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Health
EBOLA
VOL 8 NO.706
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014
CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA
MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of
the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The
rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials
banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source:
Research, Policy and Planning Department,
Central Bank Liberia,
Monrovia, Liberia
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
BUYING SELLING
L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
L$85.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014
News Extra - pg.5
POOR MATERNAL
HEALTH FACILITIES AT
C. B. DUNBAR HOSPITAL
IN BONG COUNTY

p6 p5

I
N
S
I
D
E

Liberias Ebola Survivors
Tell Their Stories
Kidnapping Charges Dismissed
For West Philadelphia
Business Owners
Diaspora

MIRACULOUS
RESILIENCE
'LIVING
HELL'

The Deputy reportedly got angry and when he asked the minister why she was searching his computer,
she retaliated and a shouting match ensued within earshot of other employers and offcials at the
ministry. Deputy Minister Langley during the exchange of words reportedly threatened to resign his
position, according to bystanders and some employees who witnessed the exchange.

CREMATION OF EBOLA
BODIES BECOMES
NIGHTMARE FOR
BOYS TOWN
PUBLIC WORKS DEPUTY FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES
THREATENS TO RESIGN AFTER INCIDENT AT MINISTRY
WEEKS YELLS AT
DEPUTY MINISTER
WRONGLY
ACCUSED

Page 2 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
Stephen D. Kollie, 0776329124/ FPA STAFF WRITER
Monrovia-
R
ecommendations for prosecution of offcials of
government has now become a clich with several
reports from the Ministry of Justice, General Auditing
Commission, the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission
all stockpiled and awaiting action from the Executive Branch of
Government.
Despite the public declaration that corruption is the public enemy
number one with a promise by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and
her regime to fght the menace head-on, there are no known cases of
prosecution against individuals for corruption.
There is a high belief amongst the Liberian public, that
pronouncements about prosecution is a mere public charade to
distract the public attention and keep an ongoing debate but in
spite of the lack of public confdence in the Governments ability
to prosecute people for corruption, the Liberia Anti Corruption
Commission has once again place the Ministry of Justice in the
spotlight submitting a list of individuals to the Ministry to face
prosecution for corruption related offenses.
The LACCC has said after thorough investigation into corrupt
malpractices by past and present offcials of President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf led government; it is submitting the names of several persons
to the Ministry of Justice for immediate prosecution.
LACC Chairman James Verdier Jr. told a news conference
Thursday at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism that
the LACC has been working diligently behind the scene over the
past few months to investigate numerous cases which point to mass
corruption in the Unity Party led government and has submitted
several of these cases to the arm of government responsible for
prosecution, noting the commission will not hesitate to stand
singularly to pursue the recommended cases should the Justice
ministry delay the prosecution of the offcials.
Disclosing several cases that have been concluded by the commission
and submitted to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution the LACC
Boss named the Japanese Oil Grant as one of such cases which has
been investigated by the commission.
The Government of Japan extended a grant of one billion, one
hundred million Japanese Yen (1,100,000,000), to the Government
of Liberia under a Grant Arrangement, provisions of which are
conveyed in an Exchange of Notes dated March 8, 2011 between
the Donor (Japan) and the Recipient (Liberia), for the purpose
of contributing to the promotion of the economic and social
development efforts by the Government of Liberia.
But the LACC Boss said there were irregularities carried out by
offcials from the Ministry of Commerce and the Liberia Petroleum
Refnery Company (LPRC) which led to their failure to ascribe to
the Public Procurement Concession Commission regulations in
terms of tendering bids and awarding grants and contracts to bidders.
As a result of the many alleged corrupt malpractices, the LACC
Boss noted that the commission is yet to understand the full
implementation of the Japanese oil grant thus the LACC has
recommended to the Ministry of Justice that Aminata and Sons
incorporated pays back into the Japanese petroleum products
account an unexpended amount of US$16,000.00 intended to hire
the services of an internal auditor.
Cllr. Verdier further stated that as concluded by the Commissions
investigation Aminata is to pay an additional US$6,500.00 in to
the Japanese Petroleum product account which was allotted and
intended for public relations while the Managing Director of the
LPRC T. Nelson Williams is recommended to the Justice Ministry
to be charged for violating 138.1 of the PPCC act for his role in
awarding $13 million dollars contact to Aminta and Sons without
the required bidding process.
Urey, Kromah NOCAL and lawmakers bribery saga
Cllr. Verdier named another case involving alleged bribery carried
out between the National Oil Company of Liberia and lawmakers of
the 52nd National Legislature as a concluded investigation by the
commission now before the Ministry of Justice.
It can be recalled that early this year, Mr. Clemenceau Urey, a former
board chair of NOCAL admitted before the Joint Legislative Public
Account Committee (PAC) of the National Legislature that he
approved the payment of US$50,000 to lawmakers before ratifying
oil contracts, which according to him, were intended to beneft the
country and its people.
Mr. Urey, who was invited by the lawmakers to give account for
money spent under his stewardship, however, told the lawmakers
that he was not informed by his colleagues that they gave them
(lawmakers) additional money which amounted to US$118,000 as
lobby fees.
The invitation of the ex-NOCAL board chairman took into
consideration the General Auditing Commission (GAC) Reports of
2006/08/09 on NOCAL.
Among other things, the GAC reports stated that there were several
irregularities, including lobby fees that were paid by NOCAL to
lawmakers as inducement to pass several contracts. But the former
NOCAL board chairman had maintained that he took the action in
national interest and not for himself.
