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VOL. 16. NO. 57

INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL With US$53 Million and LD1.29 billion on Reserve, Who Can Mess with LBDI?
See Pg. 4

Delay Tactic?
www.liberianobserver.com
-Former BMC Workers US$4m Payment Postponed

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

PRICE: LD 40

COMMENTARY Middle East Security in 2014

See Pg. 4

Farmers, Brokers Want GOL Lift Moratorium on Unprocessed Rubber Exportation

Worried and disappointed Ex-BMC worker

LOCAL NEWS

UNIDO, LRRRC Empower Returnees

See Pg. 3

Mr. James Saye Kea, president of NARBFUL

BUSINESS CBL Defends LBDIs Soundness

See Pg. 17

A widow, angry about the news that payment is postponed See story on Pg.18

5-Year Sentence of Nigerian Kidnapper Challenged

s Firestone Rubber Company in Harbel, Margibi County, has resolved to stop doing business with rubber brokers, over 50 brokers and farmers across

A
See story on Pg. 14

By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

the country have called on the government to lift the moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed rubber in Liberia. They claimed that the decision by Firestones management has serious economic implications on them as the company is the only buyer of rubber from smallholder

farmers. It can be recalled that in April last year; the Liberian government enforced Executive Order No. 50 placing a moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber to curtail the abuse, misuse, abandonment and theft taking place in the rubber industry. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer this past Monday at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the president of the National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union of Liberia (NARBFUL), James Saye Kea, said Firestones decision is not in the interest of the countrys many farmers and brokers. He stated that his organization is a legal entity established to serve as middle men

Contd on pg.18

Basketball Growth Demands LBA, GOL Support

See Pg. 19

SPORTS

Madam Christiana Andrainpoulus, the US citizen who was kidnapped See story on Pg.18

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DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 16, 2014

World News

Syria Conflict: Half Population Urgently Need Aid - UN

UN Stresses Central African Republic Disaster Warning

destroyed [along with] water wells. He said that the wanton destruction was hard to conceive and there was a huge task ahead for the whole community... both domestically and internationally to help the people of this country to rebuild their lives. Mr Ging said the situation for people outside the capital, Bangui, was even worse, because they are geographically isolated and it was harder to get the assistance to them.

Page 2
Foreign Briefs

Kenya
(BBC) - The trial of four men charged over the Westgate shopping centre siege in Kenya has started in the capital, Nairobi. The four suspected foreigners deny charges of aiding a terrorist group and being in Kenya illegally. The court heard testimony from security guards who saw what happened when the gunmen launched the attack in September, killing at least 67 people. Somalias al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group said one of its suicide brigades carried out the siege. The four are the first to be charged over the attack - the worst in Kenya since 224 people were killed in the 1998 bombing of the US embassy.

Foreign ministers have gathered in Kuwait to discuss raising funds

(BBC) - The UN secretary general says that half of Syrias population, some 9.3 million people, are in urgent need of aid. Ban Ki-moon was speaking at a donor conference in Kuwait promoting the UNs largest ever appeal for a single issue. The meeting aimed to raise $6.5bn (4bn) - it had secured $2.4bn in pledges by the end of Wednesday. Meanwhile, Syrias deputy foreign minister has said Western intelligence agencies have held talks with Damascus on combating Islamist groups in Syria. The UK government denied having any such co-operation with Damascus. Islamist groups, often made up of foreign fighters, have become increasingly assertive in Syria, clashing with other rebel movements and causing international concern. On Wednesday, at least 26 people were killed by a car bomb in the northern city of Jarablus, said the UK-based Syrian National Observatory activist group. It blamed the attack on the al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and said most casualties were rival rebels.

(BBC) - A senior UN envoy has called for a huge international effort for the Central African Republic. Speaking to the BBC in the capital, Bangui, John Ging of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the country was in a megacrisis. Mr Ging said that many in the population were living in fear because of religious and ethnic attacks. He said the concern now was that matters could worsen further. Last week the UN warned that the country faced disaster because of people fleeing the conflict to pack into overcrowded camps with poor sanitation. It said that measles had broken out at the airport in the capital, Bangui, where

The Central African Republic is awash with different militia groups

about 100,000 people are seeking refuge from clashes between rival militias. Huge international effort Mr Ging said that massive displacement in the CAR had meant that almost a million people had left their homes throughout the country. And with that displacement, of course, you have all the humanitarian needs: shelter, food, medical care and so on. Our great fear is that it will deteriorate and spiral out of control. Although for a million people its already out of control. He called for a huge international effort to tackle the situation. Everything has been lost, he said. Homes have been destroyed, facilities, schools and medical centres completely ransacked and

[For some] the options are stark: stay in the jungle and die or come back and possibly be killed, he said. Foreigners in CAR continue to be repatriated. One of nearly 300 Malians who landed in Bamako on Thursday told the BBC of his relief to be out of the country. Its hard to know how to put it, except now we are in paradise. Over there it is hell, Mamadou Ndiaye said. They smashed up our house and shop. They are at the airport so we Muslims cannot go there, for fear of being chopped up. And the Christians cannot come into our neighbourhood, the one known as the Senegalese quarter, the 25-year-old said. Malis government brought back 500 people last week

and with further flights organised by the International Organisation for Migration, the number of Malian returnees is expected to be more than 1,000. Following a UN investigation into the conflict on Tuesday, which found widespread sectarian killings of civilians and sexual violence, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay warned that massive violations could recur without further significant international invention. More than 1,000 people have died in sectarian violence, which erupted when Seleka rebels seized power in March last year and Michel Djotodia became the countrys first Muslim leader. Although he disbanded his Seleka, they continued to attack Christian civilians, prompting the formation of vigilante groups, which targeted Muslims. Mr Djotodia stepped down last Friday under intense pressure from CARs neighbours. A special session of parliament has convened to elect a new interim leader for the landlocked country of 4.6 million people. Sporadic violence has continued, despite the presence of 1,600 French troops and 4,000 African Union peacekeepers.

Egypt
(BBC) - Egyptians are voting for a second day in a referendum on a new constitution drawn up following the ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. The army-backed government is seeking a Yes vote to endorse his removal. Mr Morsis Muslim Brotherhood, which has been designated a terrorist group, is boycotting the vote. Wednesdays voting has so far passed off peacefully, in contrast to Tuesday when nine people died in clashes involving Mr Morsis supporters.

Nigeria Islamic Court Tries Gay Suspects in Bauchi

(BBC) - An Islamic court in Nigerias northern state of Bauchi has put on trial 11 Muslim men accused of being homosexuals in violation of their religion, a religious leader has told the BBC. A 12th person arrested - a Christian - would be tried under secular law, a BBC reporter says. Under Islamic law, a person can be sentenced to death by stoning if convicted of homosexuality. It is also illegal to have gay sex in Nigeria, according to its secular laws. Earlier this month, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a parliamentary bill which tightens laws against homosexuals, banning samesex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection. The new legislation applies across Nigeria, affecting all citizens. Most states in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria have adopted Islamic law, known as Sharia, since the end of military rule in 1999. What this act is saying is that they [gay people] do not deserve to exist, Dorothy AkenOva Rights

Iraq
(BBC) - At least 73 people have been killed in a series of bombings in central Iraq, police and medical officials say. Sixteen died in an attack on a funeral for a pro-government Sunni militiaman in a village south of Baquba, the capital of Diyala province. Nine car bombs meanwhile exploded across Baghdad, killing at least 37 people and wounding dozens more. There has been a surge in sectarian violence across Iraq in the past year, reaching levels not seen since 2007. The United Nations says 7,818 civilians and 1,050 members of the security forces died in 2013. December alone saw at least 759 killed.

Nigeria has tightened laws against homosexuals, including a ban on shows of same-sex affection
activist. Nigeria is a deeply conservative country, with an influential Christian evangelical movement in the south and strong support for Islamic law among many Muslims in the north. Hostility towards gay people has escalated since parliament debated the SameSex Marriage Prohibition Act last year, Dorothy AkenOva, a rights activist with the Nigeria-based International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights, told the BBC. She said that she was aware of 38 people being arrested in Bauchi state last month, and was trying to confirm reports of more arrests in both the north and south of Nigeria since the new law was approved. What this act is saying is that they [gay people] do not deserve to exist, she told the BBCs Focus on Africa radio programme. It is heartbreaking that we have come to this point in Nigeria. Jibrin Danlami Hassan, the commissioner of Bauchi states Sharia Commission, said residents of Bauchi city arrested the alleged homosexuals. They were handed to the Islamic police force, which interrogated them, he said. They accept that they are doing that dirty game, Mr Hassan said.

Ms AkenOva said some of those arrested had been beaten up and tortured, but Mr Hassan denied this. The BBCs Ishaq Khalid in Bauchi says the Sharia Commission confirmed to him that a Christian had been arrested with the 11 Muslims, and would be tried in a conventional court. The Muslims could be sentenced to death by stoning if they are convicted, but the court would decide, Mr Hassan said. Sharia courts in northern Nigeria have handed down several stoning sentences since 1999; however, none have so far been carried out. The UK, US and UN human rights chief Navi Pillay have condemned Nigerias SameSex Marriage Prohibition Act as discriminatory and draconian. Mr Hassan said told the BBC he was happy that Mr Jonathan had signed it into law, despite threats by Western powers to cut aid to Nigeria. The threat they are doing cannot make us change our religion, he said.

Mexican
(BBC) - Vigilantes in Mexico have clashed with soldiers deployed in the western state of Michoacan to disarm the groups, who last week launched an offensive against the Knights Templar drug cartel. Most groups have ignored a government order to lay down their weapons. In the town of Antunez, they say soldiers shot dead at least three people from the community, including an 11-year-old girl. Vigilante groups have now taken control of large areas of Michoacan state. There is a strong police and military presence in the town of Apatzingan, considered the stronghold of the Knights Templar cartel.

he United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) and with a USD1.5 million funding from the Government of Japan has empowered nearly 200 Liberian returnees through Entrepreneurship Development Training. On January 11, at the William V. S. Tubman High School on 12th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, a lively graduation ceremony of 193 Liberian returnees, who had completed an extensive 120-hour training in Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP). Internal Affairs Minister Morris Dukuly, Education Minister Etmonia Tarpeh, who represented President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, as well as LRRRC Executive Director, Cllr. Abla G. Williams, graced this occasion. In her opening remarks, Madam Williams outlined some of the achievements the Liberian Government has made in helping Liberians returning home to resettle; such as the provision of US$250,000 to support the reintegration projects of the Commission, as well as funding the academic education and skills training fees for returnees studying at various institutions. However,

UNIDO, LRRRC Empower Returnees Bobby Butlers through Entrepreneurship Development Funeral Saturday -Former U.S.T.C. Sales Manager, Former
he death is announced of Mr. Bobby E. Butler, former sales manager of the United States Trading Company, a subsidiary of Firestone/ Bridgestone, sole distributor of Coca-Cola and its allied products. He also served as country representative of Africare (Liberia) and as sales manager at the Cammay Group in Lanham, Maryland, United States of America. Bobby died in Monrovia on December 28, 2013, following a brief illness. He was in his 71st year. Robert (Bobby) E. Butler commenced his education at the Robertsport Elementary School while living with his uncle and aunt, the Rev. Urias Freeman and Mrs. Elizabeth Gordon Freeman. Moving to Monrovia, he entered the St. Patricks Elementary School and later the Monrovia Demonstration Elementary School. In 1957 his mother emigrated to the United States with her children and they settled in Cleveland, Ohio. There Bobby completed high school. He later entered Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States of America, where he took the Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management, with a minor in Sociology Bobby also undertook a Firestone International Executive Course in Akron, Ohio (1970) and later joined the Firestone Plantations Company in Harbel, Liberia as a public relations officer (1966). He did another course with Coca-Cola International - Monrovia, Liberia the same year. He was later transferred to the USTC as marketing manager. He later joined the Yes Taxi Company as operations manager. In 1967 Bobby married his childhood sweetheart, Ms. Ora Eugenia Cooper. This union was blessed with a son, Bobby Erskine Butler, Jr. That marriage having ended in divorce, Bobby later took the

DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 16, 2014

Page 2

AFRICARE Country Rep

Some of the graduates along with officials of UNIDO, LRRRC, Edu. Min. Tarpeh and trainers after the program
she stated that despite these interventions, challenges remain for the Commission. Against this backdrop, the Japanese Government in collaboration with the GOL, LRRRC, and UNIDO were able to draw out plans that would provide skills to returnees in entrepreneurial development for selfemployment, Cllr. Williams stated. The EDP is the heart of this UNIDOs intervention and responses to the need of the majority of Liberian returnees, who wish to set up their own businesses. Education Min. Etmonia Tarpeh congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encourage them, with their new skill, to enter the world of work. Liberian trainers, who had been trained by UNIDO in TOT last September, carried out the trainings of 193. This was an important step in capacitating Liberians to train their fellow citizens in how to start and manage a business. Internal Affairs Min. Morris Dukuly, who delivered the keynote speech, praised the graduates: The fact that you desired to be part of this entrepreneurial development training is evidence that you do not want to be held back. I am commending your courage and decision to return home. Minister Dukuly emphasized that If there were a time when Liberia ever needed its people to just begin to believe in themselves, in their country, and in the promise of recovery, reconstruction, and socialeconomic development of our country that time is now. We have had 10 consecutive years of peace and we must work each of us in small and big ways to advance, nurture, and strengthen peace in Liberia. The training comes in time, as it is in line with the economic agenda of the Government of Liberia, which identified the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as central focus to foster growth in Liberia. The EDP training is part of a comprehensive UNIDO intervention, which contributes to the efforts of the Government of Liberia in empowering and reintegrating the Liberian returnees. The project will assist more than 800 Liberian returnees through high standard training in Entrepreneurship development and in markeddriven vocational skills.

Mr. Bobby E. Butler

hand of Ms. Olga Hage. This union was blessed with two sons, John and George and a daughter, Olga. Robert (Bobby) Erskine Butler was born in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County on February 2, 1943, the last of four children of Mr. Andrew Butler and his wife Maime Gordon-Butler. He was a member of the International Y.M.C.A., the International Lions Club, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and the Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), of which he was elected board member and vice president. Bobby was also a member of the Literary Club of Liberia. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Olga Hage Butler; children, John S. Butler (Rhonda), George S. Butler, Robert E. Butler, Jr. (Aida) and Olga A. Butler (Sylvanus); his mother, Mrs. Maime Gordon Butler; siblings, Richard Butler (Jeanie), Andrew, Jr. and many other relatives and friends. The body will be removed from the Samuel A. Stryker Funeral Parlor at 9 oclock a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014 and taken to the First United Methodist Church on Ashmun Street, Monrovia, where the funeral will commence at 10 oclock a.m. Interment will follow in the Zion Grove Baptist Church cemetery in Brewerville.

