-discovery issued
In other documents available
to this paper, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs also issued a
certifcate of non-discovery
to lawyers representing the
Jones regarding an article of
incorporation from Mrs. Nancy
Doe.
Stated the letter of non-
discovery This is to certify
that on November 11, 2004,
the Jones & Jones Law Firm,
Randall Street, Monrovia,
did present to the Bureau of
Archives, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, a photocopy of Articles
of Incorporation of VAMOMA
Corporation reportedly fled
with this Ministry on February
13, 1987 for verifcation and/or
authentication.
The application averred that the
same is purportedly a photocopy
of the original copy of Articles of
Incorporation as presented and
was indeed fled with the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs on February
13, 1987 and had the following
individuals as incorporators and
shareholders: Samuel K. Doe,
Sr; Samuel K. Doe, Jr.; Maxwell
Jones; G. Alvin Jones, Alvine L.
Jones, Nancy B. Doe, Vanie E.
Doe; Roland B. Doe; Kuly Doe;
Veronica J. Doe and Johnny
Kpor, the Certifcate of Non-
discovery stated.
The letter of non-discovery
stated It is further certifed that
diligent search of the Archives
has shown no information on
the said Articles of Incorporation
in our Corporate Records for
the year mentioned on the said
document presented to the
Archives for verifcation and/
or authentication. The Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, therefore, is
not in the position to verify or
confrm the authenticity of the
said Articles of Incorporation.
Certifcate of Authentication
In another letter, copy of which
is in the possession of FPA,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
stated This is to certify that
the Articles of Incorporation
of VAMOMA Corporation
were fled with the offce of
the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Liberia on
February 13, A.D. 1987, and
the names and addresses of the
Incorporations/shareholders of
the said Articles of Incorporation
at the time of the flling are as
follows-G. Alvin Jones, 30%;
Frances G. Jones, 25%; Maxwell
L. Jones, 15%; Vanii H. Jones,
15%; Alim M. Jones; 15%..
The certifcate of authentication
concluded It is further
certifed that no Amendment
to the aforesaid Articles of
Incorporation to change and/
or add to its shareholders, has
been fled with the offce of the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of Liberia, since its
incorporation, up to the issuance
of this certifcate.
When contacted to verify the
communications accordingly
issued by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs signed by Ambassador
Wallace, Jedi Armah, a legal
person at the Ministry promised
to comment on the letter but to
no avail for over three weeks
now. Copies of the documents
were also provided to the Public
Affairs section of the Ministry
but apparently because the
matter is right now in court.
Throughout the trial the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, a key player
in the entire saga to authenticate
which of the two parties has the
rightful documents pertaining to
the property in question has not
taken the witness stand.
With the jury earlier deciding
that one of the parties to the
case, the Jones have fraudulent
documents, legal pundits believe
that it will be a miscarriage of
justice should Judge Gbeneweleh
rule in the case without inviting
the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the body statutorily
responsible to issue of Articles of
Incorporation to take the witness
stand and explain which party
has the legitimate documents for
the property.
a
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 17
F
RONT
PAGE
POLITICS
NOT THE PROBLEM
WE ARE NOT CHICKEN ROGUES
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
PYJ, Boley disclaim war Attribution at Nimba, Grand Gedeh peace Initiative
Lawmaker Pennue Detests Minister Dukulys comments against Grand Gedeans
Monrovia-
T
hey are the two groups
of Liberians being
accused by many of
actively participating
and orchestrating the Liberian
civil war, the people from Nimba
and Grand Gedeh Counties
with several conferences held
to unite them but two active
players in Liberia civil war have
disclaimed notion that people
from these two counties should
be blamed for the nightmare
Liberia suffered
It all started in the 1980s when
two friends and colleagues of the
Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)
Samuel K. Doe and Thomas
Quiwonkpah fell off for reasons
yet to be established but is still
being speculated by historians.
Former President Doe and
Quiwonkpah became bitter
enemies few years after Doe
took power as head of state
from a coup that brought down
the administration of President
William V. S. Tubman.
According to historians Doe as
the only ranking offcer during
the night of the coup was made
to take state power because all
the major players in the coup
were afraid to come forward to
be announced military head of
state.
Historians also explain that after
Doe took over as President of
the Republic of Liberia which
subsequently made him the
Commander -in -Chief of the
AFL he named Quiwonkpah
Commanding General of the
Army but rift later developed
between the two friends which
degenerated into tribal sentiment.
Doe as President according to
historians masterminded the
death of Quiwonkpah which
brought about rift and bad
feelings between the people of
Nimba and Grand Gedeh. The
problem degenerated into a
National crisis as Senator Prince
Johnson and other Nimbians
took advantage of the situation to
avenge the death of their kinsman
by joining ranks with Charles
Taylor, forming the National
Patriotic Front of Liberia.
The indifferences between the
two further escalated into the
infamous Nimba Raid and again
the 1985 failed coup and fnally
into the Civil war which led to
the execution of President Doe
by than Field Marshall Prince
Johnson who executed Doe
publicly. Since then there has
been bitter relationship between
the people of the two Counties.
Following the end of the Liberian
Civil confict numerous Peace
conferences aimed at resolving
the bitter feelings between the
people of Nimba and Grand
Gedeh has been held but still
many feel the matter is still far
from being resolved and more
should be done to reconcile the
two counties.
Weah Peace Ambassador
George Weah Liberias Peace
Ambassador as part of his
mandate given him by President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to reconcile
Liberians sees the reconciliation
of the people from Nimba with
their counterpart of Grand Gedeh
as a step forward in achieving his
mandate.
Monday at a colorful event held
at a local hotel in Monrovia that
brought together stakeholders
from the two counties Weah
commended the people of the
two counties who are leading
the task to change the Countrys
history.
Weah said: Make no mistake,
this is no easy task, this will
not be a quick task each, if you
will undertake for our country.
What we are able to do by
coming together will change the
trajectory of Liberia toward a
unifed, and prosperous country
we want.
He urged delegates at the
conference from the two
counties to be open and honest
in the dialogue they have started
and approach the initiative with
willingness to let go the past
misunderstandings, with a heart
to forgive and a commitment to
the process.
This is a process and by
defnition, it will take time but I
ask for your determination, and to
be razor focused on the outcomes
even it may seem impossible,
even when tempers may fame
even when miscommunication
seem widespread we must
hold onto our shared goal
of reconciliation wavering
commitment determined that
we will not walk away from this
process, Weah added.
We are not in crisis
Making remarks at the event,
Senator Prince Y. Johnson
who played a major role in the
Country civil confict denied
claims by people that Grand
Gedeans and Nimbaians are at
war with each other.
Johnson recommended to
Ambassador Weah that
a sovereign and national
conference be held rather than
a Peace conference between
Nimba and Grand Gedeh
counties, which he said will
insinuate that the two counties
are at war with each other.
Johnson said: What I will want
to see is a sovereign national
conference and not to make
people live under the illusion
that Nimba and Grand Gedeh are
the problem. If Weah continues
trekking on this path he will
not have my cooperation we
Grand Gedeans and Nimbaians
are all poor people we did not
have money to buy the guns we
used those people who provided
them should be involved in this
process. If you go to Grand
Gedeh today you will see many
Nimba people and if you come
to Nimba you see many Grand
Gedeans. We have intermarriage
and are making many children so
why we are hunting Nimba and
Grand Gedeh we are no different
from those who provided the
guns.
Johnson continues:I like to see
a National conference that will
include all of us and put this
behind us because those who
bought the guns are the criminals
so we must put this to a close.
He commended the Weah
commission for the initiative and
promised to continue to render
his support to the process once it
is aimed at addressing the issues
on a broader base.
Like Senator Johnson, Mr.
George Borley another major
player in the countrys civil
confict who headed the
Independent National Patriotic
Front of Liberia (INPFL) rebel
faction supported his colleagues
comments that the process
should be a national undertaking.
He described claims by people
that the people of Grand Gedeh
and Nimba are at war with each
other as a process of other people
imagination.
Borley said: Grand Gedeh
is a peace loving county we
have had no problem with our
brothers from Nimba before
circumstances were manipulated
by others that tend to make
issues out of Grand Gedeh and
Nimba. Do not allow anyone put
fear in us, dont allow anyone
to mislead you that Grad Gedeh
and Nimba are in crisis, we are
not.
Boley disclaimed assertion made
by some individuals in the society
that it is only the United Nations
Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) that
is keeping the peace in Liberia.
According to him it is Liberians
who are keeping their own peace
because if Liberians dont want
peace they will not keep.
Borley and Johnson embraces each other
Monrovia-
R
epresentative Zoe
Emmanuel Pennoh
of Grand Gedeh
County Monday took
exception to comments made by
Internal Affairs Minister Morris
Dukuly whom he felt referred
to Grand Gedeans as Chicken
rogues during his explanation of
a scenario.
At a peace meeting held for Grand
Gedeh and Nimba Counties at
a local hotel in Monrovia an
attempt to explain a scenario
while addressing a concern by
some Grand Gedeans as to why
they are always accused of being
mercenaries, Minister Dukuly
said:I told them that once you
are known by town members
of being a chicken rogue in a
community you will always be
accused whenever a chicken gets
missing.
Though the minister in his
statement said he did not mean
to accuse Grand Gedeans,
Representative Pennue took
serious exception to the minister
comments which according to
him meant that Grand Gedeans
were always in the act of war and
described it as a disservice to the
people of the county.
Pennue also described the
Internal Affairs Minister
comments as an attempt to incite
citizens of Grand Gedeh and
Nimba Counties against each
other.
Pennue said: We are not
Chicken rogue if Minister
Dukuly as minister of Internal
Affairs and the ffth person in
the Cabinet can stand here and
refer to the people of Grand
Gedeh as Chicken rogues only to
appease the people of Nimba, I
am disappointed.
He buttressed comments made
by others that the people of
Nimba and Grand Gedeh are at
peace with each other and do
not need a Minister of Internal
Affairs to appease one group of
people at the detriment of others.
Pennue called on the Minister
to retract his statement and
threatened to withdraw his
support from the process if he
fails to do so.
When asked about how he felt
that his comments at such a very
important peace program has
brought about disenchantment
and bad feelings he said, he was
disappointed that his comments
were misinterpreted by a man of
Representative Pennue class in
the society.
Dukuly said: I was trying to
give an example not about the
event here today but issues that
have emanated in the past in
Grand Gedeh County especially
in terms of crisis resolution.
It is most unfortunate that for
political purposes someone
of Representative Pennue
class will diminish such an
important program with such an
unsubstantiated claim.
He said, the issues of confict
especially land confict is
frequently heard about in Grand
Gedeh and he was only making a
scenario that is currently taking
place in Ivory Coast where an
international Media reported that
there were Liberian mercenaries
involved and later corrected the
claim.
Asked if he will apologize as
demanded by the Grand Gedeh
lawmaker he said; with all due
respect to Representative Pennue
I know he is a candidate for the
senate but he doesnt make or
deny peace in Grand Gedeh as a
matter of fact he is not the only
Grand Gedean.
Minister Dukuly during his
comment at the event appeared
to be very controversial at
some point when he accused
the press of being fan base for
Ambassador George Weah using
the level of turn out at the event
as his justifcation.
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 9





