TOP

STORIES

OBITUARY

pg 16

FAREWELL TO
WARRICK

President, Family, Friends Pay

Homage to Fallen EPS Boss at Funeral;
Body Set to Leave for America

EDUCATION

pg 6

'CHICKEN
BOX' UMU
University Students
Decry overcrowdiness at
Methodist Institution

GOVERNANCE ISSUES

pg 7

CHRISTIANS
DO NOT NEED
PROTECTION
Of The Law To
Practice Religion,
Says Dr. Sawyer

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com

VOL 9 NO.126

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

OPEN LIE

PRICE L$40

LAWMAKER DEFENDS LABOUR INSPECTION SPREE,

CLAIMS MINISTER IS AWARE; BUT MINISTER SAYS IT IS AN

It does not make sensehe is justifying his action by saying that. They invited Labour and
Immigration and we gave them report, how can I tell them to go on the field when that is my
responsibility? That is an open Lie, Labour Minister Neto Z. Lighe

Legislative Beat - pg. 5

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES

LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING

SELLING

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

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

Page 2 | Frontpage

FROM PAGE 1

Friday, August 21, 2015

Monrovias the health sector of

Liberia continues to
take a nosedive with
hospitals and other
medical facilities ill-equipped
to provide treatment for the
citizenry, government officials
who have the power to change
things for the better continue
to ignore the sector and prefer
seeking treatment abroad when
poor Liberians cannot afford
such an expensive venture.
What is best known as the
nations referral hospital, the
John F. Kennedy Memorial
Hospital, currently lies in ruins
as it is unable to cater to patients
who are suffering from common
and curable diseases. Outside
Monrovia, the situation is even
worse as pregnant women and
others suffering from ailments
are carried on the shoulders over
long distances before getting
to a nearby makeshift medical
facility.
The outbreak of the deadly
Ebola virus even exposed the
health sector further as nurses,
doctors and other medical staffs
abandoned the hospitals and
clinics for fear of Ebola. Despite
these challenges facing the health
sector, individuals in the position
to help change the situation for
the better prefer flying out of
the country, spending thousands
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com
of dollars to seek medical
at the Capitol on Thursday pondered their fate because they Njoh Department Chairman, Internal Medicine, 8th defendant
treatment.
are in dire straits at the peril of a broken down healthcare Dr. Wannie Scott McDonald, General Administrator and the
Liberia first post war budget after Ebola saw the allotment
system and are unlike other officials of government who 9th defendant the Administration of the Ministry of Health
of a meager US$57,209,391 to a sector that has completely
traveled to the abroad.
&Social Welfare.
collapsed and needs resuscitation but the National
Liberians on a daily basis lost their lives to common The Government had no means to respond when the deadly
Legislature, responsible for the allocation of resources,
illnesses malaria, typhoid, and diabetesthat could be Ebola virus struck Liberia. The United States of America
opted to provide a paltry sum.
treated easily if the facilities were provided. Some patients responded by sending U.S. Navy officers to help with the
Out of the US$57 million, the John F. Kennedy is expected
go to health centers around the country for treatment but construction of Ebola treatment units and US also dispatched
to receive six million five hundred eighteen thousand, seven
after testing, they are instructed by doctors treating them some other personnel to help the country. According to
hundred and eighty-four hundred United States dollars (US$
to get their medication from pharmacies or drug stores sources, that country spent over US$1.4 billion on its Ebola
6,518,784), an amount health authorities have said is very
because the prescribed medications are not available in mission in West Africa, with a substantial amount going to
little to address the challenges facing the hospital.
stock.
Liberia. U.S. sources state that deploying the military costs
While the lawmakers have US$38 million allotted to the
In 2013, it was reported that the chairman of the Board of US$360 million, not including the construction, staffing and
National Legislature for payments of their salaries and other
Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority operating expenses at the treatment centers it built.
fabulous incentives, the essential Ministry of Health and the
(LTA), Angelique Weeks, who earns about US$15,000 The American military built a total of 11 centers and the
health sector were downplayed in the priority order for
monthly, chartered a private plane to take her sick mother United States promised that they will continue to provide
allotment.
to the United States of America for treatment.
support to the country to build a resilient health system that
From the Presidency, downward to other government
Confirmed information also says that Dr. Wannie Scott will be able to withstand any future outbreak. But since the
officials, these individuals periodically board the plane
McDonald, chief administrator at the John F. Kennedy end of Ebola, U.S. presence is no longer felt on the ground
to countries oversea for treatment when they have the
Hospital, has left Liberia to seek medical treatment because like the case during the outbreak. The JFK and other major
opportunity to get the health sector at home equip in order
she does not trust the very health sector she and others are health facilities are still where Ebola left them with no major
to avoid spending thousands of dollars on a foreign soil.
managing.
improvement to show in preparation to tackle any future
Even more disturbing is that these officials neglect the plight
Like Madam Weeks, in May 2013, Finance and Development disease outbreak.
of the ordinary Liberian electorates who elected them to
Planning Minister Amara Konneh was flown to Ghana after Experts believe a good health system can easily deal with
power.
he fell twice in less than a week to acute headache.
outbreak such as Ebola like the case with Nigeria and
This has left many Liberians to wonder who will fix the
In August of this year Representative Edward Forh (CDC Senegal but with the huge international support to Liberia
messy health system at home when those in power including
district # 15 Montserrado County) sued the John F. Kennedy now in decline, the country might have defeated Ebola but
the lawmakers responsible for allotment of resources prefer
Medical hospital seeking US$10M in damages for the death its ability to withstand future outreach is still very weak.
going board to seek medical treatment leaving the sector
of his daughter. It was reported that the lawmakers daughter
in dying need and the plight of the people at the mercy of
died in his arms from an
death.
asthmatic attack during the
heat of the Ebola outbreak
LAWMAKER SEEKING TWO MONTHS LEAVE
after she was allegedly refused
admission at the JFK.
A lawmaker from the House of Representatives who is paid
The lawsuit listed Edward
more than US$8,000 of tax payers money is seeking nearly
Forh as representative of
two months leave of absence from work to seek medical
the Forh family versus the
treatment abroad.
administration of the John
On Thursday Representative Gayah Karmo (Unity PartyF. Kennedy Hospital and
Distict#1 Bomi County) chairman on the House of
named first defendant Munah
Representatives Judiciary Committee wrote the plenary of
Tarpeh deputy administrator
the House of Representatives requesting that body to grant
, 2nd defendant Tannie Sneh
him medical leave to travel to the United States of America,
nursing
supervisor,
3rd
something many ordinary Liberians cannot afford to do.
defendant, Mary Howard
I have secured scheduled doctor appointment within
Nyaguie administrator, 4th
September 2015. In view of the aforementioned, I will
defendant
Korto
Dorbor
appreciate were you to grant me this urgent medical leave
Intern, 5th defendant Dr. Billy
of absence running from August 25, 2015 to October 11,
Johnson Chief Medical Officer.
2015 or sooner depending on the rigidity of the medical
Others are: 6th defendant, Dr.
treatment, Representative Karmo stated in his letter.
David Okinor staff Physician,
Though the medical problem of the lawmaker is unknown,
7th defendant, Prof. Joseph
ordinary Liberians who listened to the lawmakers request

Friday, August 21, 2015

Frontpage

Page 3

FrontPage COMMENTARY
LIBERIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS: A NEW
EDITORIAL
v

ENGAGEMENT MODEL OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT

MESSY T
JFK & THE
KENNEDY
LEGACY

America Owes it to its Former

President to Bolstered Liberias
Broken Healthcare System
TO SAY THAT POST-WAR LIBERIA IS STRUGGLING in the
healthcare department may be an understatement for
many still unable to find affordable healthcare.
MANY, INCLUDING government officials have to travel to
neighboring Ghana, Senegal or as far away to South Africa
and even the United States of America for treatment.
REALITY HIT CLOSED to home recently when Mr. Othello
Warrick, a former head of the Executive Protective Service
which protects the Liberian presidency and a former
Deputy Minister of National Defense died while efforts
were being made to have him airlifted to Senegal for a
brain aneurism procedure.
LESS THAN 24 HOURS LATER, MRS. Clavenda Parker, a
long-time friend to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, was
also rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center after
suffering a minor stroke. She was taken to next door
Ghana for treatment days later.
THE LIST GOES ON and on of prominent Liberian officials
often having to travel because the healthcare situation in
Liberia is in a total mess.
FORMER INTERIM PRESIDENT Charles Gyude Bryant
endured months of illness while running behind a tugboat
deal that never went through in hopes of finding means of
seeking treatment in Southern Africa.
OUR PRESIDENT, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf never misses a
chance to get her annual check-up whenever she happens
to be in the U.S.
FORMER PRESIDENT MOSES Blah, too. Lack of money to
travel to next door Ghana led him to his early grave.
FORMER PRESIDENT William V. S. Tubman died in
The London Clinic in London, England on Sunday, July
23, 1971 at age 75 from complications after a surgery.
Tubman had been flown to England on July 4, 1971 and
entered the clinic for examination and treatment of his
prostate gland condition
A FEW DAYS LATER, on July 27, 1971, the JFK Medical
Center was built.
IT WAS UPON TUBMANS request while on a visit to the
United States of America in 1961 to former President
John F. Kennedy, which paved the way for the United
States Aid for International Development(USAID) to lay
the groundwork for funding of what has become today,
the leading referral hospital in Liberia.
THE PROJECT WAS funded with a $6.8 million loan
and $9.2 million in grants from USAID and a $1 million
contribution from the Liberian Government. Construction
began in 1965 and the facility opened on July 27, 1971.
DURING THE LONG-RUNNING civil war, the hospital
sustained heavy damage and despite some fine-tuning
over the years, remains a sad testament to everything that
is wrong with Liberia.
PATIENTS CONTINUE to cry over high cost of treatment
while many others have had to purchase their drugs from
outside the hospital just to get care.
MANAGEMENT of the hospital has also been a problem
amid numerous complaints from patients and employees.
THE JFK facility, like the health system in Liberia was
exposed by the deadly Ebola virus outbreak which killed

By: Benoni Urey, Contributing Writer

here is no country on
the planet with more
blood ties to the United
States of America
than the West African nation
of Liberia. Today, my country
Liberia desperately needs U.S.
assistance, but not necessarily
how aid has been offered in
the past. Liberia needs more
trade and investments with
the U.S. We can accomplish
that by preparing Liberians
to participate fully in the
globalized economy.
The United States played a
pivotal role in the formation
of Liberia and has continued
to support my countrys
development for nearly 200
years.
In 1816, Reverend
William Finley, a pastor from
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
influenced several American
luminaries to form the American Colonization Society for the
expressed purpose of sending freed slaves to Africa. Finley
convened a meeting of James Monroe, Bushrod Washington,
Andrew Jackson, Francis Scott Key and Daniel Webster at
the Davis Hotel in Washington D.C.
Henry Clay led the
proceedings, with John Randolph and Richard Bland Lee also
present.
Finley and his associates influenced the United States Congress
to support the ACS with 100,000 dollars. The funding led to
the formation of Liberia and by 1822 the first group of freed
slaves reached the shores of Africa.
Liberia declared its
independence on July 26, 1847. It took 15 years for the United
States to recognize Liberias independence, but it has long
supported our development
Much support lately has been in the form of official direct
assistance (ODA), which helped to stabilize Liberia in the
post-civil war period. Unfortunately, ODA has not promoted
stronger trade and investments between the two countries.
Certainly, ODA is impactful in improving governance, security
sector reforms and in building capacity in the public sector.
We appreciate the level of U.S. aid over Liberias history,
especially in the peace-building efforts since the war ended
in 2003. We are grateful for the U.S. intervention during the
Ebola outbreak in 2014. President Obama put at risk nearly
3000 American troops to help stem the spread of the virus.
From 2003-2012, more than 5.1 billion dollars in aid was
spent in my countrys name. Total ODA disbursed to Liberia
just in 2012 was 571 million dollars. Over 510 million dollars
was spent on peace keeping. According to USAID, it disbursed
197.8 million dollars in aid to Liberia in 2013.
No one can deny that progress is being made in the human
condition in Liberia, with the support of the international
system, led by the U.S. But there is a flip side, which is difficult

to grasp due to the level of

extreme poverty still obtaining
in Liberia. Twelve years after
the end of its civil war, my
country is one of the poorest
on the planet, even with such
massive support from the
international community. We
are 175 out of 187 countries
on the Human Development
Index. Liberia is the fourth
poorest country by per
capita GDP. Our educational
system is broken. Most high
school graduates cannot pass
standardized tests designed
for eighth graders, in order
to enter college.
We are
one of the most food insecure
countries in the world. 1 in 5
people is food insecure, with
nearly 40 percent of children
stunted or wasted, in the
midst of vast arable land and
water resources. Maternal mortality has recently risen to
1072/100,000 from 994/100,000 births.
Clearly, aid supported the provision of basic services and
stabilized Liberia, but market driven solutions can propel
substantially more improvements in livelihoods. The U.S. is
not trading much with Liberia, despite the signing of a trade
agreement in 2007. Liberia qualifies to participate in AGOA,
but the countrys export to the United States is miniscule.
Rubber alone was 91 million dollars out of total exports of
97 million dollars in 2012. Total two way trade between the
two countries was only 270 million dollars in 2012, with just
1 billion dollar in foreign direct investment (FDI) stock from
the U.S.
I am convinced that Liberia and the United States can develop
stronger commercial ties. The possibilities are limitless in
technology transfer, infrastructure development, with special
emphasis on sustainable energy development, agriculture,
telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and real estate.
Moreover, Liberia and the United States are not fully integrated
financially, although, there is a considerable amount of inward
and outward remittances between the two countries that are
mostly for family support and not trade and investments.
Liberia can develop a financial architecture to support its
development with critical support from the U.S., in order to
attract American investments in Africa with Liberia being the
financial intermediary. Instead of Liberia being a basket case
perpetually on the dole of American taxpayers, Liberians can
become owners and workers in joint ventures with American
partners, cementing 200 years of blood ties.
Urey is a Liberian businessman, philanthropist and
politician. He is a graduate of the University of Southern
California.

