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INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL The Hands that Rock the Cradle

See Pg. 4

COMMENTARY National County Meet: The Perfect Opportunity for Football Recidivism
See Pg. 4

n Monday, January 20 Justice Minister and Attorney General, Cllr. Christiana P. Tah, held a closed-door discussion with the Full Bench of the Supreme Court of Liberia, a source in the Chief Justice office told

Justice Minister, Chief Justice Meet Behind Closed Doors

By Abednego Davis
the Observer. Cllr. Tah was accompanied to the meeting by her legal team, which included Cllr. Varney Sherman, the national chairman of the ruling Unity Party and Cllr. Frederick Cherue, Senior Senator of River Gee County. The outcome of the one-hour meeting between the Justices

www.liberianobserver.com

Contd on pg. 13
Justice Minister Tah and Cllr. Sherman in discussion outside of the Supreme Court of Liberia, while Cllr. Cherue looks on

LOCAL NEWS

UNMIL Draw Down Continues

See Pg. 3

Direct District Impact Projects Bill

Senate Debates 15% National China Union Ships Budget Bill Soon 15,000 Tons of Iron-Ore -As House of Reps Passes US$73m
n Monday, January 20, China Union Mining Company announced it had begun shipping 15,000 tons of iron ore from Bong Mines as part of its initial iron ore shipment from Liberia to China. China Union signed a US$2.8billion Mineral Development Agreement (MDA)

BUSINESS Prices of Locally Produced Drinks Jump 25%

See Pg. 12

O
See story on Pg. 14

By Gloria T. Tamba

with the Government of Liberia back in 2010 to extract iron-ore from the Bong Ranges in Fuamah District, Lower Bong County, for a period of 25 years. According to contract details, most of the companys operations are expected to come in phases; including its social infrastructure package for the concession area. At the moment, the company has 300 employees aside from

Liberian contractors. China Union will start exporting 15,000 tons of iron-ore from Liberia to China. This is part of our plan to increase production and create more jobs for Liberians disclosed Xing Ming Ding, China Union Deputy General Manager. He made the disclosure in Bong Mines on Monday at the official turning over ceremony

Contd on pg. 13

SPORTS SKDs Perimeter Invasion is against CAF, FIFA Rules

See Pg. 15

Senate Pro Temp Gbehzohngtar Findley and Senator Jonathan Banney (See story on pg 13)

800 Million People without Potable Water Worldwide

USAID Global Water Coordinator Discloses
he United States Agency for International Developments

By Edwin M. Fayia III

(USAID) Global Water Coordinator has disclosed that over 800,000,000 people

WATCH OUT FOR GRAND DRAW JANUARY 23, 2014!

ECOBANK GRAND DRAW, POSTPONED TO JANUARY 23, 2014. WATCH OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Contd on pg. 13

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DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 21, 2014

World News

Syria Crisis: Iran Cannot Go to Geneva Peace talks US

South Africa Platinum Workers to Strike over Pay

South Africas mining sector has a troubled history of industrial relations
Platinum and Lonmin Platinum, have confirmed receiving official notices of the strike action from Amcu. Non-resolution Anglo American Platinum and Lonmin have scheduled meetings with the union in a bid to reach an agreement before Thursday, local reports say. The negotiations are ongoing. They [Amcu] stated they intend to go on strike on Thursday morning, so we shall wait and see what happens, said Lonmins Sue Vey, reports Sapa news agency. If the strike goes ahead, this would be the most severe labour turmoil since 44 people died during a strike at Lonmins Marikana platinum mine in 2012, says the BBCs Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg. The parties have been negotiating a settlement through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) since late

Page 2
Foreign Briefs

Bashar al-Assad: Geneva cannot replace the political process inside Syria
(BBC) - The US has urged the UN to drop its invitation to Iran to join peace talks on Syria, due to begin on Wednesday. The Western-backed opposition and US officials said Iran had not backed the aim of the negotiations, which was to form a Syrian transitional government. The opposition National Coalition said it would pull out if Iran, a key ally of Syrias regime, went to the talks. Meanwhile, Syrias president has reiterated that he will not share power with the National Coalition. Bashar al-Assad said on Monday that the possibility of the National Coalition obtaining any ministerial positions in a new government was totally unrealistic. In an interview with AFP news agency, Mr Assad also indicated he was not going to quit as president and that he was likely to run for a third term. It is hard to fathom that the stumbling block to this peace conference is neither the Syrian opposition nor President Assad, but a diplomatic misunderstanding between the US and the UN. Irans participation has always been a contentious issue. The US and Saudi Arabia have strongly opposed Tehrans involvement without its acceptance of the Geneva I communique. The UN has long said Iran should have a seat at the table. UN and American officials consulted throughout Sunday. After his conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, Ban Ki-moon felt he had enough private, implicit assurances from the Iranians to invite them. But the US wants Irans private commitment to be made public and explicit first and was caught off guard by the UN invitation. Iran has not done so, and if the UN does not withdraw the invitation, the US itself may walk away from the conference.

(BBC) - The biggest union in South Africas platinum sector calls a strike over pay, potentially, halting production at the worlds top three producers. Amcu says its 70,000 members will go on an indefinite strike, starting on Thursday. It is demanding a living wage of 12,500 rand ($1,150; 700) - more than double their current pay. Mining companies have said they cannot afford the increases due to increasing

production costs and stagnated demand. Finance Minister Pravin Ghordan has called on both sides to work together to avert another strike. We can least afford another round of strikes that will act as a destabilisation to the platinum sector which has had increasing difficulties over the last 18 months, he said in a radio interview with the state broadcasters SAFM. The three platinum companies, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala

last year, it is understood. The CCMA last week issue a certificate of non-resolution to the union after talks deadlocked, giving the union the go-ahead it needed to call a strike. Amcu treasurer Jimmy Gama said they met with the three companies after receiving the CCMA certificate but the meetings did not have a positive outcome. We have consulted our members, and unfortunately this is the next step that is to be taken, Sapa news agency quotes him saying. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) replaced the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) as the biggest union in the platinum sector during the Marikana protests. Mineworkers criticised NUM, which is affiliated to the governing African National Congress, of being too friendly with business.

(BBC) - A suicide bomber has killed at least 13 people near Pakistans army HQ in the city of Rawalpindi, the military say. Those who died included eight military personnel and five civilians, three of them schoolchildren. The blast in a crowded market left 29 others injured. The attack came a day after 20 soldiers were killed in the north-west when a bomb blast struck an army convoy. Pakistans Taliban claimed both attacks, which follow weeks of relative calm since their leader was killed.

Pakistan

Mexico
(BBC) - Mexican troops have been patrolling streets of major towns in Michoacan Mexican security forces have arrested 38 members of the Knights Templar drug cartel, as part of an operation to restore order in Michoacan state. Jesus Vasquez Macias, 37, whom officials described as a leading figure in the gang, was among those detained. Hundreds of troops were deployed last week after violent scenes as groups of vigilantes clashed with gang members.

(BBC) - Bangui mayor Catherine Samba-Panza, 59, has been elected interim president of the Central African Republic, making her the first woman to hold the post. She beat her rival Desire Kolingba in the second round of voting by the interim parliament. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers agreed at a meeting on Monday to send troops to CAR, diplomatic sources said. Violence has continued, with two Muslim men killed and burnt in the capital Bangui on Sunday. Nearly a million people have been forced from their homes 20% of the population - by the conflict between Muslims and Christians. Thomas Fessy reports from Bangui: In the absence of government, angry mobs now rule the streets In her victory speech, Ms Samba-Panza urged Christian militias, known as anti-balaka,

Central African Republic MPs Elect Catherine Samba-Panza

Businesswoman Catherine Samba-Panza is seen as politically neutral

and Muslim fighters in the exSeleka rebel movement to end the bloodshed. I call on my children, especially the anti-balaka, to put down their arms and stop all the fighting. The same goes for the ex-Seleka - they should not have fear. I dont want to hear any more talk of murders and killings, she said, the Associated Press news agency reports. Cheers broke out in the National Transitional Council, which serves as an interim parliament, when Ms Samba-Panzas victory was announced. Who is Catherine SambaPanza? Appointed mayor of Bangui by interim government - accepted by both Seleka rebels and their opponents S u c c e s s f u l businesswoman and corporate lawyer Christian but seen as politically neutral national Chaired dialogue in 2003 Born 26 June 1954 in Chad - father from

Cameroon and mother from CAR Starting today, I am the president of all Central Africans, without exclusion, she is quoted by AFP news agency as saying. Ms Samba-Panza succeeds CARs first Muslim leader Michel Djotodia, who resigned on 10 January under pressure from regional leaders and the former colonial power, France, over his failure to curb the conflict. She is a Christian but the successful businesswoman is seen as politically neutral. Both sides accepted her when she was proposed as Banguis mayor under the interim administration. There are currently about 4,000 African troops and 1,600 French troops in CAR to help end the violence. They will be bolstered by about 500 troops that EU foreign ministers have decided to deploy, AFP reports.

S Sudan
(BBC) - The South Sudanese army says it has recaptured the key town of Malakal from rebels, after days of heavy fighting. But the rebels have told the BBC they are still in control of the town. Rebel forces staged an attack last week to seize Malakal, which is the gateway to the oilfields of the Upper Nile region. Around 500,000 people have been displaced in South Sudans month-long conflict between the government and rebels, according to UN estimates.

Businesswoman Catherine Samba-Panza Is Seen As Politically Neutral

(BBC) - The head of South Koreas trade mission in Libya has been abducted in the capital Tripoli. He was kidnapped in an upscale district of the city on Sunday evening, according to officials in Seoul. The authorities have struggled to secure Libya since the 2011 war that toppled Muammar Ghaddafi, with militia and armed gangs still controlling large parts of the country. This is the second kidnapping of a foreign national in the last few days. Mr Han Seo-Woo, who headed the Libya unit of South Koreas TradeInvestment Promotion Agency, was on his way home from work when his vehicle was ambushed in an affluent neighbourhood of Tripoli. The kidnappers left behind his driver, an Iraqi national. The body of British man Mark De Salis was found earlier this month in western Libya There has been a spate of attacks on Westerners in the country in recent months. On Saturday, two Italian construction workers went missing in the eastern city of

Ukraine
(BBC) - Clashes are continuing between police and anti-government protesters in the Ukrainian capital Kiev - prompting the president to warn that the violence is a threat to the whole country. A burnt-out line of buses and trucks in central Kiev marks the boundary between protesters and police. Clashes erupted on Sunday, after many more demonstrators rallied peacefully against President Viktor Yanukovych.

Derna. Earlier in January, the bodies of a British man and a woman from New Zealand were discovered near the coastal area of Mellitah, in the west of the country.

Armed militia still control much of Libya, and gangs also operate in some areas

an American teacher was shot dead while out for a run in the eastern city of Benghazi. be reached for comment.

And in December last year,

Libyan officials could not

NMIL Draw Down Contin ues As UN Police Increases Presence

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Page 3 3

By Gloria T. Tamba

he Special Representative to the Secretary General, Madam Karin Landgren, has disclosed that the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) will continue to draw down its peace keeping mission in Liberia while increasing the presence of UNMILs police unit to prepare the Liberia National Po-

lice (LNP) for their eventual withdrawal. She made the disclosure over the weekend when she attended the contingent medal parade held at the Pakistani base around Hotel Africa. For the past 10 years, we have worked with our Liberian counterparts towards maintaining peace and stability in Liberia. In June 2013, we successfully concluded the first phase of transition of security

responsibilities from UNMIL to the Government of Liberia. This year, UNMIL is working closely with the Government in implementing the second phase of the security transition. This will also mark the departure of our PAKBATT 19 colleagues after serving diligently in Maryland, Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties. Once again I want to take this opportunity to thank our Pakistani Peacekeepers for

their contribution to peace and stability in Liberia over the past ten years, she declared. As we continue to gradually draw down UNMIL forces in 2014, we are working with the government to continue building the capacity of Liberias security institutions, particularly the LNP and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN). The SRSG also used the platform to encourage the Government, civil society, and all national bodies to continue

Nations Road Network Needs Urgent GOL Attention

-2014 Must Bring Prosperity to Rural Farmers
any Liberian socio-economic and political commentators have repeatedly reminded the government that a good road network should be one of the nations top priorities. These pundits have also stressed that 99 percent of what Liberians do in terms of movement, interaction and economic activity, depend the countrys roads. They have continually emphasized that a safe and modern road network would help boost vibrant economic and political activities throughout the country. Something everyone in the nation hopes for through 2014 and beyond. Liberians of all walks of life have endured deplorable road conditions for years. Urban markets, supermarkets and restaurants depend on locally produced commodities from rural Liberia to enhance profit and meet the demands of

Special Representative to the Secretary General Madam Karin Landgren

to strengthen their contribution to preserving Liberias hard won peace, stating that Every individual Liberian has a role to play by respecting the law and becoming engaged in civic duties for the well-being of this country. Madam Landgren also called on UN Peacekeepers to be vigilant, stating, As UN peacekeepers, you represent the United Nations during and outside working hours. Your actions as peacekeepers should always remain professional and respectful. The UN seeks to set an example, through all of us. We can do this by preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, respecting and promoting human rights, and in taking good care of the environment. I count on all of us to live up to these expectations.