-Ex-Ducor Manager Calls on Government

By Abednego Davis

Prosecute Belgian Millionaire for Economic Sabotage

economic sabotage. Carron owns the Monrovia Oil Trading Company (MOTC), of which Mr. James Sirleaf, one of President Ellen Johnson Sirleafs sons, is general manager. He also owns a 90% share in Ducor Petroleum. But, the Criminal Court C in its judgment this past December, declared that Carron failed to produce enough evidence to link Brosious to the commission of the crime economic sabotage. Presiding Judge Peter Gbenewelah ruled that Brosious produced documentary and oral evidence on the profit and the use of the funds generated by the company. Speaking to journalists from his Freeport office, Brosious lauded the Judiciary, especially Judge Gbenewelah, for the level of transparency demonstrated during the entire trial. He was disappointed by the governments decision not to arrest and prosecute Carron on the charge of economic sabotage. My worst concern is that Carron was not arrested for prosecution by the government since he could not prove the economic sabotage charge. I proved my innocence even though he said that I redirected over US$1.7million dollars worth of petroleum products. The company has generated over US$5million in profits, since 2006, Brosious said, adding Government should have him account for that money. The court has established my innocence in connection with economic sabotage--an accusation that Carron had been using to dodge the payment of taxes and other required fees to government, he claimed, Isnt that economic sabotage, he wondered?

r. Amos Brosious, the former general manager of Ducor Petroleum, who was exonerated from the crime of economic sabotage, has advised government to prosecute Mr. Charles Carron, a Belgian millionaire. Carron had accused Brosious of diverting over US$1.7million from Ducor Petroleum Inc, claiming that the act was a direct attack against the country he described as nothing less than

Be Contributors to Development
By Alvin Worzi
ontserrado Countys District # 17 in district 17, including Red Hill Field Community in Lower Virginia, outside Monrovia, Representative Dakel Monday, January 13, stated that gone were the days when people in district # 17 only sang praise songs for others while they sat and watched major developmental projects taking place in their district without them making any contributions towards the process. The lawmakers added that over the years he has

Representative, Mr. William V. Dakel, has called on citizens of the district, especially those he considered as praise singers, to contribute to development in the district. At a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a multi-purpose headquarter

observed that many citizens of the district--- especially some of the youth--- only sit and criticize and dont want to support developmental initiatives. According to him, while what is right should always be said because it demonstrates true democracy, dont hide any wrong doing for anyone; because ills that affect the community also affect us as individual Liberian citizens. Lets all be contributors to the success of the country, he

Rep. William V. Dakel asserted. During the ground breaking of the headquarters, the lawmaker said when completed, the project would serve the people of the

district. Mr. Dakel explained that funds used for the construction of the district headquarters came from the Montserrado County development Fund (MCDF). In addition, he told citizens of the district to always address their concerns before their lawmakers without fear or favor, adding that it is their right to do at any time; especially when it is done in a peaceful manner. Also speaking at the occasion was Montserrado County Superintendent, Florence Brandy, who commended the China Union

for helping the county to carry out its development projects. She indicated that the union remains one of the contributors to supporting projects of the county. According her, the union provides US$875, 000 annually to the county development fund as their contribution. She also urged the youths of the community to stand against violence and put education first. Mrs. Brandy stated the need to be prepared for the future should be their motivation.

Tuesday, November 5, 16, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Thursday, January 2014

Page 19 Page 4

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

Basketballs Growth Demands LBA, Government Support,

-Abraham Samukai
ing basketball must get the required financial support. Thats why the government must make it a priority since sports, including basketball develop the physical abilities of young people in sports, he said. He said the recent disaster suffered by LPRC-Oilers in the FIBA finals in Tunisia, where the team lost all five games at twenty-point margins must be enough that the game is not being developed and promoted enough. He said Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) must develop a program to ensure the total improvement of the game, including the take basketball to the communities initiative is developed. During this program, we will not participate in any tournament outside Liberia, he said. It will be the time to re-

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

Mr. Abraham Samukai

support of government. In an interview yesterday in Monrovia, Mr. Samukai said, The Liberian government has the responsibility to develop the youths and therefore for that to happen, sports, includ-

he founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of K-Delta basketball team, Mr. Abraham B. Samukai, has said that basketballs improvement in the country demands the

cruit and train to eventually be able to make a better representation in a future competition. K-Deltas Board chairman said a good feeder program is also essential but it must be supported financially and materially by the government and corporate partners. Just as the government has its own responsibility towards basketball development, Samukai said, the LBA will have to ensure that it has a blueprint to improve the game. The Liberia Basketball Association, he said, must make use of Up-country basketball tournament, which in the past unearned striking talents for Liberia. On the current delay of the national basketball league, he said the LBA could have managed to end the league, despite the national County Meet.

--Refutes Poor County Meet Organization Claim

2014 County Meet the Best Ever, Says Minister Nagbe

Bafana Held by Mali but Remains on Top

ali needed a second-half goal by Ibourahima Sidibe to help record a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the second Group A match of the CAF African Nations Championships at Cape Town Stadium on yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. Bernard Parker put the host nation in the lead from a controversial penalty, while the Malians were denied a spot kick of their own before being closed out by the woodwork. The opening eight minutes of the encounter didnt bring much goal-mouth action until Bafana Bafana managed to break on the counter and allow for Siphiwe Tshabalalas shot to draw a save. Itumeleng Khune was lucky he didnt give away a penalty

Bafana Bafanas Tshabalala

from the resulting goal kick after Abdoulaye Sissoko broke into the box which forced the goalkeeper off his line. Khune went all in by throwing his body and hands at the ball, bringing down the No 7 in the box all while getting the slightest of touches to it before making contact with Sissoko. There was more contact to the player than ball however. The home side was luckily let off the hook after a short stoppage when a corner kick found Lassina Diarra, but his effort flashed wide of the near post. Diakite Soumaila denied Lindokuhle Mbatha of the opening goal of the game after 18 minutes with his surging run in the box. The Platinum Stars player fired a right-footed drive in at the near post but the keeper caught it with safe

hands. Fortunes were favouring Bafana Bafana when they were handed a penalty in the 23rd minute after Mbatha was brought down by Souleymane Konate. Bernard Parker made no error from the spot-kick, converting his second in as many games, but replays show that the tackle was made outside the box. Mali tried to respond through Ibourahima Sidibes looping header which looked to be heading on target, but Khune did well to it tip over the bar for a corner, just three minutes later. It could have been 2-0 for the home side just before the break if it wasnt for Mamadou Traore brilliantly clearing away Mbathas shot at the near post with a glancing header. But it was Les Aigles who were left ruing their luck three minutes from the interval when Abdoulaye Sissokos shot beat Khune but struck the bottom of the upright. Khune nearly got a goal of his own in the first-half stop-

pages with a cheeky longrange effort from a free kick which nearly caught his opposite number out only to see it sail just over. Thato Mokeke made a lovely challenge to break up a Mali attack but he couldnt do anything about the following onslaught which saw the visitors restore parity. Diarra crossed in a beautiful long ball to tee up Sidibe and he struck home a great volley nine minutes into the second half. Gordon Igesunds side could have taken the lead just after the hour mark when both Parker and Asavela Mbikile missed chances from Tshabalalas cross, however, the Chiefs man was offside. Bafana were doing well to press the Malians and Parker forced a save out of Soumaila with his turn and shot of the ball midway through the second 45. Despite Bafana Bafanas attempts in the final stages of the game, Mali did well to hold out for a draw as both teams crawled up to four points each in Group A.

outh & Sports Minister Eugene Nagbe has refuted the claim that the on-going County Meets organization has been poor, insisting that it is the best organized in recent times. He said all the fifteen counties received the same treatment, including the time funds were made available for preparation. He told the Daily Observer yesterday that this years theme Celebrating 10 years of Peace through sports is justified by the overwhelming participation of counties in the various disciplines. The disciplines are soccer, basketball, kickball, track and field and volleyball. He said the sports for development and peace concept, employed since the 2012/13 Meets, seeks to develop sports infrastructure, including stadiums, across the country, with funding from the central government. Grand Kru Countys technical committee chairman Alfred Sayon in an interview published in yesterdays edition of this paper said the ministry released funds to the counties at the time they could not cash the money, causing

Minister Eugene Nagbe

problems with their players. As a result, coupled with experiences in poor refereeing in the preliminary rounds, the 2014 Meet did not achieve its objective, he said. Though Minister Nagbe did not address the Mr. Sayons concerns directly, he said everything humanely possible was done to make sure that the Sports Meet is being held to attain the objective of bringing the Liberian people together. He said it is clear indication that as the meet progresses, and Liberians join together to celebrate their counties achievements, whether a won or a loss the objective of the tournament to celebrate peace is achieved. Contributing, director of public affairs, McCauley Paykue argued that the claim of the 2014 organization being poor is unrealistic and did not reflect the realities of the success of where the tournament has reached thus far. Paykue pointed out that one of the objectives for the organization of the Meet is to identify sports talents in support of grassroots sports initiatives in the country which is evidently going on as the meet moves on to its successful conclusion. no referees from France. Sandro Ricci was named as Brazils referee and Nestor Pitana from Argentina. Webb handed out 14 yellow cards and one red in the Spain-Netherlands final in 2010, although he was widely criticized for failing to send off any Dutch players in a wild first half as Spain went on to win 1-0 after extra time.

orld Cup final referee Howard Webb has been included among the 25 who were named by Fifa on Wednesday for this years tournament in Brazil. The list included nine referees

Webb in as Fifa Names World Cup Referees

from Europe, five from South America, four from Asia, three each from Africa and Concacaf and one from Oceania. Each referee was selected as a part of a team including two linesmen.

Howard Webb
Felix Brych was picked from Germany, Carlos Velasco from Spain and Nicola Rizzoli from Italy, while there were

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

Increase Action against Drugs

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Letter Thursday, January 16, 2014

Page 5 4

Mr. Editor: Please permit me a space in your most prestigious and informative medium to express my pain as regards the common place of drugs in our society. Liberia, a country decimated by a prolonged diabolical, devastating and senseless civil uprising that claimed the lives of nearly three hundred thousand persons cannot afford to fight another round of war drugs war amid the huge presence of security forces, including personnel of UNMIL, who are armed to their teeth. One may even be tempted to say why security officers should be paid by central government amid the continued proliferation of all kinds of illegal drugs in the country, which are seriously poising threat to national security and to our younger generation. Ghettos are erected in residential communities in the city to the annoyance of residents, but dare to speak the matter for the fear of their lives or be placed on these drugs users black-list. Thus, I write to challenge the required authority to go beyond seizing, burning these drugs at the various points of entries to look beyond where they are coming from and why and by what means. This is worrisome, and must be stopped to safeguard national security. Clarence S. D. Sapoe Concern Citizen

Messengers of Peace

With Leroy M. Sonpon III

Our Value Commitments

By MATENNEH-ROSE L. DUNBAR
Speak respectfully Speak out of pain Speak to violence Speak to register Speak for marriage Speak for vision Speak for liberty Speak for rights Speak over failure Speak to live well Speak to disasters Speak to weak hearts Speak to slowly within Speak new heights Speak much health Speak long life too Speak and claim all

Power in the Voice

Why it is that sincere love lasts till death? Why it is that a black heart knows no peace? Why it is that man desires more all the time? Why do women dearly love so much attention? Why do broken hearts take long to heal? Why it is that Friday is so gaily cherished? Why do lovers adore Valentine so greatly? Why Christmas comes with so many thrills? Why feel alone yet many people surround you? Why independence makes us feel patriotic? Why some people just cant find real love? Why it is that some people arent blissful? Why oh why and it will never fade away?

By MATENNEH-ROSE L. DUNBAR
The cool of the mild breeze on your face As the world quietly spins by our dreams Taking along the tiny pieces thought Built in our souls from the beginning Colors of purpose some with a slight haze Paste our inimitable globe into our tinge Poised as feathered flyers on brittle ends Suddenly pitched as an eagle towers wings Beneath millions of feet in boots the worms Makes mold hills out of not but shere gusto Bade uneven fears a lazy wave to the bins Loose as a butterfly kite in free sea breeze Leads you toward the land lined with sands Golden in the milleniims from a foamy bath Walk down the jagged way so reach to glory Rimmed by the times equal to the challenges Worship to satisfy your holiness oh awesome Clap warmth near the wet toes of some needy Spread wide the cheeks to make a sunshine true Glow as a candle lit on the hill top touch many

SERENITY

RECONSIDER
By Varney Gean

You always make those absurd plans but then what? You always act brusquely to show off but then what? You just run around being thoughtless but then what? It Is time to reconsider You thumb down when it should have been an okay You just saunter away when you should have stayed You frowned when all needed was a smirk from you It Is time to reconsider You just wont understand even how simple it appears You just wont be bother even if it needs your attention You feign when you should have bore tenderness It Is time to reconsider You thought of only yourself when others were involved You know hatred will never conquer love so why seek? Why fight those you love so dearly if only you grasp It Is just the right time to reconsider

he history of the 20th Century has shown that utopian schemes, usually undertaken in the name of collectivities, lead inevitably to military boots crushing the human face. Because all persons are equally free and emphatically are not merely the means to anothers end, each individual bears the responsibility for the choices he or she freely makes. Since the establishment in September 17, 2008, Messengers of Peace-Liberia, a youth based non-governmental, nonreligious and non-political organization, has been guided by seven core value commitments that includes, integrity, non- violence, Volunteerism, passion and compassion for peace in Liberia, partnership/ networking, social human investment and a unified community. We believe in integrity of man, the honest acknowledgment of the objective realities of the self and the world; respect for our differences, abilities and diversity and the unswerving devotion to ethical principles. The sole purpose of Messengers of Peace Liberia is to contribute to the consolidation of peace through dialogue and reconciliation by spreading positive messages of peace, forgiveness, non violence and tolerance. We are actively involved in speaking engagement on reconciliation and peace consolidation in Liberia and we tap into the potential/ synergy of youth and engaged their skills in promoting these messages. We believe in promoting the spirit of volunteerism amongst youths because there is no heart stronger than that of a volunteer. Volunteerism is the wellspring of progress and sustained effort can produce lasting improvement in the lives of people and nations. Our passion and compassion for a peaceful society is exhibited in various communities and school activities.