Businessman Papa Kamara (seated opposite this lady) shares the table with others
Gender Minister Julia Duncan-Cassell and CBL director of administration Doris Sheba Brown graced the occasion
Dr. Shannon had a conversation with some of the guests
More than 25 journalists covered the well-attended program
Liberia Crusaders for Peace Band entertained the audience
Sheba and Julia (left) share the table with other staff and guests
Peace ambassador George Weah chats with Kemayah and Jones (left) and Kemayah and LFA president Musa Bility (right)
Page 10 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 11
Announcement
In keeping with the vehicle and Traffc Law; Title 38,
approved May 9, 1972, and published in 1978, the
Government of Liberia is pleased to announce the approved
rates for Third Party Compulsory Motor Insurance Policy
in Liberia. These rates take effect January 2, 1996.
Approved Rates Sticker Price
No. Category of Vehicles Price
1 Taxi US$300.00 $ 15.00
2 Transport Pick-Up
S/Size-1/2 Ton 400.00 15.00
M/Size- 1 Ton 425.00 15.00
B/Size 1 Ton 450.00 15.00
3 Transport Buses
S/S-Max 18 Persons 550.00 15.00
M/S-30 Persons 600.00 15.00
B/S-30 Over Persons 650.00 15.00
4. Transport Truck
10 Tons (10 Tires) 720.00 15.00
12 Tons (12 Tires) 750.00 15.00
14-18 Tons (18 Tires) 800.00 15.00
Trailer-22 Tires 1,000.00 15.00
5 Private Car (PC + Personal Plate
Sedan 150.00 15.00
Jeep 225.00 15.00
6 Business Car (BC)
Sudan 175.00 15.00
Jeep 225.00 15.00
7 Pick Up
PP 250.00 15.00
BP 300.00 15.00
8 Business Truck (BT)
10-Tons (10 Tires) 575.00 15.00
12-Tons (10 Tires) 600.00 15.00
14-18 Tons (18 Tires) 640.00 15.00
Trailer (22 Tires) 800.00 15.00
9 Business Bus (BB)
S/S-Min 6-8 Persons 250.00 15.00
S/S-Max 18 Persons 440.00 15.00
M/S- 30 Persons 480.00 15.00
B/S-30 Over Persons 520.00 15.00
10 Private Bus (PB)
S/S-Max 18 Persons 335.00 15.00
M/S-30 Persons 385.00 15.00
B/S-30 Over Persons 420.00 15.00
11 Private Truck (PT) 575.00 15.00
12 Private Motorbike 150.00 15.00
13 Business Motorbike 125.00 15.00
Please ask Pearl 0886 578 981/ Lucinda 0886 514 623
/ 0777 514 623 / AB 0886 529 776
American Underwriters Group
INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
JG Bull BLDG, Randall Street, Adjancent DITCO Store
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANKGROUP




LIBERIA COUNTRY OFFICE

5th May 2014
Email: tender@afdb.org

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

ADB/EOI/LRFO/2014/001

1. The African Development Bank (the Bank or AfDB) is a Multilateral Development Organisation established by
Agreement, by and among its member states, for the purpose of contributing to the sustainable economic
development and social progress of its Regional Member Countries (RMCs) in Africa. The members of the Bank
are currently 77, which comprise of 53 African states (RMCs), and 24 non-African states (the "Non-Regional
Member Countries").

2. The AfDB intends to shortlist vendors eligible for supply of goods and provision of services and works for its
Country Office based at Sophie Community, Old Congo Town Monrovia, Liberia.

3. The Bank will transact business with vendors that have expressed interest and have been shortlisted through this bid
ADB/EOI/LRFO/2014/0001, for the next three years. New vendors could however qualify for inclusion in the
shortlist throughout the relevant period by demonstrating and providing proof of meeting the same eligibility and
qualification criteria as listed below. Interested vendors are now hereby invited to express their interests for one or
several of the following categories of goods, works and services. Bidders should note that some of the tenders will
result on call off and framework contract. The works, goods and services requirements are herewith classified into
categories and lots for ease of reference ;

CATEGORY 1. SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE OF GOODS
Lot No. 1- Supply of office equipment and maintenance of (photocopiers/printers) etc.;
Lot No. 2 - Supply of office stationery, office sundries and computer stationery (toner cartridges printing paper,
pens, staplers, paper punches etc.);
Lot No. 3 - Supply and maintenance of radio communication, PABX and other telephone and mobile services);
Lot No. 4 - Supply of computer hardware and accessories (hard disks, monitors ,mouse, keyboards, I pads
,laptops, laptop docks, computer adapters) and Maintenance of computer hardware and IT equipment;
Lot No. 5 - Supply and maintenance of Generators;
Lot No. 6 - Supply and maintenance of indoor plants, fresh flowers floral arrangements;
Lot No. 7- Supply of general printing products, publications(including designing services) for example business
cards, calendars, banners, branded stationery, publications, flyers, etc.;
Lot No. 8 - Supply of magazines, newspapers and periodicals.

CATEGORY 2. PROVISION OF WORKS AND SERVICES
Lot No. 9 - Provision of photocopy, printing and binding services and video production;
Lot No. 10 -Maintenance of Air-conditioning equipment;
Lot No. 11- Maintenance of office premises, repairs and renovation services, partitioning and fit out;
Lot No. 12 - Provision of indoor and outdoor catering services;
Lot No. 13 - Provision of Event Management, conference planning and Hospitality;
Lot No. 14 - Provision of hotel and accommodation services;
Lot No. 15-Provision of IT equipment rentals(laptops, projectors, cameras;
Lot No. 16 - Provision of cleaning, janitorial, fumigation and sanitation services;
Lot No. 17 - Provision of Motor vehicle maintenance, repairs, tyres and general services authorized dealers
only;
LotNo.18 - Provision of Broadband Services(Fiber Optic, VSAT Connectivity);
Lot No. 19 - Provision of Car Hire, Car Rental and shuttle Services;
Lot No. 20 - Provision of local mail courier services and other logistics needs within the Province;
Lot No. 21- Removal of office furniture, equipment, other assets and provision of casual labour, storage and
auctioning services;
Lot No. 22- Provision of waste management and recycling of papers, cartridges and other items;
Lot No. 23 Restaurant and associated services.

2

SELECTION CRITERIA (all the criteria should be complied with, failure to provide one of these
requirements will disqualify the Applicants / Bidders)

1. Interested Bidders should emanate from member states and the link is http://www.afdb.org/en/about-
us/members ;
Provide certified copy of the original Certificate of Incorporation and a certified copy of Directors
and shareholders certificates;

2. Indicate experience in the requested domain(s) at least minimum three years in the industry, an added
advantage will be with the companies working with International Organizations, Financial Institutions,
National and Government Institutions, Large public or private companies;

3. Tax clearance certificate or exemption and proof of compliance to social security requirements, if this is
a requirement in the country. The Bank will establish if this is a requirement in the country.

4. References, at least list three most important clients, including the contact name, title, e-mail address, the
length of contract and contract value;

5. CVs of the relevant key personnel, such as the Managing Director or the Project Manager who will be
supervising the project, with experience of at least three years in their areas of specialization especially
for the provision of maintenance services.

6. Three years audited financial statements, for 2011, 2012 and 2013 and or line of credit from the Bank,
which will be more than USD 100,000 per annum.

SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Bidders should submit a cover letter indicating the number of lot(s) for which they are expressing their interest.
Should Bidders have questions and or concerns, they should not hesitate to send an enquiry to e.g.
tender@afdb.org or tenders.sarc@afdb.org o citing the reference of this procurement notice.

The response should be addressed to and as follows;

Response to the Request for Expressions of Interest

Ref: ADB/EOI/LRFO/2014/0001
The Administrative & Finance Officer
African Development Bank (AfDB)
Liberia Country Office
Sophie Community, Old Congo Town
P O Box 1844
Monrovia
LIBERIA

Interested vendors / potential bidders are invited to attend a meeting on How to do Business with the African
Development Bank on 21
st
May 2014 at 10:00hrs.

The Closing date for this Expression of Interest is 22
nd
May 2014 at 15.00 hours. Only qualified bidders will be
notified.