By Edwin M. Fayia, III

This used to be one of the worst spots on the Buchanan road which is now paved and passable
Monrovias population of 1.2 million. Education & Impediments: One commentator said that better roads would make it possible for better equipped schools could be built in rural Liberia. However, if the road leading to that schools surrounding community is in a poor condition, monitoring and supervision become illusive. Several community colleges have been established in some strategic parts of Liberia in order to deter urban migration by the nations youth in search of education. Reports gathered from those community colleges continue to emphasize the difficulties these institutions face in the timely provision of educational materials. If such conditions exist with large institutions, then what will become of a small school placed in the remote village of Boutou, in Nimba County? Health & Medical Provision: The Liberian Government and its support and development partners have construct-

ed many medical facilities in hard-to-reach communities in both urban and rural Liberia. The intents and purposes of these facilities--- according to health authorities--- are for Liberians and foreigners to have access and affordable medical care at any given point in time at any place in the country. A nurse assigned at a health post in Lukasu, Lawou Kazarku told the Observer that they see their supervisors and others associated with the health center once in a blue moon. A situation owed to the terrible condition of the road. This state of affairs is only made worse during the Rainy Season. Ms. Kazarku underscored the need for sustained and uninterrupted services to such remote parts of the country in order to ensure the safety and protection of rural Liberians. Nurse Kazarku concluded by urging the Liberian Government and its support partners to prioritize the building of the roads for the sake of all Liberians. you to use the Peace Hut to settle your problems; use it to carry on peace building measures; use it to have your community meetings and other activities that will bring success to the people in the district, Mr. Sawyer urged the communities in Grand Cape Mount County over the weekend. Also speaking at the ceremony was the acting Director of ECOWAS National Unit, Mrs. Luopu K. Cooper, Mrs. Cooper disclosed that the Hut project started in 2012, after a visit of the vice president of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Toga G. McIntosh, who appraised the ECOWAS Peace and Development project under which two estates were constructed in two separate districts in the County. According to Madam Cooper, head of ECOWAS affairs in Liberia, Amara Konneh approved US$22,000 for the project. She insisted that Finance Minister Amara Konneh believes in peace and development that positively impact the lives of the ordinary citizens across the country.

GOL Dedicates Peace Hut in G. Cape Mount

methodology is based on the traditional Palava hut system practiced across Liberia. Gracing the dedication ceremony were hundreds of citizens who gathered to express their gratitude to the government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) National Unit for the long anticipated project. The role and participation of community members in the peace hut for the maintenance of peace in their communities was appreciated as they now see themselves as crucial players in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Deputizing for Finance Minister Amara Konneh was Mr. Patrick Sawyer who observed that the peace hut project would create a more peaceful and conducive environment bringing all citizens of the region together to forge unity and prosperity. Mr. Sawyer emphasized the need for citizens to use the Peace Huts to promote reconciliation, peace building against potential problems that would serve as obstacles to their district development initiatives. Government wants

n an effort to connect citizens through the Peace Hut initiative to foster genuine reconciliation, the Government of Liberia (GOL) in partnership with the ECOWAS National Unit has dedicated two Peace Huts in Teworand Gaworla District, Grand Cape Mount County. The two huts, according to government officials, were financed by US$22,000 provided by the government through the budget. In most African countries, a peace huts is a safe space

Govt officials and local residents cut the ribbons to inaugurate the peace palaver hut
where citizens come together to mediate and resolve community disputes. The Peace Hut in Teworand Town, Grand Cape County also provides citizens the opportunity to gather and discuss matters affecting their day to day lives. The hut is also where the reconciliation and resolution of conflicts takes place, where they (citizens) can openly and safely discuss issues of inequality and together take decisions on peace and security. As the Peace Huts evolve as a place to resolve conflict, the

ith only 46 percent of deliveries in Liberia assisted by skilled attendants, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund has pledged more support to the training of midwives in the country. Midwives are crucial in the fight to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Midwives can prevent up to 90 percent maternal deaths if they get all the support and are allowed to practice their competencies and play a full role during pregnancy, childbirth and after birth, says UNFPA Liberia Resident Representative Ratidzai Ndhlovu. The presence of a midwife at birth can mean the difference between life and death, Ms. Ndhlovu said on 15 January at the presentation of office equipment to the Midwifery Training Program of the Phebe Training School in Suacoco, Bong County. The equipment include a LaserJet network printer and a heavy duty Canon photocopier. As part of the Phebe Hospital training program, the midwifery school is currently offering two study options: a 3-year direct-entry midwifery course immediately after high school (basic midwifery), and a 2-year nursemidwifery training program for nurses. The UNFPA Representative said: If we encourage pregnant women to deliver at the hospital, we have to ensure that the supply side of the health care delivery system is addressed by producing competent midwives, who

UNFPA Calls for Support for the Training of Midwives

To Lower Maternal Deaths in Liberia,

are able to manage complications and refer as soon as possible those complications that they cannot handle. She expressed the hope that the donated equipment would contribute positively to the learning atmosphere of students of the midwifery training school. The last time I visited the training facilities, there were lots of students holding old pieces of papers around, copying from textbooks because as they informed me, there was no printing or photocopying facility. In his remarks, Bong County Health Officer, Dr. Sampson Arzoaquoi expressed gratitude to UNFPA for the donation. We are in the business of going out to seek support from individuals and institutions. A lot of them do not give us the kind of timely response that we have received from UNFPA, he said. Dr. Arzoaquoi noted the donation would go a long way in helping to alleviate some of the challenges the students are faced with. Since the Government of Liberia and partners in March 2011 launch the roadmap for accelerated reduction of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in the country, a lot of efforts have been put into the training of more midwives. However, according to the Liberia Board of Nursing and Midwifery, by December 2013, there were about 800 midwives available to the population of 3.5 million people; highlighting the urgent need for the training of more midwives.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 20, 2014 Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Page 4

Published by Liberian Observer Corporation P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

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

Ah!? But these are not the usual suspects; these are Liberians!

A Google search on Liberians in black money scams yields several results: 12/29/2008: Two Liberians Arrested in Black Money Scam (Frederick, Maryland, USA) 12/02/2010: 5 Liberians Arrested in West Philly Black Money Scam (Philadelphia, USA) 2/10/2011: Four Charged in Deptford Black Money Scam (New Jersey) 10/31/2011: Two Men Charged in Rhode Island in Scam Claiming Money Dyed (Rhode Island) 12/05/2011: Two Liberians Wanted by FBI for Black Money (Honolulu, Hawaii) 1/28/2012: The West African Black Money Scam (Buffalo, NY) 5/25/2012: Liberian Nabbed for Black Money Scam (Bangkok, Thailand) 1/18/2013: Liberian Arrested for Black Money Scam in Vietnam (Vietnam) 2/5/2013: Alleged Con Men Arrested for Attempted Black Money Scam (Trenton, NJ) 9/7/2013: In US Liberian Sentenced to 21 Months in Black Money Scam (Providence, RI) 10/01/2013: Two Liberians Arrested in Pattaya over Black Money Scam (Thailand) 01/16/2014: 2 Liberians Nabbed for Alleged Swindling (Batangas City, The Philippines) In one sting, five Liberian scam artists approached a Philadelphia (USA) restaurant owner, promising him US$100K in cash in exchange for US$50K. They showed the victim real US banknotes they had dyed black, which they then proceeded to wash clean with solution in a demonstration. This helps convince victims that the remaining stash of black paper in the suitcase is also real money dyed black (hence the term black money). The scammers claimed they had to dye all of the money in order to smuggle that much out of Liberia without questions. Fortunately, this group was caught. But typically, the scammers leave their victim with a suitcase full of black banknotesized paper, along with the dye-removing chemicals. They are long gone when their victims find that they have been duped. Of course, the victims own greed for fast money has done them in. This international list of news articles shows how brave these fraudsters are, how far they have taken their trade; and this list is by no means exhaustive. This is unfortunate. Is this where this corruption business has led us? It is often said that Charity begins at home and ends abroad. This adage seems to perfectly describe our situation! It is no secret that corruption in Liberia is not just a government disease; corruption is endemic at every level of Liberian society. By the time our children reach high school, they have learnt nothing but to pay for their grades. By university level, they have learned that they are ENTITLED to buy grades. Any administrator coming in to change the system will meet with stiff resistance if not death. And so having graduated from the pre-school of corruption in Liberia, these young men sharpened their skills abroad. There was a time when financial scams were unique to Nigerians; but many of our young men, having traveled out of the country during the war, saw nothing else to learn but con artistry. They have now taken their trade worldwide -- the United States, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines! Persuasive business minds put to the wrong use. Perhaps the worst aspect to this is the gender disparity when it comes to corruption. Our mothers have spoilt our boys. By the age of 12, most Liberian girls have major responsibilities in the home, to include cooking, cleaning and caring for babies. By contrast, very few boys have responsibilities at home. They get up in the morning, leave and come back to eat and sleep. Their financial gains are theirs to spend as they please. Their sisters wash their clothes. Their mothers feed them. Girls are severely disciplined; but to our mothers, their boys can do no wrong. So they grow up selfish. All of the follies of their childhood follow them into manhood without correction -- lying, petty theft, aggression, arrogance and the expectation that their wrong doing will always be excused. And so here we are. The hands that rocked the cradle have destroyed the nation. Today in the hospitals, the women ask each other: What child you born? Da girl cha. Thank God. What you got? Boy. Hmmm. Trouble.