scores of Liberians and next-door neighbors in Sierra

Leone and Guinea.
NAMED IN HONOR of a Former United States President, it
is important that the U.S. government take a keen interest
in insuring that the intent of the memory of a former
President, is not tainted as a result of what is unfolding at
the hospital in Liberia.
THE HOSPITAL HAS become for many, a symbol of Just for
Killing(JFK) with many lacking trust in getting adequate
care or even adequate medical staffers.
IN SPITE of everything that is wrong with the health
system in Liberia, JFK has some great nurses, doctors and
medical practitioners who make sacrifices on a daily basis
to save the lives of many. But in the absence of a strong
healthcare system, they can only do so much with so little
at their exposure.
AMERICA to its credit has doled out billions of dollars
in aid and other annuities to Liberia over the years, but
a lot of those funds have been directed through its own
agencies, diminishing returns on the ability of those funds
to make strong impact on those languishing at the bottom
of the economic ladder.
MISUSE OF FUNDS by government officials and a host of
accountability and transparency issues have contributed,
too. But whatever the issues are, America owes this

much to the legacy of President Kennedy to seize the

responsibility of making the JFK what is supposed to be,
a haven for the sick and wounded where everyone has a
chance at getting treated thereby minimizing the need to
travel outside for treatment, especially for those who can
afford it. If privatization is an option, it must be explored
and processed swiftly.
IT IS SAD that Liberia, Africas oldest republic, whose
former president died from a treatable and preventable
prostate, continue to see similar deaths, decades after
Tubmans death.
LIBERIA, AFRICAS oldest republic could use a haven for
stroke victims, aneurism and various other treatable
illnesses that many Liberians are falling to their early
graves daily due to the lack of a hospital capable of treating
those illnesses.
AMERICA, Liberias perennial stepfather owes it to itself
and a former President to help make this urgent medical
necessity, an urgent reality, if for nothing else, but for the
sake of humanity and the historic ties that bind the two
countries.
LET US NOT wait for another outbreak before fixing a
fixable and preventable dilemma killing and maiming
scores of Liberians living without access to affordable and
reachable healthcare.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Page 4 | Frontpage

The Reader's Page

FrontPage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB

COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE
EXTORTION SPREE: LIBERIAN
LAWMAKERS TURN LABOR INSPECTORS
ANSU OPA DUALU COALITION OF CONCERNED LIBERIANS
A quote from my grandpa: "Do not ask a leech to stop sucking
blood, it's biologically impossible". But there is one thing you
can do, remove it with a sharp edge. What else is new?
NYEMADE WANI UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, MONROVIA,
LIBERIA CAMPUS

This is what happens when a rat thinks it can bark like a dog.
When people do not know their duties and spend most of their
time in enjoyment, they suddenly want to appear as if they are
doing something. I have never heard of a Senator in a country
taking it upon himself to go visit an establishment for evaluation.
These people eat and eat and still want more money. Why do
they not go to the poor business people and do an evaluation?
Why do they not become inspectors and go to JFK, or inspect
the number of rapes in the country. Because no money inside.
Because they know where the money is. I say let them become
acquainted with the feces and urine on Waterside that the street
peddlers have to contend with. Then we will know they are
serious about labor issues. Why do we have a Ministry of Labor?
JOHN-LORD BAXTER II DAMANSARA, KUALA LUMPUR,
MALAYSIA
The lawmakers by virtue of their job description has every
rights to visit businesses and other areas that might assist them
in making informed decisions. (as long as they are not indulging
in the act of exploitation). This is the same approach they
should have used before passing the current fiscal budget. Had
they for example visited, health facilities, schools, etc, to have a
first-hand experience of how much improvement are needed in
these areas, that would have given them better ideas of areas to
be allocated more funding in the budget.
DEMPSTER YALLAH UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA

While the assertions that law makers may go on inspection

tours every now and then to ascertain the modus operandi
of businesses may be partially true, it must at the same time
be part of a continuum. In other words the inspection must
be part of a hearing either already held, or ongoing, and as an
opportunity to gather more information on the operation of the
business for the pending decision before a house committee.
The owners of the affected/targeted businesses would be glad
for such tours, were that the case and not crying. But this one
smacks of extortion and needs to be investigated by the House's
Ethics Committee, for the appropriate reprimand. The House
constantly paints this squalid picture of itself and dares the rest
of us, especially journalists and other officials from repeating
it in public. Contempt awaits anyone who dares. ...Carpe diem!

PRESIDENT SAMUEL DOES LAND

GIFT: SQUABBLE RATTLES JFK AREA
MICHAEL PAYE GONQUOI MANAGER AT SELF-EMPLOYED

I lament the sentiments of the residents of the community;

however, rules and regulations must be implemented. Those
who occupied public places in the name of "squatters" should
be aware of future danger like the case of PUC, and this should
serve as a warning to people who are occupying similar places.
There is nothing free as claimed by the residents that President
Doe gave them the place. I appeal to gov't to give them few
months to relocate to continue with the development agenda
of JFK.
LIBERIA PICTURES UNITED METHODIST UNIVERSITY
Let the government rehabilitate the JFK first, then expand.
DARBY CECIL WORKS AT SELF-EMPLOYED
DIRTY DIRTY PEOPLE

VARNEY KROMAH UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA

The Expansion process need to kick off. People need to be
responsible enough by living decent life.

DISCLAIMER: The comments expressed here are

those of our online readers and bloggers and do no
represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

Send your letters and comments to:

editor@frontpageafricaonline.com
YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

WHY IS CENTRAL
BANK OF LIBERIA
AFRAID OF AUDIT?

The Editor,

hy is the Central Bank afraid of a real audit?

(Re"PPCC COMPLAINS OF CENTRAL BANK
NON-COMPLIANT POSTURE").
Every time you talk about auditing the Central
Bank of Liberia (CBL), Dr. Mills Jones, the CBL Governor,
gives you the middle finger, and declare that the Bank has
already been audited!
But there's one big problem, Governor. We're NOT
talking (and he knows it) about a financial audit of
CBL's books, which was done by your external auditors
(PricewaterhouseCoopers)!
When we talk about auditing the CBL, we're talking about
a comprehensive audit of the Bank's operations, especially
the management of its Micro Finance Program a.k.a the Loan
Extension and Availability Facility (LEAF) Program for freeloaders!
Can someone ask Governor Jake Milton Jones if he knows
the difference between a financial audit and comprehensive
audit?
If he doesn't respond, say "Governor, I know you skip your
auditing class (on Cuttington) to chase Kpelle women, but
there is a BIG difference between a financial audit and
comprehensive audit, so let me educate you:"
You ready, Governor?
A financial audit seek to express an independent opinion
on the truth and fairness of an government's unit financial
records.
Whereas, a comprehensive audit seeks to ascertain whether
a government's unit is achieving economy, efficiency, and
effectiveness in its employment of public resources! It's
also performed to combat waste, fraud, abuse and illegal
activities!!
That's why the people's representatives (lawmakers)
commissioned the PPCC (the people's auditors) to do a
comprehensive audit, but you and your unaccountable audit
committee keep telling them that ONLY the CBL can audit
itself or pay someone (PricewaterhouseCoopers) to audit
it....That's nonsense!
But such nonsense shouldn't be tolerated by our National
Legislature! The supreme law of the land (Constitution,
Article 89) specifically grant the legislature the power
to enact law (pass a bill to audit the CBL) for the smooth
operation of the government.
So if Dr. Mills Jones refuses to comply with House's audit
request, they should hold him in contempt for obstructing
the people's work, and lock his ass up for 48 hours!
Stop shaking in your boots, Governor! If you have nothing to
hide, you have nothing to fear, right??
Martin Scott
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com

THE CONSTITUTIONALISM
AND THE RULE OF LAW
ARE BEING PREVAILED BY
THE PRESIDENTS ACTION
ON PROPOSITION # 24
(CHRISTIANIZING LIBERIA)

The Editor,

ew months ago, Liberia witnessed heated debates

on Proposition #24 of the ongoing Constitution
Review process, the said preposition called for
changing Liberias organic law from its secular
nature to religious state mainly Christian State. The action
faced Pros and cons, supporters and oppositions but
while debates and intellectual discourses were going on,
everyone was keenly waiting presidential action which
has to be considered before submitting final draft to the
Legislators.
Further, Her Excellency Madam President has been silent
on this issue since Gbarngas Conference ended on last
April. Nevertheless, she has finally made clear her stand
by expressing her rejection and objection to the idea.
Moreover, the Executive Branchs disapproval of changing
Liberia status from secularism to religious states is based
on two major points:
First, it is a divisive instrument of long standing religious
tolerance, cultural diversity and equality and freedom
of every one to worship whatever he or she believes in.
Second, considering it as unconstitutional at all, because
the organic law of the land insures freedom of worship for
all, but this movement ( Christianizing Liberia) impliedly
contravene and contradicts that spirit of the constitution,
Democracy and of course the Rule of Law.
Besides, the action should be served as a starting point of
well - meaning of constitutionalism , rule of law and sociopolitical reforms for all Liberians, which if it is done- will
play major role in maintaining our young democracy, and
relative economic success.
Finally, this action of Her Excellency, President Sirleaf ought
to be considered as a win-win situation for all Liberians
not a segment of the society . May Almighty continue to
bless Mama Liberia !!!!!
MORY D.A SUMAWORO
Ph.D candidate in Comparative Laws,
Ahmad Ibrahim School of Laws, IIUM, Malaysia
mory6140@gmail.com

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Frontpage

Page 5

OPEN LIE
LAWMAKER DEFENDS LABOUR INSPECTION SPREE, CLAIMS
MINISTER IS AWARE; BUT MINISTER SAYS IT IS AN

A
Monrovia-

member
of
the
House
of
Representatives
who
admitted
writing some businesses in
Liberia requesting to have
a meeting to review their
employment data has told
FrontPageAfrica that his action
was carried out based on a
mandate from the Plenary of
the House of Representatives
and a request from Labour
Minister Neto Lighe for the
lawmakers to inspect and see
for themselves activities at
some of these businesses.
Representative Christian S.
Chea, Sr, (River Gee County)
head of the House Standing
Committee on Labour told
FPA Thursday that inspecting
businesses is part of his

It does not make sensehe is justifying his action by saying that. They invited Labour
and Immigration and we gave them report, how can I tell them to go on the field when
that is my responsibility? That is an open Lie, Labour Minister Neto Z. Lighe
Samwar S. Fallah, samwar.fallah@frontpageafricaonline.com

oversight responsibility and as

a lawmaker, he was performing
his duty.
It is part of my oversight, I
have the right as Chairman
on Labour. We deal with all
matters. That is our oversight,
the lawmaker said.
He claimed that the Legislature
invited the Minister of Labour
and the Commissioner of the
Bureau of Immigration and
Naturalization. According to
him, the two officials admitted
to problems of foreigners
being employed at various
businesses and they further
requesting them (lawmakers)
to visit some business houses
and see firsthand the prevailing
situation.
So we displayed the letter
from Hon. Edwin Snowe and
the mandate from plenary and

they came out to say some of

those practices were true but
they would love for us to go in
the field to see for ourselves,
said Representative Chea.
But Labour Minister Lighe
has described the lawmakers
assertion as an open lie, saying
the lawmaker is justifying his
action to go out and inspect
businesses.
It does not make sensehe is
justifying his action by saying
that. They invited Labour and
Immigration and we gave them
report, how can I tell them to
go on the field when that is my
responsibility? That is an open
Lie, Minister Lighe told FPA.
Weak inspectorate
Representative Chea also
claimed that there is weak

inspection by the Ministry of

Labour that is contributing
to the employment problems
at many businesses around
Liberia.
Said Representative Chea: We
wanted the information and so
we invited the Labour Minister.
He did not provide it because he
has a weak inspectorate, very
weak inspectorate. As I tell you
there is some information that
we have that he does not have.
In some counties they only
have Labour Commissioners,
nobody else is employed
besides commissioners, so the
inspectorate is weak.
Minister Lighe also labeled the
claim of weak inspectorate as a
ploy by the lawmaker to justify
his action.
I am doing a communication
to the speaker to complain his

action, said Minster Lighe.