The Bank will not accept late applications.
Page 12 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
F
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GOVERNMENT NEWS
President Sirleaf Advises Harvard Kennedy Schools Mason Fellows
BE DETERMINED AND PERSEVERE
FOR SUCCESS IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Cambridge,
MASSACHUSETTS --
P
resident Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf spent time on
Friday afternoon with
students of Harvard
Kennedy Schools Mid-Career
Master in Public Administration
Edward S. Mason Program.
The President, a distinguished
alumna Mason Fellow (MC/
MPA 1971), shared with current
students her experiences as
a Fellow and responded to
questions.
According to a dispatch from
Cambridge, President Sirleaf
came to the United States to
participate in a two-day Forum,
IDEASpHERE, celebrating
the launch of a fund-raising
campaign for the Harvard
Kennedy School. During the
visit, her portrait was unveiled,
which will hang in the Library
of the School.
Suzanne Shende, Associate
Director of MPA Programs
and Director of the Edward S.
Mason Program, welcomed
the guests and introduced
President Sirleaf, citing her
many accolades, distinctions
and accomplishments, as well
as her challenges and struggles.
She encouraged the students
that, when they feel challenged,
discouraged or even imperiled
because of life and death issues,
they should remember the
example of a woman whos
been called Mama Ellen, the
Iron Lady, an Uncompromising
Woman, and whom we also
welcome and call a Mason
Fellow.
Responding, an animated
President Sirleaf thanked her
Fellows for the great welcome,
and said: In a way its like
coming back home, but its
been so long ago that I dont
recognize home anymore.
What youre doing is so great,
preparing yourselves to go out
there and take on the world. Its
not going to be easy; most of you
are going to head into the public
sector where there are great
opportunities, great challenges.
But the good thing is that if you
are determined in what you want
to do, and you persevere, youll
succeed. Thats the good part
about it.
The President continued: She
[Director Shende] characterized
me in three ways: Mama
Ellen, Iron Lady, and an
Uncompromising Woman. If
somebody were to ask me today
which of those three you think
you truly represent,... I think at
the end of the day I would say
I would want to remain an Iron
Lady. Iron signifes strength and
courage, but its not always a
strength thats exemplifed by
force. Sometimes the greatest
strength is what I have to go
through: tolerance in the midst
of complexities; tolerance in the
midst of dissent; being able to
take the hard knocks as a leader
and not pursue retribution, but
to remain focused on the course
that you want to achieve; and
despite all the attempts and all
the diversions, that you can
chart that course and you can
remain focused toward the goal.
Thats what youre prepared
for when you come here. They
prepare you to go just down that
road.
The President then said
she wanted her time with
the Fellows to be an open
interactive session, so that she
could listen to the Fellows wise
advice and rich experiences that
she could take back and could
make her a better leader. She
welcomed their questions and
their criticisms.
The students responded, asking
the President such questions
as how much she relies on the
advice of others versus her
own counsel; what is it that the
people are missing from what
leaders are doing, given that
there are always complaints
that they are doing nothing;
what was her key take-away
from the Mason Program and
how has that helped her as
President; how she chooses the
people she trusts and how she
handles betrayal; her views on
the results of the elections in
India where the ruling party was
soundly defeated; and more.
To the question about what
she learned from the Program,
President Sirleaf responded: To
set a goal and stick with it, and
use everything you have toward
achieving that goal. Thats why
I ran three times; it was only
the third time that I won. Its
easy to get discouraged, but you
must set that goal and stick with
it. I think thats what I learned:
staying power.
At the end of the program, the
Fellows presented President
Sirleaf with a framed print from
Harvard which they had all
signed.
Two Liberians are among the
current Mason Fellows: Mrs.
Elva Richardson, former Deputy
Minister for Administration,
Ministry of State for Presidential
Affairs; and Mrs. Decontee
King-Sackie, newly appointed
Deputy Commissioner General
for Technical Affairs/Operation
of the Liberia Revenue
Authority. They formed part of
the Presidents delegation at the
various events.
For the past 55 years, the Edward
S. mason Fellows Program has
been bringing current leaders
from around the globe to share
their experiences and learn from
one another. The Mid-Career
Master in Public Administration
Edward S. Mason Program is
the Harvard Kennedy Schools
fagship international program.
Each year, approximately
80 demonstrated leaders
from developing, newly
industrialized and transitional
economy countries participate in
an intensive one-year Masters
degree program designed to
prepare them to address the
worlds most compelling
development challenges. The
emphasis of the program is on
developing the broad range
of analytical and leadership
skills required to initiate and
implement major political,
social or economic change.
Mason Fellows are enrolled
in the Mid-Career Master in
Public Administration (MC/
MPA). Simultaneously, they
participate in a year-long
co-curricular program that
complements the MC/MPA by
exposing the Fellows to the
ideas and strategies of leading
thinkers and practitioners in
economic, political, and social
development. Participation in
the co-curricular program is a
requirement, and culminates
with the award of the Mason
Certifcate in Public Policy and
Management at the end of the
year in addition to the MPA.


CIVIL GROUPS
TO CELEBRATE
LIBERIAS 50TH
UNIFICATION
JUBILEE
Monrovia-
L
iberian civil society organizations will on May
30, 2014 celebrate the 50th Jubilee of National
Unifcation Day in Monrovia.
The program is organized by the Better Future
Foundation (BFF), in collaboration with the Kof
Annan Institute for Confict Transformation, Montserrado
County Peace Committee (MPC), and the Liberia House of
Prayer among others.
The program will be held under the Theme: National
Unifcation Day @50: Reviewing the Past and Preparing for
the Future.
The jubilee celebration (1964-2014), will focus on Bong,
Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh Counties, counties created in
1964 as well as their subsequent integration into the Republic
of Liberia.
The occasion according to BFF President Arkoi, will be
characterized by Interactive Dialogues and Panel Discussions
at which time panelists will discuss topics such as: The
Infuence and Impacts of Tradition on National Unifcation
in the Liberian Society; Promoting Cohesiveness, Harmony,
Tolerance and Respect for Diversity; History of National
Unifcation Day- Its Infuence and impacts on National Unity,
the country and People and the Way Forward.
He said Liberias Peace Ambassador, and international soccer
celebrity, George Weah; Dr. Augustine Konneh, Director of
Foreign Service Institute; Hon. Ricks Toweh, Chairman of the
standing committee on Peace and Reconciliation of the Lower
House of the National Legislature; Dr. Joseph Saye Guanue, a
renowned author and professor of history and political Science
are expected to make thematic presentations at the occasion.
He explained the occasion will be graced by a number of local
and international peace advocacy organizations including the
youth and student community in the country.
Rev. Augustine Arkoi, giving a historical overview of the
National Unifcation Day celebration disclosed that it draws
attention to one of the most pressing issues that faces the
country throughout its history, with reference being made to
the then animosity between the Americo-Liberian and the
indigenous population.
Rev. Arkoi historicized that under the leadership of President
William V. S. Tubman, who led the country from 1944 to 1971,
the divide between these two groups was minimized, if not
totally eradicated.
In his inaugural address, President Tubman introduced his
National Unifcation Policy, which featured among other things
an extension of voting right to women and to the country's
indigenous people, the BFF President pointed out.
He maintains that the day reminds Liberians of what they hold
in common as opposed to their divergence.
According to him, while the friction between Americo-
Liberians and indigenous seems abated throughout history,
a general focus on national unity is still a necessity for the
Liberian nation which he said is still divided on ethnic and
other lines, a situation which he said, has been fueled by two
consecutive civil wars between 1989 and 2003.