The Hands that Rock the Cradle

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

National County Meet: The Perfect Opportunity for Football Recidivism

By Urias Goll, President, 72nd FC
Football is incontrovertibly the biggest unifier in our country and, to a larger extent, plays a bigger role uniting global citizens. No wonder FIFA has demonstrated that the only universal language we all speak is football. My grandfather told me that during the 60s & 70s, this game was so popular that it became a national predilection where the entire citizenry would pulse for moment glue to their radio in firm anticipation for the team of their likings to triumph at the sound of the final whistle. On the streets, young men and women kibitz about the match of the day and the prospects of winning the league, while in the offices, it was impractical to hold a discussion without mentioning or an overture about the beautiful game. National zealousness about the game didnt only provide satisfaction to the denizens from where a particular team originated, but to its many jubilating and die-hard fans. This was the single, most desirable, and nationally appropriate approach for reconciliation and recreation. Growing up in the late 80s, I remembered vividly when Invisible Eleven (IE) or Might Barrolle scored a magical goal; their lunatic fans went wild, roaming the local streets. As a little boy, I would join the crowd just for the fun of it not realizing that such excitement would be cut off from my teenage life or made seasonal only when the national team is lucky enough to display spectacularly. Was it the civil war that completely eradicated this enthusiasm from the game or it was poor management of the league and the local teams? The answer may be found in another paper. Fast forward to the status quo, the only games with attractive power to pull thousands of Liberians to the SKD and millions glue to their radio are the national county meet and, minimally, the senior national team matches. For the purpose of this paper, focus is on the national county meet. I commend the administrators who decided that the county meet would only feature non-top-flight division players. Based on my personal experience from the games between Nimba and Grand Gedeh and Bassa and Bong respectively, I couldnt agree more with pundits that there should be a national discussion on how to extend the league to ensure that we dont miss out on this national buyin and zealousness associated with the tournament. No game develops without the support of the fans and our biggest opportunity lies clearly within the county meet. In most parts of Europe and elsewhere, the game evolved and developed from the communities establishing strong sense of ownership and social bond. That is why you have traditional clubs in most European cities today including Real Madrid (from the Spanish Capital), Barcelona (from Catalonia), Liverpool fc (from Liverpool), Manchester United (from Manchester), New Castle United (from New Castle) etc. Although the focus of the game has shifted to profit making (economic), those traditional teams still maintain their bond; even our local league has adopted the economic model. I have listened to ideas about apportioning each national league club to a county for the purpose of establishing the bond which is seen in Europe and other parts of the world. Sincerely, I disagree with such approach because it wont yield the expected results. The reason is simple. If we apportion each team to a county, do we have the authority over these clubs to assign counties? Will the county authorities have control over the management of the teams or its original owner? Wouldnt FIFA frown against nationalizing club football in the country? I think we already missed out (from 1960-1989) to adopt this approach when the game had a different focus other than economic benefits. Improvement Tips for the Competition If you ask any football lover about the extension of the county meet, considering the huge euphoria, mouth-watery and eye-catching performances, and exciting display of talents associated with the games, the answer will undoubtedly be yes! The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) must definitely start a conversation on how to restructure the competition since our best opportunity to develop the game is glaringly shown within the tournament. Currently, the teams are organized in different zones based on region and the top two teams qualify for the quarterfinal which is played at the SKD. Although one of the primary objectives of the tournament is to develop (promote) talents within the county, this process only last for 30-40 days. As a recommendation, authorities at MYS can adopt a new model wherein the league is extended over an eightmonth period. The model follows similar approach in the LFA first division where all counties will play each other in a round league. That means each county will play 28 games on a home-away basis. The team top eight counties on the county meet table will automatically qualify for an eight-team quarterfinal showdown at the SKD. One would argue that this model takes away the essence within the LFA 3rd and 4th division league. Definitely, that will be the ultimate goal. If a county can put its 22 or 30 players on salary (even 1000LD per month) for the entire 8 months, many young players will be extremely willing and audacious to play for the counties. Lets make this point that predominately, only 3rd and 4th division players are eligible to play in the current tournament in addition to 1 (or 2) 2nd division player. The LFA doesnt require 3rd division clubs to pay their players so the 1000LD salary will be a big boast for the young players. Ultimately, the idea is to make the county meet a facsimile 3rd and 4th division league where all the excitements will be experienced. Players will even be compared to reside in the counties thereby abolishing the concept of choosing Monrovia-based players for the current tournament. While this idea may not be the only option to improving the game, a national discussion should be opened with all football stakeholders as a mean of reviving the game in our country. Indeed, this is our beautiful game!

Tuesday, 5,20, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Tuesday,November January 21, 2014 Letter

Page 5 4

Its Better to Decentralize Our Culture Activities

Mr. Editor: I read with keen interest the editorial published in the Monday, January 13, 2014 edition of the Daily Observer captioned: Put the National Culture Center Where It Belongs: in Bomis Dowein District which alludes to the establishment of the National Cultural Center in Bomi instead of in Marshall. Noteworthily, Bomi is the home of the Liberia Cultural icon; (late) Bai T. Moore, and a myriad of cultural activities; nevertheless, it is prudent that the Cultural Center be established in an area such as Marshall where cultural activities are inactive for the purpose of decentralization. Our cultural activities should be presented throughout the length and breath of Liberia so as to expeditiously revive Liberias rich and diverse culture. Furthermore, the proposal asserted in your editorial for the establishment of the National Cultural Center in Bomi could ignite a lengthy and heated debate that could navigate the attention of the Sirleaf administration and the Liberia people from the urgent need to revive the National Cultural Center. Our attention should rather be concentrated on the establishment of the National Cultural Center in Marshall that will be so culturally intriguing to baffle the minds of those who will visit it. Jahbulleh C. Dempster 3rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor

Women Encouraged to Deliver in Health Facilities

Rep Chambers Is Right: Audit the Legislature

Mr. Editor: My heart leaped with implicit joy when I read the back page story of the Thursday, January 16, 2014 edition of the Daily Observer Captioned: Legislature Must Be AuditedRep. Chambers Stresses. I think Rep. Bhofal Chambers suggestions for the National Legislature to be audited by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) is a step in the right direction. This will definitely forge transparency and accountability in the operations of the first branch of the Liberian government. Funds intended to foster the welfare of the Liberia people should not be utilized at the will and pleasure of the legislatures. Sadly, many of our legislators are seeking self-aggrandizement rather than working tediously to secure the interest of their constituencies. Remember, the prime function of the legislators is not to accumulate wealth, but instead to enact laws to elevate the living standards of poverty-stricken Liberians. Jahbulleh C. Dempster 3rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor

Madam Ndhlovu (middle) hands over one of the Mama and Baby Kits to Dr. Dahn and James Davies Medical Director

Know Your Lawmakers

In an effort to adequately cover the National Legislature and inform our audience about individual lawmaker(s), the Daily Observer introduces a new column titled, KNOW YOUR LAWMAKERS. KNOW YOUR LAWMAKERS is published every Monday and Wednesday weekly beginning January 13, 2014. This column intends to profile all 103 legislators from family background to their current professional careers. In every edition, we will feature at least two lawmakers to enable us cover the entire Legislature. Management further encourages members of the First Branch of Government to kindly provide it with the necessary pieces of information in order to achieve this goal.

Mama and Baby Kits that were handed to new mothers at the James N. Davies Memorial Hospital motivate pregnant women to deliver at the hospital, Ms. Ndhlovu said at the presentation ceremony on 15 January in Phebe, Bong County. We want to work with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare(MoSHW) to standardize this program as we want it to be a proper and systematized intervention, she said. In Phebe, Ms. Ndhlovu urged pregnant women who were temporarily staying at the waiting home awaiting their time to deliver, to promote to their colleagues the idea of delivering in health facility and use opportunities offered by the waiting homes. All that is done is to assure that you stand to benefit a lot when you come to the hospital to deliver. We hope that you will use this experience to go out in your villages and towns to tell people that the best place for pregnant women to deliver is the hospital, she urged the women. The UNFPA Liberia Representative made a personal contribution of two bags of rice and two containers of cooking oil to the waiting home at Phebe. The last time I visited this facility, I was informed that food is one of the major challenges you are faced with. So, I decided to personally share this little token with you, she said. In his remarks, Bong County Health Officer, Dr. Sampson Arzoaquoi, also urged pregnant women throughout the county to consider hospital as the best place to deliver their babies. Our efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths will fail if pregnant women continue to deliver at home, he said.

o assist pregnant women meet their immediate needs after delivery, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Liberia has distributed mama and baby kits to three health facilities. The facilities include the James N. Davies Memorial Hospital, the Star of the Sea Clinic in Monrovia and the Phebe Hospital in Suacoco, Bong County. The mama and baby kits contained essential supplies for survival and personal hygiene for the mother and the baby after delivery. UNFPA Liberia Resident Representative Ratidzai Ndhlovu said the presentations were aimed at encouraging delivery in health facility. Because we are encouraging institutional delivery, it is necessary to

DAILY OBSERVER

n January 11, 2014, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi toured the Grand National Theatre and the construction site of the Black Civilization Museum, both with Chinese aid, in Dakar, capital of Senegal. The Culture Minister Abdoul Aziz Mbaye of Senegal, who accompanied for the tour, spoke highly of the architectural achievements of the Grand National Theatre. He said that as a grand palace in Dakar, it enriches and uplifts the cultural life of the people

Wang Yi: Fact of Chinas Assistance to Africa Pales All Falsehoods

in Senegal. To finish the construction of Black Civilization Museum as early as possible is of great significance to the black people all over the world, because it would enhance their sense of belonging to Africa and to the African civilization. Wang Yi said to the journalists as inquired that, standing in front of the Grand National Theatre and the under-construction Black Civilization Museum, which with the Chinese aid, we feel gratified and proud. The friendly feelings of the Chinese people to the African people permeate overwhelmingly everywhere here. The fact pales all those so-called criticisms and those falsehoods of Chinas aid to Africa. Although China is still a developing country, we are willing to do our best to continue to make contributions to Africas economic, social and cultural construction. Wang Yi said, when visiting There is enough research that shows Chinas role in fighting piracy off the coast of East Africa. China is also present in almost all conflicts where UN missions are [operating]. But perhaps as global geopolitics change, this role will be more pronounced. China, like other great powers, will have to be involved, because there is a lot to lose if it doesnt. Change of heart Some security analysts on the continent who were initially pessimistic about the coming of China are starting to change heart. I have been initially very cynical about the Chinese involvement in Africa, but they have realized that there [cant be] business as usual when people are fighting, said Rocky Hitchcock, a security expert with KK Security Services in Nairobi. I understand they [China] have given out a ship to patrol the Indian Ocean waters in a bid to fight piracy. This is a positive move. According to a paper published by the Stockholm InAfrica, what heard most is to redress historical injustice. This is the call of the African brothers from the bottom of their heart. The historical Injustice to Africa involves all aspects. The most important and should be redressed is to restore the due dignity and status that the black people deserve and recognize their contributions to the human civilization. The completion of the Black Civilization Museum will play an important role for this purpose. Wang Yi conveyed greetings to the Chinese engineers, tech-

CHINA & AFRICA

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China

Tuesday, January 21, 2013

Page 6

China plays its role in peace keeping missions in Africa

We Come in Peace
By Aglah Tambo (ChinAfrica)

nicians and workers on the site and expressed appreciation for their selfless contributions to Africa. He thanked the government and all community of Senegal for their care and help for the Chinese aid workers. National Grand Theatre is the largest aid project of China in Senegal. It was completed and put into use in 2012. The Black Civilization Museum is another important aid project of China that began construction in Senegal following the National Grand Theatre. It is scheduled to be completed in 2016. dict that eventually China will have to play a more prominent role in peace keeping or other interventions, he said. Chinas peacekeeping missions in Africa in the past decade: (a) UN Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS): 467 (11 individual police, 12 experts on mission and 444 contingent troops) (b) AU-UN Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID): 324 (two experts on mission and 322 contingent troops) (c) United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO): 234 (16 experts on mission and 218 contingent troops) (d) United Nations Operation in Cte dIvoire(UNOCI): six (six experts on mission) (e) United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL): 585 (18 individual police, two experts on mission and 565 contingent troops) (f) United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO): six (six experts on mission)

he China-Africa relationship is more often than not associated with business. The image of this business can vary from Chinese contractors in brown overalls tightening girders on new superhighways, to Chinese executives in black suits making deals with African governments and traders operating retail shops in rural villages. At any given moment, there are at least 250 Chinese-led projects underway in Africa, be it oil, infrastructure construction or real estate. But Africa, despite its potential market of 1 billion people and massive natural resource deposits, is also a continent where danger lurks. It is dotted with civil wars and insecurity, especially where resources are abundant. Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Mozambique are some of the countries where conflict is ever present. Continent of conflict Between 1990 and 2005, Africa accounted for half of the number of deaths caused by civil war, terrorism or violence, according to a 2011 paper by the University of Nairobis Institute of Diplomacy and International studies. This cost Africa $300 billion in terms of resources destroyed and number of people killed. While adhering to its core foreign policy philosophy of non-interference in the affairs of others, China has at the same time not turned a blind eye to the conflict in Africa. For example, Chinese writer Liu Binjie writes in his book Chinas Philosophy on Foreign Affairs in the 21st Century, that Chinas policy of engagement in this 21st century would be that of peace with the goal of maintaining and promoting common develop-