As a result of his opened confession, the LACC invited Mr. Urey, as
well as former Montserrado County Representative Alomiza Ennos
Barr, who was also at the center of Ureys allegation, and others for
investigation to authenticate whether they took bribe to pass certain
concessions.
Said Verdier: After the investigation, the following
recommendations were made to the Ministry of Justice. That Mr.
Clemenceau Urey and Counselor Stephen Dumbar be charged
and prosecuted on charges of bribery, misapplication of entrusted
properties, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy and economic
sabotage for the amount of ffty thousand dollars. That Dr. Foday
Kromah and Mrs. Marie Parker be charged and prosecuted for
bribery, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy and economic
sabotage for the amount of one hundred eighteen Thousand four
hundred dollars.
The report also recommends that former representative Alomiza
Ennos Barr also be charged for criminal facilitation and
misapplication and bribery for the amount of forty thousand dollars.
The Commission is also recommending Mr. David Kortee for
prosecution for allegedly receiving money from the Government
of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works to carryout public
relations work but did not perform such duty.
Other cases that have been recently concluded and currently in route
to the Ministry of Justice, according to Chairman Verdier involves
the Duncan Gas station, the Ministry of Finance and Development
Planning and the Ministry of National Defense as well as allegation
of misappropriation, misapplication and wastage of Government
resources in the Sinoe social and county development fund.
Teahjay in line
The LACC is also recommending the prosecution of Sinoe County
superintendent J. Milton Teahjay for misapplication of instructed
properties, misuse of public money and property, theft and illegal
disbursement and expenditure of public money.
He noted that Superintendent Teahjay allegedly used, disbursed
and expended without any evidence of documentation the sum of
$50,000 dollars representing thirty percent share of land rental fees
paid by the forestry concessionaires for development purposes,
$12,000 dollars representing part of proceeds realized from sales of
rubber seized from illegal tappers from the SRC plantation among
others.
Digging further in to high profle corruption cases, the LACC Boss
revealed that the commission is currently investigating a contract
between the National Legislature, a Ghanaian lawyer and two
Liberian lawyers to review the Petroleum law that has been passed
by the Liberian senate.
According to Cllr. Verdier, based on the three agreements in the
possession of the LACC between the Legislatures, the two Liberian
and Ghanaian lawyers, the Legislature agreed to pay ffty percent of
the contract amount immediately after signing.
Said the LACC Boss: The two Liberian lawyers were each
contracted for $25,000.00 each while the Ghanaian lawyer was
contracted for $75,000.00. So upon signing those contracts they
were advanced ffty percent of the contract price. Now the thing that
came out of the investigation was that the Speaker said NOCAL was
not in the position to pay readily and they did not want these experts
to leave so they had to fnd money to advance the experts so that
they could continue to work. The money advance may have been
from either the personal pocket of speaker Tyler or Rep Lawrence. It
is against our fnancial management law to use your personal money
to fnance public works. So we are questioning that.
Cll. Verdier said the LACC is now questioning all actors involved
in the deal including NOCAL to establish whether there was a
bidding process for the contract noting that the money for the three
contractors is far beyond the threshold of the PPCC.
Recommendations for prosecution is not new in Liberia as during the
reign of former Justice Mini9ster Cllr. Christina Tah and Solicitor
General Wilkins Wright, a report was submitted to the President
requesting prosecution in line with several audit reports released by
the general Auditing Commission of Liberia.
Similar Submission Fell on Deaf Ears
In a memorandum addressed to Justice Minister Tah on August 15,
2011, then Solicitor general, Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright categorized
audit reports from the General Auditing Commission of Liberia
into four categories in which the Solicitor general recommended
that some of the cases needed immediate prosecution and further
investigation for others.
Cllr. Wright indicated that after reviewing the reports, they were
categorized in summary form for easy categorization to enable the
Ministry of Justice either prosecute, conduct further investigation or
drop further proceedings against some individuals.
Stated Cllr. Wright the report has been categorized for the purpose
of easy categorization in terms of those actions proposed. The
name of an entity may appear in more than one category of the
summary because of the nature of the conduct complained of and the
recommended action to be taken against them; as such, to be able to
know what offense was committed, one would have to refer to the
detailed report to fnd the cause and the specifc person affected.
The solicitor general expressed his willingness as a government
lawyer to pursue the case.
I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the fght against
corruption and impunity in our country, and we stand prepared to lead
the prosecution of those concerned should our recommendations be
approved. Delay in submitting this report is regretted as well as any
inconvenience said Cllr. Wright.
Since the reports from the Solicitor General were submitted to
the Minister for onward submission to the President for action the
Liberian leader had played deaf ears on the Ministry request to
prosecute several individuals recommended for prosecution up to
date.
It remains unclear what will become of the latest LACC
recommendation for prosecution of several individuals some of
whom are close friends of the President.
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 3
FrontPage
v
v
Commentary
EDITORIAL
PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER Antoinette Weeks is in the
news again for all the wrong reasons.
WHEN THE MINISTRY responsible for implementing
and facilitating infrastructures, roads and public building
projects should be busy working the clock to ensure that
the government is on course with interventions in various
communities, the minister, since her ascendancy to the
post has been busy taking shots at her deputies and at
loggerheads with her peers.
EVEN BEFORE her post at Public Works, Weeks faced
similar issues at the National Oil Company of Liberia
where she served as the director of exploration activities.