Gwendolyn Myers, Executive Director, Messengers of Peace-Liberia (MOP)

Our commitment is to deliver a balanced, fair, impartial and transparent peace building programme that will be in line with Mennonites commitment to non-violence, non-political engagement and peaceful resolution of conflicts. As part of our core values, we in close collaboration and networking with strategic partners and working out modalities to strengthen our Peace Clubs in all high schools and communities around the country. The pilot phase of this program commenced in September 2012 to coincide with International Day of Peace and the 21 Days of Activism on Peace and Volunteerism YOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION, PEACE MAKING AND PEACEBUILDING At the moment we have 18-20 in schools and communities -functional peace clubs). We are cognizant of the fact that besides guns or wars, diseases and deprivations also undermine the peace and security of any society and for this reason we believe in a strong social human investment as the chief purpose of the national government. We believe in a strong sense of a unified community. Individuals have the right to self fulfillment through positive relationships with family, friends, neighborhoods, social groups and fellowships. And we understand that civility is communitys glue. In pursuant of MOP core values, we intend on keeping the Liberian Public and those in diaspora informed, involved and inspired! The youth group remains sincerely committed to proudly serving Volunteer Peace activists in Peace Keeping Action. Growing up in a post conflict environment, working on peace initiatives is not just a desire but a calling. As the Executive Director and as the French would say, Je me sens-ouvert et tolerant. I feel open and tolerant. Let us read from you as well. The Messengers of PeaceLiberia will continue to remain open, accessible and inclusive. In closing, these wise reminders sum it up: A good Messenger is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others As the Greek Philosopher -Heraclitus supposedly wrote over 2,500 years ago-All things change but our values remain strong One of the greatest values of our time is Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Peace, above all. Peace First. Let Peace Prevail

By MATENNEH-ROSE L. DUNBAR
A wise man sits in the company of kings A slow talker checks his words for folly A greedy eats careless with both hands A spirited edge the valleys still makes it A dugout canoe that rivals might yachts A snail that drags endlessly but wins all A will too be made novelty by the world A dare to take the bull by the horn now Dynamic Be It The Chance Is Yours

Dynamic

Know Your Lawmakers

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

Mind Readers
By Varney Gean
As if they know my deepest thoughts As if they just know how I really feel Questions the mind dare not answer Searching for the covered like that Great minds readers they would make Plans to unearth those games played Gazing beyond the huge starry eyes Wishing all veiled be seen from afar Some will marvel how much is cagey Great minders they would make

By Varney Gean
Why it is that Monday is so dreaded?

WHY?

DAILY OBSERVER

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Page 12 6

!"#$%&!'(#")!**+(",'$,-%!

AMERICAN EMBASSY MONROVIA

INVITATION TO TENDER

he General Services office (GSO) US Embassy Monrovia seeks to enter into a contract with qualified, reliable firms with sufficient resources, financing, and work experience for delivering and performing of commodities and or services.

In order for a Company to be considered for embassy contracts, the Company should be able to meet, satisfy, understand and comply with all the requirements in the Notice to Potential Offerors. Qualified firms interested in the opportunity must follow the specific instructions as stipulated in the contract solicitation package. Queries can be directed to RushJJ@state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy Monrovia would like to invite interested Building Contractors to a site visit schedule for Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., regarding the vehicle barrier system installation project. A complete contract solicitation package will be issued to the selected companies. The site meeting will be held at site location, namely: New Embassy Compound (NEC) Office Building Time: 10:00 a.m. at U.S. Embassy Monrovia, 502 Benson Street, Monrovia, Liberia (two units to be installed). The scope of work for the project comprises 1. The establishment of site and removal thereof completion 2. Associated clearing, protection and safety, earthworks and reinstatement on completion. 3. Removal of the two existing vehicle barrier systems from the U.S. Embassy Monrovia. 4. Custody of new equipment and complete installation as per manual installation instructions. 5. Mechanical and electrical installation 6. Associated clearing, protection and safety, earthworks and reinstatement on completion. 7. Related civil works 8. Test and commission Note: A Detailed Scope of Work/Specification along with service manuals and all related drawings for the RSS 2000 Barrier will be issued to qualified companies on the date of the site visit. Company profile should be submitted and should include the following information: 1. Company legal business name 2. Physical address 3. Mailing address 4. Telephone number and fax 5. E-mail address of the contact person 6. List of projects undertaken related to the project advertised List of 5 clients the company has dealt with in the last 3 to 5 years, (including contact name, telephone numbers and e-mail address) Please confirm your attendance by sending your contact details and number of people attending to Joseph N. Tiah via email: TiahJN@ state.gov by COB January 30, 2014 Closing date for submission of proposals is 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2014. Submissions must be made no later than this date and time, and must be delivered to the U.S. Embassy Main Gate located on 502 Benson Street, Monrovia, Liberia for the attention of James J. Rush, Contracting Officer.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY & RELIEF COOPERATIVE INTERNATIONAL (MERCI)

PAYNESVILLE BROAD STREET PAYNESVILLE CITY LIBERIAt Our Ref: Tel. 231-0886-511-590 E-mail: mercilib@yahoo.com

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Responsible to: Procurement Assistant Administrator

Job summary/objective: staff shall be responsible for volume purchasing services and exercises considerable independent judgment in making purchasing decisions in accordance with organizations and/or State (PPCC) policies and procedures. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises and reviews work of any staff involved with purchasing including technical and specialized procurement of supplies, equipment and services. Requires extensive knowledge of policies, procedures and practices. Assumes responsibility and oversight of large and complex purchases involving use of Requests for Proposals. Assists departments with specification development, drafts RFP, obtains State approval, serves on evaluation committee. Provides input on budget. Proposes salary raise within budget. Monitors and obtains best price for office expenditures. Approves payment of invoices and directs purchasing card expenditures for office. Negotiates copier maintenance contracts. Represents department at various meetings with administration, faculty, vendors, external agencies, professional organizations, and other groups. Develops and delivers speeches, presentations, and training as required. Corresponds with same groups. Reviews, analyzes and approves all purchases where award is not made to the low bidder to ensure justification exists and policy is followed. Reviews, analyzes, researches and approves purchases of a non-competitive nature. Resolves problems and protests concerning bid solicitations, contract awards or contract performance as the need arises. Addresses unauthorized purchases. Conveys decisions both verbally and in writing referencing law and policy. Meets with or speaks to interested vendors concerning potential source for supply and service. Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with vendors and fosters relations between suppliers and MERCI EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Completion of a Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field and four years experience in governmental or commercial accounting with emphasis on internal auditing or an equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education. Deadline: Monday January 20, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Interested candidates must submit their application to: The office of the Administrator, Medical Emergency & Relief Cooperative International (MERCI) Paynesville Broad Street, Paynesville, Liberia

DAILY OBSERVER
MEDICAL EMERGENCY & RELIEF COOPERATIVE INTERNATIONAL (MERCI)
PAYNESVILLE BROAD STREET PAYNESVILLE CITY LIBERIAt Our Ref:

Thursday, January 16, 2014

MEDICAL EMERGENCY & RELIEF COOPERATIVE INTERNATIONAL (MERCI)
PAYNESVILLE BROAD STREET PAYNESVILLE CITY LIBERIAt Our Ref:

Page 6 7

Tel. 231-0886-511-590 E-mail: mercilib@yahoo.com

Tel. 231-0886-511-590 E-mail: mercilib@yahoo.com

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: MONITORING and EVALUATION COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITY: data collected. Overall responsibility for the systematic and routine collection of data as well as assessing and analyzing

VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT
POSITION: DATA ENTRY CLERK RESPONSIBLE TO: ADMIN/LOG OFFICER Duty STATION: RIVER GEE COUNTY Medical Emergency & Corporative International [MERCI] is seeking for a qualify Liberian for a position of Data Entry Clerk for immediate employment at its River Gee County Field Office in Liberia. Job Summary/Objective: To maintain a computerized data of Health information such as morbidity, mortality, service provision by type, drug consumption etc. KEY TASKS: 1. Ensure data collection from Health Facilities in River Gee County 2. Ensure verification of data collected from the Health Facilities in River Gee County. 3. Submit monthly analysis report to MERCI Central Office to the M & E Officer. 4. Enter Data along with County Data Manager. 5. Work in close collaboration with the County M & E Officer. 6. Ensure the submission of monthly report on schedule at MERCIs Central QUALIFICATION: 1. A minimum of an AA Degree in any of the Social Sciences with certificate in Secretarial Science from a recognized and accredited institution. A College Degree will be an added advantage. 2. A minimum of two [2] years of experience working with a recognized Institution or Organization. 3. Strong computer knowledge in MS Word, Excel, Power point, DHIS and other statistical soft wares. 4. Ability to handle heavy work load and have experience in Data collection and making analysis for management decision making purposes. QUALIFICATION: 1. Letter of application with Curriculum vitae including education and experience. 2. Telephone number and Email address with two letters of references. 3. Medical certificate from a recognized medical institution. 4. Two letters of references. Deadline: Monday January 20, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Interested candidates must submit their application to: The office of the Administrator, Medical Emergency & Relief Cooperative International (MERCI) Paynesville Broad Street, Paynesville, Liberia

I. LOCATION: will be based in Monrovia but May be sent to any part of Liberia Summary The Monitoring and Evaluation coordinator is responsible for all MERCIs monitoring and evaluation activities. She/he will report to Medical Coordinator. Duties and Responsibilities Develop database for maintaining data needed for monitoring MERCI activities Develop and implement M&E plan for all projects. Coordinate with MERCI-supported health facilities to ensure accurate and timely data reporting Build capacity of project staff to implement M+E activities. Serve as on site point person for all Monitoring and Evaluation related work Work in collaboration with other MERCIs monitoring and evaluation staff to prepare monthly report to senior management. present timely and accurate reporting to senior management meetings Design and conduct survey as needed in MERCIs operating areas Support routine reporting processes related to data collection. Contribute to the compilation, sharing and presenting of program findings, trends and results with staff. II. III. Qualification Bachelor Degree from recognized institution/university/college with major/option in statistics/Health Information Management/ Public Health or similar field Advanced computer skills especially MS Office. In-depth knowledge of and experience with MS Access is desirable, with statistical software. 3-5 years experience in monitoring/Evaluation; specific experience required in survey design and analysis( Ideally conducting KPC surveys and barrier analysis) Personal qualities Result oriented Willingness to travel extensively throughout Liberia where MERCI works Ability to work in a team setting Good communication skills Good organization and electronic file management skills Able to take initiative and work independently

Method of Application: All candidates must include the following: a. A detailed curriculum vitae describing the relevant professional and academic experiences, competencies, and skills: b. A statement of interest and names and contacts of minimum three (3) references Deadline Monday January 20, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Interested candidates must submit their application to: The office of the Administrator, Medical Emergency & Relief Cooperative International (MERCI) Paynesville Broad Street, Paynesville, Liberia

Strugglingtofindhighqualitystaff?Lookingfortalentedyoung Liberianstomoveyour businessforward?

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Mercy Corpssupports60 work daysof apprenticeship.Ifyouare impressedwiththeirwork upongraduation,youcan hirethem.Iftheyarenot therightfit,thereisno commitment.

Business Apprentice Matchmaking

StipendSupportto Apprentices

Wesearchfarand widetofindthebest candidatestomatch yourapprenticeship requirements.

MercyCorpsprovides stipendstoapprentices youbearnocostduring theapprenticeship period.Smallbusinesses canrequestforlimited fundingtooffsetany materialcostsincurredin hostingapprentices.

AContributionto LiberiasFuture

MercyCorpsprovidesweekly businessskillstrainingtoall apprenticestoenhancetheir leadership,management,and financialskills.Onthejob trainingatyourbusiness providesthemtheworkskills tobeexcellentemployees.

APPLICATIONDEADLINE:10 17 JANUARY2014 Call0886106172oremail wajavon@lr.mercycorps.orgtorequestan applicationformortolearnmore Your3stepplantohostinganapprentice: 1. Applytodaytohostoneormoreapprentices.

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Whatbusinesseshavegainedfromthe apprenticeshipprogramsofar:

356apprenticessupportedto conductapprenticeships. 9360hoursoffreelaborfrom workreadyyouth. Hostbusinesseshavesoughttoemploy47%of apprenticesuponcompletionoftheprogramsofar.

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PROSPECTSisayouthemploymentprogramsupportedbythe SwedishGovernmentandChevron,implementedbyMercy Corps.

DAILY OBSERVER

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Page 10 8

Supply and Delivery of Motorcycles for FED County Offices

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Food and Enterprise Development (FED

RFP No. Date Title Issuing Office & Address for Submission of Proposals Closing Date for Questions Closing Date Contact Person for Questions Anticipated Award Type Basis for Award RFP FED-NPO-015 14 JANUARY, 2014 Supply and Delivery of Motorcycles DAI USAID Food and Enterprise Development (FED) 6th Street-Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia

alliance Media & Communications,Inc.

Are you thinking about organizing any of these soon? Dedications. Groundbreakings. Installations. Meetings. Conferences. Luncheons. Induction dinners. Year-end get-togethers. Parties. Whatever the occasionWe meet your expectations! Its a lot of trouble arranging a successful high profile business or social event. So, why dont you leave the stress to us and let the professionals take care of everything - from the Invitation cards, Venue arrangement, Decoration, Public Address System, Catering, Program design and development, Music, Live entertainment, etc. Our services cover any location in Liberia. So, you can relax and appreciate the feeling of a job well done. Whenever, Wherever, However you want it! Alliance Media and Communications Inc. - Specialists you can trust! Contact: Alliance Media and Communications Inc. Fofana Building Benson and Lynch Streets Intersection Cell # 0886-518-538, 0777-518-538 E-mail: allmedcominc@gmail.com Other Services include: Communications Strategy Development Public Relations and Outreach Services Media Consultancy Brand Management Speech Writing Documentary Production MC/DJ Services Development of Corporate identity-letterhead, logo, slogan, business card Bill board Brochures Posters Success stories Fact Sheets

7 FEBRUARY 2014 not later than 17:00 GMT 14 FEBRUARY 2014 not later than 17:00 GMT Arthur Delacruz/DCOP-FAM Email: arthur_delacruz@dai.com Telephone: 0886-530-598 Fixed Price Purchase Order An award will be made based on best price, required technical specifications, quality & availability to the vendor who best meets all the requirements as specified in the RFP.