According to Representative
Chea, his inspection has
uncovered
that
many
foreigners are employed at
various businesses across the
country, thereby undermining
the Liberianization policy.
He named China Union as one
company with 173 foreigners
performing jobs set aside for
Liberians.
We asked for their job
descriptions, some of them are
sweepers, some of them are
cooks and some of them are
doing small domestic work.
That gave us the courage to
move ahead, the lawmaker
disclosed.
The lawmaker also named
Sunny Brothers as another
business with more Indians
working on the counter, when

HERALDING CUBAS ROLE

P

Monrovia
resident
Ellen
Johnson
Sirleaf
has bid farewell to
outgoing
Cuban
Ambassador to Liberia, His
Excellency Mr. Jorge Fernando
Lefebre Nicols.
According to an Executive
Mansion release, the Liberian
President, bidding the Cuban
envoy farewell, thanked him,
noting that during the period
of his service, relationship
between Liberia and Cuba has
become stronger.
She expressed thanks to the
Cuban Government for the
many scholarships provided
Liberians to study in that
country, particularly in the
medical area; noting that
this will greatly assist in the
recovery of the countrys
healthcare delivery especially
after the Ebola virus disease.
President
Sirleaf
also
highlighted Cubas generous
assistance to the country during
the Ebola crisis when they
deployed 53 medical personnel
to join other international
partners in the fight. Besides,
they were deployed to the rural
areas where conditions were
most challenging during the
period, she said.
The Liberian leader reminded
him of a meeting with the
Cuban Vice President Miguel
Daz-Canel in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia recently where she

President Sirleaf Bids Farewell to Outgoing Cuban

Ambassador, H.E. Jorge Fernando Lefebre Nicols

appealed for additional Cuban

medical personnel to beef up
the countrys health system.
She urged the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs to work
with the Cuban Embassy to
determine the requirements
needed to achieve the result.

President Sirleaf assured the

Cuban envoy that advanced
steps have already been taken
for the reciprocal accreditation
of a Liberian Ambassador to
Cuba, which she hoped to
consummate shortly.
She thanked the outgoing

Cuban
Ambassador
for
his service to Liberia and
wished him well in his future
endeavors.
In remarks earlier, the outgoing
Cuban
Ambassador,
Mr.
Nicols praised the relations
between Liberia and Cuba

during his tenure. Im leaving

behind a relationship that is
more consolidated than it was
six years ago, he said, noting
that there is a need to further
strengthen this relationship.
The
Cuban
Ambassador
hoped
that
formalities

Liberians can do the job.

The constitution of Liberia
gives the National Legislature
oversight responsibility but the
lawmakers are now moving
into the field to perform
functions such as inspection of
employment data at businesses,
a task set aside for the Ministry
of Labour.
As per the Constitution,
the Executive Branch of
Government is responsible for
enforcement of the various laws
passed by the Legislature but
the latest with the lawmakers
passing
laws,
approving
legislations and going out
to implement it appears the
lawmakers are performing the
functions of both the Executive
and the Legislature.

will be concretized so that

his successor will not be
resident in Accra, Ghana and
concurrently serve Liberia; but
will be accredited to Liberian
and resident in Monrovia.
He stressed that he was very
proud that Cuba had the
opportunity to assist Liberia
during the outbreak of the
Ebola virus disease when they
sent a medical team to join
international partners fight the
outbreak.
Ambassador Nicols assured
the Liberian leader that they
have begun working with the
Ministry of Health in exploring
ways to bring a medical team
back to Liberia for a two or
three year stint to help the
country improve its healthcare
delivery system. He noted that
most of the medical team that
came to assist Liberia during
the Ebola crisis have expressed
willingness to return.
Looking back at the level of
development since his arrival
a few years back, Ambassador
Nicols praised President
Sirleaf for leadership foresight
and her tenacity to see Liberia
developed.
He said he was happy to have
had the opportunity to meet
so many wonderful people in
Liberia.
Also attending the farewell
meeting were the Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Elias Shoniyin and
the Assistant Minister for
American Affairs, Mr. Sie
Teba-Neufville, of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.

Page 6 | Frontpage

CHICKEN BOX
UNIVERSITY

Friday, August 21, 2015

UMU STUDENTS DECRY OVERCROWDED CAMPUS

If the students say the school is overcrowded, then they have to find a less
overcrowded school. But lets look at the total picture of schools at this levelthis
is not J.J Roberts where you have 25 students in one class, there are some classes
here because of the major you will have less students while you others have more,
so when you talk about numerous students in the class that will be beginning
courses.~ Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Bettie K. Johnson /betty.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

everal students at
the United Methodist
University
have
criticized the over
crowdedness of the university
and lack of adequate facilities
to improve their learning skills.
The student termed the
buildings of the university as
chicken box adding that the
features do not represent a
university.
Following a tour of the
university, several students
who spoke on the condition
of
anonymity
said
the
administration is aware of the
challenges but has failed to
change the situation.
FPA toured several colleges
and noticed that the issues
raised by the students were
right on groundsone of the
buildings named IAB hall is
narrow and students were
seen jammed in traffic as they
await their colleagues to leave
the hall.
Many of the classes including
Math and English was also
seen with over 50 students
as some students stood in the
class while some stood at the
entrance and window.
A female student studying
Public Administration said it
was like a burden to her as the
money paid to the university
does not commensurate with
the service.
Well, as you can see, there are
not much chairs so we have to
move chairs from one building
to another. Also look at the
building; they are shaking I
dont know why they are just
adding and adding buildings
I dont even know if these
buildings are guaranteed.
A student of the Science
Department told FPA that the
department lacks apparatus
and because of the proximity,
their
classes
are
often
disrupted by noises emanating
from the adjacent building.
To me, I think this school
is like a chicken box. the
science lab was large and now
it has been divided into two.
The sockets and chemicals
used in this lab are expired
but we have to use it, said one
student.
The
student
continued:
Incorporating more students
and no facility is like a joke to
the educational mess .Our lab
is not up to standard and what
they provide is what we work
with. I am a senior student,
with these challenges we will
do our best.

The student commended

the Universitys Teaching
Faculty but wondered why
they should be learning under
such condition. As a student
of science, we are dealing with
life and if we are not educated
practically, how will we start
in medical schools? This is
something that the school has
to work on.
Another student of Arts
lamented: if you have class
in IAB or SB building you have
to get there at least 30 to 45
minutes before the class time
or else you wouldnt have chair
or you will be caught in the
traffic in the hallway
Responding to the students
claims, the Vice President of
Academic Affairs, Dr. Evelyn
Kandakai told FPA that they
are aware of the challenges but
clarified that there is no over
crowdedness of classes.
She said that the administration
of the University is not
ashamed of the facilities
and that no matter what the

facilities are, students come

out bright.
Dr.
Kandakai
furthered
disclosed since the outbreak
of Ebola, the University has
regroup its student enrollment.
Over crowdedness is a bit
unfounded. Because compare
to what we had before Ebola
and now is 4,455 as compare
to 4,800. besides that these
people are not just on Ashmun
street we have colleges in
Gbarnga, Sinoe and Ganta, so
over crowdedness is positive
now because there is less over
crowdedness, she stated.
Dr. Kandakai continued: If
the students say the school is
overcrowded, then they have to
find a less overcrowded school.
But lets look at the total picture
of schools at this levelthis is
not J.J Roberts where you have
25 students in one class, there
are some classes here because
of the major you will have less
students while others have
more, so when you talk about
numerous students in the

class, that will be beginning

courses.
She further disclosed that the
University does not take above
50 students in class which
seems untrue from what was
seen from FPA reporter.
On the issue of apparatus,
Dr. Kandakai furthered said:
we know we are striving to
improve those areas, mainly
the science areas. We have
pleaded with some people to
help us, and people decried
these things saying, you dont
have this you dont have that
but they should bear in mind
that institutions of higher
learning in Liberia is this.
Let it be clear that we are
operating on students fees,
mainly so if we dont have a
perfect lab its because we
take more of the money for
operational things, we are not
the worst, some of our students
still qualify to be in Medical
school. We may not have all the
laboratories equipment, She
added.

The UMU VPAA in a daunt

tone said the University was
about to establish Petroleum
Science, Graduate school and
a law program but all request
made have proved futile, We
need help you cant expect
more qualities and the small
amount the students paid give
positive results so what I am
saying is with the little facility
we are optimal, we still feel
that we can do more, we are
not ashamed of our facility
because the students are still
coming up to the task.
On the spaciousness of the
campus, she disclosed that the
university have four campuses.
The
United
Methodist
University is one of the private
universities in Liberia.
It was established in 1998 and
had since been on Ashmun
Street.
Presently the university has
over 4,455 students and
majority, according to the Vice
President of Administration,
are females.

The
private
university
currently have several colleges
ranging from college of
Agriculture, Education, Arts
and Science, and management
and theology among others.
On Ashmun Street, the
university host numerous
colleges including the Science,
Education, Sociology, Social
Work, Mass Communication,
IT, and Business.
Of the colleges, there are
approximately 6 buildings
that host these colleges
and students, they are seen
congested to one another as
the hall of the buildings are
narrow.
The students are frequently
seen on the sidewalks while
others are seen sitting on cars
awaiting their classes.
Students of the Arts College
paying college are paying 15
USD while students in the
Science department pay 20
USD not including their labs
and students of IT pay 35 USD
per course.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Frontpage

INFORMATION MINISTER BROWN

FLIP-FLOPS ON EDUCATION

REFORM COMMENTS

Henry Karmo (0886522495)

henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

PRESIDENT SIRLEAF DECLARES

AUGUST 24, NATIONAL FLAG DAY
To Be Observed as A National Holiday

Monrovianformation Minister Lewis has contradicted himself against

his earlier comments of government reaching a final
decision on the Country Education reform policy by telling
the plenary of the House of Representatives Thursday that
the policy is a proposal awaiting lawmakers input.
Minister Brown, in what appeared as a direct response to the
lawmakers mandate, in July 2015 indicated that as a matter of law,
the Minister of Education has the authority to announce measures
in the sector and such announcement will remain unchanged as
he does not care where the pronouncement is made.
Today, Minister Werner has proceeded to announce consistent
with law, the policy of the Government of Liberia and if you dont
believe him, hear my voice, school year 2015 ends July 31, said
Minster Brown.
Appearing before the plenary of the House of Representatives
where he was invited to give reasons for his comments against the
lawmakers decision on the education Minister pronouncement,
he said; Honorable speaker and members of this body, the
education reform policy is a proposal that requires your input.
Ironically, the policy Brown claims to be a proposal awaiting
lawmakers input is already in play as evident of the closure of
schools on the July 31 deadline given by the Minister of Education
George Werner.
The action by the Education Minister violates section 8.3, 8.2, and
8.2 of the act creating the educational sector which calls for an
academic year to comprise two semesters and six periods. Among
many things, the new minister promised that as part of the reform
policy, schools will be provided text books but information
reaching this paper says ship bringing books to Liberia will arrive
on the shores of Liberia in November while schools are expected
to resume September 2015.
In support of her Ministers decision ignoring the constitutional
violation, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf wrote the Plenary of the
House of Representatives informing them that she has mandated
her minister not to honor what appears to be a mandate given
him against the reform policy. Many lawmakers described
the letter as undermining the legislature and prompted the
House of representative to invite the President to explain her
communication, even though she did not appear.
During his press conference in July of 2015 Minister Brown said:
I dont care where you hear it, because it will be a continuous talk
but the talk equal to decisions No, the decisions has been made
, we are not saying the policy is been reviewed. I am saying the
decisions have been made, it is done. In his statement, Minister
Brown admitted that he was not afraid to be invited to answer
question and was willing to do so at any time.
Added Minister Brown: Will people be called to explain it yes,
will they explain it, yes, will everyone accept, no, will they change
it no, what we need to focus on now is preparing for two months;
the minister is not saying semester close but we are saying a
condensed school year, and it is the final statement we are not
going back on it.
Browns reminder- Separation of power
Following the pronouncement by Ministers Werner and Brown,
students took to the streets in protest with some lawmakers
describing the pronouncement as disrespect to the body. The
Legislature acted swiftly by citing President Sirleaf to appear
before the body to provide reasons why some members of the
Executive continue to render disrespect to them.
President Sirleaf could not appear as declared by the lawmakers
and Representative Wesseh Blamo (UP, Grand Kru County)
told reporters that the President was busy with international
dignitaries but has instructed Minister Brown to inform the
lawmakers that the decision to close schools has been changed.
In early August, stakeholders in the education sector including
principals, school administrators agreed for schools to close and
resume in September.