IN THAT CAPACITY, Weeks was again involved in
verbal spats with her peers and co-workers and news of
her departure was greeted with relief by many she had
crossed paths with.
HOW SHE ENDED up at Public Works remains a mystery
when she had never held a managerial post prior and most
of her experience has been with incomplete consultancy
positions, according to a resume.
IN JANUARY, Weeks raised eyebrows when she and her
former Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Victor
Smith traded barbs and verbal exchanges including
invectives with Smith reportedly questioning why
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf brought Weeks into her
government after Weeks referred to Smith as a Country
Man, according to witnesses who were present on the
scene.
WEEKS SURVIVED but Smith was shown the door by
President Sirleaf.
ON THURSDAY, history repeated itself when Weeks and
Smiths successor were involved in a shouting exchange
heard by employees and peers at the ministry.
ACCORDING TO EYEWITNESSES, Claude Langley,
Deputy for Technical Services reportedly walked in on
Weeks behind his desk, browsing his computer. When
Langley inquired why his boss was doing such, a verbal
exchange reportedly ensued, drawing bystanders and
murmurs within the public works building.
MORE RECENTLY, according to sources within the
ministry, Minister Weeks has been at loggerheads with
another deputy, Jackson Paye, Deputy Minister for Rural
development after Paye raised objected to a plan by
Weeks to dissolve the Department of Rural Development
at ministry.
IRONICALLY, Weeks had sought to explore the plan
when Payes predecessor Christian G. Herbert held the
post, spurring a serious rift between Weeks and Herbert.
IN THE MIDST of a deadly Ebola outbreak, Weeks
persistent verbal jabs at her deputies do not bode well
COMMENTARY
B
y the latest count, we have lost over 2,500 of our
compatriots to the rampaging Ebola crisis and we
are still counting. By the time this angry piece is
rolled out in print, we could be counting 3000 or
more dead Liberians from Ebola.
Our President has confessed our helplessness to combat
this unprecedented and monumental national tragedy to the
international community.
As a result an armada of international forces has arrived
all over the country. They include armies and personnel
of friendly governments, non-governmental organizations,
who have left their families to try to salvage us from
dreadful Ebola.
People of goodwill from all over the world have died
risking their live to save us Liberians. Yet, in the face of the
seriousness of our situation, more peoples across the world
are still coming to rescue us, so that we do not perish.
It is unimaginable that some thoughtless people whose
political ambitions have no bounds are busy scheming to
push us, a distraught citizenry of a prostrate country, to
conduct accursed morally bankrupt and indecent elections
in December, 2014. This is the height of unconscionable
shamelessness on the part of our political elite.This indecent
proposal to hold elections while the whole world is focused
on saving Liberians from the Ebola scourge should be
rejected by all well meaning thoughtful Liberians.
Any politician associated with this inhuman scheme should
be publicly denounced and frustrated at the polls.
Do this shameless greedy people understand that over one
thousand families have suffered a loss of at least a family
loved one.Do they know that complete families have been
devastated.Do they understand that thousands of Liberian
children have been orphaned.Do they realize that schools are
closed. Doctors, both Liberians and non Liberian, are dead.
Nurses haveperished. For everyone of the 3000 victims of
Ebola, more than ten families are mourning. The fact is we
do not know how many have died so far. In effect the vast
majority of Liberians are mourning lost family and friends.
Our towns and villages have been deserted. Our social fabric
strained. Our cultural practices have been debased. We can
no longer go the farms or even our offces. We cannot hug
our loved ones or properly greet our neighbors. We are even
scared to touch each other. Our churches and prayer warriors
are fasting and praying. Our mosques are supplicating. And
people are hungry! Our health minister has sacked health
workers because our government says it has no money to pay
them adequate compensations for the dangerous work that
they are doing.In the midst of all this, the Legislature is bent
on holding elections. My question is for whose beneft do
they want the elections. Defnitely, it is not for us Liberians.
It is for themselves and their pockets. For this devilish
people, their deep pockets are more important than the 3000
or so Liberia so far that we have lost so far and who dont
even have graves because they were cremated. And then, if
the government has no money to pay health workers, where
would it get the money to pay for elections. Where would the
elections offcials to be recruited come from? Or is someone
planning to manipulate the elections when many people are
not watching. How many Liberians want to go to the Ebola
regions to monitor the elections. How do we know that after
all the population movements from the towns and villages
because of Ebola, the voter register is still valid? Would
our international friends collaborate in this national folly?
Who can guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in
this situation? Would international election monitors come?
Some smart Alec has some devilish plan to plunge Liberia
into chaos. That is the real danger that would bring further
misery to our lives if we manage to get rid of Ebola. The
danger is not some stupid constitutional crisis that they are
manufacturing.
Also, how are we going to explain to the world that the
political ambition of about 200 people competing for 15
seats in the Senate is more important than the fght against
Ebola pandemic that could wipe out half the population of
our country, if not contained. What do we want the world
think of us as a people? In the last 10 years we have had
UNMIL that was deployed because we killed ourselves
for over ten years. Now a new United Nations mission to
help fght Ebola has been created. The United States is
spending over a billion dollars to help us in this country.
Even African countries, the African Union and ECOWAS
have all mobilized to help us out of this terrible situation.