F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 13
REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET
Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale
F
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PAGE
COUNTY NEWS
F
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PAGE
MEDIA ISSUES
ALPHA DAFFAE SENKPENI, daffae82@gmail.com
US BASED BASSA GROUP LAUNCHES $200K PROJECT IN GRAND BASSA
GIVING BACK



Compound One, Grand Bassa
County-
W
hat could be an
estimated US$
200,000.00
project has been
offcially launched in Compound
One, District One - Grand Bassa
County by the United Bassa
Organization, (UNIBOA)
Minnesota chapter.
UNIBOA Project Manager,
Mrs. Georgette Gray said her
organization wants to achieve
the success in collaboration
with the people of Grand
Bassa County and said it is an
opportunity for individuals who
hail from the county to put their
fnger print on the project that
will last for a long time.
If you travel around the world
you will see rest stops all
along the highway, so we just
thought that with the beautiful
work that the government has
done by completing the Bassa
highway, its going to be a
good thing to have a rest stop
here and will be the frst in the
country, Mrs. Gray said.
When completed, the rest stop
facility will comprise of a toilet,
minimart, gas station, market
booth and fruits and vegetable
stands. It intends to impact the
livelihood of Bassonains and
provide a conducive travelling
environment for travelers on the
Buchanan- Monrovia highway.
Mrs. Gray assured that the
contractor, Unity Construction
Company, INC of full
cooperation which means there
might not be any delays on
the contractors part but she
disclosed that the project will be
done on UNIBOAs watch.
Said Mrs. Gray: The estimated
time depends on the amount of
money coming in but we expect
to complete the toilet within the
next four to fve months, so we
hoping to be back here maybe
October or November this year
when the rain is gone to open the
toilet facility and by that time we
will also be starting the minimart.
The entire project might maybe
be done in a year or two but we
are doing it in phases.
The UNIBOA project manager
said for this year the target will
be the completion of the toilet,
minimart and market booths.
Commenting on how funds will
be generated to under write the
project, the Project Manager
said that several aspects of fund
raising were considered when
the initiative was designed. She
A draft of the propose Rest Stop
said contributors to the project
will have life time recognition as
their names will be crafted on the
building wall.
One of the problems Liberians
in the States have had is that
they make contributions and
they cant see the results but our
goal is to make sure people see
the result to this. If you pay a
US$150.00 we are going to put
your name on this building so
we telling people that you can
be in any part of the world and
contribute if it takes you 20 years
to come back to Liberia, Gods
willing this facility exist, you
will come here and you will see
your name on the marble stone
mounted on the building, Mrs.
Gray said.
Mrs. Gray further mentioned
that UNIBOA members are
working hard to raise money by
having events, selling food just
to make the project a reality but
stressed that the organization
needs the contribution of people
here in Liberia. According to
Mrs. Gray, the Project solicits
sponsorship packages starting at
US$500.00 while a contribution
of US$150.00 will have the name
of a deceased relative engraved
on the memorial wall.
Disappointed due to the absence
of prominent Bassonians and
government offcials from the
county who were invited and
failed to show up, Mrs. Gray said
she and other Liberians travelled
from the United States just to
make the program a success
because the project is for the
county and they were looking
forward to seeing some of the
offcials at the program.
We wanted them here but we
also understand that they are
busy; they have other schedules.
Were only appealing to those
that we contacted that they can
also contact us so that they can
contribute, this is for the county
and we want to prove to our
people that we can start things
and complete it, Mrs. Gray said.
Amongst the host of individuals
invited at the launch of the
project that did not turn up were
Sen. Gbehzongar Findley and the
entire Bassa Legislative caucus,
Gender Minister Julia Duncan-
Cassell, County Superintendent,
Etweeda Cooper and local
offcials.
However, District One Statutory
Superintendent, Samuel P.
Karmenjay said the community
over the past three years has
played a major role in making
sure the project is successful. He
said the community was able to
provide the one acre of land for
the project by working with the
county administration and even
help to indentify the contractor.
Mr. Karmenjay committed to
making show that the community
protects the materials for the
project and the community
will play its role in ensuring
the project is a success. The
Statutory Superintendent is
hopeful that when the project is
completed it will give a facelift
to the community, provide
employment for some youth and
will provide means for the local
people to sell their farm produce.
UNIBOA Minnesota headed by
A. Kelvin Gray as its president
has over 150 members who have
envisioned the need to impact
the lives of Bassonains and the
prospect of realizing the rest
stop project will certainly be
milestone in the existence of the
organization. The organization
boasts of hundreds of members
across the United States with
state base chapters as well.
Monrovia-
A
midst controversy surrounding the
outcome of the 2014 Press Union of
Liberia (PUL) annual Awards Gala
held at the Monrovia City Hall on
Friday May 16, 2014, one of the award winners has
returned the accolade bestowed on him the Award
Committee.
Controversy arose when the former head of the
PUL Mr. Peter Quaqua was named Journalist of
the Year and state owned radio station ELBC was
named radio station of the year.
But the man caught in the middle of the controversy,
Quaqua seems to be diplomatically reconsidering
his decision to accept the awards. He wants his
award to instead be given to two reporters who
have proven to be courageous in the discharge of
their duties during the year under review.
Let me pay tribute to the many young reporters
who have remained true to their calling in spite of
the extremely diffcult conditions they have to ply
their trade. Oh how I wish one of them had been
recognized, said Quaqua in a touching statement
issued in Monrovia on Monday.
I therefore wish to donate the prize to the Union
to strengthen the capacity of any two reporters who
have demonstrated a measured of intelligence and
courage in their work.
Quaqua expressed gratitude to the leadership of the
PUL and called on the union to remain profoundly
for what he calls its continuing show of solidarity
and honor for his contribution to the journalism
practice in Liberia and hinted that the panels
decision to make him journalist of the year might
have stemmed from his recent achievement on the
sub regional level.
I believe my recognition on Friday night at the
Unions annual awards ceremony as Journalists of
the Year, though surprising, further celebrates my
recent achievement in the West African Journalists
Association, where I was elected President, said
Quaqua.
As former President of the PUL, I enjoyed every
bit of my time defending journalists rights and
the space in which they operate - nothing else
excites me more. I feel indebted to the Press Union
and pledge my continued support and solidarity
in championing the cause of free speech, press
freedom and social justice in Liberia. This is a
lifetime commitment.
The awarding of the title mainly intended for
working journalists to Mr. Quaqua drew criticisms
from some members of the media including
the Publisher of the New Republic Newspaper
who wasted no time to express outrage at the
committees decision.
I do feel for Quaqua, because it is his name that
matters here, he said.
I have nothing personal against Quaqua. He is a
smart young man who once worked for me, said
Al-Gblor Toweh publisher of the New Republic
Newspaper.
But to be awarded journalist of the year award,
it was a sad mistake for the committee. The
committee didnt say on what grounds Mr. Quaqua
was awarded such position. It did not say what
criteria were used for his selection.
Al-Gblor Toweh said, Quaquas selection was
ludicrous and a complete disservice to the media
profession.
I am of the strong conviction that Quaqua is unft
for the award; not that he is not competent; but he
is not a practicing journalist. More besides, he was
rather head of PUL.
Toweh said it was a serious error on the part of the
Awards committee to rob deserving journalists of
the title.
He said, if the PUL wants to pacify Quaqua for
his past work at the Union, they should do so at a
different time.
I think the committee made a sad mistake. By
the selection of Quaqua, they have rather exposed
their level of unprofessionalism, incompetent and
egotistic side.
Quaqua is immediate past president of the journalist
union and current president of the West African
Journalist Association WAJA.
QUAQUA RETURNS AWARD TO PUL
Wants It Given to Any Two Deserving Reporters
Page 14 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Uganda nurse is jailed in HIV transmission case
MALI SENDS TROOPS TO RETAKE TOWN FROM TUAREG SEPARATISTS
BAMAKO (Reuters) -
T
he United States
warned on Monday
that northern Mali
risked sliding
back into war and called for
the government and Tuareg
separatists to return to talks after
deadly weekend clashes in in a
traditional rebel stronghold.
The Malian army was preparing
to launch an assault on the
northern town of Kidal where
separatist fghters killed at least
eight soldiers and took around
30 civil servants hostage in an
attack on the regional governor's
offce on Saturday.
"The Malian armed forces are at
Kidal," Prime Minister Moussa
Mara said in a televised address
late on Sunday. "We have
convinced the head of state that
it is highly desirable...that Kidal
be totally under the control of the
Malian state."
Mali's international partners
have been pushing for a fnal,
negotiated settlement to a long
cycle of Tuareg independence
uprisings, since al Qaeda-
linked fghters hijacked a 2012
rebellion and seized the West
African nation's desert north.
But the lines between
independence fghters and
Islamist groups remain blurred.
Talks have stalled between the
government and groups that
split with their erstwhile al
Qaeda allies before a French-led
military intervention last year.
IN BRIEF
US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
CHARGES CHINESE WITH
HACKING
GOP BENGHAZI TEAM BRINGS
LONG LIST OF ACCUSATIONS
PUTIN ORDERS TROOPS NEAR
UKRAINE TO RETURN HOME