Chinese peace keepers in Africa give local kids table tennis lessons

Volunteers prepare to leave on a peace mission

ment. While China does not have a permanent military base in Africa, figures from the UN Department of Peace Keeping Missions indicate that the role of China in peace keeping on the continent has increased in the past 10 years. China has sent troops and observers to UN missions in the DRC, Sudan, Cote dIvoire, Liberia as well as the Saharawi, the figures show. Globally, China has become one of the top 20 contributors to peacekeeping operations in the UN. Getting involved In addition, financial support, training and active participation in UN programs geared toward conflict resolution are starting to become Chinas priorities. China has, for instance, provided financial support to the AUs Somali peacekeeping mission (Amisom) since 2008. Amisom, which is still fighting al-Shabaab militants, has succeeded in bringing relative security to Mogadishu. With the security in the capital improved, last year Somalis voted in a president for the first time on home soil. Chinas recent change of strategy is now becoming a subject of analysis. The country cast its first vote on peace keeping in 1981, when it voted to authorize the extension of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). China first participated in a UN peacekeeping operation in 1989, when 20 Chinese military personnel took part in the UN Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) to help monitor elections in Namibia. Since then, it has been one milestone after the other. (see box) Analysts assert that Chinas participation has been influenced by the growing importance of the China-Africa relationship. I think China is doing all this [peace keeping] in the context of its quest to expand its influence in Africa. You cannot get these things [trade agreements] in a turbulent place, Epuuli Kasaija, a Ugandan scholar who has written extensively on conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa, told ChinAfrica. Dr. Douglas Johnson, an expert on security issues in the Horn of Africa, said Chinas contribution has not been trumpeted perhaps mostly because it concentrates on keeping a low profile.

ternational Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Bates Gill and Ching-Hao Huang argue that Chinas recent trend in peace keeping and security efforts in Africa reflects the desire by China to become more responsive to international expectations, while making positive and tangible contributions to global peace and security. Participating in bringing peace to Africa, the authors argue, removes the suspicions among Africans and shows Chinas intentions are peaceful, and to softly balance U.S. and Western influence, while gradually but more firmly establishing Chinas acceptance as a great power. Dan Branch, a lecturer of Political Science at the University of Warwick in the UK, told ChinAfrica that Chinas activities in Africa should not be viewed as an isolated policy, but as a normal reaction by a country with a strong bond on the continent. China hasnt been in a position yet where major economic interests [in Africa] have been threatened by political insecurity. I think its easy to pre-

Wang Yi: The Right Concept of Morality and Benefits Is a Banner of Chinas Diplomacy
legitimate rights and reasonable appeals. Benefits refer to the mutual benefit. For its relations with the African countries, China will never plunder as the colonists did, will never follow those capitalists to be mercenary, and will never merely pursue its self-interest, like some countries do. China is willing to seek common development and common prosperity with African brothers. In this process, China will give more consideration to the reasonable demands of the African countries, and strive to help Africa get more benefits as early as possible. In time of need, we should attach more importance to morality than to benefits, or even give up benefits for morality. The Tanzania-Zambia railway has been an example of the right concept of morality and benefits, while today the African Union Conference Center standing at Addis Ababa is another one. Wang Yi pointed out, the right concept of morality and benefits goes along with the tradition of Chinas diplomacy. It embodies the idea of being the socialist country with the Chinese characteristics, and has become an important guideline for Chinas relations with the developing countries, including Africa. It is a banner of Chinas diplomacy in the new era, and will certainly play a positive role in and have a profound impact as well on the development of Chinas relations with Africa and other developing countries.

n January 10, 2014, at the join press conference with Foreign Minister Mankeur Ndiaye of Senegal following their talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that the right concept of morality and benefits is a banner of Chinas diplomacy in the new era. Wang Yi said, the right concept of morality and benefits was proposed by President Xi Jinping during his visit to Africa last year, and we will earnestly carry it out. Morality refers to morality and justice. China will take morality and justice as the priority for its relationship with African countries. China will insist on equality, sincerity, friendship and commitment with African countries, and beyond this, should speak out for Africas

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China. Please send your comments to the following email: chinaemb_lr@mfa.gov.cn

DAILY OBSERVER
Peace Corps/Liberia Education Programming and Training Specialist (ED PTS)
REPORTS TO: Programming and Training Manager (PTM) POSITION BRIEF: The ED PTS serves as a member of the Programming and Training (P&T) team and supports 80-100 Volunteers in training, program, administration, and other Volunteer support issues. The ED PTS has responsibility for supporting the planning, development, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Liberias programming and training activities. The ED PTS will support all P&T related activities for the Education Project with support and direction from the Education Program Manager (ED PM) and PTM. During the Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) cycles, the PTS will be the full-time technical trainer for the Education Project and will receive support and direction from the TM and ED PM. The ED PTS also represents Peace Corps Liberia with governmental officials and representatives of non-governmental and host country organizations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Project and Program Support Site Development Site Visits Administrative Program Support Volunteer Program Support B. Development and Implementation Of Training Activities C. Administrative and other Volunteer Support D. Grants Coordination and Management E. Information Resource Center Management F. Safety and Security QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Education: Bachelors degree in education, project management, community development or relevant field. Experience: Three years progressively responsible experience in Education field and/or community development. Trainer of trainers and adult training experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Knowledge of and experience with adult education, education in Liberia, and participatory community analysis for development. Strong experience with group facilitation, session plan design, and cultural adaptation & sensitivity training. Computer skills with Microsoft Office required. Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to manage and administer small grant programs. Position requires a valid Liberia drivers license and ability to drive a manual vehicle (stick shift). ED PTS must be available and willing to travel throughout Liberia approximately 50-60% of time either accompanied by PM or alone. For a complete Statement of Work please send a request to pcjobs@lr.@peacecorps.gov. Submit a letter of interest, resume and three reference contacts as attachments via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov. No phone calls please. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained at the guard stations of the Peace Corps Office in Congo Town. 1 December 2013

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE BLESSFUL REPOSE OF MRS. FLORENCE AMBA RENNIE KAMARA HELD AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, ASHMUN & GURLEY STREETS MONROVIAL, LIBERIAA ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014 AT 4:00 P.M.
January 24, 2014 marks the first anniversary of the home going of Mrs. Florence Amba Rennie Kamara. As we reflect on this past year, the Kamara, Rennie, Mensah and First United Methodist Church Families sincerely express our thanks and appreciation to all those who supported us with prayers, finances, presence, phone calls, and emails. As a family, we choose to honor the memory of our wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, grandmother and friend by seeking to emulate her spirit-filled and Christ-focused life. Thank you for surrounding us with your love and prayers! Mr. Massaquoi Morlu Kamara, Sr. HUSBAND

TENDER NOTICE FOR STUDENTS SUPPLIES

American Institutes for Research (AIR) has been contracted by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Liberia to implement the USAID-Girls Opportunities to Access Learning Plus (USAID-GOAL Plus) Project. GOAL Plus, in its partnership with the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education, is committed to improving primary school age girls enrollment, attendance, retention and completion in grades 1 through 6 of selected schools in Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa counties. In preparation of our second semester scholarship distribution for girls in sixty (60) selected schools in Bong, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties, we are seeking quotations and or proposals from vendors who are able to provide the following items as follows:

No. 1 2 3

Description Bath soap-Medicare Body lotion-Cocoa Buttermedium size Small size Ghana Must Go bag

Unit dozen dozen dozen

Quantity 1,575 525 580

Unit Price

Total Price

The selection will be based on the criteria of quality, reasonableness of price, the capacity to pre-finance required work or services, past performance history, and lead time. All bidders are required to submit samples of the items quoted for and copies of their current tax clearance issued by the Ministry of Finance. Interested vendors must quote for all the items. The bids must be submitted at the office of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) on 17th Street, Sinkor, Warner Avenue latest by Wednesday, January 29, 2014 up to 12.00 P.M. The bids will be opened on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 10:00 A.M at American Institutes for Research Office, on 17th Street, Warners Avenue, in Monrovia in the presence of the bidders or their representatives who wish to attend the proceedings. For any query related to this tender notice, please feel free to contact any of the following cell numbers: 0886541152 and 0886417619. In Monrovia 21st January 2014 Howard Williams Chief of Party American Institutes for Research USAID-GOAL Plus Project

AMBASSADE DE FRANCE AU LIBERIA

The Embassy of France in Liberia seeks a qualified and experienced Cook. Positions: Chief Cook Location: Old Road, Congo Town Essential Requirement: Experience in the Position Good knowledge of French and international dishes Knowledge and ability to communicate in the French language Ability to prepare and organize various receptions Drivers license compulsory To Apply: all interested applicant should hand over their CV at the Embassy of France located on 11th Street Sinkor (Beach-side), Payne and Warner Avenue. Monrovia, Liberia. Deadline for application: Not later than Monday, the 3rd of February 2014 at 5:30pm. For further information, kindly contact cell number: 0555 796 930 or 0555 599 373. Best regards,

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 20, 2014 Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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0886554882/0777544882

ULs Prolong Closure Pricks FLY Lutheran Church Breaks Ground for New School in Bong Co.
normal duties effective yesterday, Monday, January 2014 and that classeson all campuses of the University will reopen on Tuesday, January 21,2014. According to a statement released from the office of the vice president for UL Relations, Dr. S. Momolu Getaweh, Sr., the special investigative committee given the urgency of the situation of a temporary suspension of classes has submitted a partial report to the executive committee of the UL Board of Trustees. Accordingly, the full Board met Monday and discussed the report followed by a meeting with President Sirleaf. The Board of Trustees, together with the UL Administration appreciates the continuous patience and understanding of the faculty staff, students and the public, especially the eagerness of the students to return to their respective classes in pursuit of relevant academic preparedness for their future and the country, the statement noted.

FLY leadership seeks Ellens Intervention to reopen UL

the UL to enhance the smooth learning of the over 30,000 students. FLY leadership, however, acknowledged the role the UPled administration has played and continued to play along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as other stakeholders in fostering the wellbeing of the youths across the country. Meanwhile, UL has announced Sunday, January 19, that with the approval of the Board of Trustees, and in consultation with the Faculty Association (ULFA), the Administration, faculty and staff are therefore, asked to resume

he indefinite closure of the University of Liberia (UL) has claimed the attention of the leadership of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY). As such, FLY is therefore seeking the intervention of the Visitor to the University, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. At a press conference Monday, January 20, in Monrovia, FLY secretary-general Flamah Howard called on the leadership of the University of Liberia Student Union to also liaise (coordinate, communicate) with President Sirleaf in seeking for the immediate and unconditional reopening of

Levi Williams School Inducts Student Leadership

Mr. Rennie (R) inducts the student leadership

The Levi C. Williams Middle School in Congo Town has inducted into office a new leadership of the 4th student council government to stir the affairs of the school for the next academic year. Performing the induction ceremony recently, the deputy director-general of media services at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), Mr. Ledgerhood Rennie, Sr., cautioned the students to remain disciplined and respectful at all times if they should succeed as students and good citizens. Rennie further urged the new student leadership to serve with humility and be selfless, while at the same time, making the best out of every critical issue. Those inducted under the leadership of the 4th Student Council government were the president, Jeanne-Marie Johnson, vice president, Olga Kulee Bloh, and the secretarygeneral, Tred Service. Others were the speaker, Nula Vapila, student representative to the council, Dakale Momolu, and

he Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL), in collaboration with its foreign partners, over the weekend broke grounds for the construction of what is to be the first-ever multi-million dollars modernize state-of-the arts vocational school in the country. If constructed, the school will introduce lessons in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, general electric, auto and general mechanics, etc. These courses would be taught along with several other academic lessons including the ones in environmental science, agriculture, among others. The school will also provide a safe, nurturing educational environment, including classrooms, residences for students and staff, athletic fields, chapel, and medical clinic to serve the communities surrounding Gbarnga, Bong Countys capital city. Through that, the Lutherans will be addressing needs such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, hygiene, nutrition and other inequities of poverty, where the church has over the years strived to minimize barriers to a childs education. The ceremony was held on the churchs recently acquired 15 acres of land in the Deansville Community, near Gbarnga, over the weekend. It was led by the entire choristers of the St. Mark Lutheran, several clergies, among them, bishops D. Jensen Seyenkulo-Liberia, Tim Yeadon-New England District, and Reverend Leon W. Schultz-who, along with Mr. Nyekeh Forkpa represented the Gbarnga Lutheran Mission Project from Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer following the ground-breaking ceremony, Lutheran Bishop, D. Jensen Seyenkulo, explained among other things that the 15 acres on which the project is expected to be built, was acquired through the instrumentality of the churchs Gbarnga-based St. Mark Lutheran Parish.