How can we go back and tell them that our immediate
priority is to conduct elections even before or barely just
as we are through with Ebola national tragedy mainly via
international help. The thoughtless people have created a
bogey man called constitutional crisis. Respected counselors
have said that there is nothing like that. In any case, it is left
for the President and the Legislature to manage the State
of Emergency so that there is no crisis. Our constitution is
resilient enough to handle the challenge, if indeed this very
selfshsmall group of people manages to create one. We can
no longer control the affairs of those who die, but we can
manage a crisis, whether constitutional or otherwise. The
life of every single Liberian is worth more than the senseless
ambition of 200 opportunistic politicians. So let us all say a
resounding NO,NO,NO to elections in December 2014. It is
an indecent, inhuman, selfsh and unconscionable proposal.
Counsellor JeromeKokoya should fnd some worthy cause
for his life and time, instead of pursuing the foolish errand
for politicians. There should not be any talk of elections
until Ebola is completely kicked out of Mama Liberia!!!
ELECTIONS 2014:
REJECTING AN
INDECENT PROPOSAL
When Will Minister Weeks
Get the Ball Rolling?
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
OF THE WEIRD KIND
MORE JABBINGS THAN
FIXING AT PUBLIC WORKS
Cephas Johnson-Wreh, A concerned Liberian citizen
for Liberias image and showers an unnecessary cloud of
uncertainty over governments plan to undertake roads and
infrastructural projects, badly needed as it seeks to leave a
lasting legacy and imprint amid some serious reservations
that the government is racing against time to fulfll many
of its obligations to the government and people of Liberia.
IT ALSO muddies the working atmosphere and keeps
employees consistently on edge when they should be
focusing on how to come up with creative and innovative
ideas to improve the physical outlook of post-war Liberia.
WEEKS HOGGING OF projects and misguided priorities
are not only posing as a deterrent to development but also is
stalling the governments agenda and deliverables.
WHATEVER BECOMES of her latest spat with yet another
deputy minister remains to be seen. Her much publicized
family tie to President Sirleaf appears to be clouding the
presidents judgment on what to do with a minister who
came to the post with so much promise and now entrenched
in an ongoing battle with her peers at the detriment of
Liberia and the governments development agenda.
Page 4 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
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E
DITORIAL TEAM
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
The Reader's Page
CHARLES E. KING TOP COMMENTER MONROVIA,
LIBERIA
Greetings Dr. Sirleaf:
Your letter does not address the main issue that has had Liberians
reacting to the statement you made. The symbolism of me going
there and potentially getting Ebola when I have a nine- and a
seven-year-old at home isnt worth it just to appease people. Ive
made a commitment not to live in Liberia for many reasons, and I
think my contribution means more. From what I see, (I could be
wrong) but there were no questions about where you were before
you made this statement. You had made many trips back and forth
as is very evident and very commendable. The way you presented
your statement tended to show your lack of 'understanding of the
plight of the Liberian people'. You could have really presented your
position a little differently. We have to be very careful how we
communicate and explain to our people in such a way that sends
a clear message, especially when we are the off springs of parents
who are in the political limelight. No matter what we do, we will
always be a target and that is why whenever those of us who have
political connections speak, people are listening and will dissect
every word we say, thereby we should make every effort to watch
what we say, and act in ways that will not permit fuel for misguided
opinions. It is this statement that the people are reacting to and so
I would just like to suggest to you that it be addressed accordingly.
Kind Regards Charles E. King.
PLEEBOCOLLINS25 (SIGNED IN USING YAHOO)
What do you want, a medal? There are hundreds of Liberians who
are helping the fght, many on the ground giving their lives. Perhaps
next time you should think before you speak..
ALIEU SWARAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT
SELF-EMPLOYED
Nonsense! Sometime is better to remain silent and allow people to
remain in doubt than to speak out and confrmed your.....
RAYMOND SUMO TOP COMMENTER CUTTINGTON
UNIVERSITY, LIBERIA
Most Liberians will not do any good for their fellow Liberians unless
they are sure to get a personal return on their investments. With the
wave of corruption in Liberia, almost every donation is sold by those
handling the donations. So how does Dr. Sirleaf measure the impacts
of his organization's donation on the ordinary citizens? The Liberian
Government needs to rebuild better hospitals, public clinics, expand
the medical college, provide scholarships and incentives that
encourage more Liberian students to enter the medical profession.
Why should politicians and cabinet ministers in Liberia make US
$15,000.00 per month while nurses and medical doctors make US $
400.00 and $1, 200.00 per month respectively? This shows that the
government doesn't care for the human development of the country
but they rather beg the international community for everything.
JOSEPH BERNARD FINANCIAL CONTROLLER AT
FIELD SERVICES LIBERIA
Mr. Sirleaf, next time please choose your words carefully. We do
appreciate all the "Health care services" you and your team have
provided here so far, but your statement during these critical times
in our country's history takes away so much the esteem some of
us had for you. Unfortunately, you have proven to all that your
interest is the United States of America and not your poor "native
Liberia". Save yourself the headache of coming here and move on
with you work and "little children". Thank God we have friends
who are wailing to risk their lives and leant a hand to help safe
mama Liberia.
SAYKU KROMAH TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT RETIRED
I believe the clarity provided by Dr. James Sirleaf should put our
minds at rest. Any discerning mind can see that he is been genuinely
apologetic about his last statement. He probably misspoke, which
most people with other professional callings are apt to do when
confronted by a major media entity. My only suggestion to Dr.
Sirleaf is not to grant spot interviews, because it requires special
skills, and subject to misinterpretations. If the media house needs
your views that badly, they can wait; until send them a written
statement. Thanks for the clarity.