T
he US has charged
fve Chinese army
offcers with hacking
into private-sector
American companies in a bid
for competitive advantage, in
the frst cyber-espionage case of
its kind.
Attorney General Eric Holder
said the alleged breaches were
"signifcant" and demanded "an
aggressive response".
US prosecutors say the offcers
stole trade secrets and internal
documents from fve companies
and a labour union.
China denied the charges and
warned the case would harm
US-China relations.
MOSCOW (AP)
I
n what could be a move to
ease tensions with the West
and avoid another round of
sanctions, Russian President
Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered
troops deployed near Ukraine
to return to their home bases.
Putin also praised the launch of a
dialogue between the Ukrainian
government and its opponents
even as fghting continued in the
eastern parts of the country.
Putin specifcally ordered Defense
Minister Sergei Shoigu to pull back
forces involved in "planned spring
drills" in the Rostov, Belgorod
and Bryansk regions to their home
bases, the Kremlin said. The order
appears to go further than a similar
statement by the Russian leader
two weeks ago that troops were
being pulled back from the border
to shooting ranges.
WASHINGTON (AP)
R
epublicans hoping to
ride their Benghazi
investigation to a
November election
sweep have entrusted a seven-
member team with "getting to
the truth," in the words of House
Speaker John Boehner, about
whether the Obama administration
misled Americans about the deadly
attack in Libya.
They insist the investigation isn't
political.
But several GOP members of the
new House Select Committee on
Benghazi have made claims about
administration wrongdoing. Some
have participated in previous
investigations into how the U.S.
ambassador to Libya, Chris
Stevens, and three other Americans
were killed on Sept. 11, 2012, and
how the administration responded.
Democrats have yet to say if
they'll participate in what will
be the eighth investigation since
the attack on the U.S. diplomatic
outpost in the eastern Libyan city.