PURPOSE DAI, implementer of the USAID funded Food and Enterprise Development (FED) Program, invites qualified vendors to submit proposals/bids for supply and delivery of project Motorcycles (see Appendix A) in support of program implementation.
SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS Questions may be submitted via email no later than 17:00 GMT on 7 February 2014. No technical inquiries will be answered over the phone or in person except for administrative clarification regarding the submission format or location of the office, etc. Responses to technical questions will be distributed to all bidders. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF Proposals Proposals shall be submitted via Hard Copy, in English, marked on the envelope, Attention: Arthur dela Cruz, Deputy Chief of Party/ FAM, Food & Enterprise Development Program (FED), 6th Street-Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia no later than 17:00 GMT on 14 February 2014. Late proposals will be rejected and returned to Vendors unopened except under extraordinary circumstances at DAIs discretion. PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS (and EVALUATION): Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria. The relative importance of each individual criterion is indicated by the number of points assigned and a total of 100 marks are possible for each submission. Bidders should note that these criteria serve to: (a) identify the significant factors which bidders should address in their proposals (b) Set the standard against which all proposals will be evaluated. Points will also reflect the overall presentation of the proposal, which should be clear, complete, well organized, and well written. Most importantly, proposals should address all requirements listed in the RFP. (1)Technical Specifications Approach (Points Possible 40) Bidders will submit technical specifications of motorcycles they intend to supply. Note that models of motorcycles should be in the range 2009 to 2013. Also include all necessary qualities and warranty period. (2)Past Experienced, Personnel Capability & References (Maximum 1 Page, Points 20) The proposal shall provide a detailed account of the bidders track record in providing similar goods in Liberia. Bidders should also list the names of entity (ies) they have supplied similar models of motorcycles for, along with references and contact information. (3) Proposed Cost /Price (40 Points) Bidders shall submit a financial proposal which is separated in another envelope from the technical proposal. Note that financial proposals should be presented using Appendix A as a template for the format. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSALS TO BE DETERMINE AS RESPONSIBLE 1. The quote must conform to all the technical specifications listed on Appendix A: Price Schedule. Quotes which do not comply will be determined non-responsive and rejected. 2. The prices per unit and total price shall be entered on the attached price schedule (See Appendix A). The vendor must certify a validity period of 30 days for the prices provided. 3. Quotes shall specify the delivery period (In Stock or Delivery Time). 4. Vendor must agree for delivery of Motorcycles to DAI office in Monrovia. Please provide proposal for Duty Free and Duty Paid. 5. General Sales Tax (GST) shall be included on a separate line (if applicable). 6. Shipping costs, if any, for items procured outside of country, shall be included in a separate line item (if necessary). 7. Vendor must agree to a warranty for factory defects up to one year or agreed mileage past delivery with replacement at no cost to DAI-FED. 8. Vendor must provide a list of at least 3 current and/or former clients which your firm has provided similar Motorcycles for along with clients contact person, telephone number, quantities provided and dates. 9. Vendor must provide exact specifications for the equipment, including type and model. 10. Vendor shall state the country of origin and source for the Motorcycles. 11. A preference will be given to those vendors that can provide optional accessories. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSALS TO BE DETERMINE AS RESPONSIVE 1. Firm must possess an active Business License. 2. Vendor must not be included on the US Government EPLS/SDN blocked persons/organizations list. DAI may award a purchase order without discussions. Therefore, initial [proposals should contain the Vendors best terms from a price and technical specifications standpoint. Issuance of this RFP in no way obligates DAI to award a purchase order and Bidders will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with the preparation of this Proposal.

Item Qty

Appendix A

Description/ Part Numbers

Brand new 2009-2013 model (please indicate Model and Year) Tropicalize Engine 125 to 200 cc Air-cooled Started - Kick start and/or electric Chain drive Head light, signal lights and tail light Side mirrors Liberia dealership (if any) availability of spare parts Terms and condition of Payment

Unit Price

Total Price

Remarks
Also indicate optional accessories with prices (helmet, registration, insurance, etc.)

On/Off Road Motorcycles

22

DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 16, 2014

GTZ Guilty of US$134,260 Unfair Labor Practices

under an agreed contract. Unfortunately, on July 10, 2007, they were declared redundant by GTZ, alleging inadequacy of funds.

They, among other things, alleged that the institution compelled them to work for one hour during their break times; including Sundays and

Holidays without pay. GTZ denied

Page 9
these

claims, stating that they worked overtime.

paid all those who had

MOH, MI Increase Fight against Malaria

By Abednego Davis

he National Labour Court at the Temple of Justice on Monday, January13, confirmed the ruling of the hearing officer at Ministry of Labour, which declared GTZ liable in US$134,260 Unfair Labor Practices. GTZ (which became GIZ German Society for International Cooperation since 2011) is an international enterprise owned by the German federal government, and operating here under the Liberia laws.

The Ministrys hearing officer, Mr. Nathaniel S. Dickerson, in early 2011 held GTZ liable for 114 of its redundant employees in the amount of US$134,260, representing one hour of overtime pay for the period they worked for up until their dismissal in 2007. That ruling was rejected by GTZ and subsequently announced an appeal for Judicial Review with the National Labour Court. Delivering the courts final judgment in the matter, Presiding Judge, Comfort S. Natt, declared that GTZ failed to

produce evidence in their case since the burden was upon them to prove their case by the preponderance of evidence. Judge Natt further established that the ruling of the hearing officer delivered on October 19, 2011 in favor of the 114 complainants awarding them the total sum of US$134, 260.40 is confirmed and affirmed. The court will prepare the necessary bill of costs in satisfaction of its judgment, she concluded. The former workers in 2010 complained that some of them were employed since 1999

During a net distribution campaign in Liberia, trainers demonstrate the proper way to hang a net-MENTOR Initiative

LET Gives US$30,000 to 267 Disadvantaged Females

By Gloria T. Tamba
and second semester tuition/ fees of the school year. He noted that the six partners received US$5,000.00 each for their disadvantaged beneficiaries. Those six partners who received the US$ 5,000.00 include: COHDA from Bong County with 64 beneficiaries; BUCCOBAC from Grand Bassa with 30; AWANGA from Nimba County with 65; and Maummar Gadhafi from Montserrado County with 48. Others are Measuagoon of Montserrado with 30 beneficiaries while the Christian Foundation Mission, also in Montserrado, has 30. He further detailed that his organization intends to use the amount of US$1,500.00 for 20 partners for monitoring and supervision totaling USD $30,000. At the same time, LET and IBI international awarded three laptops to deserving female students from their respective institutions of higher learning through a scholarships grant. Those awarded are Louise Tarnue and Seiena Tarnue from the University of Liberia and Watta Browne from Cuttington University College. They are currently reading Accounting, Management and Economics respectrively.

he Liberian Education Trust (LET), an educationr e l a t e d organization, has presented a check for US$30,000 to 267 disadvantaged females as a way of contributing to the educational system of the country. Liberian Education Trust (LET) was established to support the restoration of basic education in Liberia. Making the presentation yesterday, LET Program Manager, Mr. Jerome Digler, said the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of State provided a grant of $30.000.00 USD, which is being directed to providing scholarships for six LET implementing partners that would be used to pay tuition and fees for them. According to him, LET currently has fifteen partners, nine of these partners had already received US$48,000.00. He said the remaining of the disbursed checks of the totaling USD $28,500.00 where given to six partners with the intention of providing scholarships for the 267 disadvantaged girls in four counties. Mr. Digler added these amounts will cover the first

He said the award was a promise made to the students It can be recalled that in 2013, LET disbursed a total of $2,335 USD to the three students as two full semesters tuition and other fees. The three laptops are in fulfillment of the earlier grant agreement signed between the LET and IBI International, said Mr. Digler. Mr. Digler disclosed that since the inception of the program the three students have maintained the B average that was set as the standard requirement for honoring the scholarship. We do appreciate them and hope that they will prove themselves up to the end of the program, he added. For his part, IBI International Representative, Mohammed Jawara, promised that his institution would do all it could to promote the education of women in Liberia. He, however, urged recipients to use the laptops wisely stating that it would help them maintain their grades. The students thanked LET and IBI International for their support and promised that they would maintain their three-point-plus grade averages.

n an effort to minimize malaria from communities, the Mentor Initiative (MI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is increasing its access to confirmatory diagnosis of malaria before treatment in private medicine stores and pharmacies, in West Point and Bushrod Island. The latter is a highly infested malaria prone community because of unsanitary condition. MI and the Health Ministry began its partnership to kickout the deadly disease (malaria) from the communities (West Point and Bushrod Island)

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

since 2010. The two institutions, aimed to stage a one-day awareness campaign on Kru Beach, West Point on Friday, January 17, on the confirmatory diagnosis of malaria, with the message Get Tested, for Malaria before Treatment. The awareness is to inform the larger communities about the malaria commodities in private medicine stores and pharmacies in West Point and Bushrod Island. According to Mentor Initiatives IEC/BCC Coordinator S. Bonah Lackay, the test and medicines are in all the private medicine stores and pharmacies, at cheap and affordable prices. Mr. Lackay said all tests are sold for L$20, and the

complete dose for teenager and adult (14 years-adult) is L$35; while children (2-11 months; 1-5years; 6-13years) is L$25. The medicines are procured by MI with funding from COMIC Relief Special Initiative to help eradicate malaria from the country, Mr. Lackay said. He added: Mentor Initiative believed by getting tested for malaria before treatment, will definitely help reduce malaria from the communities. Over the years, MI and the Health Ministry have trained dispensers, physician assistants and nurses assigned in private medicine stores and pharmacies to administer the tests and doses on children and adult.

n the midst of the public debate on the proposal for the government to give L$85 million to each district to improve living conditions of the poor, Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, has declared that honest management rather than more money is what is really needed to improve the living conditions of poor people in the districts. Dr. Tipoteh said that his declaration makes common sense that even the women of West Point, under the banner of Seven Sisters, know this when they say that the money problem is not Liberias problem but how to manage the money in the interest of the poor people is the problem. Dr. Tipoteh went on to say that in order to understand well the point he is making, people need to examine the record of the management of government money that has already been distributed to the districts. During the first term of President Sirleaf, she appointed the County Development Fund

Honest Management, not Money, Is the Answer: Dr. Tipoteh

Committee, headed by Mr. Sam Jackson, to examine the record on the Fund. The Committee, according to Dr. Tipoteh, found out that over 90 per cent of the projects under the Fund were not implemented. Furthermore, Dr. Tipoteh, a veteran politician, said that studies by the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) of Liberia show that nearly all of the projects that the district people wanted were dropped

Opposition politician Togba Nah Tipoteh

and the projects desired by the top government officials were the projects that were placed in the government budget. Dr. Tipoteh is using this debate to remind the Liberian people that the President declared corruption to be public enemy number one because the record shows that corruption in government, especially among top government officials, is public enemy number open. Dr. Tipoteh insists that common sense and love of Liberia demand that more money should be given in the name of poor people only when there is a record of proper use of the present amount of money. Dr. Tipoteh continued by saying that unless the present management is hanged through peaceful electoral action by the people to get honest people in top government positions, any more money placed in the government budget in the name of poor people will be chopped again by the greedy and corrupt government officials.

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

The National Integrity System Mandate Area of the Governance Commission Legislative Monitoring for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (LEMTAIL) June--August 2013 Report for the Legislature
The Governance Commission of Liberia with funding from OSIWA researches and provides information to the Liberian Public on Standing Committees and Plenary Proceedings of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia. The following summary table provides information on the number of times the Senate and the House of Representatives used the Electronic Voting System to Vote on Bills and the number of Closed and Open sessions held in the respective Chambers.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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Legislative Activities in the area of Government Administration from June- Aug 2013

MONTHS June June

Opened sessions Closed sessions Use of electronic voting system for accountability and transparency of vote

House of Representatives 22 19 0

Senate 24 8 0

1) The LEMTAIL project record shows that the House of Representatives and Senate never used the Electronic Voting System to vote on Bills or other important issues discussed within the respective Chambers. 2) The LEMTAIL project record shows that the House of Representatives closed its doors to the Liberian People 19 times and the Senate 8 times during the period June August. Kindly note that the LEMTAIL Project Information is also placed on bulletin boards in the following places: Capitol Building, Montserrado County, District #1 (Todee), District #17 (Cheesmanburg) and Bong County, District #3 (Gbarnga Administrative Building). ***For information on the LEMTAIL Project contact +231886425451***

June

LAWMAKERS PRESENTING ISSUES Equality in numeration of Legislative Rep. Bhofal Chambers, staff Maryland County District # 3 Complaint against Director General of Rep. J. Byron Brown , Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Grand Bassa County Ambrose Mahn for refusing to replace District #3 a Ghanaian serving as Marketing Manager at LBS with a Liberian Citizen. An Act to Complete the Formation of Rep. Larry P. Yarnquoi, Government after General and Nimba County, District Presidential Elections. #8 Resolution from the Concerned Nimbians calling for Renegotiation the Mineral Development Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Arcelor Mittal. The appearance of Sinoe County Superintendent J. Milton Teahjay for alleged acts of corruption. An Act to Prevent Obnoxious Political Activities in the General and Presidential Elections in the Republic of Liberia otherwise referred to as Level field Act. Proposal for the Establishment of Parliamentary Forum for West Africa An Act to Prevent Obnoxious Political Activities in the General and Presidential Elections in the Republic of Liberia otherwise referred to as Level-Playing Field Act.

ISSUES

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS The Plenary of the House of Representatives forwarded Rep. Chambers proposal to House leadership for action. The Plenary of House of Representatives mandated the LBS boss to advertise the position to enable qualified Liberians to apply for the position.

July

Legislative Activities in the area of Education from June- Aug 2013

MONTHS June June LAWMAKERS PRESENTING ISSUES 178 Teachers working for the Liberian Sen. Clarice A. Jah, government who are not on regular Margibi County payroll. An Act to Establish Gbeapo Rep. Johnson Chea, Multilateral High School. River Gee County, District #1 ISSUES LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

June

July August

Plenary of the Senate Mandated the Committee on Education and Administration to investigate the issue and report within one week. Passed in Plenary of the House of Representatives. Sent to Senate for concurrence. Senates Plenary sent Bill to Committee on Education An Act to Create the Gardnerville Rep. Alex Grant, Grand Introduced in the House of Representatives. Community College (GCC). Gedeh County District Plenary of the House of Representatives forwarded #3 Bill to committees on Judiciary, Internal Affairs and, Ways, Means and Finance to report within three weeks. An Act to Elevate Pleebo High School Sen. John A. Ballout, Introduced in the Senate. to Multilateral high School Maryland County Plenary of the Senate forwarded Bill to the Committee on Education for review. An Act to Amend the Bong Technical Rep. GerogeMulbah , Introduced in the House of Representatives. College to William Gabriel Kpolleh Bong County District #3 Plenary of the House of Representatives, passed Bill Technical College. and forwarded it to the Senate for concurrence.