Rev. Isaac Dowah leads the groundbreaking cermony

Sundays groundbreaking ceremony begins at where the LCL is soon-to-be construct as a preaching point. It was led by the traditional choir with singing praises to God
The project is accordingly commencing under the auspices of the Gbarnga Lutheran Mission of the New England District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and conceived by the congregation of St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church (Providence, RI-USA). We are dedicated to providing a Christian education to Liberian children to help them develop the skills needed to be successful, grow strong in faith, and reach their God-given potential as fulfilled Christian adults. At present, the LCL works with Lutheran Churches and the communities of north central Liberia, by serving the children and families near the City of Gbarnga to achieve their spiritual goal. The project is under with the mission to share the love of Jesus Christ with all people the Lutherans have encountered as they provide childhood education, strengthen commuwill prioritize hard work, creativity, studiousness and progressiveness that will help the image of the school. Ms Johnson now president of the student council government, is a prospective graduate (9th grade). She has been in the school since she was three. She is now 14. Over the years, she has been an outstanding student; recipient of the school Eloquent and Super Reader Awards; a member of the French Club, and for two consecutive years, JeannieMarie diligently served as nities, and alleviate poverty in Liberia, with the vision to see Liberia where all children are empowered by a Christian education to realize the fullness of Gods grace and the joys of a healthy, productive life. St. Pauls Church is a community of believers in Jesus Christ committed to helping all people by actively practicing the Gospel in word and deed. For Mr. Nyekeh Forkpa, the USA committee is expected to reach a total of 500 persons through whom, God will use to contribute immensely to the project. According to him, they envisioned to see a community where there will be high quality schools with well-spaced classrooms, dormitories that will accommodate boys and girls, an opened air gymnasium, medical facilities for the students, the faculty staff and residents of nearby communities. chairperson, Levi C. Williams Middle School Election Commission. The Levi C. Williams Middle School, which runs on the motto, If You Can Read This, Thank a Teacher, was established to mould the minds of the young people mentally, socially, physically and academically. Over the years, the school has been training its students not only in academics, but also in student politics, drama, debate and mostly showcasing their talents as they progress.

Prez Jeannie-Marie Johnson delivers her inaugural speech

the Chaplin-general, Gibson Kollie. The Jeannie-Marie Johnsons leadership, which has already launched its first project of air condition and marker board will serve for one academic year. The air condition and the marker board projects are expected to be completed in May. In her statement of acceptance from Rennies charges to her leadership, Ms Johnson called on her fellow students to be unique and see themselves as one of a kind, special, different, rare and especially undefined. We need to be identified by the attributes bestowed on us that will set examples for our future generation, therefore, I must inform you that being a president of this student body is a challenge, but I believe that I am qualified for this position, student Johnson as-

sured. To the faculty members, mentors, and her fellow elected officials, she assured them of her leadership preparedness to make the difference. My mother once said, all people are unique, but there are good and bad fruits that can be noted in a leader. While no one is perfect, a leader must go by a higher standard because yelling, fist throwing and back biting is unacceptable in a leadership. She then assured the administration that her leadership

Tuesday, November 5,20, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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Should Counties Have Their Own Chief Information Officers? ( A Repeat)

learned a while ago from reading a newspaper articlethat there are representatives of various ministries and agencies in counties in Liberia. There is a County Education Officer (CEO), a County Development Officer (CDO), a County Agriculture Officer (CAO), a County Engineer (CE), a County Health Officer (CHO), a County Social Development Specialist (CSDS), a County Security Representative (CSR) and the County Attorney (CA). However, there was no mention of County Information or Technology Officer (CIO or CTO, etc). Considering we are now in a society driven by the use of ICT, and one that is connected to the global community through the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea optical fiber cable, I wondered why counties do not have ICT officers or a Chief Information Officers (CIO). Would it not be appropriate at this time for Liberia to have individuals who can help develop strategies, policies, and framework for ICT integration into their respective counties? Would it not be better to take a more national approach toward ICT diffusion and integration in Liberia, instead of just focusing on Monrovia? After all, Monrovia is not Liberia! There is no doubt that ICT has become an important and unavoidable need to mankind. While this is ostensibly true in developed countries, it is also becoming increasingly apparent in developing countries, where organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and other developmental organizations have identified it (ICT) as a catalyst to sustainable economic growth and poverty

By: Darren Wilkins (DWilkins@ SaharaTechnology.Com -0777129092/0886703789)

reduction. Even in Liberia, there has been a national discourse, speeches made, and policy papers written, delineating ICTs impact on our economic development and growth. There have also been considerable efforts made in Liberia, to enable possibilities for ICT to spur economic growth. Some of these efforts include: the creation of a free and liberalized market, the initiation of policies to regulate the market, efforts (even though limited) to build capacity and infrastructure, efforts made to leverage mobile-broadband to overcome infrastructure barriers, and a connection to the global community through the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine optical fiber cable. While the above efforts have impacted Liberias ICT sector, most, if not all have been focused on Monrovia and very little in the rural areas, where the larger part of the Liberian population resides and, where poverty is also high. If ICT is expected to play a role in helping us achieve economic development and poverty reduction, there must be a national approach toward ICT diffusion and integration in Liberia. This national approach must involve stakeholders from all counties; not just a select few in Monrovia. The paragraph above speaks to the glaring disparity in ICT diffusion and integration in Liberia, especially in counties. This is related to the imbalance of opportunities between counties that are, in part, attributed to infrastructure challenges (roads, electricity, etc). But things are changing gradually in Liberia. Counties now house large multinational companies and are undergoing several types of developmental initiatives. Moreover, while we are not fiber-optically connected

Darren Wilkins (through the ACE), we have for many years, been connected via satellite technologies. In view of the above-mentioned developments, one could argue that there is a need for counties to have ICT representatives who will not only strategize, but also champion ICT integration in their respective counties. This person (County Chief Information Officer or County ICT Officer) would be responsible for county ICT strategy, the management and the use of ICT by county employees to improve efficiency, productivity, transparency and ultimately improving the delivery of service to the public. This individual will ensure that the county ICT strategy is aligned with the overall strategies and objectives of the Government of Liberia. The individual will also provide vision and coordination in technology management and investment across the county, and will be the advisor on ICT implications of policy decisions. In a nutshell, the County CIO or ICT officer will identify and champion an integrated approach, and utilize ICT to enhance mainstream development objectives in health, agriculture, education, security, providing livelihoods and empowerment in the rural sector. A few days ago in Cyberland, somebody suggested that each Ministry should have its own Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to champion ICT integration. I agreed with the individual that there needs to be someone at each ministry or government agency to lead ICT integration. But how does this impact our counties? Setting up appropriate mechanisms for accessing information at the grass root level, viewing ICT as an industry in the country, and approach-

ing ICT integration via a national approach are a few of the tasks that need to be performed. The establishment of an ICT agency or a Ministry of Science, Technology and Industry would be another progressive step taken by this government; a step that could lead to the modernization of Africas oldest independent nation. Thankfully, we have enjoyed several years of peace and stability. We are now a debt-free country with an abundance of natural and human resources; and we now have a stable and competent government. Our sub-region (West Africa) currently has FIVE undersea fiber optic cables (SAT-3, GLO, Main One, WACS and ACE). All of these cables are already live. This means affordable broadband technology and access to the global community. But, if we are to benefit from the possibilities that ICTs provide, we must embark on a national initiative that can make us E-READY for whats to

come. To achieve economic growth is one thing; to reduce poverty is another. To achieve the latter, we must ensure that our ICT initiatives do not alienate the rural sectors. Finally, some may argue that for a country like Liberia, that did not make the latest International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI), or that is yet to begin the process of deploying terrestrial cables in counties, there may be no need for a county CIO or ICT officer. Thats understandable! Yet, in my opinion, this argument does not hold. Since we have already identified the challenges, barriers, and solutions to integrating ICT in the country, having individuals champion the process to overcome them now and to begin building the national ICT framework, infrastructure and human capacity, will ensure the achievement of our national goals.

This is where business meets customer.

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DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION) Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP); Ministry of Finance
Republic of Liberia

Linking to other websites, Advertising online, and Developing corporate intranet. Ensure maximum performance of LRA Formation Office website by: Maintaining and troubleshooting of website including links, forms, interfaces and transaction logs Manage and support utilities software systems Assist in designing and developing applications that are being developed to support LRA business requirements Providing support for others applications and software utilities being procured for LRA use Ensuring web-based information is archived for future needs and reference Providing preventive maintenance of web base server and systems Timely submission of monthly reports on all assigned activities Provide training to all relevant LRA staff on web technologies and related issues. Perform any other assigned functions

Credit No.: IDA50260

Assignment Title: Website and Application System Analyst

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

The consulting services (the Services) include the following: Complete the final development and updating of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Formation Office official Website by: Inputting all initial relevant contents into the website platform already created by a previous consultant. Ensuring that all tax and compliance documents (tax code, customs tariff, regulations, forms etc.) are uploaded to the website. Ensuring that all structures, menus, submenus, links, patches, security updates are completed. Ensuring that the hosting platform i.e domain lra.gov.lr is available and ready Ensuring that the website is fully ready to go live in six months. Develop a website for the LRA Formation Office by: Designing a new interface, producing customized icons, images and animations, scripting, uploading of files, and hosting. Developing the new website using Joomla or other equivalent open source taking into account Web 2.0 elements Designing the look and feel of the new website that is visually appealing (i.e. with attractive mix of texts and graphics), unified theme and design, and easy to navigate. Providing search capabilities using key words or phrasing that will identify content from throughout the site and measure web visitors. Maintain and update LRA Formation Office and LRA official websites, Facebook Page and other social media sites by: Updating contents daily/weekly, including pictures and videos, Responding to email queries, comments or forward the query to someone who can respond Monitoring and improving the website structure and design. Enforcing quality/brand control standards, as well as message consistency with LRAs strategy. Assisting in the development of interactive resources to complement web content. Providing daily updates report on site and social media activities Promote the website to local and international audiences through self innovation by: Developing articles in online magazines,

The duration of the assignment is six months. The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible local Individuals (Consultants) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: Certification in Application Development, and Websign; a Bachelors Degree in computer science, programming, information systems is a plus 3 years experience in web design and application development, preferably using open source technologies Excellent understanding of object-oriented design and programming; Good understanding of web-related protocols such as HTTP, SSL/SSH, FTP and TCP Extensive knowledge of a web programming languages such as PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, ASP.net, HTML Technical knowledge on emerging internet technology and trends Ability and working knowledge of Flash Exceptional communication and organizational skills The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 (Consultant Guidelines). A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1600 hours GMT. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 5.00p.m. on February 5, 2014 Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP) Attn: Mr. Bernard Jappah, PFM Reforms Coordinator Ministry of Finance, 4th Floor Broad and Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-886512462 E-mail: bjappah@liftliberia.gov.lr Cc: ivanofei@hotmail.com

DAILY OBSERVER
Allemagne Canada |Espagne Bas |Portugal | France |Argentine |Grce |Italie Royaume-Uni |Belgique Japon |Pays|Sude |Suisse

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

In collaboration with the Administrative, and Logistic Coordinator prepare the funds request on a monthly basis. Administrative management of the Human Resources (national and expatriate staff) Assist the Administrative & Logistic Coordinator in the management of the administrative team In charge of administrative follow up in ministries and other administrations. In charge of checking taxes and social contributions payment. REQUIRED SKILLS: BBA degree in administration or accounting from a recognized university. Experienced in administration ,and INGO accounting Working knowledge of saga is an asset.