SAYKU KROMAH TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT RETIRED
I know some people are surprised at my comment, but those who
know me are not. My issue is with the leadership of President Ellen
Johnson who happens to be the mother of Dr. James Sirleaf. That
leadership issue is not so personal as to transcend and consume my
very cherished sense of fairness. My fght is against her corrupt and
inept regime, and her initial sluggishness that turned Liberia into the
epic center of this Ebola virus. I am still calling for her resignation
to allow the constitutional process of succession to prevail. Am as
committed to that struggle as I was in campaigning for her in 2005.
'I APOLOGIZE': DR. JAMES SIRLEAF IS
STILL COMMITTED TO LIBERIA
The Editor
M
adam President I call on you to forthwith resign as
President of Liberians in the diaspora, as Foreign
Minister, as Chief International Spokesperson, and as
PR person for the Republic of Liberia.
Unlike AB Darius Dillon, I realize that the act of resigning is a
choice, and that it is not dictated by the constitution, nor can it be
forced by utterances from mere pundits like himself, or Tiawon
Gongloe.
Therefore Madam, if you choose to heed my request to resign those
positions, I call on you to assume your duly elected position, and
start governing for the people at home.
What I mean by that, is that I would like for you to turn inward
and become a domestic President to ensure that all 15 Counties
in Liberia experience; your power, your time, your energy , your
devotion, your love, your visits, and your undivided attention. In
essence, your PR efforts, lobbying efforts, your travels, your urge
to please, and your political skills must now be focused within your
country, to appease your own people.
It is quite evident that for the past 8 years, you have enjoyed
the spotlight from the West. You have won all major awards and
accolades and spoke at just about every Prestigious University in
Europe and America. In addition you have visited most of their
Capitols on a constant and consistent basis. With the help of our
International partners, your UN connections, lobbyists and The
Black Congressional Caucus, you have ensured that peace and
stability has been maintained; our economy has been strengthened,
and our status in the world was elevated, until Ebola brought us to
our knees.
Furthermore, your government has danced to the drum of various
donor organizations, whose programs you had to institute, whether
they were good for our nation or not, all because it was their money.
Quite recently, you never hesitated to tell your American/
International "constituents" that you would prosecute
your own citizen for bringing Ebola to America. In fact you even
met with the Judiciary branch to look into possible charges that
would have been brought against the late Thomas Eric Duncan. You
didn't stop there, but you went as far as personally calling the
Mayor of Dallas and apologizing to him.
Indeed you've done all in your power to keep our International
partners happy with you, and by extension, happy with Liberia. In
the end it is hoped that over the long haul Uncle Sam will continue to
work with your government; that funding will continue to fow from
International Organizations, that Multinational Corporations will
continue to invest in Liberia, and that in the short term International
fights out of Liberia will not be banned. You've done well
Internationally, and you get an A for that. Your Foreign policy is
intact, and your International legacy is secure. It's now time
however, to turn inward, and work on your domestic policy!
Ma Ellen your Domestic policy should be more than constructing
roads, turning on the Hydro, restoring water or eradicating Ebola. It
should have the overarching goal of having your approval rating and
respect, as high as it was Internationally when you won the Nobel
Peace Prize; Presidential Medal of Freedom, Harvard Honorary
degrees, and when you spoke to a Joint Session of the US Congress.
Indeed your approval rating will rise; the calls for you to step down
will seize, you will establish a legacy, and your people will be
content, if and only if, you seize this opportunity to cater to their
emotional, social, psychological, fnancial, educational and medical
needs.
The Ebola epidemic is an opportunity for you to show your people
and your critics that you do have a heart, and that you truly care
about the well- being of the Liberian people.
You must show all us that you are willing to prosecute corrupt
individuals with as much urgency and determination, as you did
when you expressed your plans to prosecute Thomas Eric Duncan.
You must appeal to President Obama to help us establish a robust
health care delivery system, with as much urgency as you did during
the heat of the Ebola crisis.
You must appeal to the women of AKA, the Peace Corpse and others
MADAM PRESIDENT
PLEASE RESIGN....
NO NEED FOR ADAMA SIRLEAF TO
APOLOGIZE TO DISGUSTED LIBERIANS
The Editor,
A
ren't these the same busybodies who, back in August, were
accusing the President's son (Dr. James Adamah Sirleaf)
of coming to Liberia to "eat" their Ebola money??? (Re
"President's Son Sets Record Straight, 08/29/14, Liberian
Observer)
If so, why are they now "disgusted" with his decision to stay in
America with his family? (Re "Liberians Disgusted Over President's
Son Loose Ebola Talk", Frontpageafrica)
Hey "disgusted" Liberians! Dr. Sirleaf is a private citizen. He owes
you NOTHING! Instead of apologizing, he should've given you
people the one fnger salute! (Re "I apologize: Dr. James Sirleaf..".)
Apologize, my arse!
Look: If you don't agree with the Doctor's decision to stay in America
with his kids, that's fne! You're entitled to your opinion. Everybody
has one!
But as father (no, he's not a sperm donor like you!) of two young
children, Dr. Sirleaf has a moral obligation to act in their best interest!
That means he shouldn't abandon his kids because he's the President's
on OR risk making his wife a widow or making his young children
fatherless because of Ebola!
In case you don't know, Dr. Sirleaf grown ass man! So his mother has
no more control over him than you have over your sorry ass adult son
or daughter!