Monrovia he President of the

Republic of Liberia,
Her Excellency Mrs.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
has by Proclamation, declared
Monday, August 24, 2015 as
National Flag Day, and is to
be observed throughout the
Republic as a National Holiday.
The Proclamation is in
consonant with an Act of
National Legislature of the
Republic of Liberia, approved
on October 25, 1915, which
declared the 24th day of
August each year as a National

Flag Day to be observed as a

national holiday, throughout
the Republic of Liberia.
The Proclamation states that
It is important and befitting
that the Day is commemorated
annually by all citizens of
the Republic in testimony of
their allegiance and loyalty
to the national ensign, the
embodiment of the countrys
existence as a sovereign entity
and to encourage national
pride and Patriotism.
The
Proclamation
urges
citizens and foreign residents
within the borders of Liberia

to give prominence to the

observance by flying the
National Flag from each
dwelling and Public Building.
The Proclamation orders
and directs the Ministry
of Education and all other
government
agencies
concerned
to
execute
appropriate programs befitting
the occasion.
The Proclamation also orders
all government offices, public
and business houses closed
during the observance.
The national flag was
designed and undertaken by

NO RULING:PUP CASE SUFFERS ANOTHER

POSTPONEMENT AS PROSECUTION,
DEFENSE LAWYERS EXPRESSED DISMAY
Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@
frontpageafricaonline.com 0777296781

rosecution
and
defense lawyers got
a rude awakening
yesterday when Judge
Peter Gbeneweleh failed to
rule in the US$6m economic
sabotage case involving the
former FDA Managing Director
Moses Wogbeh and six others.
This is the second time that
the case has been assigned by
Judge Peter Gbeneweleh for
ruling without the court living
up to its own schedule.
We are not trying to judge the
court but we are worried over
the delay in the ruling because
we have other cases pending
before the court for hearing,
said lead defense lawyer Cllr.
Daku Mulbah.
Judge Peter Gbeneweleh told
the parties in the case that he
could not rule on Thursday
because he needed time to
peruse all of the evidences.
Judge
Peter
Gbeneweleh,
quoted by a source within the
prosecution, has announced
that he is going to rule on
Tuesday, August 25, 2015, a
day after the National Flag Day.

We are also disappointed to

have another postponement in
this case but we will continue
to come until the court can
rule, said a defense lawyer
who spoke to Frontpageafrica
strictly on the basis of
anonymity
Former Managing Director
of the Forestry Development
Authority
(FDA)
Moses
Wogbeh and four other
defendants were indicted by
the Grand Jury of Montserrado
Court during the May 2015
Term of Court on several
multiple criminal offences,
including economic sabotage.
Court record
stated that
the five defendants were
indicted based on the report
and recommendation from a
special presidential committee
set up by President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf to probe the
alleged issuance of Private Use
Permit (PUP) by the former
FDA officials.
According to the Special
presidential
committee
headed by the now chairman
of the Public Procurement

and Concession Commission,

Dorbor Jallah, the men are held
for the alleged illegal issuance
of 61 Private Use Permit
(PUP) to several logging
companies that resulted to the
loss of US$6m in revenue by
government, a claim that all
five defendants have denied.
I did not signed any PUP that
resulted to the loss of US$6m,
I challenged the prosecution
to prove how this US$6m was
lost, said defendant Moses
Wogbeh.
Testifying before the court
state witness Dorbor stated
that the recommendation
by the committee that called
for prosecution of the five
defendants were based on
statements made by the
defendants during the time of
the investigation.
But defense lawyer Cllr.
Albert Sims has called on
the court not to consider the
committees report on ground
that the committee was not
clothed with the authority to
conduct investigation of the
defendants without any legal
representation present.
Cllr. Sims also called on the
court to set aside the committee
alleged investigative report
because said report was
never signed by any of the
committees member.
However, at the close of the
trial last month, state lawyers
led by Montserrado County
Attorney Daku Mulbah told
the court to convict the
defendants because they have
proven their case beyond all
reasonable doubt. The defense
has opposed the states claim
on grounds that they have not
proven their case.

Page 7

a committee of ladies led by

Mrs. Susannah Lewis and all
talented and visionary citizens
of the Republic at the time, the
Proclamation declares. .
The Proclamation stressed that
the making of the flag of the
Republic was a historic event
of great significance for Liberia
as Africas pacesetter in the
struggle for self determination
and inspiration to future
African states.
The release stated that the
national ensign of Liberia
is visible evidence of the
countrys sovereignty and
independence as a political
entity within the comity of
nations and a symbol of pride
and dignity.
The flag consists of six red
stripes and five alternating
white stripes totaling eleven
stripes with each representing
one of the eleven Signers of The
Declaration of Independence
of Liberia, and the blue field
in the upper left corner of a
rectangular form with a single
while star in the center of the
blue field depicting Liberia
as the then only independent
state on the continent of Africa
while the color red symbolizes
the blood of those who died in
the struggle for independence.
The color while indicates the
Purity of mind and clearness
of all its forebears toward each
other and the blue for the dark
continent of Africa as it was
then depicted.

CHRISTIANS
DO NOT NEED
PROTECTION
OF THE LAW
TO PRACTICE
RELIGION, SAYS
DR. SAWYER

Monrovia rofessor, Dr. Amos

C. Sawyer, Former
Interim
President
and now Chairman of
the Governance Commission
has described as backward
movement calls to declare
Liberia a Christian State.
Dr. Sawyer advised that the
suggestion to declare Liberia
a Christian State does not flow
with the national direction of
moving the post-war country
in the path of reconciliation
and inclusion.
The Former Interim President
argued that the declaration of
a Christian State is to brand
the nation and create the
impression that Christians
feel insecure and need the
protection of the law to
practice their religion.
Dr. Sawyer made the remarks
when he addressed the weekly
press briefing of the Ministry
of Information, Culture and
Tourism when he spoke on
Democratic Governance and
Constitutional Reforms.
The
Chairman
of
the
Governance
Commission
challenged anyone including
Newspapers and Religious
Leaders to bring the proof or
publish the full-text of the 1847
Constitution which declared
Liberia a Christian State.
The University Professor then
cautioned that those who
are misinterpreting the 1847
Constitution wrongly are doing
a disservice to the country and
less educating our people.

RACE FOR SURVIVAL

Friday, August 21, 2015

Page 8 | Frontpage

M
Monrovia-

ore
than
500
children
participated in the
Save the Children
Race for Survival which was
held at the Don Bosco Youth
Center on Wednesday, August
19th.
Children from all walks of life
used the program to appeal
to the Liberian Government
and Partners to shed more
emphasis on access to quality
education and health, child
poverty alleviation for the
future of Liberias children and
equal justice for all Liberian
children.
Attending
the
program
was Montserrado Senator
Geraldine Doe- Sheriff who
committed to working to
address issues on child health,
malnutrition in Liberia and
child poverty.
According to Save the Children,
the messages from the children
of Liberia at the Race will be
taken to the UNGA to be held
next month in September
where
the
Sustainable
Development Goals will be
finalized.
Save
the
Children
has
described 2015 as a critical
year, marking the last year of
the MDGs and the unveiling of
new Sustainable Development
Goals. At Save the Children, we
are also marking the final year
of the global campaign EVERY
ONE, our biggest ever campaign
on ending preventable child
deaths and ensuring child
survival, a statement from the
organization noted.
At this years Race for Survival
children from around the
world were asked to send in
their child survival hopes that

Liberian Kids Press Govt on Education, Health

will be collected at each of

the national Race for Survival
events and presented at the UN
General Assembly in New York
in September.
The year 2015 offers an
important opportunity to
celebrate the remarkable
progress made on increasing
childrens survival around

the world and in Liberia in

particular. Liberias infant
mortality rate declined from
144 deaths per 1000 live births
in 1986 to 73 deaths per 1000
live births in 2012. Thousands
of mothers are alive today
because of improvements in
essential health care during
pregnancy and childbirth.

Save the Children says there

is a major unfinished agenda
and risk of stagnation. We
must act urgently to ensure
that progress on child survival
continues to accelerate. Save
the Children believes that no
child should be left behind;
every child has an equal right
to survive and thrive, no matter

BRINGING RESILIENCY AND

NORMALCY TO EBOLA-FREE LIBERIA

t's been a year since

the height of the Ebola
epidemic,
and
we're
finally seeing Liberia get
back on its feet. But there is a
new normal -- learning to live
with the possibility of Ebola
while strengthening a severely
impacted economy and health
system.
Tragedies are often seen most
clearly through the eyes of a
child, and I saw it firsthand in a
14-year-old boy named Elijah.
His story provided hope during

a bleak time.
Elijah was living with his aunt
when she and other family
members became sick and
died of what was suspected
as being Ebola. As a result, his
father refused to let him in the
house and told him to sleep
at school. The principal of
his school wouldn't let him in
either, and Elijah was forced to
lie on the side of the road near
a health clinic.
Luckily, we found Elijah, and
we were able to get him to an

Ebola Treatment Unit. Today

Elijah is healthy and Ebolafree. With counseling, he was
accepted and supported by
his family and community
when many feared survivors of
Ebola.
Today Elijah is a typical
teenager, starting back at
school, playing football and
working on the family farm.
His father says he doesn't
laugh as much as he once did
and he seems lost in thought
sometimes -- but he survived.

And for that, we are very

grateful.
A recent "flare up" of Ebola
showed the response system
is better -- but not perfect.
Vigilance is still needed. And
in the long-term, building
a resilient health system is
crucial. Resilience is a word
that is often used post-Ebola.
Even with the significant
achievements made to date,
Liberia needs more health
workers, supplies, resources,
and infrastructure to protect

where they are born.

In 2015, Save the Children aims
to celebrate and accelerate
progress on child survival in
Liberia and worldwide! This
is why we are organizing our
greatest ever mobilization of
children throughout 2015, the
Race for Survival relay. Children
in more than 60 countries are
against future outbreaks.
Chaos has ended but rebuilding
a country's structure takes
time, patience, and support.
Surveillance, rapid response
and a referral system must
be in place for an effective
transition, as well as an Ebola
isolation, care, and treatment
system.
Normalcy means children
like Elijah are returning to
classrooms, and farmers are
planting their fields to combat
hunger within their families
and communities. It means
those affected by the outbreak
coming together to heal.
My colleagues and I often
discuss that we thought the
daily activities would subside
once the Ebola crisis passed,
but that's just not the case.
We have shared some very
dark days, and our job is to
make sure we are healing and
rebuilding lives -- one day at a
time.
That requires not only a
resilient health system, but a
resilient economy.
Growing up, I often heard a
person's life could be changed
for the price of a cup of coffee.
I'll admit I was skeptical with
this comparison, but not
anymore. Two months ago
through USAID, PCI began
distributing $50 per month in
cash to the most vulnerable

participating in events to share

their calls for urgent action by
decision makers to publically
commit to ending preventable
child deaths by 2030.
The Race for Survival program
offered children a great
opportunity to make their
voices heard in a crucial year
for child health and survival.

households impacted by Ebola.

When we first distributed these
small amounts to families, I
asked myself, "How much can a
relatively small amount of cash
impact an entire household?"
Well, actually, a lot. We have had
a chance to "follow" the money
after the first distribution and
have found that more than half
is going for food, and that helps
to stimulate the local economy
and improve overall household
nutritional status. It is being
used to purchase rice, oil, salt,
and meat or fish. A number of
women are investing a portion
of the money into small
businesses. Extra cash in these
households means that there
are resources in case a family
member is sick and there will
be funds available to support
children in school.
This temporary "hand up" can
change a family's future and
the direction of a country. I'm
seeing it first-hand. Liberians
are resilient people, and our
investment in them will lead
to a strengthened nation
and region. And when, God
forbid, the next crisis comes,
Liberia and West Africa will be
prepared to stop it in its tracks.
Jolene
Mullins
is
the
Liberia country director
for PCI (Project Concern
International). You can learn
more here.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Republic of Liberia
Ministry of National Defense
UN Drive BTC
1000 Monrovia, 10, Liberia
West Africca
Office of The Assistant Minister For Pub lic Affairs
VACANCY ANNOUINCEMENTS
The Ministry of National Defense is in search of qualified Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and
Midwives to be assigned at the various clinics within the military facilities across the Country.