Page 11 7

Mdecins Du Monde France mission in Liberia is recruiting qualified individuals for the following Positions. 1) General Coordinator. 2) Logistic & Administrative Coordinator. 3) National Administrator. 4) Nurse Mental Health 5) Medical team Leader 6) Psychology 7) Assistant Logistic Officer 8) Drivers 3 positions, and 9) House helper/Cook 3 positions. Responsibilities and essential duties are below.
Brief Introduction: Mdecins du Monde, a French Non-Governmental Organisation, is currently implementing its activities in Health in the country. Context and objective of the program: In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and local actors the project will focus on providing health care and psychosocial supports to the marginalized people living in the ghettos of Monrovia. Most of them live with communicable diseases, mental health disorders and psychosocial troubles such as depression, anxiety, stress, psycho-trauma psychological distress, and substance abuse. Most of the people living in the ghettos lack self-esteem, confidence, Sense of belonging in the society and sense of cleanliness. It is to this background, that the intervention will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health, civil society with the participation of beneficiaries in order to lay the foundations for a project fully committed to sustainability. Ultimately, the intervention will produce an impact on health and social status of the targeted group. The intervention aims to bring health care and psychosocial support in the ghettos, the living place of the direct beneficiaries through mobile clinics (Non-facility-based service delivery points SDPs) strategy. A non-permanent and outside facility service will be implemented in partnership with the referral hospitals and Montserrado County Health and Social Health Team. 1) General Coordinator 1)Position: Under the supervision of the Desk Officer at the MDM HQ and the Board delegate for Liberia, the General Coordinator manages all the teams in Liberia. The General Coordinator designs program activities and supervises their implementation. He/she is the legal representatives of MDM in Liberia. He/she ensures the security of mission personnel and assets. He/she ensures compliance with the administrative and legal framework of the mission. I. Essential duites: 1. Program Management: To develop in collaboration with the Head Quarters and the Board delegate the yearly and mid-term strategies, and coordinate project activities. 2. Representation and coordination with national and international partners: To represent MDM towards the main counterparts and humanitarian stakeholders (Ministry of Health , Montserrado County Health Team, UN agencies , INGO), and raise funds for the project 3. Legal, administrative and financial responsibilities To supervise all contractual agreements (premises, vehicles, fuel etc.) and official agreements with MoH and other partners (MoU), proper budgeting and use of funds, and respect of the Liberian laws and regulations in MDM 4. Team management: To co-ordinate and support the national and international staff teams, ensuring that the individuals work effectively together with a good transversal collaboration and achieve the program objectives. 5. Security of persons and assets To liaise on a regular basis with UNMIL and other sources (press, internet, others) to analyse the security situation 6. Reporting To ensure internal reporting to the team, the HQ and the Board delegate, donor proposal and reports This list of activities is not exhaustive and may change depending on the situation. Required skills: Previous experience as General Coordinator or equivalent position Strong abilities in program management and team coordination Ability to represent MDM with local & national authorities, humanitarian stakeholders and donors Experience in medical project management is an asset Ability to work in a multicultural setting and as part of a team Previous experience in West Africa is an asset 1) Logistic & Administrative Coordinator The Log/Admin Coordinator will work under the responsibility of the General Coordinator / Medical Coordinator. The Log/Admin Coordinator is in charge of the definition, implementation and follow-up of all MdM logistic and administrative procedures at mission level. He/she is in charge of the implementation, supervision and follow-up the logistic activities to facilitate the operational objectives of the project, with the resources, procedures and tools available. He/she assists the General Coordinator / Medical Coordinator in the implementation of the security rules. Logistic tasks: To ensure the supply for the project: reception of orders, selection of the procedures needed, purchasing, packaging, organizing transport and delivery: Vehicle Fleet Management Negotiate vehicle rental contracts, movement schedules, permanently ensure that all drivers have received general training and carry out regular testing. Equipment Management Update inventory in real time, distribution of materials and correct use of IT equipment Storage Management Ensure procedures are followed / checked in and out, Supervise monthly physical stock inventory. Base Maintenance (guesthouse/office) Ensure the regular order for the guesthouse (food, water, cleaning products) Ensure the maintenance of the base (electricity, repairs). Depending on the problem, fix it with or without the owner. Human Resource Management Supervise the works of the logistic team by checking if they fill their commitments and their tasks properly. Train and supervise the logistics team (including evaluation) Reporting/Capitalization Consolidate and submit monthly logistic report and annexes to GenCo / MedCo and final reports Safety and Security With the support of the Logistic officer, assist the GenCo / MedCo in assessing the security situation. on the project area and ensure that security rules are implemented, understood and followed by the team. Administrative tasks: Accountancy management: Maintain the accountancy of the programs with the strictest respect of MdM procedures, elaborate regular cash requests for the program, and Manage MdM cash box for the program. Financial management Define and supervise the implementation of administrative procedures for the mission Elaborate annual budgets and mid-year budget reviews (in collaboration with the programme team) Elaborate monthly treasury forecasts, and MdM and donor budget follow-up and analysis Donor financial reporting (according to donor rules) HR and administrative management of National staff: Supervise and build the capacities of the national administration team Ensure the management of local staff with strictest respect of the law Ensure the evaluation of the local staff, the definition and implementation of a training plan, competencies development plan If necessary, handle together with the GenCo / MedCo, disciplinary actions as per MdMs terms and conditions of engagement Ensure the payment of MdM employees on due time and of social contributions of MdM as an employer (as soon as they will be required) Skills required Technical skills in :supply chain, logistics and administration Be aware that Logistic is also paperwork, excel files and word documents Accounting and book keeping skills 3) National Administrator (1) Position The National Administrator is under the supervision and reports to the Logistic & Administrative Coordinator. His/her responsibilities are: Implementation and respect of administrative procedure. Cash Management (cash movements, funds availability and funds security). Liberia global accountancy checking. Budget follow-up on a monthly analysis, under the supervision of the Administrative & logistic Coordinator.

4 ) Nurse Mental Health The mental health nurse will work on mobile clinic and will assess patients and provide health care in the Ghettos of Monrovia. Tasks and responsibilities Provide adequate primary care, stabilize patients when required, and refer patients when needed to referral hospitals. Check the proper cleaning, sterilization and storage of dressing medical instruments Dispensing of medications in accordance with the screeners prescription; monitor medication instructions given to patients; Ensure mental health consultation without any kind of social, cultural or religious discrimination. Assist in psychosocial rehabilitation, offer counseling, and facilitate family and social integration. Collect and submit daily and monthly data using standard HMIS forms. Participate in the writing of the Monthly report Be flexible to carry out other tasks required by the position Qualification Should be a Registered Nurse, who graduated from an accredited school of professional nursing, who had passed the National State board Exam of the Country with a current license to practice in Liberia. Should be an experience Mental Health Nurse and experience of working with International NGO. 5 ) Medical team leader Create schedules for mobile clinic visits in collaboration with Mont CHSWT and referral hospitals Do consultations, organize and implement primary health care and mental health activities in the ghettos Supervise and support the medical team of the mobile clinic and submit a consolidated data and reports Make follow up on patients along with other nurses in coordination with Mont CHSWT in the ghettos and the referral hospitals. Plan workshops, meetings along with the al the stakeholders Coordinate with the NGOs and health staff to create awareness. Analyses and evaluate mental health nurse working in the field. Qualification Should be a Physician Assistant, who graduated from an accredited school of professional nursing, who had passed the National State board Exam of the Country with a current license to practice in Liberia. Should be an experience Mental Health Nurse and experience of working with International NGO 6 ) Psychological Assistant Provide individual psychological during outreach in the ghettos to the patient in confidentiality and keep accurate records of the consultations Provide family counseling and group counseling in the ghettos Contribute to the reduction of stigma on marginalized people , through awareness Ensure a cordial relationship with marginalized people in the ghetto, and the medical staffs, or mobile clinic team. Get involved in difficult patient-cases and support the team in adequate counseling Submit a consolidated data and reports Qualification BA degree in either of the social sciences /studies Eg. Sociology, psychology ETC Should have an experience in Mental Health and must have worked with International NGO. 7 ) Logistic Officer The Logistic Officer is under the supervision of the Log/Admin Coordinator Management of purchases Local Purchases and Market survey in accordance with MDM Procurement procedure, and respect of the thresholds. Management of the logistic team Serves as line manager for other logistic staffs ( drivers, House helpers) Management of the stock frequent update of stock cards of items in, and out of stock, and request for replenishment as they become low. Management of the equipments (Car, generator, radios) Management of cars movement supervise the movement of personnel to and from base, and assignment of drivers as according to movement planning on a daily basis Management of the security of the base In coordination with the Log/Admin coordinator Responsible for all security issues of the base, and to report to the Log/Admin coordinator of extreme cases. Management of administrative process linked with logistic activities. The list is not exhaustive, and could be increased as deemed necessary by MDM. Experienced in Logistical functions, and previous experience with an INGO. 8) DRIVER (1) Position The driver is under the supervision of, and reports to the logistician. At the same time, he will work in close collaboration with the various departments to allow the activities and movements to go smoothly. If the logistician is not present, he has to report to the Administrative & Logistics coordinator, and or the General Coordinator. Essential duties The Driver is responsible for the safe transport, and security of MDM personnel, and MDM Goods on board. Proper usage of the vehicle, cleaning, and small maintenance. Communicate movement with base when outside of base. The driver checks the vehicle at the beginning of his/her shift. He/she must fill the hand-over report at the beginning and at the end of the shift and sign it. The driver checks the necessary documents for the vehicles: on their presence and their validity. The driver keeps the vehicle logbook up to date. When fuelling the vehicle, makes sure to fill up both tanks and to write down the exact amount of fuel received as well as mileage at the time of fuelling. He signs the fuel book of the Storekeeper. The driver fills in the Movements Book before and after each movement. In case of a breakdown on the road, the driver analyses the problem, informs the logistics department and if necessary asks for help. While waiting for help, the Driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers and the equipment. Required Skills Good experience of driving four wheel and heavy Vehicles with 3 years of experience is absolutely necessary, and Must be a licensed Driver 9) House Help/Cook (2) positions The following, but not limited to are expected of the desirous candidate. Responsible for cleaning the Guest houses. Perform Laundry functions. Purchase of fresh food, and preparation of full meals per day. Storage of food, and Non food items. Is responsible for all items, and equipment placed at his/her disposal. Respect the instructions, and mandate given by Expatriates Staffs Experienced with an INGO in similar capacity is an added advantage. For all Positions, the following are required of the candidates Ability to work quickly, under pressure, and with short deadlines, Necessity to manage priorities and to adapt them daily according to the context, Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements, Negotiation skills. English Language Mandatory Humanitarian Experience Mandatory. Good Knowledge of Computer software Ability to listen and share decisions Flexibility, reactivity, anticipation, adaptability Excellent organizational skills Good communication skills Interested candidate should submit Curriculum vitae (C.V.), a letter of application, 3 references with contact numbers. Full details of job descriptions are available upon request. For non-Liberian applicant, proof of work Permit from the Ministry of Labor must be submitted. All applications should be addressed to the General Coordinator, Medecins Du Monde France, down 16th street sinkor, Monrovia Liberia, or send by email to medco.liberia@medecinsdumonde.net with clear indication of position being applied for. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Deadline for the submission of Application is on or before February 7th 2014 at the end of the working day.