Besides that, Dr. Adama Sirleaf, private citizen, has the right to live
his life as he sees ft. It's none of your damn business whether he
decides to stay in America with his family or go back to Liberia and
battle Ebola!
I've spoken to several Liberian Doctors, who, like Dr. Sirleaf, are
committed to helping Liberians fght the Ebola epidemic, but NONE
of them, I repeat, NONE have gone back home (Liberia) or even
expressed the slightest hint of going back home to battle Ebola! If
you know one, who left his job and family here in America, please
let me know!
Rather than being disgusted with Dr. Sirleaf for being a father, you
should be disgusted with those hoodlums in that hellhole (West
Point), who ransacked an Ebola isolation unit and the born rogues in
your government, who are eating Ebola money!
Martin Scott
Father of three children
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com
to help you restructure our Educational system to ensure that more
than 15 out 13,000 can pass the LU entrance exams.
You must rid yourself of cronies and sycophants, who are failing
to remind you of your stance on nepotism, which has led you to
continue to maintain your family members in various government
positions.
You must create more than the 20,000 jobs you promised to provide
for our youth and adults. You must ensure that papa goes home with
a decent paycheck that feeds, clothes, educates and shelters the
average Liberian family of 5 children.
Ma Ellen even when you were booed and insulted in Lofa, you still
showed us and your critics that you are not only smart, articulate,
and energetic, but that you are also kind, loving, forgiving and
patriotic.
There are folks that still believe in you and have no doubt that you
will leave a positive and lasting legacy, unmatched by any of your
predecessors.
God Bless you, God bless the people of Liberia, and God bless
Liberia.
Bartum N. Kulah MD, MBA
Kulahb@bellsouth.net
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 5
WEST PHILADELPHIA
(WPVI) --
T
wo West Philadelphia
business owners say
their reputations were
destroyed and their
efforts to help their home country
of Liberia delayed because of
a wrongful prosecution by the
Philadelphia District Attorney's
Offce.
A judge dismissed kidnapping
and robbery charges against
Vickson and Lorpu Korlewala
on September 19th.
In April, Southwest Detectives
accused the owners of Lela's
Braiding Gallery, located at 55th
and Market streets, of forcing
an 80-year-old woman into their
car on the same block as their
home and business. Investigators
say they drove the victim to a
Citizens Bank branch and made
WRONGLY ACCUSED
her withdraw $8,000 from her
account.
"We spent three weeks in jail
and that was just like hell for us.
It turned our life around," said
Vickson Korlewala.
Action News was there in April
when police hauled the 58-year-
old man off to jail. He maintained
his innocence. A comparison of a
surveillance image of the suspect
in the case and Korlewala
sparked questions, but police
said they had the right man.
"I know the police offcer showed
me the image and I just laughed,"
said Vickson. "I said that picture
does not look like me."
"It's clear they are not the same
person," said defense attorney
Thomas Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick says the judge
dismissed the charges because
prosecutors could not get their
case together.
The Korlewalas have no criminal
history and they moved to the US
nearly 30 years ago from Liberia.
"We believe in hard work," said
52-year-old Lorpu Korlewala.
"We believe in working to live if
you want to live a good life."
The couple's $1-million bail was
reduced to $500,000. Fitzpatrick
says Korlewalas' local Liberian
community started a Facebook
page and collected the $50,000
to get them out of jail.
"There has been a great deal
of damage done at this point
beyond their community, to
their businesses and to their
reputations," said Fitzpatrick.
The Philadelphia Police
Department referred Action
News to the District Attorney's
Offce. A spokeswoman would
only say the offce "is reviewing
the judge's decision on this case
and we are considering what our
next course of action will be with
these defendants."
While the Korlewalas wait to
learn if prosecutors will re-fle
charges and re-arrest them, they
continue to support Liberia.
Vickson Korlewala, an
environmental chemist also
owns Transatlantic Eco Power,
a company dedicated to bringing
renewable energy to Liberia.
Now he's providing Ebola relief
with aFacebook campaign called
"Operation Crush Ebola."
"The Ebola crisis back home is
giving us an opportunity to bring
back the community. We need
to get back to our country. We
need to make sure we lead some
developmental efforts," said
Vickson Korlewala.
The Philadelphia District
Attorney's Offce still has their
passports but the Korlewalas
plan to travel to Liberia once
there's a handle on the Ebola
crisis. They say the real thief of
the crime they did not commit is
still out there and they're praying
for the elderly victim.
Kidnapping Charges Dismissed For West Philadelphia Business Owners

PUBLIC WORKS DEPUTY FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES
THREATENS TO RESIGN AFTER INCIDENT AT MINISTRY
WEEKS YELLS AT DEPUTY MINISTER
Monrovia
E
mbattled Public
Works Minister
Antoinette Weeks
is engulfed in yet
another shouting match with
one of her deputy ministers, this
time, the Deputy Minister for
Technical Services, Mr. Claude
Langley, FrontPageAfrica has
learned.
Sources confrmed to
FrontPageAfrica Thursday that
the latest incident unfolded
when Minister Langley walked
into his offce and found the
minister behind his desk,
apparently searching his laptop
behind his back.
The Deputy reportedly got
angry and when he asked the
minister why she was searching
his computer, she retaliated and
a shouting match ensued within
earshot of other employers and
offcials at the ministry.
Deputy Minister Langley
during the exchange of words
reportedly threatened to
resign his position, according
to bystanders and some
employees who witnessed the
exchange.