Laboratory Technicians Position (2):

Qualifications:
Must have a diploma or certificate in Laboratory Technology/Science, a bachelors degree in
Laboratory Science is an added advantage
Must have three years of working experience
Must be willing to take assignment out of Town, mainly at Military Bases
Willingness to keep abreast of new skills in the nursing field
Technological proficiency in relevant laboratory equipment
Must be familiar with the operations, quality control and maintenance of laboratory equipment
Position of Nurses (2)
Qualifications:
Must have bachelor degree in Nursing
At least three years of working experience in the nursing field
Must be willing to take assignment out of Town, mainly at Military Bases
Must be a Registered Nurse

Position of Midwives (2)

Qualifications
Must have a diploma or certificate from a recognized School of Midwifery
Must have at least five years of working experience as a professional Midwife
Must be willing to take assignment out of Town, mainly at Military Bases

NOTE: All applicants, in addition to the requirements for qualification, must meet all Ministry
of Healths qualifications for such positions or assignments.
COMPENSATION:
Salary will be commensurable with the level of training and credible experience. Applicants are
advised to submit their letters of application and resumes along with copies of their credentials
(Degree, Diploma or Certificate, etc. ) to Attention:

Department of Personnel and Administration

Ministry of National Defense

BTC, U N Drive, Monrovia, Liberia

Ref. Department of Health Vacancies
Deadline for submission of application and resume is Monday, August 25, 2015 before close of
official business. No application will be accepted after 4:00PM. Meanwhile, only prequalified or
short listed candidates will be contacted to sit interview.
Signed: _______________________
David K. Dahn

Assistant Minister for Public Affairs

VEGA Liberia DCA Program

Statement of Work: IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist

Position:
Program:
Location:
Duration:
Target Start Date:

IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist

Liberia Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) Program
Monrovia, Liberia
7 months
Sept 15, 2015 to April 2016

IESC the International Executive Service Corps is a US based not-for-profit with a focus on supporting
private enterprise in developing countries. We have worked in partnership with local people in 130
countries - mainly with the generous support of USAID - designing, implementing, managing, and
evaluating a wide range of market driven solutions along the entire value chain of a company or industry.
We are proud that we have helped create more than one million jobs throughout the world, leaving behind
a legacy of increased economic stability and skills, burgeoning private businesses, and strengthened public
and private institutions where they are needed most.

In Liberia, IESC implements the Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) program. This four-year program
is funded by USAID through a Leader with Associate Award under the Volunteers for Economic Growth
Alliance (VEGA). The program works with commercial banks and SMEs to facilitate increased access to
commercial finance. Under this program, IBEX is seeking an Enterprise Development Specialist (EDS). This
is a full-time position based in Monrovia and anticipated to last through the end of May 2016.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party (COP), the Enterprise Development Specialist will work with
organizations and enterprises from eight (8) sectors; Agribusiness, infrastructure, construction, general
merchandise/Trade, transportation, Healthcare, Energy, and hospitality. The EDS will conduct outreach
to educate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the role of credit in growing businesses and cultivate
a pipeline of SMEs that would benefit from debt or equity financing. Working with these SMEs, the EDS
will provide counseling and technical assistance to improve their credit readiness and develop their loan
application and supporting documentation.

The Enterprise Development Specialist will be responsible for keeping accurate records of their activities
and reporting them to the programs Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. The EDS will also follow up with
IBEX clients through periodic visits to their business to assess progress and identify potential impediments.
The EDS will work closely with the component 2 team.
Qualifications
Fluency in English;
At least five years of professional work experience in one or more of the following sectors: Agribusiness,
Energy, Healthcare, infrastructure, construction, general merchandise/Trade, transportation, and
hospitality;
At least two years of business management experience;
University degree in business management, accounting, finance or related field;
Previous experience conducting training or capacity building;
Strong organizational, writing and communications skills; Financial analysis skills;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs;
Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize work, and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines;
Credit Analysis, documentation loan review, and packaging;
Ability to travel throughout Liberia;
Prior experience working on a donor-funded development programsespecially USAIDwould be a
plus.
How to Apply: Please submit a detailed resume and a brief message summarizing your interest and
qualifications to IBEXCOP@gmail.com or jobs@iesc.org with IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist
in the subject line.
Closing date: Monday, August 31, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Only finalists will be contacted.
No phone calls please.
IESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Frontpage

Page 9

Ministry of Finance and

Development Planning (MFDP)
Republic of Liberia

Cell: 0775059916 / 0886430238 Email: abwaritay@mfdp.gov.lr

Public Service Announcement

August 19, 2015

The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of

Finance and Development Planning wishes to inform all
Private School Teachers that resources have been secured
through the Ebola Trust Fund to underwrite the cost of
one-off payments exercise.
All private Schools are therefore required to have accurate
Personnel Payrolls Records for April 2014 and May 2014,
and that of April 2015 and May 2015 at their institutions
as auditors from the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) will visit
schools premises anytime during the payment period.
The following measures will serve as strict guiding
principles under which payments will be made to
individual instructor:
Payment will ONLY be based on qualification;
Teachers will not be paid double irrespective of the
number of schools they are Teaching;
Payment will be done based on the basis of equity
across all schools;
Payment will also be based on this current school year.
Hence, upon meeting the requirements mentioned above,
beneficiary will received the following payments:
Teachers without High School credential, three thousand
five hundred Liberia Dollars ( L$ 3,500.00);
Teachers that are High School Graduate, five thousand
Liberian Dollars (L$5,000);
Teachers with C Certificate five thousand five hundred
Liberian Dollars (L$5,500);
Teachers with B Certificate seven thousand Liberian
Dollars (L$7,000.00);
Teachers with A Certificate/AA Degree eight thousand
Liberian Dollars (L$8,500);
Teachers with Bachelors Degree ten thousand
Liberian Dollars (L$10,000.00);
Teachers with Masters Degree twelve thousand five
hundred Liberian Dollars (L$12,500.00) and
Teachers with PhD thirteen thousand Liberian Dollars
(L$13,000.00).
Payments will begin on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 across
the length and breadth of Liberia. All payments will be
made by Ecobank directly to beneficiaries over-thecounter across the country
Signed ______________________________________
Communications & External Affairs Unit /MFDP

Friday, August 21, 2015

Page 10 | Frontpage

The Bong County Technical College invites applications for the position of Vice President for Academic
Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the College.

The Bong County Technical College invites applications for the position of COMPTROLLER. The comptroller is
the chief financial officer of the college

Reporting directly to the president, the Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for developing,
implementing, and managing the instructional programs and academic outreach activities of the College. The
ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

Reporting directly to the president, the Comptroller is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising
accounting-related functions for the College, including general accounting, policy development, cash
management, budget, audit preparation, forecasting revenues and expenditures, purchasing and accountingrelated contract compliance.

Realizing the need for developing individuals in technical disciplines, the Liberian Fifty Second (52nd)
Legislature passed into law the establishment of the Bong County Technical College in 2010. The college
is accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education to offer the bachelors degree in Computer
Science, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture Technology, Science Education and Nursing. The
college opened its doors to students on November 18, 2013 with 414 students. The current enrolment of the
colleges stands at over one thousand students.

Leadership
Act as a primary advisor to the President, representing both academic programs and academic support
services.
Initiate and shape strategic and operational planning for curricular and academic program needs.
Guide the academic department heads in the selection, evaluation, promotion, retention, tenure, and
professional development of faculty.
Direct resources and personnel of the academic departments and academic support offices to achieve the
academic mission of BCTC.

Management
Ensure that library, academic services, and information technology are compatible with the instructional
goals of BCTC
Coordinate all budgetary aspects of the various academic units. Monitors expenditures of these units.
In consultation with the President and BCTCs policies, establish and approve salaries for existing and new
faculty members.
Supervise the planning and scheduling of all instructional classes and ensure the delivery of classes and the
publication of necessary schedules and requirements.
Supervise and manage instructional programs within the guidelines established by BCTC and governing and
accrediting agencies.
Meet with students, parents, and other interested parties to resolve questions and issues about BCTCs
policies and procedures relating to academic and student concerns.
Coordination
Work closely with the President, Vice President for Administration and Financial Comptroller to effectively
establish and achieve the goals and mission of BCTC.
Work closely with the Vice President for Administration and Comptroller to enhance and maximize the
academic and student services function of BCTC, including student recruitment, admission, advising, transfer,
financial aid, and other student activities.
Supervision
Supervise the following positions:
Library Director
Director of Institutional Research
Registrar
Academic Department Heads
Professional Staff in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Respond
Given the complexity and demands of a higher education institution, the Vice President for academic affairs
must be willing to respond to unexpected events and needs, as well as complete other assigned duties. The Vice
President for Academic Affairs must be willing to live in the city of Gbarnga, Bong County or its environs.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
The position of Vice President for Academic Affairs requires an earned terminal degree from an accredited
institution of higher education and a minimum of three years of academic and/or administrative experience. A
Candidates with a Masters degree with five or more years of experience working in a higher education setting
with direct involvements with academic related responsibility maybe accepted in this position.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs must exhibit a personal standard of behavior that will be a model
for the institution and will inspire others to work collaboratively toward shared goals. Candidates should
demonstrate a commitment to diversity, an appreciation for its important contributions to excellence, and the
ability to work with and leverage the experience of a diverse work force.
The Bong County Technical College is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with
students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of
access and success for underprivileged students within higher education.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time administrative position.
SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2015
POSITION START DATE: September 10, 2015

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience as they relate to the specific requirements,
responsibilities, and preferences of this position, current resum or curriculum Vita, a copy of transcripts for
all degrees completed (official transcripts will be required upon hire), the names, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses of three professional references.
By submitting an application for this position, you grant the Bong County Technical College the
expressed right to contact all references and institutions you have in your application. If you do not
want your references and institutions to be contacted, please do not continue the application process.
All unverified credentials will be removed from your application package. Any personal reference not
reachable will be considered as nonexistence.

Realizing the need for developing individuals in technical disciplines, the Liberian Fifty Second (52nd)
Legislature passed into law the establishment of the Bong County Technical College in 2010. The college
is accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education to offer the bachelors degree in Computer
Science, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture Technology, Science Education and Nursing. The
college opened its doors to students on November 18, 2013 with 414 students. The current enrolment of the
colleges stands at over one thousand students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervise personnel in providing accounting services for the College, including training, scheduling,
assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, performance coaching, and recommending or carrying
out various personnel actions.
2. Research, evaluate, develop and recommend general financial policies/procedures/manuals and
modifications to existing methods to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
3. Prepare or oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, reconciliations, and reports related
to the Colleges financial affairs; provide information, specific analysis, and appropriate training to others on
financial and budgeting issues, etc.
4. Respond to concerns and inquiries from students, parents, vendors, state and county agencies, employees,
etc. related to accounting matters. Oversee the resolution of students financial obligation problems within
policy guidelines of the College.
5. Review account activities on funds to ensure accuracy and conformity with applicable controls and
guidelines. Notify appropriate persons and/or take corrective actions as necessary. Review and strengthen
financial and accounting internal controls to ensure protection of the College financial resources. Formulate
and enforce policies and procedures regarding College cash disbursements.
6. Prepare/review adjusting entries and schedules for annual audit; schedule audit and work with auditors
in answering questions, providing necessary information and explaining accounting/financial system; review
audit results and implement necessary/recommended internal controls and/or other revisions.
7. Coordinate preparation of College budget and other related documents. Analyze budget revenues/
expenditures as needed. Prepare department budget requests and monitor expenditures for compliance with
approved budget. Supervise the compilation and preparation of all budget programs in all College Funds.
8. Review daily cash balances and makes all shortterm investments. Supervise the encumbrance system and
monitor account balances.
9. Supervise investment of College funds and monitor College vending contracts.
10. Review grants reports and cash requirements for all grants of the College.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate for this position will possess a Master in Business Administration with two years
experience working in a senior level financial management position. Candidate with a Bachelors degree in
Accounting and three to five years relevant work experience may also be considered for this position. Candidate
with a Bachelors degree and working towards earning an MBA or a MPA degree with strong background in
budget and financial analysis maybe considered for this position. All candidates applying to this position must
have a strong working knowledge of the Public Procurement Commissions procedures. Thorough knowledge
of accounting practices in the public sector, including grant and fund accounting; budget analysis; preparation
of financial statements; internal auditing of transactions; accounting software; and, general supervisory
practices is required.
Coordination
Work closely with the President, Vice President for Administration and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Supervision

1. Supervises staff in the business department; general oversight of part-time and student employees working
in the business office.
2. Responsible for performance evaluations of staff. Carries out other supervisory responsibilities in
accordance with college policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include: interview, hire, and train
employees; plan, assign, and direct work; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve
problems.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time administrative position.
SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2015
POSITION START DATE: September 10, 2015
APPLICATION PROCESS:

Submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience as they relate to the specific requirements,
responsibilities, and preferences of this position, current resum or curriculum Vita, a copy of transcripts for
all degrees completed (official transcripts will be required upon hire), the names, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses of three professional references.
By submitting an application for this position, you grant the Bong County Technical College the
expressed right to contact all references and institutions you have in your application. If you do not
want your references and institutions to be contacted, please do not continue the application process.
All unverified credentials will be removed from your application package. Any personal reference not
reachable will be considered as nonexistence.