Tuesday, November 5,20, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Tuesday, January 21, 2013

Page 4 12 Page

Prices of Locally Produced Drinks Jump 25%

As Exchange Rate Continually Rises

Ganta main business street on Monday

By Ishmael F. Menkor

he prices of Liberias favorite beverage--beer--has risen 25% due to the continual rise in the exchange rate of the United States

Your Voices Will Be Heard

--CBL Workers Union President Assures Members
By David A. Yates

Dollars to that of the Liberian dollars in Ganta, Nimba County. In Ganta, the price of a crate of beer has risen from L$1,575 (US$18.50) to L$2,000 (US$23.53); causing a bottle to be sold for L$200 (US$2.4) from

L$ 150 (US$1.8). A crate of beer contains 12 bottles, each is the equivalent of one US liter. There is also a 25% increase in the prices of crates of Guinness Stout, malta and small beer. Crates of each of these

contain 24 bottles. Stout was previously sold for L$110 (US$1.3) but is currently sold for L$140 (US$1.6). The surprise increase came as a surprise to many club goers in Ganta over the weekend, leaving many

night clubs and drink sellers without customers. We suspected the sharp increase in the exchange rate was the cause of the increase in drink prices; it will surely cause a problem for us, said Kamah Kouh, a business woman in Ganta Gantas busiest street seemed empty during even hours on Monday, January 20, due to a lack of money on the part of regular customers of local businesses. The movement of goods along the border with Guinea has also decreased in recent times. We dont know what is actually happening, people are not buying like before, whether it is because of the rise in the exchange rate or another reason, its hard to tell, said Harrison Wongbay, a store owner in Ganta. Everybody is just complaining about the lack of money and the US dollar continues to rise, said another man who was standing nearby. Apart from the increase in prices of drinks on the market, the price of locally produced palm oil has also risen. The Daily Observer established that the price of palm oil has gone up from

L$400 (US$4.71) a gallon to L$500 (US$5.9) due to hiked transportation and petroleum cost. One of the petit businessmen at the general market in Ganta complained, if the US$ rate continues to rise it will surely hamper every aspect of the lives of the poor. We depend on this little business we are doing to send our children to school, what happens if they are put out of school at this time for school fees?, he wondered. The government doesnt have many school facilities in Ganta to host all the students, that is why most of our children are attending private school, he added. However, when the Daily Observer spoke to some of the wholesale traders around Ganta they said increases in the prices came from breweries in Monrovia. We originally bought a crate of small beer for L$1,810 (US$21.3) from the factory, but it is now sold to us for L$2,210 (US$26). What do you expect us to do? We have to increase our prices, said Bob Suah, a storekeeper in one of the wholesale stores in Ganta.

he president of the Central Bank of Liberia Staff Association (CEBSA) has assured his colleagues that every members voice will be heard at all times as long as he stands to serve as their president and with adequate support from them (the workers). Mr. D. Bouleigh Cooper said though effective communication is not easy, but he will do all he can in his power to ensure that cordial working relationship exists between the workers association and the CBL administration. The president of CEBSA made the statement on Saturday, January 18, at the induction ceremony of his leadership in Monrovia. He acknowledges that though there has been some level of cooperation

between the administrations and the workers of the bank, but he wants to take that (working relation) to another new dimensions. CEBSA president indicated that his administration will continue to expand and improve a good working relationship with the administration in seeking the common welfare of the CBL as well as it employees. Mr. Cooper, who is also the sixth sitting president of CEBSA used the occasion to appeal to the CBL management to ensure that incentives that will motivate staff to do more for the entity should paramount. The Central Bank of Liberia workers union president reminded his colleagues that CBL was all they have. We need to take our jobs seriously, professionally that will reflect the

Mr. D. Bouleigh Cooper, president of the Central Bank of Liberia Staff Association speaking at the program

signal and loyalty to our bosses, Cooper told CBL employees. According to him, there are much to put on the

table (creating a vibrant working environment for staff, administration) than to receive. Also speaking at the

program, the managing director of Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), T. Nelson Willaims, II, urged the leadership of CEBSA to be focused and committed to their job. Serving as installing officer, the LPRC boss said to serve is not easy but with commitment and transparency CEBSA can improve the entity (CBL). Mr. Williams urged the executives of CEBSA to be a good leaders; adding: You must be a good servant to the people. He further acknowledged them to be steadfast in seeking the welfare of their members. For his part, Leroy Z. B. Nuah, former president of CEBSA, who gave the overview of the association said that during the time of the National Bank of Liberia, it was then called National Bank Social and Athletic club (NBSAC). According to the president emeritus of CEBSA,

NBL Social and Athletic club in collaboration with the management of the Bank held year-end beach party, where each year employees from various departments were honored for most dedicated, most hard working and most punctual employees of the Bank. He said following the establishment of the CBL, there was no organization that could represent the voices of the staff as it was done at NBL, until July 2004, when the late Executive Governor, Charles E. Green, thought it wise to re-establish the social club at present day CBL. Adding that the sole purpose of the club was to bring together staff during happy and sad moments and also advocate for them. Meanwhile, the first election of CEBSA was held in 2004, 2007 second election and third election in 2013, which brought Copper and his administration into power.

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 21, 2014

and the Minister was not disclosed. However, our source the meeting was intended to discuss Cllr. Tahs petition (appeal) for re-argument against her six-month suspension by

Justice Minister

Page 13
Siehs attorney, Cllr. Beyan D. Howard. Cllr. Howard was also declared barred---for three months---from practicing law. It can be recalled that a former Justice Minister during the late President Samuel K. Does regime, the late Cllr. Jenkins Scott, was held in contempt by the Supreme Court. Cllr. Scott was later suspended for two (2) years from practicing law in the Court. That decision was quickly reversed by the Full Bench of the Supreme Court, after his petition for re-argument was accepted.

the Full Bench. A similar meeting, according to our source, was cancelled last Friday, because of the absence of some of the Justices. Our source, who is also a legal expert explained that a

of 827 housing units previously occupied by squatters and former workers of the Bong Mining Company. Prior to Mondays event, about 827 family heads received US$500 each from the Government of Liberia as token; allowing the company to take over the housing units where most of its employees are expected to live throughout the concession period. Mr. Xing also assured the Government of China Unions commitment to providing more job opportunities for Liberians. Mr. Xing disclosed that major works are ongoing on the Kakata-Bong Mines-Handi road, and disclosed further that the Community Central High School and the towns only hospital, too, are undergoing similar facelift.

China Union

Petition for Re-argument can only be considered if one of the Justices was to approve of it. Interestingly, the meeting comes at the close of the October 2013 Term of Court. Cllr. Tah was suspended on Friday, January 10, from practicing law within Liberia for

six (6) months by the Supreme Court. The action followed after she was held in contempt for disrespecting the High Court, by allowing FrontPage Africas managing editor, Rodney D. Sieh, a Compassionate Leave from prison to seek medical attention---as prayed for by Mr.

We are happy to be fulfilling a significant part of the MDA with China Union. Turning over of these facilities is a major part of the contract reached between China and the Government of Liberia, said Sam Russ, Deputy Minister for Operations, Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy. He called for cooperation from both the citizens and the Government of Liberia as his group intensifies its mining operations. Also responding at the takeover event, Mr. Hampton Giddings, Commissioner of Fuamah District, lauded the company for bringing transformation to the district. He praised China Union for helping restore social infrastructures in the area, including paving of the Kakata-Bong Mines road, the renovation of

the Bong Central High, and provision of drugs and medithe recommendation for a 15% allotment was too much. Senators Frederick Cherue and Abel Massalley welcomed the recommended increment, but suggested an annual allocation of US$1 million and US$2 million rather than 15 percent; which they argued was too much and called for an amendment. Senator Dallas Gueh contested that anything below 15% of the national budget would be far too small. The return of the 15% National Budget Bill comes in the wake of recent proposal by House Speaker J. Alex Tyler and subsequent approval by the House of Representatives that an amount of 73 million United States Dollars be placed in the 2014/2015 National budget for direct district

cal equipment for the hospital, among other things. impact projects. Speaker Tyler, who was making remarks at the joint program held in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building during a joint session for the opening of the 3rd Session of the Legislature on January 13, 2014, did not say who would manage the funds (Legislature or Executive). However, some lawmakers have been saying that the money is going to be managed by district residents by expended by the Executive. He explained that the appropriation for infrastructural development should be in what he referred to as a ballpark figure and that implementation of each project identified would be clearly and specifically vetted on a project-byproject basis and approved by

We are very happy to see what China Union is doing for the Legislature before final appropriation and implementation is made. Speaker Tyler said the allotment would be distinct from the County Development Fund, saying; this is one of the ways we believe that much needed development can reach and impact our people in rural Liberia. Speaking on a radio talk show Monday, January 20, Senator Dallas Gueh said he would rather discuss the 15% Bill proposed in the Senate because according to him, it is more feasible. Meanwhile, there are indications that that first piece of legislation passed by the Lower House will soon be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

us is Fuamah District, said Commissioner Giddings. However, with a more controversial Bill before that august body for action, many legislative commentators foresee the constitution of a conference committee to help reconcile the two Bills drafted in the best interest of our citizens. In related development, the Senate committee authorized to handle financial and currency matters is expected to make a written report to the Senate plenary on its findings responsible for the continuous rise in the exchange rate between the Liberian Dollar and the United States Dollar, when that body convenes in Chamber for its third day sitting. and Sanniquellie in Lofa and Bong Counties respectively. It has been over two decades since clean drinking water flowed through pipes in the seaside city of Robersport, Grand Cape Mount County. Shortly after the Liberian civil conflict began in 1989, piped water in Robertsport and other county capitals infrastructure fell into disrepair, leaving residents to rely on shallow wells subject to contamination due to proximity to latrines (Toilets). As a result, residents of this former tourist hotspot have endured water-borne diseases and bleak economic prospects as a result of little or no access to safe drinking water. In a brief statement, the Chief of Party for the Liberia Municipal Water Project, Mr. Alione Fall, assured Liberians that the LMWP would ensure that projects in Voinjama and Sanniquellie would be complemented as stipulated in the time frame.

Senate Debates
and Budget in a prepared report. The report recommended that 15% of the fiscal national budget be appropriated annually for the development of the 15 political subdivisions of the country, and that such be passed into law. Counties are currently receiving an amount of US$200,000 annually as CDF, which all the Senators agreed was inadequate to address their (the counties) many development needs. Although every Senator present at last years debate agreed to the need for an increment in the CDF, some argued

By J. Burgess Carter

ccording to an impeachable source, an intense d e b a t e looms in the Senate Chamber when a Bill proposed during the 2nd Session of the 53rd Senate calling for the allotment of 15% of the National Budget as County Development Fund (CDF) reappears this week. The Bill was sponsored by River Cess Senator Jay Jonathan Banney, and signed by 15 Senators of the joint committee on Ways, Means, Finance

worldwide live without potable water. Chris Holmes, the Coordinator of USAID based in Washington D.C., USA, made the statement last week in the port city of Robertsport in Grand Cape Mount County. The USAIDs top water official made the disclosure of the staggering figure on the second leg of an assessment tour of water infrastructure facilities in the country. The American water expert also detailed that 2.5 billion people globally do not have access to adequate sanitation. Being based in Washington, I always valued the chance to come out and see water works in countries around the world, Mr. Holmes explained. During my visits to Monrovia, Gbarnga and Robertsport last week, I came to appreciate the formidable challenges Liberia faces in expanding access to clean drinking water for its citizens. I also became

800 Million

aware of the tremendous opportunities before you as you rebuild and strengthen the countrys water and sanitation infrastructure, Mr. Holmes noted. He also intimated that USAID has a proud history of supporting the government and people of Liberia. Coordinator Holmes explained that in 2013 alone, some 47,124 people throughout Liberia gained access to an improved water supply with support from USAID. Ensuring long-term sustainability of water and sanitation infrastructure is USAIDs global strategy, Coordinator Holmes assured. I therefore want to recognize the important contribution of the Local Steering Committee (LSC) in working with the Water and Sewer Corporation to help operate the system, Coordinator Holmes praised. The USAID Global Water Coordinator pointed out that

USAIDs Global Water Coordinator Chris Holmes Addressing Diplomats, LWSC Staff, Supts, Mayors, LSCs Staff and Residents of Robertsport
the ground-breaking ceremony was indeed a testament to the LSCs hard work and continued dedication. Coordinator Holmes also reminded the Robertsports LSCs staff that they have an opportunity to establish a model for other Liberian towns. He said they have the potential to help develop a water system that would be sustainable and accountable to its customers. In closing, Coordinator Holmes expressed his pleasure the U.S. Government has been able to support the Robertsports water project and future renovations of municipal water systems in Voinjama

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 21, 2013

The Other Page14

WORD SEARCH

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SUDOKU
Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box containing all the numbers from 1 to 9. No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box. Do not guess you can work it out by process of elimination. GOOD LUCK!