July August

August August

Legislative Activities in the area of Labor from June- Aug 2013

MONTHS June ISSUES A Nigerian, Bebe Ujah, occupies the post of Chief Pharmacist at J.F.K. Medical Center when qualified Liberians are jobless. Bad Labor practices at Cocopa Plantation, Nimba County The Decent Work Bill and the setting of the minimum wage at USD $6.00 LAWMAKERS PRESENTING ISSUES Sen. George Tengbeh, Dallas A.V. Gueh, Lofa and RiverCess Counties respectively. Rep. Larry Yarnquoi, Nimba, County, District #8 Sen. Matthew Jay, River Gee County, Chairperson, Labor Committee LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS The Plenary of the Senate agreed that a qualified Liberian takes over when contract ends January 2014.

Introduced in the House of Representatives. The Plenary of the House of Representatives forwarded Bill to Committee on Good Governance & Government Reform to report within two weeks. Rep. Larry P. Yarnquoi, The Plenary of the House of Representatives District #8 Nimba forwarded the resolution to Committee on Contract County and Rep. Prince and Monopolies. Tokpah, District #2,Nimba County Rep. Matthew Zarzar, The Plenary of the House of Representative voted Sinoe County, District # unanimously to imprison Superintendent Teahjay 3 for 48 hours. Rep. James Biney of Introduced in the House of Representatives. Maryland House of Representatives forwarded Bill to the County,District #,1 Committees on Inauguration, Judiciary and Gender to report within two weeks beginning August 8, 2013. Rep. George Mulbah, The Plenary of the House of Representatives Bong County District # forwarded Proposal to House leadership for action. 3 Rep. James Biney of Introduced in the House of Representatives. Maryland County, The Plenary of House of Rep. passed and forwarded District #1 it to Senate for Concurrence.

June July

July August August

The General Auditing Commission dismissing 40 people and employing 66 others. Nomination of Mary Broh as City Mayor of Monrovia Timber Workers Union demanding benefits.

The Labor Committees report requesting for the restoration of dignity to the work-force endorsed by the Plenary of the House of Representatives. Introduced by Rep. Christian Chea, River Gee County, Chairman, House Labor Committee. The Plenary of House passed Bill. The Plenary of the Senate passed bill and mandated a Conference Committee be set up to discuss differences in the Senates and House of Reps versions of the Bill. Sen. Alphonso Gaye, The Plenary of the Senate set up an ad-hoc Grand Gedeh County Committee to investigate and report to plenary within one week. Sen. Isaac W. Nyenabo, The Plenary of the Senate rejected Mary Brohs II, Grand Gedeh County confirmation. Sen. Joyce Musu The Plenary of the Senate mandated that the Freemen Sumo, workers concerns be addressed by Agriculture, Montserrado County Labor and Finance Ministries.

Legislative Activities in the area of Governance from June- Aug 2013 MONTHS ISSUES LAWMAKERS LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS PRESENTING ISSUES August Communication from the House of Rep. Emmanuel The Plenary of the House forwarded communication Representatives informing the Senate Nuquay, Margibi to Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget about speedy passage of the National County District # 5, for reviewing and report back within two weeks. Budget for the commencement of Chairman, Committee Government expenditure on Ways, Means & Finance August An Act of Legislature Prescribing a Sen. Jewel H. Taylor, Bill introduced, passed and forwarded it to the National Code of Conduct for all Bong County, House of Representatives for concurrence. Public Officials and Employees of the Chairperson, Committee Republic of Liberia. on Autonomous Commissions and Agencies. Continued on pg 11

DAILY OBSERVER

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Legislative Activities in the area of Natural Resources, Energy & Infrastructure Development from June- Aug

Legislative Activities in the area of Judiciary from June- Aug 2013

MONTHS June

July

July

LAWMAKERS LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS PRESENTING ISSUES Failure of the Ministry of Public Rep. Mary M. Kawor , The Plenary of House Representatives mandated Works to rehabilitate feeder roads in Grand Bassa County, Public Works Acting Minister Victor Smith to do a the Country. District #2 complete listing of all feeder roads within the country in two weeks. A Bill making it Mandatory for Annual Senator Jewel Howard Introduced in the Liberian Senate. Bill passed by Payments of Every Concession Taylor, Bong County, Plenary and forwarded to the House of Agreement to be paid directly to Senator Sumo G. Representatives. beneficiary institutions. KupeeLofa County and Senator Peter S. Coleman, Grand Kru Treaty for the Construction, Operation House of Submitted by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. and Development of the CLSG Representatives Plenary ratified the Treaty and forwarded it to the Interconnection Line (Cote D`Ivoire, Committees on Land Liberian Senate. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea). Mines and Energy and Way Means and Finance

ISSUES

MONTHS June June

LAWMAKERS PRESENTING ISSUES An Act Enabling Liberia to Implement Senator Geraldine Doe the International Criminal Court (ICC) Sheriff of Montserrado Recommendations County. A Bill Establishing Belle Fassama Sen. Armah Z. Jallah of Magisterial Court. Gbarpolu County.

ISSUES

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Legislative Activities in the area of Local Government from June- Aug 2013

Plenary of the Senate forwarded the Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Petitions and Human Rights for review. Introduced in the Liberian Senate. Senate passed the Bill and forwarded it to the House of Representatives for concurrence. A Bill established a Magisterial Court Sen. Jewel H. Taylor of Introduced in the Liberian Senate, passed, and in Sannoyea District, Walapolu Bong County forwarded to the House of Representatives for Chiefdom, Bong County. concurrence

MONTHS June

Legislative Activities in the area of National Security from June- Aug 2013

MONTHS June

LAWMAKERS PRESENTING ISSUES An Act to Establish the National War Rep. Isaac Roland, Victim Trust. Maryland County, District #3

ISSUES

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

July August

Legislative Activities in the area of Health & Social Welfare from JuneAug. 2013 MONTHS ISSUES LAWMAKERS LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS PRESENTING ISSUES June A Bill to Establish A Policy on the use Rep. Corpu Barclay, Introduced in the House of Representatives. of White Cane to Safeguard the Rights District # 7, Bong Bill passed and forwarded to the Senate for of the Blind to Public Facilities. County, Chairperson, concurrence. Committee on Social Welfare June The Filthy Condition of Monrovia Sen. Thomas Grupee , The Senate Committee on Internal Affairs was City. Nimba County mandated to invite Monrovia City Corporation Acting Mayor, and Chairman of the Board, Cllr Henry Reid Cooper, for questioning. June A Bill to Amend Chapter 4, subHouse of Introduced in the House of Representatives Chapter C, Parts 1 and 2 of the Representatives Passed and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. Domestic Relations Law on Adoption. Committees on Gender, Plenary of the Senate concurred with the House of Health and Social Representatives and forwarded Act to President for Welfare, Women and signing into law. Children Affair and Judiciary July Ministry of Healths failure to Rep. Francis Paye, The Plenary of the House of Representatives complete a health projects in District # 2 RiverCess mandated the Committees on Health and social RiverCess County. County Welfare, Judiciary, and the Caucus of RiverCess County to work with the Health Ministry to ensure that the abandoned health projects are completed within three months. A Bill to Create the Liberia Sports Rep. BallahZayzay, Introduced in the House of Representatives. Academy. concurrence District # 2 Margibi Act passed and forwarded to the Senate for County concurrence.Senate concurred and forwarded it to the President of Liberia for signing into Law. August Expenditure of European Unions USD Sen. Dallas A.V. Gueh, Plenary mandated the Committee on Health and $13 million to the Ministry of Health RiverCess County Social Welfare to review the issue and make report. and Social Welfare for the purpose of reducing maternal mortality rate in Liberia.

Introduced in the House of Representatives . Bill forwarded to Committees on Judiciary, Ways, Means, Finance, National Security, Defense and Human Rights. Confirmation report of Lt Col. Daniel Committee on Defense, There was no discussion in plenary due to the K. Moore as Deputy chief of Staff of Intelligence & National security nature of the report the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). Security Private Investigators and Security Senator Peter S. Senate Plenary forwarded the bill to the Committees Guards Act Coleman of Grand Kru on National Security and Judiciary for review.

June

July

LAWMAKERS LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS PRESENTING ISSUES A Bill creating the Tehr District in Rep. Alex Tyler, Bomi Introduced in the House of Representatives. Bomi County to consist of the Tehr County District # 2 Plenary passed the bill and forwarded it to the Chiefdom and surrounding Clans of Liberian Senate for concurrence. Beh Sale, Weawolo, Zordee, Julajuuh and Gonjeh. The Act Establishing the Township of Rep. Prince Tokpah, Introduced in the House of Representatives. Zolowee and Providing for the Nimba County, District Plenary forwarded the Bill to the Committee on Governance of same within #2 Internal Affairs for review, to report back within 2 Saniquelleh-Mah Statutory District, weeks. Nimba, County. An Act Establishing DeygborSenator Geraldine Doe- Introduced in the House of Senate. Gbaweah Chiefdom in Montserrado Sheriff of Montserrado Plenary forwarded the bill to the Committee on County. County Internal Affairs for review and report back to Plenary.
LAWMAKERS PRESENTING ISSUES Proposal for Increment in National Rep. Ballah G. Zayzay Sports County Meets Budget Margibi County, District #2 Budget Hearings for the Ministry of House of Finance, National Oil Company of Representatives Liberia (NOCAL) and House of Committees on Ways, Representatives Means, & Finance and, Budget National Budget for Fiscal year Senate Committee on 2013/2014 originating from the House Ways, Means, & of Representatives Finance and, Budget An Act Adopting a New Payment System allowing government employees to be paid electronically and not manually as previously done. House of Representative Committees on Ways, Means, & Finance and, Banking and Currency. The purchase of a vehicle for Roberts Joint Committees on International Airport (RIA) which not Public Accounts of the delivered. Legislature High sitting fees for RIAs board members. LEGISLATIVE ACTION Bill introduced and forwarded proposal to Committee on Ways, Means,& Finance. Budget Hearings continued to the following day.

ISSUES

Legislative Activities in the area of Finance from June- Aug 2013

MONTHS ISSUES June July

August

Budget Passed and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. Senates Plenary passed and forwarded it to the President for signature. Introduced, passed and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence.

August

August

Mandate was sent to RIAs Board and management to appear before the Committee and provide documents for the purchased vehicle and explanation for sitting fees.

LMA Wants Govt Address Exchange Rate Problem

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 16, 2014 2014 Thursday, January 16,

Page 4 Page 12

Over 50 Officers Arrested For Harassment, Await Prosecution

By Alvin Worzi

he Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) is calling on the government of Liberia and others financial institutions in the country to help address the pertinent issue of the US rate in Liberia. Speaking to the national secretary general of the LMA, Pastor F. Clayplah Nagbe, said the rate was causing serious problems for marketers in the country, especially concerning the buying of goods in large quantities

from dealers. According to Mr. Nagbe, the LMA has made it their intent

to constructively engage the national government to make all efforts to drop the rate.

He explained that paying of taxes in Liberian dollars as proposed by the Ministry of Finance was a great idea, but focusing on the stabilization of the rate would help the economy and the market at large. The prices of goods on the Liberian market continue to increase just because of the high rate. The rate can drop when the government calls on the central bank of Liberia and others financial institutions in the country and says they should drop the rate, Mr. Nagbe opined.

As Senatorial Election Draws Closer

head of the coming special senatorial election in Liberia later this year in October, the head of the New Generation Pentecostal Church in Ganta, Pastor Morris Gaye, is calling on the lawmakers of Nimba County to hold together and sort out all differences for the sake of peace and unity. Speaking to the Daily Observer in an exclusive interview, Pastor Gaye urged the politicians to hold together because Nimba is the strength of the indigenous, he added, With unity there is more strength.

Clergyman Calls for Unity among Nimbas Lawmakers

By Ishmael F. Menkor

Pastor Morris Gaye, New Generation Pentecostal Church in Ganta

Nimba Countys Legislative Caucus had been divided since last year when Senator Prince Y. Johnson was deposed from his post as Chair-

nconfirmed reports of a car accident along the Toe Town Zwedru Highway suggests that nearly a dozen people have been wounded, with some injuries being potentially fatal. Information reaching the Daily Observers Nimba bureau suggests that seven men and four women are still under critical condition, but the report is still conflicting with the Liberian National Police in Toe Town who said they saw three dead when they arrived on the scene; while many had already been taken to different hospitals in Tappita, Zwedru and Ganta. The body-count could be than the three bodies we saw at the scene, said the police officer from Toe Town who chose to remain anonymous. Efforts to get information from hospitals in Zwedru and

Car Accident on Zwedru High Way Leaves Several Dead

By Ishmael F. Menkor
Tappita remained futile as there was no way to speak to any of the doctors. When we contacted Ganta we found no patient who had been transferred there. An eyewitness, Christian G. Tarla, Principal of Marbo School, told this paper via mobile phone from Duoyee Town that it appeared as if the driver of the mini truck--commonly known as Kia motor--- was sleeping. He explained that the accident took place between Duoyee Town and Zleh Town in Grand Gedeh County at about 10 pm local time. He said three persons died on the scene and two others died at the Zleh Town Clinic and 14 others are presently undergoing treatment at the Tubman Hospital in Zwedru but another person put the numbers of those under treatment to over 20. According to transport authority in Ganta, the vehicle plate numbers in question left Saclapea Tuesday, January 15, for Zwedru carrying scores of passengers heavily loaded with locally produced gin called cane juice, palm oil, vegetable and among others. It is not too clear about the exact identity of all those who were involved in the accident, but reports reaching the Daily Observer remain incoherent with many saying Nimbaians among the dead are four two from Bahn and two from Ganta. However, only one male from Ganta has so far been confirmed killed in the accident. Nimba County is the main source of vegetable, palm oil, cane juice and other locally produce farm products for counties in the South eastern part of Liberia. The Ecowas Transport Personnel who spoke to this paper early Wednesday morning said about three loads of the mini truck known as Kia Motor left from Saclapea for

man of the Caucus by his fellow lawmakers as well as the National Union of Democratic Progress party. The division among the lawmakers is said to be hampering many development initiatives in Nimba; something that had created division among Nimbaians based on tribal and political lines. In many church services across Nimba, pastors are preaching for peace and unity among the tribes in Nimba mainly the Dan/Gio or the Mano ahead of the coming senatorial election and urging their congregations to seek God first during the course of the election. Rev. Roosevelt Suah of the Lutheran Church, Ganta Parish, told the congregation in a special prayer service on Fri-

day 10th January, to continue praying for Nimbas peace and unity and fight against the division of Nimba; because there were many signs of danger hanging over Nimba when it is divided. Since last year, the caucus of Nimba has been unable to organize any development meetings since their split came over scraps and other petty issues. The local leaders, including chiefs and elders, have been blamed for not being able to bring together the caucus members to settle their differences and find common ground. Meanwhile, clergyman Morris Gaye--- who has served the Ganta Christian Community for four years--is calling on the caucus and local officials of Nimba County to work together so that the strengths of the indigenous people of Nimba would not weaken through division.