Send all application materials to any one or two of the addresses below.

Send all application materials to any one or two of the addresses below.

2. The Search Committee/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Bong County Technical College
William V.S. Tubman Gray Campus
Gbarnga, Bong County

5. The Search Committee/Office of the President

Bong County Technical College
William V.S. Tubman Gray Campus
Gbarnga, Bong County

1. flomo001@umn.edu

3. The Search Committee/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Bong County Technical College
National Commission on Higher Education
SD Cooper Road
Monrovia, Liberia

For more information, contact +231880825097 or email flomo001@umn.edu

4. flomo001@umn.edu

6. The Search Committee/Office of the President

Bong County Technical College
National Commission on Higher Education
SD Cooper Road
Monrovia, Liberia

For more information, contact +231880825097 or email flomo001@umn.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2015

Interested candidates should apply at

http://www.worldbank.org/africa-recruitment.
All Applications must be received by
August 31, 2015. Qualified candidates
will be interviewed at the beginning of
September 2015 in various locations in
Africa and Europe. Applications received
after the closing date will not be considered.

Employment opportunities will be available in various

technical areas and professional streams for talented young
professionals and mid-career professionals to contribute
and grow their skills. Positions may be based in
Washington, DC, or in a country office.

Expanding the diversity of our workforce is an important strategic objective for the World Bank
Group, and to this end, we are launching a recruitment drive
aimed at increasing the number of Sub-Saharan African staff.
This effort reflects the commitment of Bank Group leadership
to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce, in which
nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries can play a key
role in achieving the Bank Groups twin goals of ending
extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity.

Frontpage

HTTP://WWW.WORLDBANK.ORG/AFRICA-RECRUITMENT

of development projects.

the identification, preparation, appraisal and supervision

of development, from policy and strategic advice to

developing countries around the world, and in all areas

civil society groups, the private sector, and others in

problems. Bank Group staff work with governments,

contribute to solving some of the worlds most pressing

individuals with a passion for international development to

A career with us offers a unique opportunity for qualified

WBG Recruitment Drive

for African Nationals

Very good writing & communications

skills

Fluent in English

Ability to discuss relevant development

policies and priorities

A demonstrated capacity for strategic

thinking

We are accepting applications for Specialists in the following areas: Agriculture; Education;
Energy and Extractives; Environment and Natural Resources; Finance and Markets;
Governance; Health, Nutrition, and Population; Macroeconomics and Fiscal Management;
Poverty; Social Protection and Labor; Trade and Competitiveness; Transport and Information
Technology; Urban, Rural, and Social Development; and Water. There are also opportunities for
Investment Officers, and Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) experts.

MID-YEAR CAREER PROFESSIONALS:

Advanced Degree (Masters or PhD)
plus 8 years of relevant professional
experience

ENTRY-LEVEL POSITIONS: Advanced

Degree (Masters or PhD) with 5 years
relevant experience

QUALIFICATIONS

Friday, August 21, 2015

Page 11

WTO DELEGATES MEET

Page 12 | Frontpage

PRESIDENT SIRLEAF
Edwin G. Genoway, Jr (231886458910)-edwin.genoway@frontpageonline.com

Monroviahigh
level
delegation
from
the World Trade
Organization
(WTO) has praised President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and
Vice President Joseph Boakai
for their leadership and
commitment to the WTO
process which sets the pace
for domestic reforms that will
ensure Liberia integration to

M
Monrovia

embers of the
53rd
Liberian
N a t i o n a l
Legislature
have joined the HeForShe
Campaign pledging to take
actions for the advancement
of gender equality in Liberia.
During an event held at the
seat of the Legislature on
Capitol Hill in Monrovia,
the Speaker of the House of
Representatives Alex Tyler
recognized the contributions
of women in building safer
and economically vibrant
societies around the world.
The Liberian Speaker of the
House of Representatives
said the HeForShe Campaign
provides the platform for
men to take ownership of
efforts aimed at protecting
and promoting the rights of
women and girls.
Every time the conversation
of womens empowerment
is brought to the fore, the
discussion
has
always
centered on governance.
But I think this HeForShe
Campaign takes it to another
level.

the global economy as a more

predictable and transparent
destination for investment.
Commerce Minister Axel
Addy, who is also the head
of
Liberian
Negotiating
Team, briefed both President
Sirleaf and VP Boakai that the
roadmap prescribed by the
WTO process offers domestic
reforms that will ensure the
diversification of the Liberian
economy and enhance its

resilience to crises.
Minister Addy explained
that the process started in
2007 under the leadership of
former Commerce Minister
Olubanke King-Akerele and
was carried on by subsequent
ministers.
Today Madam President, I
can say I have the privileged
to work with some of Liberias
brightest and most talented
professionals Ive ever come

across since my move home

in 2005, he noted.
The delegation from the
WTO on Liberias accession
to the global trade body has
presented and answered
questions on Liberias WTO
accession package.
The delegation includes
Mr. Joakim Reiter, Deputy
Secretary General of the
United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) and Chairman
of the working Party on the
Accession of Liberia, along
with Dr. Chieidu Osakwe,
Director of the Accession
Division of the WTO. They
are in Liberia to engage
stakeholders on Liberias
accession to the WTO.
The
visit,
according
to the Commerce and
Industry Ministry, is part
of the standard protocol of
accessions to the WTO for
acceding countries that have
reached a critical period in
the process and are close to
concluding their accession.

Friday, August 21, 2015

The
Least-Developed
Countries
(LDCs)
2015
accession priority is rapidly
maturing.
The
Liberian
Negotiating Team, led by
Minister Axel Addy, the Chief
Negotiator, met in Geneva, for
the 3rd cycle of WP Meetings.
All bilateral market access
agreements between Liberia
and 6 Signatory Members
have been concluded. The
signing ceremonies of the
bilateral agreements with
Canada, the European Union,
Thailand and the United
States have taken place.
WTO
Director-General
Roberto Azevdo paid tribute
to these members who
continue to support, strongly,
acceding
governments,
particularly the LDCs with
limited negotiating capacity.
The
Draft
Consolidated
Schedules on Goods and
Services had been circulated
to
Signatory
Members
since 17 July. The Technical
Verification Meeting was
held on July28.
In advance of the meeting, the
revised Draft Working Party
(DWPR) had been circulated,
with its corrigendum. The
revised DWPR, circulated to
Members of WP on 30 June,
is in its close-to-final form.
Monrovia has made high level
policy decisions on domestic
reforms associated with
its accession Recent work

included, the rationalization

of the structure of fees and
charges for services rendered
and excise tax, removal of
internal
discriminatory
measures and barriers to
trade legal and regulatory
projects associated with
raising domestic standards
to global levels and best
practices.
Members
acknowledged
that Liberian President,
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was a
strong reformer, dedicated
to accelerating the growth of
her country and enhancing
its welfare.
Members were informed that
at the recently concluded
Third
UN
International
Conference on Financing
for Development in Addis,
H.E. President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf and the WTO DirectorGeneral Roberto Azevdo
met with Ambassador Joakim
Reiter, Chairman of the
Working Party, to take stock
of Liberia's WTO accession
negotiations.
President
Johnson-Sirleaf
reaffirmed
Liberia's
commitment
to
WTOconsistent reforms and the
2015 WTO Accession of
Liberia, as a priority for her
government.

LIBERIAN LEGISLATURE JOINS

HEFORSHE CAMPAIGN

Speaker Tyler said the next

level to which we must take
the HeForShe Campaign
is
about
economically

empowering women so that

they can lead the way in
the political governance of
Liberia.

Attended by the UN Women

Liberia Representative Awa
Ndiaye Seck, several other
prominent members of the
Liberian Legislature graced
the event including, the
President Pro-Tempore of
the Senate Armah Jallah,
former FIFA World Best
Player and soccer icon who is
now Senator of Montserrado
County George Weah, the
Deputy Speaker of the House
of Representatives Hans
Barchue, the Chairman of the
Womens Legislative Caucus
Senator Jewel Howard Taylor
amongst others.
In her remarks at the
event, UN Women Liberia
Representative Awa Ndiaye
Seck
congratulated
the

Liberian Legislature for

joining
the
HeForShe
solidarity campaign and for
committing to champion the
cause of women and girls.
Today is a day which not
only
demonstrates
the
commitment of this August
body to ensuring that
Liberian women and girls
live in a safer society, but it
acknowledges and celebrates
all men in this 53rd
Legislature for taking a real
action to address the position
of women in Liberia, said
Madam Seck.
In June 2015 Liberias Vice
President
Ambassador
Joseph N. Boakai launched
the HeForshe Campaign
and since then UN Women

Liberia
has
accelerated
progress on achieving the
goal of the campaign through
a number of public outreach
and awareness events.
Liberia now has the second
highest number of men in
African who have signed the
online pledge.
About HeForShe
HeForShe
is
a
global
solidarity movement that
calls upon men and boys to
take action and advocate
for gender equality. The
campaign
strengthens
the support for womens
rights as human rights, by
enlisting men as advocates
for gender equality. For more
information, visit http://
www.heforshe.org/

Friday, August 21, 2015

Monroviahe
suspended
Communication
and Documentation
Director of the
Ministry of Public Works
was on Tuesday, August 18,
2015 acquitted of corruption
charges brought against
him by the Liberia AntiCorruption Commission.
In his ruling on a Motion
for Acquittal filed by Jesefu
Morris
Keitas
defense
counsels, His Honor Judge
Peter W. Gbeneweleh said,
the evidence presented to
his court by the LACC were
not sufficient and conclusive
to establish the guilt of Mr.
Keita.
Judge Gbeneweleh noted
The evidence before this
court is not sufficient and
conclusive to establish the
guilt of defendant Jesefu
Morris Keita. There is also
a reasonable doubt as to
the payment of the contract
value upon the certificate
of completion of work as
the findings of the LACC
established in clause 8 of said
finding that payment of the
contract value was made by
the Government of Liberia
to the Flash Point Media
Consultancy upon the receipt
of the payment voucher
submitted to the Ministry of
Finance before the certificate
was issued.
The
LACC
under
the
leadership of Cllr. James
Verdier had indicted Mr.
Keita and Mr. David Kortie
of
Criminal
Conspiracy,
Economic Sabotage and
Misapplication of Entrusted
property on the allegation
of a whistle blower from the
Ministry of Public Works.
According to the indictment,
the whistle blower had
told the LACC in 2010 that
Mr. Keita had awarded Mr.
Kortie's Flash Point a media
consultancy contract valued
at US$12,600, though the

Frontpage

Page 13

PUBLIC WORKS KEITA WINS LEGAL

BATTLE-COURTS RESTORES RIGHTS

contract, MPW SF-000806/10, was actually signed

between Mr. Kortie and
Mr. Johnson Gwaikolo who
was deputy minister for
administration at the time.
When the trial started in
May 2015, the LACC dropped
charges against Mr. Kortie
and elected to pursue the
case against Mr. Keita, though
Mr. Kortie had already
undertaken to pay back the
full contract value to the
government.
The
prosecution
which
was maintained jointly by
the Ministry of Justice and
LACC, carried on with the
trial even though, their own
investigator told the court
that Mr. Keita received no
bribes on the contract in

question.
With the burden of proof on
the prosecution to establish
his guilt, defendant Keita
and his lawyers patiently
awaited the conclusion of the
Prosecutions presentations
of oral and documentary
evidence before filing a
Motion of Acquittal based on
their understanding that the
evidence adduced by state
lawyers did not meet the
minimum legal threshold to
establish their clients guilt.
Mr. Keita's two-man legal
team, on July 23, 2015
filed a 19-count Motion for
Acquittal as allowed under
Section 20.10 of the Criminal
Procedure Law of Liberia.
Section 20.10 of the Criminal
Procedure
Law
entitles