With Fumbah Kromah & BSG

HMM! BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE LEGS!

Last weeks results:

POLITICALLY X-P-DIENT
With A. Leslie Lumeh

Circle the 10 differences between the two illustrations below:

BRAIN GAME

WITH Fumbah Kromah

Listen Gongar, your mother is from Nimba County and your father is from Grand Bassa County. And you are a Liberian, so you did not lose in the County Meet games.
Last weeks results:

Tuesday, November 5,21, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 20, 2014 Tuesday, 2014

Page 15 Page 4

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

SKDs Perimeter Invasion is against CAF, FIFA Rules

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

Martina to Contest SWAL Presidency

Fans on the perimeter of the field and right is thousands who at the SKD Complex last Sunday

By Omari Jackson

he crucial final soccer final between eventual champions, Grand Bassa and Nimba County on Sunday violated a major rule in association football and this must be corrected in the future. It was the presence of many soccer fans who were on the perimeter of the pitch. In CAF, FIFA and LFA rules, only a selected number of technical officials, a selected number of sports journalists, medics and security officers that are allowed around the perimeter of the pitch. Sadly, the law was broken last Sunday and many who should not have been there found themselves around the perimeter of the field. If the law of the game was followed, the match commissioner for the match would have requested that all those who had no business being there should be

out of the perimeter before the commencement of the game. Among those who had no business being around the perimeter were soccer fans, lawmakers and senators. The lawmakers in question abandoned their regular VIP location and made their presence around the perimeter. It was an indication that something was not going right on Sunday. The perimeter invasion, perhaps, was due to the poor estimate of prospective attendees. For example, it makes sense to believe that the organizers overestimated the number of people that would have attended the finals or they did not. If someone with information had informed the organizers that at least the stadium could only accommodate 35,000 fans, tickets for the game could have been made around that number. But assuming that the perennial issue of ticket-recycling had a field day, which it was,

with security men and gatekeepers being major conduits, still a group responsible for the tickets issue could have observed the capacity of people and institute an emergency measure. That could, honestly not have made much success but it could have made a bit of difference. The committee could have foreseen the eventual overflow and predicted a solution. But since that was not done, against all common sense, it resulted into the enormous suffering that some soccer fans went through, with many fainting at the stadium. The Liberia Football Association may be unhappy for the situation on Sunday, since what happened could bring the anger of CAF and FIFA on Liberia. The point is any football that is organized in Liberia is, as a Liberian musician said, their area.

Interestingly, many selfproclaimed soccer tacticians have stated that since the tournament was organized by the Ministry of Youths and Sports and not the LFA, any negative situation would not have affected Liberia. Thats not true, said an official at the LFA yesterday who would not use his name because he was not authorized to speak for the association, as far as CAF and FIFA are concerned, whatever happens in Liberia that affects football is LFAs business either positively or negatively. That may be so, but are the technicians at the Ministry of Youths & Sports aware of it? In the end, such a national tournament to celebrate ten years of peace and unity cannot be used to break the rules and stab the vehicle of unity in the back.

Martina Brooks
she said, We established a charity program, Helping Todays Kids Become Tomorrow Stars, and identified with several schools, orphanages, and slum communities with and sporting materials. She added: One of our major achievements as an institution was the role we played in the passage of The Sports Academy Bill. Without going into details, she attacked what she claimed as fallacious, misguided and half-baked reports against her, and said they were slanderous and untruth. I have never owed SWAL a penny, she said. I remain fervently committed to doing what I love to do best, to serve SWAL and no amount of distraction, lies and cheap talk will sway me away from achieving such goal, she said. The SWAL elections are set on January 24 in Monrovia. Others in the presidential contests are Mr. Richard Manuba and Mr. Leroy M. Sonpon, lll. The debate is set on Wednesday, tomorrow at the PUL on Clay Street, Monrovia. They shall not have found guilty of a criminal offence. They shall have the Liberian nationality and shall have the residency within the territory of Liberia, the Statutes states. The new statutes categorically emphasized the neutrality of the football house, saying that the LFA is neutral in matters of politics and religion. The statutes said the discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, wealth, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.

Football Stakeholders Confirm Statutory Committees

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

he assembly of stakeholders, dubbed Congress, which is the supreme governing body of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), have for the first time endorsed seven legal committees which are not subjected to dismissal by its president. The decision was made on Saturday, January 18, 2014 during an Extra-Ordinary Congress of the LFA, with about 50 days to elections. Each member of the committees is serving for four years, and can only be dismissed by a 2/3rd majority votes in Congress. Fifty six out of the 58 delegates accepted the committees and its members in accordance with Chapter 18 of the

Partial view of stakeholders voting or the approval of the New LFA Statutes
New LFA Approved Statues, styled: LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE. The committees include External Audit, Election, Election Appeal, Ethics, Disciplinary, Appeal and Arbitration Board. Chapter 18, Article 30 states, Congress is the supreme and Legislative Body; the Executive Committee shall be the Executive Body and the General Secretariat of LFA shall be the Administrative Body, and whereas the Disciplinary, Ethics and Appeal Committees shall constitute the Judicial Bodies of the LFA. Electoral committee and the Election Appeals Committee shall organize and supervise the election process, Article 30.5 states. Chairmen of the various committees include: John Davis, External Audit; Malcolm Joseph, Election; Justice Soko

Sackor, Election Appeal; Atty. Medina Wesseh, Ethics; Cllr. Izetta S. Wesley, Disciplinary; Cllr. John Kollie, Appeal; Atty. Sarfuah Gray, Abitration. The president of FC BYC, Sekou Konneh alarmed the inclusion of Mamadee Djakete on the Arbitration Committee, who is serving as Deputy Managing Director of the Renaissance Communications Incorporated (RCI) a conglomeration of Truth FM, Real TV and Renaissance Newspaper, owned by LFA president Musa Bility. Sekou Konneh quieted when he was told by the Congress chairman Musa Bility to show his disagreement through his vote. Some changes in the statutes stated that every member of the Executive Committee will be elected by Congress,

he vice president of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia, Martina Brooks has said that due to her relentless desire to take the association to the next level, she will contest the next leadership of SWAL as president. This is a well thought and calculated decision, she said at a press conference last week in Monrovia. She noted, Our impeccable record of dedicated service to the institution speaks for us. She explained that she understands the internal workings of SWAL and am prepared and well equipped for the task. This is our territory, Martina said, and borrowing words from President Ellen Sirleaf, noted, I will be a candidate and I will be a more formidable candidate. She said her interest is for the betterment of SWAL, a journey began two years ago as vice president. Looking back two years ago, I will say we made some strides but again, more needs to be done, she said. On SWALs achievement,

and every candidate must be proposed by five members (clubs). Before, members of the Executive Committee were elected by their constituents, which were their clubs. The revised statutes have reduced the number of members of the Executive Committee from 18 to 13, which include the president, two vice presidents, the women representative and other nine members of the Executive Committee. According to the New Statutes, all executive members will not be younger than 25 years, and the president and vice presidents will have a minimum qualification of a Bachelors Degree. The other members of the Executive Committee will have a minimum qualification of a high school diploma.

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VOL. 16. NO. 60 TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

Remember the old Liberian story of the boy who bit off his mothers ear? If you dont know, ask someone over 50.

Ellen Places Women Farmers in the Spotlight

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has long been a proponent for womens advancement in various spheres of Liberian society. She has put a specific emphasis on market women taking a bigger role in many of the governments development initiatives. Although other Liberian women have benefited from the Presidents drive to empower females, market women enjoy most of that focus. Market women

PRICE: LD 40

-Wants Them Transition from Subsistence to Large Scale Farming, as she Solicits Partners Supports
were the chief beneficiaries of projects commemorating her 75th birth anniversary. In a change from these recent trends, last week President Sirleaf publicly committed herself to the empowerment of women involved in farming. The President intends to solicit support from Liberias development partners so these women can transition from subsistence to large scale farming. At a meeting held last weekend at her Foreign Affairs office with Assistant Director General for the African Division of the Swedish International Development Corporation Agency (SIDA), Mr. Georg Andrn, and Swedens Ambassador to Liberia, Madam Sofia Strand, President Sirleaf requested that the partnership between the Swedish government and Liberia should concentrate on rural women, most of whom are engaged in subsistence farming. President Sirleaf praised Swedens role in Liberias recovery, especially in the areas of womens empowerment. She expressed hope the partnership would take this focal point to another level by enabling women to learn more advanced farming techniques. Sweden, through SIDA, has been supporting various projects in Liberia, most notably on womens empowerment, agriculture and road rehabilitation in Liberia. The Liberian leader also spoke of the need for stronger technical and vocational institutions. She invited SIDA to work with the Ministries of Agriculture and Gender to ensure that women in small scale agriculture receive adequate support enabling them to transitions from hand-to-mouth farming to more lucrative agricultural practices.

By William Q. Harmon

UNFPA Calls for Clean Environment to Encourage Facility Delivery

lizing communities and promoting womens rights. UNFPA is committed to all efforts that promote the reproductive health and rights of women and girls; ensuring that no woman dies giving life. In Liberia four women die every day due to pregnancy related complications. In appreciation of UNFPAs gesture, the Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Health Ministry Dr. Bernice Dahn pleaded for direct UNFPA support to the James N. Davies hospital. This hospital attends mostly

She thanked Sweden for its development partnership, which she said is a manifestation of the long relationship between the two countries dating back to the operation of the Nimba mines by the LiberianAmerican-Swedish Minerals Company (LAMCO). She indicated that the recent posting of an Ambassador with residence in Liberia had further strengthened the ties. The Liberian President used the occasion to thank the Government and people of Sweden for their support to her national secretariat for the UN HighLevel Panel on the Post-2015

to pregnant women and their newborns, and children and it is one of the hospitals with very high newborn deaths, she said. In March 2011, the Government of Liberia and partners launched the roadmap for accelerated reduction of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in the country. The roadmap guides the delivery of basic, essential and quality reproductive health care services to the people including institutional delivery.

Development Agenda, which she co-chaired. She expressed further hope Sweden would continue to support the voice of the people as contained in the Panels Report to the Secretary-General. Speaking after the President, Mr. Andrn said that Swedens renewed commitment to Liberias development is based on responsible leadership exemplified by President Sirleaf. The SIDA Assistant Director General for Africa said that the Swedish people have seen their taxes at work in Liberia and are encouraged by the level of development in the country. Sweden promises to do more in support of the Presidents development agenda through SIDA, we will remain a dependable partner, he said. Mr. Andrn said that his organization was equally ready to help in capacity building and promised to help fund such activities. SIDA, he informed the President, was working with USAID and ExxonMobil in a tripartite arrangement for development in Zambia, Ethiopia and South Africa, and hoped a similar engagement would work in Liberia. The President promised to raise the subject during the upcoming Liberia-U.S. Partnership Dialogue slated for early February.

s the Government of Liberia and partners intensify efforts to encourage facility delivery by pregnant women, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund has called for hospitals to remain clean and comfortable. We cannot advocate for facility delivery when health centers remain in shambles and unattractive, says UNFPA Liberia Resident Representative Ms. Ratidzai Ndhlovu. When a woman walks into a clinic or hospital to deliver, she must

The James N. Davies Memorial Hospital was recently given a facelift by UNFPA
see the facility as the best place for her delivery. We dont want pregnant women to hesitate to come to the institution because it is so uncomfortable UNFPA is committed to remain a trusted partner to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Ndhlovu said during an appreciation program on Tuesday 14 January, by the administration of the James N. Davies Memorial Hospital for UNFPAs contribution to the face-lifting process of the hospital. The James N. Davies Hospital is located in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia and is a maternal and child health hospital that serves a population of about 250,000 people. She said because maternal health is at the core of UNFPAs mission, the fund will continue to support activities of the Ministry of Health to prevent maternal death by providing technical assistance for family planning, strengthening and upgrading of health facilities and referral mechanisms, improving midwife training curricula. It will also continue supporting human resources management; mobi-

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