F
RONT
PAGE
WORLD NEWS
DEEPLY FLAWED RULING
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)
A
Ugandan court on
Monday sentenced
a nurse to three
years in jail after
fnding her guilty of criminal
negligence for allegedly trying
to infect her patient with HIV.
The conviction came despite
the work of international
activist groups that had rallied
in support of Rosemary
Namubiru, who is 64 and HIV
positive.
Many Ugandans, however, see
her case as a shocking example
of malice or negligence by a
trusted medical worker.
Namubiru maintained her
innocence throughout the trial,
saying there was no malice
involved when she accidentally
pricked herself one day in
January and then used the
same contaminated needle to
give a baby an injection. When
the child's mother realized the
needle had not been changed,
she raised an alarm and
Namubiru was immediately
arrested. She was later denied
bail in a controversial decision
by a magistrate who ruled
that she posed a danger to the
public.
Two tests have shown the child
was not infected with HIV,
according to court records.
Prosecutors insisted a crime
had been committed, but
international activist groups
said Namubiru was the victim
of stigma and discrimination
because of her HIV status and
that her trial was unwarranted.
Namubiru should have faced
the disciplinary hearing by a
professional body such as the
local nurses' association, not a
criminal trial, said the Global
Access Project, a New York-
based advocacy group.
"The deeply fawed ruling
shows that stigma and
discrimination against people
with HIV is alive and well
in Uganda," Asia Russell,
the group's director of
international policy, said on
Monday. "Because of her HIV
status, Rosemary's trial was
plagued from the beginning
with bias. Rosemary never had
the presumption of innocence
the Constitution guarantees."
Namubiru's arrest was widely
covered in the Ugandan press,
with some dubbing her the
"killer nurse," a description that
some activists said violated her
right to a fair trial.
Although the nurse was
charged under a colonial-era
law against negligence that
spreads a deadly disease,
Ugandan lawmakers have
since passed a law specifcally
criminalizing the intentional
transmission of HIV as part
of the government's efforts to
stem the growing rate of HIV
in this East African country.
That measure also has been
criticized by groups that say
such a law will be diffcult to
enforce and may also be used
to violate the rights of people
living with HIV.
According to the most recent
survey by Uganda's Ministry
of Health, 7.3 percent of the
Ugandan population has HIV,
up from about 6 percent a
decade ago.
At least 60 countries
criminalize the transmission
of HIV or the failure to
disclose one's HIV status to sex
partners, according to AIDS-
Free World, a New York-based
advocacy group that opposes
the criminalization of HIV
transmission.


Mali's U.N. peacekeeping
mission MINUSMA said six
government workers and two
civilians were murdered inside
the building during Saturday's
assault, which took place during
a visit by the prime minister to
the northern town of Kidal.
"We are very concerned about
what happened and that the
response might lead to this
region going back into confict,"
U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State for Africa Linda Thomas-
Greenfeld told journalists in
Paris on Monday.
"It is important for the
government to continue to talk
to (the MNLA) and work on a
reconciliation that will bring
them back into the fold."
In an interview on Monday with
French radio RFI Mara accused
two Tuareg groups - the National
Movement for the Liberation of
Azawad (MNLA) and the High
Council for the Unity of Azawad
(HCUA) - of being behind
Saturday's attack.
He said they had been supported
by Islamist groups, including al
Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM).
PEACE PROCESS
THREATENED
Kidal is the stronghold of MNLA
and while the rebels claimed
control of the city on Sunday,
they said they had only fought
back after coming under a
Malian army attack.
MINUSMA called upon both
sides on Sunday to refrain from
any violence that could endanger
civilians in Kidal.
"We are encouraging dialogue
as quickly as possible in order
to ensure security in Kidal," it
said. "For a lasting solution to
the problems of the north there
is no alternative to a peaceful
solution."
While last year's French-led
intervention succeeded in
driving Islamist groups out of
major population centres, Paris
pressed Bamako to negotiate
with the northern separatists.
France's foreign ministry
on Monday condemned the
killings of the Malian offcials
and civilians and called for
the immediate release of the
remaining hostages held by the
rebels.
"The priority is stabilisation,"
one French diplomat told
Reuters. "It's too early to say
the whole process has been
compromised given it has been
tense for a long while already."
France, which currently has
some 1,600 troops in Mali, is
seeking to reduce its numbers
to around 1,000 while deploying
3,000 soldiers elsewhere to
tackle the rising threat of Islamic
militant groups that have spread
across the region since Paris'
intervention.
Under a deal last year Mali's
government and separatist
groups agreed to hold talks over
increased autonomy for the
north. The rebels were meant
to be confned to barracks, but
in practice in Kidal they have
remained armed and on the
streets.
Meanwhile Mali's army had only
deployed a small detachment to
the town. And with MINUSMA,
a 13,000-strong U.N. mission,
not yet at full strength, tensions
in Kidal have continued to
simmer.
Frontpage
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Page 15
Sports
SPORT BRIEF
THE LIBERIA FA WANTS ROBERTO
LANDI TO RETURN AS COACH
T
he Liberia Football
Association plans to
hold talks with Italian
coach Roberto Landi
about a possible return to take
charge of Lone Star.
Landi was sacked in February
2012 after being in charge for
less than a year during which
time he won just twice in eight
matches.
The former goalkeeper is due to
arrive in Monrovia in the coming
days to discuss a possible return.
He could be in place for the
second of Liberia's 2015 Africa
Cup of Nations frst round
qualifer in Lesotho on the
weekend of 31 May.
The Lone Star lead 1-0 from the
frst leg, thanks to a goal from
captain Anthony Laffour in
Monrovia on Sunday.
If Liberia can win the tie they
will play the winner of between
Kenya and Comoros Islands to
decide who advances to Group C
of the Nations Cup qualifers.
Kenya also won their frst leg 1-0
on Sunday in Nairobi.
Angola, Burkina Faso and Gabon
have all been given byes into
Group C.
CHELSEA GOALKEEPER COURTOIS SPEAKS
OUT ON STAMFORD BRIDGE FUTURE
DROGBA LEAVES GALATASARAY
RIVAL COACHES ARE APPOINTED FOR SIERRA LEONE'S U20 SIDE
C
helseas brilliant
goalkeeper Thibaut
Courtois, on loan
at Atletico Madrid,
has still to play the UEFA
Champions League fnal after
winning La Liga.
22-year old Chelsea goalie
Thibaut Courtois, who has been
on loan at recently crowned
Spanish champions Atletico
Madrid, is still not sure whether
he will be called up by the
Blues next season to take up the
goalkeeping responsibilities at
Stamford Bridge.
T
he New York Knicks are
in "no rush" with their
coaching search, as
president Phil Jackson
is going to be "deliberate"
after losing out on Steve Kerr,
according to ESPN's Marc Stein
and Ramona Shelburne. When
the Oklahoma City Thunder are
eliminated from the playoffs,
Jackson reportedly intends to
"seriously discuss" the position
with point guard Derek Fisher.
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks
endorsed Fisher's candidacy, and
a report last weekindicated he
was the "front-runner" for the job.
Brian Shaw would be No. 1 on
Jackson's list if he wasn't coaching
the Denver Nuggets, according to
ESPN, but the Knicks do not plan
on contacting Denver about him.
T
he divisions between the
Sierra Leone Football
Association and the
country's sports ministry
are continuing, this time with a row
over the national under-20 side.
Each body has named a rival coach
for the team ahead of this Sunday's
African Under-20 Championship
frst round second leg tie in Ghana.
The SLFA insist Alimamy Turay is
still in charge of the under-20 side
despite an announcement by sports
minister Paul Kamara (pictured) last
week that he had been sacked.
If the SLFA attempts to make any
arrangement for the team to travel
to Ghana, they'll not be allowed to
leave the country
The minister named former Sierra
Leone international Atto Mensah as
a replacement for Turay, after the 2-0
loss at home last month in the frst
leg of the tie against Ghana.
"As far as we are concerned coaches
Turay and [his assistant Charlie]
Wright are still in charge of the team,"
Abu Bakarr Kamara, a member of
the SLFA media committee told
BBC Sport.
"We don't recognise the decision
taken by the sports minister - football
is being administered by the SLFA
not the sports ministry."
But the sports ministry are adamant
that Ghana-born Mensa will lead the
side in Kumasi this weekend.
"If the SLFA attempts to make any
arrangement for the team to travel
to Ghana, they'll not be allowed to
leave the country," deputy sports
minister Al Sankoh Al Conteh told
BBC Sport.
"We've informed all the relevant
authorities in Sierra Leone to stop
them."
"Also we have instructed all players
to report for training at the National
Stadium on Tuesday and any
player who fails to show up will be
penalised."
Both sets of coaches has organised
training sessions on Monday
morning at different venues, with the
majority attending Turay's group.
This latest incident comes exactly
three years after Sierra Leone
namedtwo different national team
squads for a 2012 Africa Cup of
Nations qualifer.
Again with the ministry and the
SLFA appointing rival coaches for
the Leone Stars.
Kamara was also involved in another
argument with the SLFA just last
week.
He prevented SLFA executive
committee member Morrison Sannoh
from travelling with the Leone Stars
for their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
tie in Swaziland.
Liberian Athletes Reunion releases activities for