University has embarked on

several programs to ensure
that the growing number
of students and faculty
members are accommodated,
and to have access to the
needed facilities as well as
instructional materials to
make their learning process
smooth.
She named the renovation
of dormitories, cafeteria
and transportation service
which will be intercampus
including the extension of
the transport services to its

satellite learning centers in

Maryland County, as some of
the activities embarked upon.
Though improvements are
ongoing at the University with
support from the Liberian
Government, more attention
is needed to be directed
to Tubman University at a
considerable level...mainly
financial support from the
Maryland County Legislative
Caucus and the Liberian
Government Rev. Townsend
added.
The Vice President for
Institutional Advancement
at the William V.S. Tubman
University disclosed that
funding for the Institution
is low, stressing that the
Institution is in dire need
for budgetary support/
increment.
Rev.
Townsend
pointed
out that since 2009 and
up to present, enrollment
of students continues to
increase, despite financial
challenges. She commanded
the Institution for prioritizing

a criminal defendant to
the entry of a judgment of
acquittal of one or more
offenses charged in the
indictment after the evidence
on either side is closed if the
evidence is insufficient to
sustain a conviction of such
offense or offenses.
Mr. Keita's lawyers also relied
on the Supreme Court's
opinion in Republic of Liberia
v Randall A. Smith which was
made on 18 June 1976 where
the Court said that "A motion
for judgment of acquittal may
be made and granted by the
trial judge when the evidence
is wholly insufficient to
establish the accused's guilt."
The Court also ruled in that
case that, "In order to convict
an accused, the evidence

must be so conclusive as to
exclude every rational doubt
of guilt."
Making his ruling, Judge
Gbeneweleh furthered that
"The records of this court are
devoid of any evidence that
the certificate of completion
was subsequently submitted
to the Ministry of Finance
before payment [of the
US$12,600] was made."
The LACC had hinged its
entire case on an allegation
that Mr. Keita had ordered the
payment of US$12,600 to Mr.
Kortie by issuing a certificate
of completion on July 2,
2010, even though the same
prosecution had submitted
a payment voucher issued
by the deputy minister for
technical services of Public
Works dated June 30, 2010
instructing the Ministry of
Finance to pay Mr. Kortie the
money in question.
Judge Gbeneweleh also noted
that the LACC had failed to
prove that a conspiracy had
transpired between Mr. Keita
and Mr. Kortie to commit the
crimes charged. He noted
that the LACC had "...failed to
produce before Court David
Kortie to establish before
the court the allegations
that David Kortie connived,
conspired and colluded with
defendant Jesefu M. Keita to
defraud the Government and
the people of Liberia of the
sum of US$12,600."
On the strength of Mr.
Keita's motion and failures
of the LACC and Ministry
of Justice prosecutors, the
judge granted the Motion for
Judgement of Acquittal and
denied the LACC's 25-count
resistance. He then ordered

that, The defendant, Jesefu

Morris Keita, is hereby
discharged from further
answering
the
charges
of
Economic
Sabotage,
Misapplication
Entrusted
Properties and Criminal
Conspiracy. His fundamental
rights are hereby restored
with immediate effect and
that the Sheriff of this Court
is hereby order to return his
bail bond with immediate
effect.
An onlooker who had gone
to court to witness the ruling
was heard saying that the
Government of Liberia is not
serious to fight corruption as
evidence by their decision to
set Kortie the contractor free
due to his closed connection
with the President when in
fact he was the main man that
should have been answering
to these charges in the first
place.
Even before the courts
verdict,
legal
observers
had long predicted that the
government and the LACC
had no case and were bound
for failure on the basis that
the former Communications
Director signed no contract
and did not form part of the
Procurement
Committee
that decided to award the
media consultancy to Mr.
David Kortie and his Flash
Point Consultancy. They also
mentioned that Mr. Keita as
Director of Documentation
and Communications could
not have authorized the
payment of monies to Mr.
Kortie since in fact this did
not form part of his terms
of reference as a public
relations person.

TUBMAN UNIVERSITY COMMITTED TO

CONDUCIVE LEARNING- REV. RITA TOWNSEND

Monroviahe Vice President

for
Institutional
Advancement
at
the
William
V.S. Tubman University in
Harper, Maryland County,
Rev. Rita Townsend, says
the
Institution
remains
committed
to
always
ensure a conducive learning
atmosphere for students
enrolling at that University.
Rev. Townsend said because
of the commitment of the
Administration,
Tubman

Academic
Excellence
at
Tubman University which
continues to attract students.
She disclosed that for this
academic year, the University
is taking in 236 freshmen
who will add on the current
Sophomore,
Junior
and
Senior students that could
put the enrollment of
Tubman University to one
thousand and two hundred
students.
She also reiterated calls that
the University is still in need of
the 8.2 million United States
Dollars put forward in 2009
and even additional funding
to enhance the operations
at the learning institution
which is experiencing sharp
increase in its enrollment.
Rev. Townsend addressing a
news conference Wednesday
at the University's Monrovia
Office in Oldest Congo Town
disclosed
that
Tubman
University has graduated
several students who earned
Degrees
in
Mechanical
Engineering which is the first

in Liberia and some of them

have left the country for
advanced studies, as well as
Epidemiologist and Guarding
Counseling from the Colleges
of Education and Health
Sciences, focusing on Public
Health.
She is at the same time
calling on Alumnae of
Tubman University who are
currently working in both the
public and private sectors to
reflect on the University and
support efforts of the current
Administration by rendering
their assistance in kind and
cash.
Rev. Townsend said there is
a need for an over rallying
support to be given to
Tubman University because
it is the only highest learning
Institution in Southeastern
Liberia that is providing
various Disciplines that are
building the human resource
capacity of the county.
She said to ensure secondary
graduates enroll at the
University, a Program to

accommodate those who

failed the placement exams
in Math and English was
created which is known as
Access to College.
Rev. Townsend indicated that
under "Access to College",
those individuals go through
two
semesters for one
year in Math, English, Civic,
History and some Science
courses and at the end of the
two semesters, a test will be
administered to students and
it is yielding positive results.
She concluded that the
William
V.S.
Tubman
University
remains
committed to Academic
Excellence and will continue
to make it a number one
priority.
William V. S. Tubman
University, commonly known
as Tubman University, is a
public university located in
Harper, Maryland County,
Liberia. The university is
named after William V.S.
Tubman, the 19th President
of the Republic of Liberia.

Page 14 | Frontpage

PAGE

RONT

WORLD NEWS

Friday, August 21, 2015

CARTER 'AT EASE' AND READY FOR

RADIATION TREATMENT ON CANCER

surprisingly at ease. I've had

a wonderful life," the 90-yearold Carter said. "It's in God's
hands. I'll be prepared for
anything that comes."
He didn't give any prognosis,
but spoke about receiving three
months of treatments and cast
doubt on the possibility of
traveling to Nepal in November
to build houses for Habitat for
Humanity, a Georgia-based
organization he has worked
with for decades. He said other
family members may have to
represent him there.
A small cancerous mass was
removed Aug. 3 along with
about a tenth of his liver and
doctors believe they got rid
of all the cancer there, Carter
said.
It's still not clear exactly
where the cancer originated,
although with melanoma, he's
told that 98 percent of the
time it develops first in the
skin. He also said that the rest
of his body will be scanned
repeatedly for months to come
and that more cancers may
show up elsewhere. The cancer
spots on his brain are about 2
millimeters in size.
His father, brother and two
sisters died of pancreatic
cancer. His mother also had the
disease. Carter, who had been
tested for pancreatic cancer,
said no cancer has been found

there so far.
What the former president
has, he said, is melanoma,
and experts say his lifelong
activities may have increased
his risk for skin cancer. He
lives in the South, is fairskinned and freckled, and
through Habitat for Humanity
and travel, has spent a lot of
time outdoors, noted Dr. Anna
Pavlick, co-director of the
melanoma program at NYU's
Laura & Isaac Perlmutter
Cancer Center.
Carter said the radiation will
focus on the tumors in his
brain, and he has already
begun receiving a drug to
boost his immune system.
Dr. Patrick Hwu, a melanoma
expert at the University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer
Center, said the key immune
system cells needed to attack
the tumor can get into the
brain, so the treatment gives
Carter a fighting chance.
"Every patient is going to be
different," he said.
President George W. Bush
and Bush's father called him
Wednesday, Carter said, and
he has received well-wishes
from President Barack Obama,
Bill and Hillary Clinton and
Secretary of State John Kerry.
"It was the first time they've
called me in a long time,"
Carter said to laughter.

Carter's health has been closely

watched this year. He cut
short an election monitoring
trip to Guyana in May. A
spokeswoman said he did not
feel well and Carter later said
he had a bad cold.
Carter was the nation's
39th president, advancing
as a virtual unknown on
the national stage to defeat
President Gerald Ford in 1976.
But several foreign policy
crises, in particular the Iran
hostage crisis, crushed his
bid for re-election and Ronald
Reagan swept into the White
House.
He said Thursday he still
regretted not being able to
rescue the hostages.
The native of tiny Plains,
Georgia, rebuilt his career
as a humanitarian guiding
the center focused on global
issues. Carter earned a Nobel
Peace Prize in 2002, helped
defuse nuclear tensions in the
Koreas and helped avert a U.S.
invasion of Haiti.
He and his wife, Rosalynn, still
make regular appearances at
events in Atlanta and travel
overseas. When the couple is
in Plains, Carter frequently
teaches a Sunday School class
before services at Maranatha
Baptist Church. He plans
to teach this weekend as
scheduled.
"No matter where we are in the
world, we're always looking
forward to getting home to
Plains," Carter said.
He and his wife have thought
for many years about cutting
back their work at the Carter
Center, which he established
in 1982 to promote health care
and democracy.
"We thought about this when
I was 80. We thought about
it again when I was 85; we
thought about it again when I
was 90. So this is a propitious
time I think for us to carry out
our long-delayed plans."

South Korea said the North

had fired one anti-aircraft shell
followed by multiple shells from
a direct fire weapon on Thursday.
South Korea's military, which
said it fired dozens of artillery
rounds in response, raised its
alert status to the highest level.
Both countries said there were
no casualties or damage in their
territory.
South Korean President Park
Geun-hye told defense officials
to "react firmly" to North Korean
provocations, a spokesman
quoted her as saying.
"Our military has stepped
up monitoring and is closely
watching North Korean military
movements," South Korea's
defense ministry said.
The North Korean army said
the South fired 36 rounds, six
of which landed near its guard
posts, and called the South's
firing "reckless provocation,"
Pyongyang's state KCNA news
agency said.
The United States, which
has about 28,500 military
personnel in South Korea, said

it was concerned and closely

monitoring the situation.
"Such
provocative
actions
heighten tensions, and we call
on Pyongyang to refrain from
actions and rhetoric that threaten
regional peace and security," U.S.
State Department spokesperson
Katina Adams said.
The Pentagon said it would "take
prudent measures" to ensure the
well-being of U.S. personnel, but
did not elaborate.
The first North Korean shell
landed in an area about 60 km
(35 miles) north of Seoul in the
western part of the border zone,
the defense ministry said. Nearly
800 South Korean residents
living close to the border were
ordered to evacuate and stay in
shelters, according to officials
from Gyeonggi province and the
city of Incheon.
The exchange of fire was the first
between the two Koreas since
last October, when North Korean
soldiers approached the military
border and did not retreat after
the South fired warning shots, the
South Korean Defense Ministry

said at the time.

The North's soldiers fired back
in an exchange of gunfire that
lasted about 10 minutes, with no
casualties.
Tension between the two Koreas
has risen since early this month
when landmine explosions in the
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of
the border wounded two South
Korean soldiers. Seoul accused
North Korea of laying the mines,
which Pyongyang has denied.
The incident prompted Seoul to
stage the propaganda broadcasts.
North Korea on Saturday
demanded that the South stop
them or face military action and
on Monday began conducting its
own broadcasts.

GREEKS PRIME

MINISTER RESIGNS

rime Minister Alexis Tsipras resigned on Thursday,

hoping to strengthen his hold on power in snap
elections after seven months in office in which he
fought Greece's creditors for a better bailout deal but
had to cave in.
Tsipras submitted his resignation to President Prokopis
Pavlopoulos and asked for the earliest possible election date.
Government officials said the aim was to hold the election on
Sept. 20, with Tsipras seeking to crush a rebellion in his leftist
Syriza party and seal public support for the bailout program,
Greece's third since 2010, that he negotiated.
"I will go the president of the republic shortly to submit my
resignation, as well as the resignation of my government,"
Tsipras said in a televised address before he met Pavlopoulos.