Police Director Chris Massaquoi

the Southeast with mainly agriculture product. Kia Motor accident is becoming alarming in the transport sector during this postwar period with citizens raising concern about the role of police along the highway or checkpoint. The Police will look at the kia motor loaded and at the same carrying huge number of people without doing anything, said a sympathizer at the Ganta Hospital on the 14th January 2014. On 14th January 2014, another kia motor accident took place around the Ganta Check Point while approaching Ganta from Monrovia. Most of the business people preferred riding on kia motor because of cheap transportation cost. In this latest accident in Grand Gedeh County, the kia motor was said to be heavily loaded and was carrying more than 25 passengers sitting over the load.

esterday January 15, The Liberia National Police (LNP) arrested over 50 officers in the streets of Monrovia for harassment, and escaping assignment; they were subsequently suspended. According to the spokesman of the LNP, Sam Collins, the arrest of the officers comes in the wake of calls from the general public complaining that police officers were constantly harassing peaceful citizens. Mr. Collins explained that some of the arrested officers were not from the LNP; rather they were imposters from the Monrovia City Police wearing LNP uniforms and harassing citizens. The police have received several complaints from the general public about officers constantly harassing them in the streets while carrying on their business activities. He explained how a few bad apples in the mix could taint the good ones. This could be seen during the still ongoing exercise ordered by Col. Massaquoi of the LNP during the festive season. According to the spokesman, the arrested officers of

By Alvin Worzi

the LNP will be turned over to the legal division of the LNP for prosecution in accordance with the crimes committed. Mr. Collins said the officers of the Monrovia City Police who were found wearing uniforms of the LNP would be turned over to the city cooperation for prosecution. He explained that in 2012, the LNP prosecuted two officers who violated the law of the police and were currently serving their sentences at the Monrovia central prison. Mr. Collins said officers who are found in the habit of escaping from assignment would be prosecuted by the LNP. According to him the collaboration of the LNP with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was intended to speedily fight crime in the country for the good of the citizens. He promised citizens that misconduct within the LNP would not be compromised and the safety of the state remains the primary concern of the LNP. Mr. Collins also assured citizens that when they work with the police in their various communities they create relationships that help to reduce crime.

This is where business meets customer.

Call NOw: 0777472772 TO AdVerTIse

DAILY OBSERVER

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Page 11 13

Ministry of Finance
1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia
P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST For the Provision of VALUATION OF MOUNT NIMBA MINNING PROJECT
equity position in the project base upon either one of the following globally accepted methodologies: i. Income ii. Market iii. Assets The complete valuation of the project will also include calculations based upon either one or combinations of the following valuation models including but not limited to: a) Cash Flow/ Net Present Values , b) Comparable Transactions, c) Cash Flow Multiples/ Comparable P/Es and d) IRR The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. It is proposed that the valuation exercise will take not more than 90 days to complete with a written report presented to the Government of Liberia. Interested Firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc.) The Expression of Interest should also include at a minimum the cost, description of the methodology to be employed, the CVs of the Team Members, proposed timeframe, if a differs from the required time as set forth in the Terms of Reference, brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc. A consultancy firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act, of the Republic of Liberia. Only shortlisted Firms will be sent the Request for Proposals. Interested Firms may obtain further information at the address below from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM GMT at the Procurement Unit, 3rd Floor Room 045, Ministry of Finance, Broad & Mechlin Streets, Monrovia, Liberia. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 2:00 PM on or before February 14, 2014. Attn. William J. Hagba Director of Procurement 3rd Floor Room 045 Ministry of Finance P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Tel: +231886563518/0880753568

he Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance has appropriated funds in the FY13/14 National Budget and intends to apply part of this to payments under the contract for Consultancy Services for Valuation of Mount Nimba Mining Project.

Background In 2005, the Government of Liberia (GOL) entered into a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with ArcelorMittal (AML) for the re-development of Mount Nimba at Tokadeh, Nimba County. The Agreement has been amended twice: First in 2006 and then in 2013. The project is a joint venture between the Government of Liberia (30%) and AML (70%) with the corresponding initial capital amounts of $15 and $35 million respectively. When the original feasibility was conducted, it was estimated that the re-development of the mine would cost approximately US$900 million. In 2011, AML completed new feasibility study that puts the estimated project cost to US$2. 1 billionwith the project divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 which is still ongoing involves the shipping of direct ship ore (DSO) with iron (Fe) content around 58%. Phase 2 which is expected to start in 2015 will involve the shipping of palletized concentrate. Currently, AML is producing and shipping nearly 4 MT pa of DSO. By 2015, the project is expected to be shipping approximately 15 MT pa. Based on the financial model, the companys ramped up operations were slated for years 2010 through 2015 at which time, the shipment of DSO would cease. As the project aggressively moves to phase 2 based upon the in initial projected financial model, AML has indicated the need for increased financing through the injection of capital by its shareholders. The Government of Liberia in an attempt to meet its financial obligations as a minority shareholder, needs to hire an internationally recognized and competent third party to work with a competent local entity in undertaking a quick valuation of the project in order to provide both a book and fair market value of its equity stake in AMLas at December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the GOL will use the valuation as a basis for the determination raising capital to finance its position. Scope Accordingly, the Government of Liberia is seeking a company that will perform,among other things, the following tasks: 1. Analysis of mines financial statements, cash flows and projections 2. Review of projected expenditures (capitalized VS. expensed) 3 Analysis of supply, demand and future price for iron ore, along with transportation costs 4. Review and confirm existing resource information to determine/ confirm: i. Extent of reserve andresources(Rule 7,43-101 and/ or JORC) ii. Ability to expand reserves iii. The level of economic ore extraction iv. Mine plan 5. Explore and advise on strategic financing options for the GOLs

Signed: ________________________________________ Procurement Director Approved: _______________________________________ Deputy Minister for Administration

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Page 14 7

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES FIRMS SELECTION)

Republic of Liberia Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP); Ministry of Finance Credit No.: IDA50260

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE- IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY Grant No: TF011340 NATIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES: ACCESS TO JUSTICE (ADR) ADVISOR Request for Expressions of Interest
1. Introduction
The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of strengthening Governance Improving Access to Justice and Accountability and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract for the recruitment of a National Consultant.

Assignment Title: Business Process Review Consultant

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

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including various forms of mediation, arbitration and other justice services, is regularly referenced as a solution to challenges faced by the Liberian justice system, including: increasing congestion of court dockets; high numbers of land disputes; significant costs of litigation; procedural delay; and the adversarial nature of proceedings. The Ministry of Justices three-year ADR project will explore ways by which the justice system can be more responsive to the needs of Liberians and examine means of resolving disputes outside of the formal legal process. The overall objective of the ADR project is to determine how ADR is being used in the Liberian context and pilot models that increase the effectiveness, accountability and sustainability of local ADR initiatives through some form of institutionalization or support by the MOJ.

2. Background

The objective of the assignment is to provide management, administrative and technical advice and support to the Ministry of Justice on the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Liberia through the piloting of ADR system in four counties. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the National Consultant in collaboration with the International Consultant will be responsible for helping to facilitate, consensus building and design of the pilot ADR activities; and establishment of pilots in four counties. The consultant will work in close collaboration with officials in the MOJ, in partnership with key strategic partners including the Judiciary, the Law Reform Commission, the Land Commission, the Liberia National Bar Association, Tribal Governors Association, representatives of civil society groups, community leaders / elders and chiefs and justice actors. The Ministry of Justice now invites eligible individual Liberian nationals to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CVs, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions).

3.

Objective of the Assignment

The consulting services (the Services) include the following: i) Conduct functional study of the FreeBalance Application and other financial systems being used by ministries/agencies of the GoL. ii) Undertake a review of financial management processes including the receipting of internally generated funds and subsequent expenditures of all M&As including IFMIS rollout M&As. iii) Undertake a review of financial management processes in Donor Financed Projects (DFP) in Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. iv) Identify potential risksand inefficient processes and recommend reengineered new business processes. v) Design and reengineer a prototype of the new business processes (along with identification of structures and processes to be rationalized or strengthened) along with expected service standards in line with business objectives vi) Document on/off IFMIS work flows of the proposed new bus processes vii) Update Financial Management Manual of the GoL to capture re-engineered processes. viii) Review of the requirements of autonomous agencies that are self accounting The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (Consultants) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: The firm must have technical competence in Public Management and Management Consulting Concepts such as Business Process Reengineering, Restructuring, and total quality improvement. Firm must have a team of at least two public sector financial management specialists The assignment is to be completed within 35 days. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 (Consultant Guidelines), setting forth the World Banks Policy on conflict of Interest. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy to enhance their qualifications. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on Consultants Qualification (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1600 hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 31st January, 2014. Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP) Attn: Mr. Bernard Jappah, PFM Reforms Coordinator Ministry of Finance, 4th Floor Broad and Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tell: +231886512462 E-Mail: bjappah@liftliberia.gov.lr Cc: ivanofei@hotmail.com

The Access to Justice (ADR) National Consultant shall have the following educational and professional qualifications: a. Graduate degree in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, or related areas; b. A minimum of five years of relevant working experience; c. Experience working on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and working with traditional communities in Liberia strongly preferred; d. Excellent writing and communication skills; e. Demonstrated experience in conducting research on issues related to Dispute Resolution in similar contexts; f. Familiarity with Liberias social and legal systems An Individual consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011. Interested individual consultants may obtain further information at the address below from Monday to Friday between 0830 hrs and 1630 hrs during working days. Expressions of Interest, clearly marked Access to Justice (ADR) Advisor National , must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail or email, by 1400 Hrs no later than January 14, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. The ADR Program Ministry of Justice, Third Floor Ashmun Street, Monrovia, Liberia Or By e-mail: adr.liberia@gmail.com

Qualifications

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Thursday, January 16, 2014

Page 4 15 Page

istory was richly revisited in Dimeh last Friday when the Moore family, under the leadership Mrs. Gillian Lorba Moore, widow of Bai T. Moore, and his son Sando gathered with some Liberian officials and friends to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the passing of the celebrated international cultural icon. Bai T, as he was affectionately called, was the man who, working with Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary E. Reginald Townsend and others, beginning in the early 1960s through the seventies, elevated, refined and exhibited Liberias rich, colorful and dynamic culture as had never before been done. Kenneth Y. Best, in his book Cultural Policy in Liberia, published by UNESCO in 1974, recalled that it was on January 7, 1964 that the National Cultural Center at Kendeja near Monrovia was inaugurated by President William V.S. Tubman. The key players in this historic enterprise, in addition to the President, were Secretary Townsend, his Deputy Secretary for Culture, Bai T. Moore, Madam Wilhelmina Dukuly, Chief of the Cultural Bureau and leader of the National Cultural Troupe, and Jangaba Johnson, a leading Liberian folklorist. People who later played a pivotal role in the development of the National Cultural Troupe were Jallah K.K. Kamara and Peter Ballah, commonly called Flomo. Both Kamara and Ballah also made their mark on Liberian theatre, which they brilliantly displayed on the national television, ELTV. It was Bai T. Moore and his coworkers, under Townsends leadership, that created the Natural Cultural Troupe. The Troupe performed at inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, state and official visits by foreign leaders and dignitaries, and many other state occasions. Cultural Policy in Liberia recalls that the National Cultural Troupe represented Liberia at many international cultural festivals, where it won many international awards for Liberia. These included the First World Festival of Negro Art (Dakar, April 1966); the Pan African Arts and Cultural Festival, Algeria, 1970; and the Second Black Arts Festival (Festac), in Lagos, Nigeria, December 1974. The Troupe also performed at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the founding

How Tolbert Consolidated Power in 1971: the Role of Former Secretary of State Momolu Dukuly and Bai T. Moore
Kendeja and there they stayed together and practiced, refined and displayed their indigenous cultures that found beautiful and exhilarating expression in the National Cultural Troupe and other performing arts. Neh Dukuly Tolbert told the Dimeh audience that she agreed with Mr. Best that there was nothing culturally relevant in Marshall, the place where the Information Ministry was planning to plant the new National Cultural Center. In his remarks, Mr. Best had asked the audience why were the government of Liberia and the Ministry of Information running away from Bai T. Moore? The town of his birth, Dimeh, and more importantly the Besao Cultural Village further inside Bomi, were the natural habitat of Liberian culture. Neh Dukuly Tolbert, whose mother also hailed from the Dowein District, pledged that she would lobby to change the decision to put the Cultural Center in Marshall and bring it to where it belongs, among the ethnic groups that bear the genesis of Liberian culture. In his book on Cultural Policy, Mr. Best quoted Bai T. Moore as saying that the Dey people strongly considered the Sande Societythe society for Liberian womento be the custodian of feminine chastity. The last person to give remarks at the Dimeh program was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alex Tyler, a native of Arthington whose mother hailed from Klay District in the center of Bomi County. Speaker Tyler said the people of Bomi partly share the blame for the Liberian governments neglect of Bai T. Moore. Bai T. is our son and father; but we the Bomi people have done nothing to restore his memory on the national consciousness. But that has to change, and it will, he pledged. The Speaker said he was in perfect agreement with Mr. Best that the National Cultural Center belongs in the Dowein area where Liberian culture is already alive and flourishing. He pledged that he would consult with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to have it changed from Marshall.