Weeks has not used her own
offce since her appointment
and has reportedly used the
offce of her deputies, frst
Smith and now, Langley.
This is not the frst time the
minister has been at odds with
one of her deputies. In January,
a similar incident precipitated
the departure of the former
Deputy Minister for Technical
Services Mr. Victor Smith.
Weeks squabble with Smith
took place on January 28,
2014 and almost resulted into
an exchange of blows when
the minister reportedly Smith
of taking kickbacks from
contractors, a charge which
drew a harsh reaction from
Smith spiraling the verbal
exchange out of control.
The fght at the time was
intercepted by the then
Deputy Minister for Rural
Development, Christian G.
Herbert.
Weeks has been at loggerheads
with her deputies since she
took on the job. Her spat with
Smith resulted into exchange
of invectives with smith
reportedly questioning why
President Sirleaf brought
Weeks into her government
after Weeks referred to Smith
as a Country Man, according
to witnesses who were present
on the scene.
In recent days, Weeks has
also been at loggerheads with
her Deputy Minister for Rural
development, Jackson Paye
who recently raised concerns
over a plan by Weeks to
dissolve the Department of
Rural Development at ministry.
Weeks had previously
explored the plan when Payes
predecessor Christian G.
Herbert held the post.
The plan at the time spurred a
serious rift between Weeks and
Herbert.
The Heritage Newspaper
reported this week that Weeks,
through a consultant assigned
with the African Development
Bank(AfDB) Road Project
resurrected the plan to break
up the department of Rural
Development and Community
Services (DRD & CS) in
fagrant disregard to the law
that created the department.
The report citing a
communication dated October
10, 2014 and addressed to the
Minister of Public Works, from
Mr. Paye informed Dr. Weeks
about the unilateral decision
of Consultant Reginald
Sherman to dissolve Rural
Development simply because
he Sherman does not like the
nomenclature.
The document reads in part:
Madam Minister, I write
this memo to bring to your
attention, a meeting I held
with Mr. Reginald (Reggie)
Sherman in my offce on
Monday 6 October 2014, in
which he informed me that
he has decided to break up
the Department of Rural
Development and Community
Services (DRD & CS) within
the Ministry of Public Works
(MPW) because according
to him, he does not like the
nomenclature.
Minister Paye, in the document
referenced a conversation
between him and Consultant
Sherman, in which he
(Reginald Sherman) boasted
that he has succeeded in
realigning the department
of Technical Services and
Administration, and that it was
now time to restructure the
Rural Development.
The report noted that Paye,
in response to the AfDB
Procurement Consultant, noted
that the Problem at MPW is
not realignment of divisions/
departments, but a matter of
securing funds to implement
projects, secure funds to attract
and hire qualifed engineers
to staff various departments
and projects and prudently
managing and using the meager
funds to reinforce supervisions
of projects, as well as putting
enforceable contracts in place
for our works.
What should be of paramount
importance to MPW
now, I believe, is to put a
comprehensive work plan
in place to start works when
the Dry Season which is less
than two weeks away, starts.
We have been working as
(Fire Brigade) Emergency
Interventions on all of our
projects since I joined the
Ministry. Deputy Minister
Paye is quoted by the document
as saying.
Deputy Minister Paye
continued: This to me, is an
indication of lack of proper
planning, and cannot be
sustained. When we shift staffs
and functions in the middle of a
short Dry Season that we have
to work, it will take some time
for those affected to get going.
Regardless of how smart one
is, there is a learning curve. We
dont have the luxury of time.
Consultant Sherman, as part
of his objective to dissolve
Rural Development, the
document revealed told
Deputy Minister Paye that he
was there to ensure that the
reform initiatives undertaken
by the administration of former
Minister Brooks of which he
(Sherman) was a member in
the 80s be implemented.
Ironically, during our
discussion, Mr. Sherman
intimated to me that Minister
Brooks was not successful in
achieving some of his wishes
in the 1980s because of
institutional resistance. This is
not what I dont want for the
current effort, the document
further reveled.
FrontPageAfrica has also
learned that Weeks was
recently involved in another
shouting match with Clarence
Frederick, Chief Bridge
Engineer because she was not
satisfed with a report.
The latest wrangle comes in the
wake of mounting criticisms
over Weeks inability to get
the ball rolling on a number
of road projects throughout
the country compounded
by her failure to declare her
assets which led to her recent
one-month suspension on
the job by the President.
Many of Weeks critics point
to her failure to get along
with co-workers and peers as
a key reason why much of the
governments project remains
on hold especially during
the Ebola crisis when a lot
of the roads are inaccessible
for ambulances and vehicles
on the lookout for suspected
Ebola patients.


Page 6 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
F
RONT
PAGE
EBOLA
MIRACULOUS RESILIENCE
Liberias Ebola Survivors Tell Their Stories
Monrovia-
S
ix-year-old Miatta Urey
and ten others walked
out of the Island Clinic
Ebola Treatment Unit
on Bushrod Island in Monrovia.
Miatta is the fourth of her family
including her mother and two
other siblings to survive the
disease. She lost her father and
her four-month-old baby sister to
the deadly disease.
It was in August, Miattas father
got sick. He was showing signs
of Ebola. He was vomiting and
toileting, said Mulbah Sirleaf,
Miattas Uncle. We took him to
several clinics and we ended at
the John F. Kennedy Memorial
Hospital. The same night he was
taken to JFK was the same night
he passed out.