Philadelphia, USA
A
three-day
all Liberian
Athletes Reunion
conference will
take place in Philadelphia
from June 13-15 and
participants are expected
from the United States,
Europe and Africa.
A high level representation is
expected from the Ministry
of Youths & Sports, Liberia
Football Association,
National Olympic
Committee, Basketball
Association, karate and track
& feld athletes, entertainers,
sports promoters, sports
journalists and enthusiasts.
According to a release issued
on May 19, the conference
will conclude with a strategic
concept document that will
provide some direction for
the improvement of sports in
Liberia.
Three hundred seventy
two (372) of the 531
individuals contacted have
so far consented to attend the
program with more expected
in the coming days.
Those interested in
forming part of the event
should send an email to
liberianathletesreunion@
gmail.com before June 8.
The reunion will be held
every year at a particular
location and the next venue
will be decided at the end of
the conference.
Recent history has shown
that athletes only come
together when one of us is
seriously ill or have died; that
is very unfortunate.
We should and must not
only come together at such
grieving time to interact;
we must exhibit social
behaviors that interpret good
sportsmanship, the release
noted.
SPORT COLLOQUIUM INSIGHT



History
To facilitate this process
smoothly, in 2013, few
former, current, and future
athletes came together
and decided to organize
the frst annual athletes
reunion with the primary
purpose of bringing athletes,
sports promoters, and sport
enthusiasts, irrespective of
their discipline, together and
socialize thereby designing a
strategic concept documents
that will serve as a catalyst
for galvanizing sports efforts
in Liberia.
At this frst meeting, the
group decided to dedicate
this frst reunion to all fallen
athletes.
In light of this and to
successfully carry on this
project with such monumental
objectives, we instituted a 25-
man planning committee.
Currently, the committee is
working diligently to make
this a great event and now
carrying on fnal touches.
We therefore encourage your
full participation come June
13-15 in Philadelphia, USA.
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
Sports
FrontPage
PRICE L$40 VOL 8 NO.597 TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
Spot News FrontPage
I
n Liberia before graduation from high school, the West African Examinations Council
is the final contest faced by students in order to showcase the knowledge acquired over
the last 12 years.
In Liberia, over the last years, the performance overall of students in the exams has been
poor which has been blamed on poor preparation and lack of necessary facilities including
libraries, laboratories and others to prepare these students.
As this year WAEC exmans commenced Monday, on the campus of the Cathedral Catholic
High school, where 167 students from Cathedral Catholic High and the E. Wilmot Blyden
high School ar sitting the National examination, students neatly dressed in their Uniforms sat
in individual armchairs to write their exams.
The exam hall appeared very quite as monitors walked up and down the various rolls of the
big hall, to watch for students who will attempt to get involved in examination malpractice.
When the students take the WAEC Exams and pass, it is not to our expectations because we
want them to do better. Tutorial classes may be one way for students to make a pass in the
National Exams, but they also have to be committed to their studies, because no matter how
many tutorial classes we offer, if they are not focused, they wont achieve higher marks, says
Lawrence Sartee, Principal of Cathedral Catholic High School and supervisor.
Mr. Sartee who disclosed that the students usually have lapses in the science courses, said four
students who registered for the Exams, dropped because some had to travel out of the country.
It can be recorded that in the past few years, there were mass failure in the National Examina-
tions results because many students were said to have gone on camps to study, but instead,
were seen getting drunk and misbehaving, while others were involved in promiscuity.
I seriously frown on students going on camping because I do think, nothing good is achieved
from camping and I do not allow my students go on camps. Because where you have young
people, promiscuity and drunkenness usually takes place that they would not have time for
studies. So we urge the students to study hard, Says Mr. Lawrence Sartee.
Commenting on why students pass the National Exams with division three certificate, Mr.
Sartee said students get division three in WAEC because they are not putting in much time.
Students, who got division one and two in the past, studied harder and had much interest in
their studies, but now, our students do not put in time.
He concluded by thanking the Liberian Government for providing funds for WAS but also
stressed interest in the government to providing subsidy to some private schools including,
the catholic schools.
On the Campus of the BW Harris Episcopal High School, 135 students from several schools
including: The B.W. Harris School, St. Mathews High School and St. Samuels, were mixed
up in the testing hall, while each student sat in an armed chair, far from another student, to
avoid spying. Monitors were also seen walking up and down the rolls, but interestingly, police
officers were also seen patrolling these school campuses.
We are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and West African Examina-
tion Council, (WAEC) and the Librarian National Police (LNP). The police are assisting us
in using their metal detectors to make sure the kids do not have any foreign objects on them,
and they are also assisting us, in case we have any problems, Says Supervisor Florence Jones,
National Coordinator for Adult Education at the Ministry of Education.
FACING THE FINAL CONTEST


THE LIBERIA FA WANTS ROBERTO
LANDI TO RETURN AS COACH
Over 27,000 students sit WAEC Exams
Mae Azango maeazango@frontpageafricaonline.com