Celebrated Liberian Author and Cultural Promoter Bai T. Moore Former Secretary of State Momolu Dukuly
of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa, May 1973; in China, in the United States; and in Australia. The National Cultural Troupe and the Cultural Program as a whole, inspired Liberians with a new cultural reawakening and awareness that riveted (engrossed, captivated) the hearts and souls of the Liberian people. The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) captured this new cultural awakening and dispatched scholars throughout Liberia researching the history, arts, culture and mores (customs, moral attitudes) of the Liberian people, including every ethnic group. The team of scholars returned and created a curriculum for African Studies that taught the History, Culture and Mores of all the ethnic groups. The curriculum, used throughout the MCSS and at its flagship, the W.V.S Tubman High School, covered grades 7 through 12. The complete curriculum is recorded in Mr. Bests book, Cultural Policy in Liberia. It was that Bai T. Moore whose life many gathered in Dimeh to celebrate last Friday. Among the speakers was Mrs. Neh Dukuly Tolbert, former Liberian Ambassador to China, former wife of the Liberian business tycoon Steve Tolbert and daughter of former Secretary of State Momolu Dukuly. She told the well attended ceremony in Dimeh last Friday that a month following President Tubmans death on July 23, 1971 her former husband Steve Tolbert came one evening to see her father, Momolu Dukuly. Steve told her father that since Tubmans death a month earlier, on July 23, 1971, the country was at a standstill, as the people were still in a state of shock and nothing was happening. They had not yet come to grips with the reality of Tubmans death and that there was a new President. Could Mr. Dukuly do something about it by contacting the Moslems and others to give some recognition to the new President? My father said he would see what he could do. The first thing he did was to go and see Bai T. Moore. Together they contacted people throughout the country, especially Moslems, and not long thereafter Moslems from all over Liberia came to pay their respects to President Tolbert. They presented him with a copy of the Holy Koran and Bai T. Moore, though a Christian himself, like Mr. Dukuly, read the statement on behalf of group. From that time, said Neh Dukuly Tolbert, she always had a fascination and great respect for Bai T. Moore. Following that demonstration by the Moslems, people from all over Liberia began trooping to Monrovia to pledge their allegiance to the new Liberian President. It was following this that President Tolbert began to assert his authority as Liberias 20th President. Madam Neh Dukuly Tolbert

Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert

thanked Sando Moore for inviting her to the program, and commended K.Y. Best, the first speaker, for calling for the National Cultural Center to be brought to the Cape MountBomi-Gbarpolu area which he called the corridor of Liberian culture. In his address earlier, Mr. Best said it was this Dowein Districtcomprising the people of Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolou Countiesthe Dey, Gola, Vai and Kpellethat could be considered the citadel (fort, stronghold) of Liberian culture. This citadel reverberated (echoed, resounded) strong and tangible cultural links with Montserrado County, Margibi County, especially the greater Kakata area, Bong and Lofa Counties. It is these areas and people that form the core of Liberian culture, Mr. Best declared. There are parts of Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties, each bordering Bong County, that seriously share these cultural links, he added. But, Mr. Best continued, the people of southeastern LiberiaGrand Gedeh, River Gee, Grand Kru, Maryland, Sinoe and River Cess countiesalso share a rich cultural diversity. All of these, along with Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Cape Mount, Gbarpolou, Bomi and Montserrado, comprising Liberias 16 major ethnic groups, were gathered together at the National Cultural Center at Kendeja since 1964. According to the Cultural Policy of Liberia, the 16 major tribes were settled in 23 huts at

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Thursday, January 16, 2013

16 Page 4 Page

Women Farmers to Get Awareness on Climate Change

n an effort to combat climate change in the country, at least 75 female farmers from two districts in Gbarpolu County are expected tomorrow to commence a two-day climate change adaptation sensitization training. The expected exercise is under the auspices of a local NGO Good Neighbor Women Empowerment in collaboration with the Climate Change Adaptation Agriculture Project

By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

Retired Public Official Expresses Pride in Being An Agriculturist

By Joaquin Sendolo

(CCAAP) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). The Assistant Minister for Technical Services at the MoA, Chea Garley made the disclosure to the Daily Observer Farmer Desk Monday, January 12, in Fendell, outside Monrovia. Minister Garley stated that the awareness campaign is intended to provide knowledge to farmers on how to cope with climate change effects. He explained that farmers in Gbarpolu County are experiencing the effect of climate change in crops production.

Mr. Chea Garley, MoA Assistant Minister for Technical Services

Climate change is not a strange happening for farmers but it is the coping mechanism knowledge that farmers lack.

He said that it seriously undermines growth in the agricultural sector, so there is need that farmers get awareness. According to Minister Gurley in order for farmers to overcome the impact of climate change, the current farming practices carried out by them must be changed. To ensure that farmers improve in agriculture, the MoA is encouraging farmers to prioritize lowland crop development. He said that such agricultural practices will help to increase the production of food in the country.

The MOA CCAAP was established in 2011 with an assistance from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to enhance the resilience to climate change by mainstreaming adaptation concerns in development of the agriculture sector. The project is a vehicle for implementing priority interventions identified in Liberias national adaptation program of action for the agriculture sector. It is a four-year project now piloting in Grand Gedeh and Bong Counties.

lthough Liberia is an agriculturallyrich country, with abundant vegetation and fertile soil, it is still a challenge getting farming to be prioritized above other sectors of the economy. Many Liberians associate farming with hard work that leaves the body in poor condition, while others view it as an occupation that generates low financial income. Most people prefer comfortable government jobs or to be employed in the private sector. These so called office-jobs are seen as being superior to agriculture, the sector which produces the very food we eat. Nevertheless, among Liberians who support farming, there are those like former Nimba County Superintendent Robert Kamei; who believe that the Agriculture sector is the best place to be. Expressing his views in a chat with the Daily Observer recently on his farm in Nimba County, Mr. Kamei said, I am proud to be retired from public life to become a private citizen, especially in the agriculture sector. I enjoy being a farmer because it is less stressful than politics. It also allows me to contribute to government by providing employment opportunities for the people of my country. Prior to joining government in 2006 and retiring 2009, Mr. Kamei worked with the Bong County Agriculture Development Project (BCADP) in the 1980s. I was born on a farm where my eyes were opened to the benefits of farming. I decided to go into agriculture because my interest lies in it. This is why after leaving government

Mr. Kamei on his farm expressing pride in being a farmer.

came in with a goat production program, which allowed me to acquire 21 goats for rearing. Mr. Kamei said in addition to the goats, FED helped to fence 12 acres of land with another 13 acres added later for keeping his livestock. I was able to get a loan from the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) that allowed me to purchase 25 cows. Unfortunately, we were not given sufficient time to pay; as a result we were forced to sell them to pay the bank. The interest Mr. Kamei has in Agriculture is not only confined to his Dingamon farm along the Sanniquellie Highway. He also has two acres of oil palm, 15 acres of Cocoa farm, and 50 acres of rubber in Yarwin Mensonnoh District, lower Nimba. He said there are about 40 Liberians working on his farms in the county and hopes to increase the number as time goes by. Mr. Joseph Suah, the head worker on Mr. Kameis farm, gave the Daily Observer a tour of the farm. He said one of the major problems facing the animals on the farm is harm caused by snake bites. He said those animals that died were bitten by snakes and that they are rectifying the situation by planting certain trees that prevent snakes from coming into the fence.

View of Kameis Cassava farm in Dingamon, Nimba County.

Mr. Suah in Cattle fence on Kameis farm.

I came to my farm; because I am already used to it, Mr. Kamei acknowledged. Except for Poultry, the retired Nimba Superintendent and Agriculturist is engaged in all spheres of farming; crop production (rubber, rice, cassava, oil palm, plantain and bananas) and animal husbandry, which includes cattle production, goat and sheep production, fisheries, and piggeries. Mr. Kamei said though farming brings income, it has been quite challenging and cost intensive to make a farm as an individual. He stressed on the lack of support from government to the nations farmers and the preference given to the importation of the nations staple food--- rice--- rather than supporting locally grown varieties; is discouraging to farmers. He lamented the loss of 12 cows and 15 goats due to improper care when he had just started. Thank God for Food Enterprise Development (FED) that

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 16, 2013 2014 Thursday, January 16,

Page 4 17 Page

he Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has strongly defended the financial soundness of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) dispelling media reports that LBDI is nearing insolvency. In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 14, the CBL informed the public that LBDI is liquid, solvent and financially sound. The CBL expressed serious concern over the story carried on the front page of the News Newspaper and the Concord Times alleging that LBDI is becoming insolvent. The CBL described the publication in the two journals as a mere falsehood that is far from the truth. As part of the CBLs regu-

CBL Defends LBDIs Financial Soundness

latory requirements, the CBL explained LBDI, like other banks in Liberia, publishes its financial statements on a quarterly basis in the local dailies. According to the CBL, the publication of these financial statements is a manifestation of transparency and information disclosure, which is a requirement under the new Financial Institution Act of 1999 and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the CBL. The CBL noted that its financial soundness indicators show that LBDIs liquidity ratio is 47%, which is 32% above the minimum 15% prudential requirement. The CBL disclosed that the current capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of LBDI is 19%, which is 9% above the background, the CBL noted it is quite obvious that the story about the government of Liberia (GOL) writing the CBL to loan LBDI US$7.5 million is untrue, baseless, and malicious. Being the regulator of banks and non-bank financial institutions, the CBL intoned that it has been robust in the examination of financial institutions, using risk-based supervision as one of its key tools. The Central Bank noted that it has son-site examiners that conduct examination of financial institutions on routine basis, and respond to early warning signals from any bank. There is also an off-site surveillance team that analyses various financial reports submitted at different intervals to the CBL, the Central Bank stressed. The CBL has meanwhile made it emphatically clear that it has at its disposal the requisite resources, which, in its capacity as the lender of last resort, could provide a cushion for any bank should there be a liquidity crisis. LBDI president and CEO John B. S. Davies, III described the publication in the two journals as planted adverts loaded with a barrage of misinformation intended to cause panic and create confidence crises by causing a run on the Bank. Mr. Davies told a crowded news conference on Tuesday that LBDI is considering commencing a legal process against the two papers. He, however, clarified that the Banks Management will first meet with the Management of the two media institutions in order to ascertain the motives behind the publication. LBDI was created by an Act of the National Legislature in 1961 under the joint initiative of the Liberian government and major international financial institutions who purchased equity in the Bank namely: International Financial Corporation (IFC),

Dr. Jones said LBDI is not near insolvency

minimum capital requirement. The CBL also disclosed that LBDIs reserves with the CBL collectively are more than US$40 million. Against this

Liberian Dollar Declines Drastically

As Fluctuating Rate Goes Side by Side with Increasing Prices of Commodities
By Joaquin Sendolo

Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) Capital Partners, European Investment Bank (EIB), Groupe Agence Franicais de Development (GAFD), and Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungesllchaft (DEG), over 150 private Liberians, other international and local institutions. Foreign shareholding is 44.47% and local shareholding is 55.53%. LBDI is predominantly a privately owned institution under private management and a Board of Directors elected annually by its Shareholders. The Bank commenced operations in 1965 as Liberian Bank for Industrial Development and Investment. Under an amendment in 1974, the name was changed to the Liberian Bank for Development & Investment (LBDI). A further amendment in 1988 allowed the Bank to engage in hybrid banking (commercial and development banking activities), to compliment its development objectives.

he Liberian dollar, the nations legal tender, used to transact business, continues to depreciate in value; resulting in rapidly increasing prices of basic commodities. In the commercial district of Red-Light in Paynesville, the exchange rate stands at LD$90.00 to one United States Dollar in some places while others offered LD$85 for US$1. In central Monrovia the rate generally stands at LD$85 to 1 US Dollar with 87 as the rate accepted in other places in the city. Fluctuation in the rate of the Liberian dollars to the US directly affects the prices of basic commodities. Some locally produced commodities--- including food items--- are now being sold in US Dollar as is the case with manufactured goods and imported rice. Sellers usually attribute the high price to the skyrocketing rate of the US Dollar to the Liberian Dollar. Marketers justify their claims by explaining that after they sell locally produced commodities, they in turn change to US Dollars to purchase other items, and for that they have to sell their products in conformity with the existing exchange rate so they wont suffer business losses. A pile of plantain containing three pieces in the Gobachop Market in Red-Light--- for instance--- is now sold for

CR Forum Liberia Holds 3rd Annual General Meeting and Elects New Leadership

The Liberian currency is fast approaching a value of 100 LRD to 1 USD

$75LD while the entire head is sold between 700LD and 800 dependent on the place you buy it from. This same quantity of plantain, a few weeks ago, used to sold for at least LS50, thus the difference of L$25. In this market traders bring goods from the interior and turn them over to retailers in Monrovia to sell and give their principal amount while they (retailers) get the profit earned; an activity given the local moniker Gobachop. Rice and petroleum products are two basic commodities whose prices directly relate to the US and Liberian Dollar exchange rate. These products are imported and require using the US Dollar to buy them. They also pay customs duties at the port in US Dollars to clear out the goods. Local dealers must sell in Liberian Dollars locally, so they compare the price of the product with the existing rate of the US Dollar to determine the prices of these products. On the basis of this calculation, the price of gasoline has risen up to L$345.00 at TOTAL service stations, while other stations and individual dealers sell it for L$350.00 and $355.00. Fuel is sold for L$360 at TOTAL stations in central Monrovia while other stations and some individual dealers sell for $370.00 A resident of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County in the southeast told this paper that gasoline is sold for L$400.00 in that county while fuel is $475. The high rate of the US Dollar to the Liberian Dollar is a concern for ordinary Liberians. Public sentiments indicate that it is caused by capital flight that involves remitting more US Dollars in accounts of people in the United States by government officials and some private individuals. Although not verified, such activity allows more US Dollars to go out of the country thus making its demand high on the market. The public also believes that more investors have come into the country and are operating in the extractive sector, as such, it is expected that more foreign exchange would flow here to give value to the Liberian Dollar. In 2012 the Central Bank of Liberia instituted regulations to have all foreign exchange bureau operators/money changers registered to control the financial market which

he Corporate Responsibility Forum Liberia (CR Forum) has elected its new Executive Members during its annual meeting held at the RLJ Kendeja Resorts on December 5, 2013.The annual meeting brought together members and stakeholders of various institutions, companies and NGOs respectively. The newly elected members will work with the secretariat of the CR Forum to carry on activities and plans for the ensuing year 2014/2015. The newly elected Executive Members include ArcelorMittal, BHP Billiton, LBDI Bank, CHICO, Libra Sanitation and Vedanta Western Cluster Limited. The process of electing the executive members was completed 12th December 2013 during a vital executive meeting call by the Chairman Joseph Mathews. The new chairman of the CR Forum will be elected from these newly executive members during the next executive meeting scheduled for March 2014. As executive members, these officials are expected to deliberate on issues of responsible

investment, good corporate The CR Forum, situated at citizenship and collective ac- the Monrovia office of Arcetion for the sustainable devel- lorMittal, also supports capacopment of Liberia. ity building and good business Officially inaugurated in practices among companies Monrovia on February 12, and corporations; provides 2010 by H.E. Madam Ellen on-going support and advice Johnson-Sirleaf, President of for small medium enterprises Liberia, the Corporate Re- (SMEs) with regards to good sponsibility Forum, Liberia (CR Forum), a private sector business practices and local initiative, provides a forum for economic integration (local sharing ideas and collaborat- supply chain management); ing on corporate responsibil- and plans to mobilize private ity issues which includes the sector resources in support of sharing of lessons, experienc- specific government development initiatives. es and best practices.