IAEA SAYS REPORT IRAN TO INSPECT OWN

MILITARY SITE IS 'MISREPRESENTATION'

VIENNA (Reuters) he U.N. nuclear watchdog chief on Thursday rejected as

"a misrepresentation" suggestions Iran would inspect
its own Parchin military site on the agency's behalf, an
issue that could help make or break Tehran's nuclear
deal with big powers.
Without International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
confirmation that Iran is keeping promises enshrined in the
landmark July 14 nuclear accord, Tehran will not be granted
much-needed relief from international economic sanctions.
Any indications that Iran's part of the accord - strict limits on its
atomic energy program and explaining its past nuclear activity cannot be directly verified by the IAEA could make it harder for
President Barack Obama to secure crucial ratification by the U.S.
Congress by a Sept. 17 deadline.

FRANCE, BRITAIN INK CALAIS DEAL

TO FIGHT PEOPLE SMUGGLERS

Calais (France) (AFP) ritain and France announced a new "command and
control centre" Thursday to tackle smuggling gangs in
Calais, as Europe grapples with its biggest migration
crisis since World War II.
Under a deal signed by Home Minister Theresa May and her
French counterpart Bernard Cazeneuve, British teams will help
bust smuggling gangs and reduce nightly attempts by desperate
migrants and refugees to break into the Channel Tunnel.
But in an interview with AFP, the head of the Red Cross slammed
the "indifference" of governments across Europe that has
allowed a continental crisis to take hold.
"What will be the saturation point? When will everybody
wake up to see that it is a real crisis?" Elhadj As Sy, head of
the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies, said in Geneva.

ATLANTA (AP)
ormer
President
Jimmy
Carter
announced Thursday
that his cancer showed
up in four small spots on his
brain and he will immediately
begin radiation treatment,
saying he is "at ease with
whatever comes."
"I'm ready for anything and
looking forward to a new
adventure,"
said
Carter,
appearing upbeat and making
jokes as he openly talked
about his cancer during a news
conference.
So far, the pain has been
"very slight" and Carter said
he hasn't felt any weakness
or debility. Still, he will
dramatically cut back on his
work with the Carter Center
and will give the treatment
regimen his "top priority." His
first radiation treatment was
set for Thursday afternoon.
Carter, in a dark blazer, red
tie and jeans and surrounded
by friends and family, said at
first he thought the cancer
was confined to his liver. He
thought an operation Aug. 3
had completely removed it, "so
I was quite relieved."
But that same afternoon, an
MRI showed it was on his
brain.
"I just thought I had a
few weeks left, but I was

TENSIONS RISE AS NORTH AND SOUTH

KOREA EXCHANGE ARTILLERY FIRE

SEOUL (Reuters) outh Korea fired dozens

of artillery rounds
toward North Korea
on Thursday after the
North shelled across the border to
protest against anti-Pyongyang
propaganda broadcasts by Seoul
- the first exchange of fire in 10
months.
North Korea did not return fire
but warned Seoul in a letter that
it would take military action
if the South did not stop the
loudspeaker broadcasts along
the border within 48 hours, the
South's Defense Ministry said.
In a separate letter, Pyongyang
said it was willing to offer an
opening to resolve the conflict
even though it considers the
broadcasts a declaration of
war, South Korea's Unification
Ministry said.
A South Korean military official
said the broadcasts would
continue. Seoul began blasting
anti-North Korean propaganda
from loudspeakers on the border
on Aug.10, resuming a tactic that
both sides had halted in 2004.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Sports

Frontpage

WHERE WILL PEDRO

FIT AT CHELSEA?
Having been put off signing for Manchester United the 28-year-old has opted to move to
Stamford Bridge, where his keen eye for goal and versatility should make him a key figure

head of Sundays
clash
with
Manchester
City,
Jose
Mourinho
insisted that Chelsea had
earned the moral right
to spend on strengthening
their squad. The subsequent
3-0 mauling of the Premier
League champions at the
Etihad Stadium must have
convinced the Portuguese
that his club had no other
choice.
The speed and decisiveness
of the response has been
impressive. Baba Rahmans
17.5 million move from
Augsburg was confirmed
minutes after the final
whistle on Sunday and now
Chelsea have their headline
capture of a troubled summer,
stealing Barcelona forward
Pedro from the clutches of
Manchester United.
He will not set pulses racing
at Stamford Bridge quite like
the arrivals of Cesc Fabregas
and Diego Costa last year, but

there is every reason to think

that Pedro is an inspired
signing for Chelsea. Given the
relative lack of elite players on
the market this summer, he is
as close as Mourinho could
have hoped to a player who
will significantly improve his
starting XI from day one.
No club used fewer than
Chelseas 20 players in the
Premier League last season,
while seven of Mourinhos
stalwarts started more than
30 league matches. Above all
the Portuguese needs more
reliable options in his squad,
and the versatility that helped
condemn Pedro to two years

on the fringes at Barcelona

should help make him a key
contributor at Stamford
Bridge.
With Eden Hazard the
undisputed star of Chelseas
attacking
unit,
Pedros
likeliest starting spot will be
on the right flank in place
of Willian who the Blues
swiped from under the noses
of Tottenham thanks to a
similarly late bid two years
ago with Juan Cuadrado
dropping further down the
pecking order.
Willian is highly regarded by
Mourinho for his defensive
diligence and tireless work

rate, but a paltry tally of just

eight goals in two seasons
leaves him vulnerable in
comparison to a player who
scored an average of just
under one goal every three
games from wide areas at
Barcelona.
Pedro is one of the best in
the world at timing diagonal
runs from the flanks into
the penalty area and if Cesc
Fabregas can overcome his
poor start to this season
and rediscover the creative
form that saw him register
18 Premier League assists
last term, it is not hard to
envision the two former
Barcelona men striking up a
similarly deadly chemistry
to the one Fabregas enjoyed
with Andre Schurrle prior to
the Germans return to the
Bundesliga last January.
Mourinho demands more
defensively
from
his
wingers than most coaches
and Willians most prized
strength is that he boasts the
willingness and athleticism
to shield Branislav Ivanovic,
who is increasingly becoming
a liability at right-back.
Pedro cannot offer quite
the same level of protection
but this problem could
be mitigated by dropping
the Serb, shifting Cesar
Azpilicueta onto his favoured
right side and starting fellow
new recruit Baba Rahman on
the left of a more balanced
and dynamic back four.
Mourinho will be hoping that
the Ghanaian settles quickly
into his system and the pace
and physicality of English
football.
But Chelseas manager will be
expecting his new signing to
be more than just a rival for

Willian and Cuadrado on the

right flank. Pedro showcased
the rare ability to be lethal
operating across the frontline
during seven trophy-laden
years at Barcelona and this
adaptability will be crucial to
Mourinho as he bids to guide
his squad to silverware on
four fronts.
Hazard cannot be expected
to repeat last seasons feat
of starting all 38 of Chelseas
Premier League matches
if the Blues want to mount
a serious challenge for the
Champions League and in
Pedro, Mourinho finally has
an alternative that could allow
him to rest his talismanic
Belgian with relative peace of
mind.
The former Barcelona mans
keen eye for goal also offers
other benefits. It seems clear
that Diego Costas hamstrings
will be a permanent concern,
while Loic Remy has his own
history of muscular problems
and Radamel Falcao is yet to
offer any sign that he remains
capable of spearheading an
elite team. Pedros presence
is a decent insurance policy
in the event that Mourinhos
striker worries become a
crisis.
Crisis is a word that many
have bestowed upon Chelsea
in the wake of Sundays
humbling at the hands of an
ominously determined City.
The arrival of Pedro does
not solve all of Mourinhos
problems on and off the
pitch, but it is an emphatic
and timely reminder that the
Premier League champions
will not see their supremacy
ended without a fight.

Page 15

SPORTS

MANCHESTER CITY
TALKS AFFECTING DE
BRUYNE, SAYS HECKING

olfsburg
coach Dieter
Hecking
believes
the ongoing talks about
a transfer to Manchester
City are wearing out Kevin
De Bruyne both mentally
and physically.
The Belgium international
is continually being linked
with a move away from
Wolfsburg after a sublime
2014-15 campaign and
City are keen to lure
him back to the Premier
League after his previous
spell with Chelsea.
I'M A FIGHTER, OTAMENDI
TELLS MANCHESTER CITY FANS

icolas Otamendi
has
told
Manchester
City
fans
to
expect a fighter who gives
everything on the pitch
after completing a move
worth around 45 million
(31.7m) from Valencia on
Thursday.
The Argentina international
is City's fourth summer
signing and first overseas
arrival at the Etihad
Stadium, though the club
remain determined to
add Wolfsburg playmaker
Kevin De Bruyne to Manuel
Pellegrini's squad before
the transfer window shuts.

MILAN CLUBS WILL CHALLENGE

JUVENTUS & ROMA - GARCIA

udi Garcia believes

Serie A will not be
a two horse race
between Roma and
Juventus this season, insisting
that AC Milan and Inter will
challenge them for the title.
The Giallorossi have been seen
as the only credible challengers
to Juve heading into each of
the last two years, but have
ultimately failed to put up much
of a fight, finishing 17 points
behind them on both occasions.
Inter and Milan finished eighth
and 10th respectively last
season, failing to qualify for
European competition, but both
sides have invested heavily in
their squad and are expected to
improve this term.
Garcia is confident the new
arrivals at San Siro will see the
pressure increase on his side
and believes Napoli will not be
far behind.

Monrovia
cores of government officials including
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
sympathizers, family and friends
Thursday attended the funeral service
of the late former head of the Executive
Protection Service (EPS), Mr. Othello Warrick.
The President joined a cross-section of people
to honor the fallen former EPS head after his
saddened home-going in Monrovia recently.
The Liberian Head-of-State led an array of
government officials to join the bereaved
family during the funeral service at the
Providence Church on Ashmun Street.
During tributes to the deceased many of those
in attendance spoke highly about the life of the
late Warrick describing his death as huge loos
to the entire country.
Mr. Rufus S. Berry, II delivering tribute on
behalf of Friends of Warrick said We are
convened today at this historical church to
celebrate the life of Othello Daniel Warrick,
our friend and brother. Who was this brother
to us? OT was our friend and our defender-a
listener, conspirator, a counselor and s sharer
of delights. To speak to the totality of OT,
Babara Burrows words captured who he was;
a friend is somebody you want to be around
when you feel like being by yourself.
Berry described Warrick as an individual who
during his career feared no one and dealt with
some of the toughest people throughout his
professional life in the US army, the Ministry
of National Defense and at the Executive
Protective Service.
He was ready to discipline anyone at any time
with no remorse; he was a disciplinarian, said
Berry.
According to the governments Official Gazette,
the late Warrick embraced Christianity at an
early age and became a devoted member of
the Baptist denomination.
For his educational sojourn, the deceased
attended the Staff Elementary School in
Firestone, Margibi County where he excelled
in both academics and athletics and later
graduated from the Monrovia College and
Industrial Institute with a high school diploma.
The late Warrick, according to the Gazette
travelled to the United States of America
where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSC)
Degree in Management Information Systems
from the University of Maryland, University
College and subsequently a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) Degree from the Naval
Post Graduate Scholl as well as training in
Leadership and Development from Harvard
University Kennedy School of Government in
Cambridge Massachusetts.
He accordingly began his public service career
with the United States Navy and as a member
of the Navy he served with great distinction
bearing several meritorious awards and held
several prestigious assignments which took
him to almost every continent on the globe.
Warrick having the desire to contribute his
quota to his home land, returned to Liberia
to serve his Government and people in the
administration of President Sirleaf where
he became the first Deputy Minister for
Administration, Ministry of National Defense.
He was appointed was appointed the first
Director General of the Executive Protection
Service which was the new name given the
Special Security Service (SSS).
The late Othello Warrick died on Saturday,
August 1, 2015 - early Saturday morning
less than 24 hours after experiencing a brain
aneurism at the Aspen Medical Clinic in
Monrovia.
Led by the Government of Liberia, family and
friends made desperate efforts to ensure the
medical evacuation of the late Warrick to
Dakar, Senegal on Friday, July 31, 2015 for
emergency procedures. The medvac slated
for Saturday, August 1, 2015 failed due to bad
weather.
The former EPS boss did not survive and was
pronounced dead early Saturday.
He leaves to mourns and cherish his
memories, his beloved widow, Mrs. Marjay
Warrick; children: Katelyn, Adma, Megan and
Jaden; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of
other relatives and friends in Liberia and the
Diaspora.
Meanwhile, the remains of the late Warrick
will be flown to the United States of America
on Friday, August 21, 2015 where he will be
interred.

FAREWELL TO

WARRICK

President, Family, Friends Pay Homage to Fallen

EPS Boss at Funeral; Body Set to Leave for America