Tawana Resources Discovers New High Grade Iron at Mofe Creek in Liberia

Courtesy: Proactiveinvestors.com.au

awana Resources (ASX: TAW) is set to trade higher after a new iron ore discovery at the Gofolo prospect within its Mofe Creek Iron project in Liberia, West Africa. Potential direct shipping ore intersections, over a 1 kilometer strike, include 4 meters at 40.2% iron from surface and 62 meters at 38.8% iron from surface, including 18 meters at at his honoring program that until Liberians can produce finished goods out of the resources they have, it will be difficult to control the US rate. Amidst this advice, other local business entrepreneurs suggested and published in this paper that government decides on which of the two

49.5% iron from 16 meters. With only 8 kilometers of a 65 kilometer interpreted prospective strike drilled to date, the projects upside potential is substantial. Resource drilling has also been completed at the Zaway prospect, the third potential Mofe Creek Project future mine, with assays being received and under review. A metallurgical testwork program at ALS laboratories in Perth is scheduled to commence during February. currencies to use in the country for transacting businesses instead using both simultaneously. According to them, the idea of using a single currency would ease the fluctuating rate since all transactions--including payment of taxes--would be done in it.

may help to control the fluctuating rate, but it (regulation) has not been effective and money changers have gone back to the streets with their businesses. In September of 2013 Central Bank Governor, Dr. J. Mills Jones, told Liberias Council of Chiefs and Elders

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What Did Dr. Owl Say?

Good fences make good neighbors.

Legislature Must Be Audited

Rep. Chambers Stresses
said, is to provide a high degree of transparency and accountability in the operations of the first branch of the Liberian government. According to him, since the inception of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led government, no agencies have been able to conduct audits on money and goods used by the Legislature. As such, it is pivotal that a holistic audit is carried out in order to change public perception about lawmakers [and the Capitol Building]. He maintained that auditing the Legislature would encourage other spending agencies of government to conform to the tendency of being accountable to the state. The Maryland County lawmaker furthered that in an effort to achieve this goal, both chambers of the Legislature

PRICE: LD 40

Dr. Chambers wants the Capitol Building audited

must provide budget performance reports detailing spending over the years. He noted that a robust Legislature should present a legislative performance report like other ministries and agencies do before discussing the 2014/2015 National Budget. We need to have an inventory of all the things that come to the Legislature to give us an understanding of where we are and what to do next, Dr. Chambers indicated. He made the assertions recently when a media organization bestowed an honour on him for his outstanding advocacy in the Legislature. Receiving the honour, Dr. Chambers indicated that Liberians situation remains deplorable; with government providing no living quarters for low income earners. Chambers: Liberia has many resources but our citizens are lacking in many things. Its not Gods will for these things to happen but the poor management of the vast resources here remains our challenge. We have problems with leadership, and until we can change that; our advocacy will continue until the right thing is done for the good of our people.

Dr. Chambers said every public entity must be accountable to the people

By Keith Morris
aryland County Representative, Bhofal Chambers, wants the

Road Construction Company Remains Committed to Projects

frastructural challenges and that they have pledged themselves in the ongoing reconstruction of the country ravaged by years of civil conflict. Fawazs commitment comes in the wake of constant reports in the public that the company is dealing clandestinely and most of its contracts were awarded fraudulently. SSF said at no time did it get a fraudulent contract as had been reported in a local daily. The daily alleged that the company colluded with officials of the Ministry of Public Works to extort and expropriate (steal) from the Liberian Government through the awarding of fake road contracts across the country. SSF deals with the Liberian Government and people in good faith and will continue to do that in keeping with its operational rules. That all

General Auditing Commission (GAC) to audit the National Legislature in order to account for resources allotted to that august body over the years. The intent, Dr. Chambers

AB Tolbert road is one of those roads that SSF has almost completed

By Alaskai Moore Johnson

SSF Entrepreneur Inc., one of the companies (re)constructing Liberias road networks, has pledged its commitment to all the road project contracts it undertook from the Govern-

ment. It said despite the challenges, it was still committed to all the contracts that it signed with the Government of Liberia. SSF, through its CEO, Shawki Fawaz, made the vow at a press conference in Monrovia Wednesday, January 15. He said Liberia has many in-

of the contracts awarded the company were legitimate and followed all of the necessary transparency regimes on the Liberian books and that SSF has no interest whatsoever in engaging into fake arrangement as the company has since distinguished and exemplified itself by the excellent manner in which it has conducted business in Liberia over the years, Fawaz stressed. He further that the malicious publications are certainly a financed effort to blemish his companys enviable reputation and said such ventures will yield no results, as SSF stands taller and firmer. Among the roads that the company (re)constructing are AB Tolbert and Duport Roads in Paynesville City and Marshall road, off the main road leading to Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County.

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Published by the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), 23 McDonald Street, P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia, Liberia; Tel: 06 812-888; 06 578476; and 06 472772; Printed by the Observer Printing Press; Bai S. Best, Marketing Manager; Lindiw Khumalo Yasiah, Business Strategist; Publisher & Managing Director, Kenneth Y. Best.

THURSDAY, JAN. 16, 2014, vol. 16, No.indd 1

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Tuesday, November 5, 16, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 16,2014 2014 Thursday, January

Page 19 Page 4

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

Basketballs Growth Demands LBA, Government Support,

-Abraham Samukai
ing basketball must get the required financial support. Thats why the government must make it a priority since sports, including basketball develop the physical abilities of young people in sports, he said. He said the recent disaster suffered by LPRC-Oilers in the FIBA finals in Tunisia, where the team lost all five games at twenty-point margins must be enough that the game is not being developed and promoted enough. He said Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) must develop a program to ensure the total improvement of the game, including the take basketball to the communities initiative is developed. During this program, we will not participate in any tournament outside Liberia, he said. It will be the time to re-

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

Mr. Abraham Samukai

support of government. In an interview yesterday in Monrovia, Mr. Samukai said, The Liberian government has the responsibility to develop the youths and therefore for that to happen, sports, includ-

he founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of K-Delta basketball team, Mr. Abraham B. Samukai, has said that basketballs improvement in the country demands the

cruit and train to eventually be able to make a better representation in a future competition. K-Deltas Board chairman said a good feeder program is also essential but it must be supported financially and materially by the government and corporate partners. Just as the government has its own responsibility towards basketball development, Samukai said, the LBA will have to ensure that it has a blueprint to improve the game. The Liberia Basketball Association, he said, must make use of Up-country basketball tournament, which in the past unearned striking talents for Liberia. On the current delay of the national basketball league, he said the LBA could have managed to end the league, despite the national County Meet.

--Refutes Poor County Meet Organization Claim

2014 County Meet the Best Ever, Says Minister Nagbe

Bafana Held by Mali but Remains on Top

ali needed a second-half goal by Ibourahima Sidibe to help record a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the second Group A match of the CAF African Nations Championships at Cape Town Stadium on yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. Bernard Parker put the host nation in the lead from a controversial penalty, while the Malians were denied a spot kick of their own before being closed out by the woodwork. The opening eight minutes of the encounter didnt bring much goal-mouth action until Bafana Bafana managed to break on the counter and allow for Siphiwe Tshabalalas shot to draw a save. Itumeleng Khune was lucky he didnt give away a penalty

Bafana Bafanas Tshabalala

from the resulting goal kick after Abdoulaye Sissoko broke into the box which forced the goalkeeper off his line. Khune went all in by throwing his body and hands at the ball, bringing down the No 7 in the box all while getting the slightest of touches to it before making contact with Sissoko. There was more contact to the player than ball however. The home side was luckily let off the hook after a short stoppage when a corner kick found Lassina Diarra, but his effort flashed wide of the near post. Diakite Soumaila denied Lindokuhle Mbatha of the opening goal of the game after 18 minutes with his surging run in the box. The Platinum Stars player fired a right-footed drive in at the near post but the keeper caught it with safe

hands. Fortunes were favouring Bafana Bafana when they were handed a penalty in the 23rd minute after Mbatha was brought down by Souleymane Konate. Bernard Parker made no error from the spot-kick, converting his second in as many games, but replays show that the tackle was made outside the box. Mali tried to respond through Ibourahima Sidibes looping header which looked to be heading on target, but Khune did well to it tip over the bar for a corner, just three minutes later. It could have been 2-0 for the home side just before the break if it wasnt for Mamadou Traore brilliantly clearing away Mbathas shot at the near post with a glancing header. But it was Les Aigles who were left ruing their luck three minutes from the interval when Abdoulaye Sissokos shot beat Khune but struck the bottom of the upright. Khune nearly got a goal of his own in the first-half stop-

pages with a cheeky longrange effort from a free kick which nearly caught his opposite number out only to see it sail just over. Thato Mokeke made a lovely challenge to break up a Mali attack but he couldnt do anything about the following onslaught which saw the visitors restore parity. Diarra crossed in a beautiful long ball to tee up Sidibe and he struck home a great volley nine minutes into the second half. Gordon Igesunds side could have taken the lead just after the hour mark when both Parker and Asavela Mbikile missed chances from Tshabalalas cross, however, the Chiefs man was offside. Bafana were doing well to press the Malians and Parker forced a save out of Soumaila with his turn and shot of the ball midway through the second 45. Despite Bafana Bafanas attempts in the final stages of the game, Mali did well to hold out for a draw as both teams crawled up to four points each in Group A.

outh & Sports Minister Eugene Nagbe has refuted the claim that the on-going County Meets organization has been poor, insisting that it is the best organized in recent times. He said all the fifteen counties received the same treatment, including the time funds were made available for preparation. He told the Daily Observer yesterday that this years theme Celebrating 10 years of Peace through sports is justified by the overwhelming participation of counties in the various disciplines. The disciplines are soccer, basketball, kickball, track and field and volleyball. He said the sports for development and peace concept, employed since the 2012/13 Meets, seeks to develop sports infrastructure, including stadiums, across the country, with funding from the central government. Grand Kru Countys technical committee chairman Alfred Sayon in an interview published in yesterdays edition of this paper said the ministry released funds to the counties at the time they could not cash the money, causing

Minister Eugene Nagbe

problems with their players. As a result, coupled with experiences in poor refereeing in the preliminary rounds, the 2014 Meet did not achieve its objective, he said. Though Minister Nagbe did not address the Mr. Sayons concerns directly, he said everything humanely possible was done to make sure that the Sports Meet is being held to attain the objective of bringing the Liberian people together. He said it is clear indication that as the meet progresses, and Liberians join together to celebrate their counties achievements, whether a won or a loss the objective of the tournament to celebrate peace is achieved. Contributing, director of public affairs, McCauley Paykue argued that the claim of the 2014 organization being poor is unrealistic and did not reflect the realities of the success of where the tournament has reached thus far. Paykue pointed out that one of the objectives for the organization of the Meet is to identify sports talents in support of grassroots sports initiatives in the country which is evidently going on as the meet moves on to its successful conclusion. no referees from France. Sandro Ricci was named as Brazils referee and Nestor Pitana from Argentina. Webb handed out 14 yellow cards and one red in the Spain-Netherlands final in 2010, although he was widely criticized for failing to send off any Dutch players in a wild first half as Spain went on to win 1-0 after extra time.

orld Cup final referee Howard Webb has been included among the 25 who were named by Fifa on Wednesday for this years tournament in Brazil. The list included nine referees

Webb in as Fifa Names World Cup Referees

from Europe, five from South America, four from Asia, three each from Africa and Concacaf and one from Oceania. Each referee was selected as a part of a team including two linesmen.

Howard Webb
Felix Brych was picked from Germany, Carlos Velasco from Spain and Nicola Rizzoli from Italy, while there were

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

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VOL. 16. NO. 57 THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

Good fences make good neighbors.

Legislature Must Be Audited

Rep. Chambers Stresses
said, is to provide a high degree of transparency and accountability in the operations of the first branch of the Liberian government. According to him, since the inception of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led government, no agencies have been able to conduct audits on money and goods used by the Legislature. As such, it is pivotal that a holistic audit is carried out in order to change public perception about lawmakers [and the Capitol Building]. He maintained that auditing the Legislature would encourage other spending agencies of government to conform to the tendency of being accountable to the state. The Maryland County lawmaker furthered that in an effort to achieve this goal, both chambers of the Legislature

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Dr. Chambers wants the Capitol Building audited

must provide budget performance reports detailing spending over the years. He noted that a robust Legislature should present a legislative performance report like other ministries and agencies do before discussing the 2014/2015 National Budget. We need to have an inventory of all the things that come to the Legislature to give us an understanding of where we are and what to do next, Dr. Chambers indicated. He made the assertions recently when a media organization bestowed an honour on him for his outstanding advocacy in the Legislature. Receiving the honour, Dr. Chambers indicated that Liberians situation remains deplorable; with government providing no living quarters for low income earners. Chambers: Liberia has many resources but our citizens are lacking in many things. Its not Gods will for these things to happen but the poor management of the vast resources here remains our challenge. We have problems with leadership, and until we can change that; our advocacy will continue until the right thing is done for the good of our people.

Dr. Chambers said every public entity must be accountable to the people

By Keith Morris
aryland County Representative, Bhofal Chambers, wants the

Road Construction Company Remains Committed to Projects

frastructural challenges and that they have pledged themselves in the ongoing reconstruction of the country ravaged by years of civil conflict. Fawazs commitment comes in the wake of constant reports in the public that the company is dealing clandestinely and most of its contracts were awarded fraudulently. SSF said at no time did it get a fraudulent contract as had been reported in a local daily. The daily alleged that the company colluded with officials of the Ministry of Public Works to extort and expropriate (steal) from the Liberian Government through the awarding of fake road contracts across the country. SSF deals with the Liberian Government and people in good faith and will continue to do that in keeping with its operational rules. That all

General Auditing Commission (GAC) to audit the National Legislature in order to account for resources allotted to that august body over the years. The intent, Dr. Chambers

AB Tolbert road is one of those roads that SSF has almost completed

By Alaskai Moore Johnson

SSF Entrepreneur Inc., one of the companies (re)constructing Liberias road networks, has pledged its commitment to all the road project contracts it undertook from the Govern-

ment. It said despite the challenges, it was still committed to all the contracts that it signed with the Government of Liberia. SSF, through its CEO, Shawki Fawaz, made the vow at a press conference in Monrovia Wednesday, January 15. He said Liberia has many in-

of the contracts awarded the company were legitimate and followed all of the necessary transparency regimes on the Liberian books and that SSF has no interest whatsoever in engaging into fake arrangement as the company has since distinguished and exemplified itself by the excellent manner in which it has conducted business in Liberia over the years, Fawaz stressed. He further that the malicious publications are certainly a financed effort to blemish his companys enviable reputation and said such ventures will yield no results, as SSF stands taller and firmer. Among the roads that the company (re)constructing are AB Tolbert and Duport Roads in Paynesville City and Marshall road, off the main road leading to Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County.

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Published by the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), 23 McDonald Street, P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia, Liberia; Tel: 06 812-888; 06 578476; and 06 472772; Printed by the Observer Printing Press; Bai S. Best, Marketing Manager; Lindiw Khumalo Yasiah, Business Strategist; Publisher & Managing Director, Kenneth Y. Best.

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