Miattas mother Dedee Sirleaf
could not be there to receive her
daughter because all she had
been doing over the past week
is cry and pester doctors to look
after her young child who she
had left behind in the ETU.
Losing her husband and her four-
month-old baby girl to Ebola
was a harsh tragedy she has not
been able to get over and Dedee
says she could not afford to lose
another child.
Im so happy my daughter is
out today; I never this day would
come, she says joyfully over a
cracked mobile phone line after
her daughter arrived home. She
was in the midst of a prayer of
celebration when the call came.
I lost my baby and I could not
bear the thought of losing Miatta
who was my only girl left.
Dedee has seen it all, she says,
watching her husband and baby
die to Ebola was the worst
tragedy she has ever witnessed
in her life. She said watching her
childrens condition deteriorate
in the ETU almost led her into
shock. She was sick but worried
about the survival of her three
remaining children, Prince 12,
Francis 13 and Miatta, 6.
Miatta and her brother Francis
were very sick, for three days
they could not eat or drink
anything. I was worried, she


said. I begged they doctors to
save my children, I watched
them grow weaker and weaker
everyday.
Little Mittas family tragedy
began in August this year when
her father became sick. Her
mother Dedee says there was
no response from the Ebola
call center when she rang them
up. With no one to come to the
familys rescue, they decided to
do it themselves.
My husband was sick, we called
the ambulance but they did not
come and for three days my
husband, my children and I were
all sleeping in the same room,
says Dedee.
He got serious and we put
plastic on our hands and put him
in the wheelbarrow and took him
to JFK but before reaching he
died. After my husband died, my
four children and myself we got
sick and they took us to Island
Clinic and my baby died.
On Wednesday October 22,
2014, exactly one month after
she was brought in to the World
Health Organization run Island
Clinic ETU, Miatta walked out
with a clean bill of health.
She was wearing a white T-Shirt
that was like a dress because
health workers could not fnd
her size in the pile of clothes
that was being given out to other
survivors who were walking out
of the center, free from Ebola.
The Psychosocial counselor
handed her the T-Shirt and
instructed her to go into the ETU
and put it on. He asked her and
other survivors who were being
discharged to leave everything
else behind. They were given
clothes and slippers to put on.
Miracle
Dr. Quiah Augustus Garlet is the
lead psychosocial Counselor at
the Island Clinic ETU, he says he
feels happy that Miatta can walk
out alive after all that shes been
through. He says the six-year-old
has a marvelous resilience.
Miattas case is so special
because her survival was like a
miracle, he says. She came
into the isolation center with a
temperature of 40 degrees and
that was too high for a six year
old.
There was a point in the ETU
when we thought she was going
to die. One night she was gaping
for breath and we thought we
had lost her. Then suddenly
she developed strength and
started asking for juice. She was
revived.
Miatta is among eleven persons
that were released on Wednesday
from the ETU.
Amos K. Sonyah, a psychosocial
counselor said all the cases
were confrmed Ebola cases
but after treatment and repeated
laboratory tests they tested
negative to the disease.
Some of them have been here
for over a month and others have
been here two to three weeks,
he says.
Mulbah Sirleaf, Miattas Uncle,
watched the family go through
the tragedy that the deadly Ebola
virus brought them and he recalls
what happened in August.
Miattas father got sick. He
was showing signs of Ebola. He
was vomiting and toileting, he
says. We took him to several
clinics and we ended at the John
F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital.
The same night he was taken
to JFK was the same night he
passed out. After a week, Miattas
mother and brother started to
show signs and symptoms, so
the community decided that they
come at the ETU so they could
be observed.

Pregnant woman infected me
Lewis S. Konneh, is health
worker who contracted Ebola
while attending to a pregnant
woman who did not tell him
her case history. She came to
his clinic one fateful day in
September to give birth and then
something terrible happened.
I went to do a delivery and the
lady was positive and I did not
know, he said.
Continued Konneh: She came
to me; she did not tell me that
some of her family members had
died from Ebola in her house. It
was the next day after I delivered
her that they confrmed it to me.
At that time when she left and
went home, her child died and
she was taken to the hospital and
she died.
Konneh says he also lost his
father to the deadly disease. He
says his father was receiving
treatment at the same facility
but he never got a chance to say
goodbye.
I want to go to my fathers
house frst before I go home,
he told health workers who
were prepared to give him a ride
home. He says he needed to see
his family and for the frst time
be able to grieve with them for
the loss of his father.
He has spent 22 days in isolation
fghting for a cure from the
disease and despite being
infected by a patient he was
treating Konneh says he will
return to work very soon where
he will continue to contribute to
his community in Logan Town.
As Im going back now, Im
going to open the clinic; thats
my feld, he says.
Konneh and other survivors are
now with their families in their
various communities and their
stories would continue to herald
the small success in the Ebola
fght.
F
RONT
PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
Some Ebola survivors including Miatta Urey at the Island Clinic Ebola Treatment Unit
Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@FrontPageAfricaonline.com
FEMALE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION
DONATES TO ISLAND HOSPITAL ETU
Monrovia-
A
s donations and
contributions
are made by
organizations and
individuals in support of the
fght against the Ebola virus in
Liberia; the Female Journalist
Association of Liberia (FeJAL)
has donated water and juices
to Ebola patients at the Island
Hospital Ebola Treatment Unit
(ETU), on the Bushrod Island
near Monrovia.
Making the donation on behalf
of the group, Mrs. Torwon S.
Browne, President of FejAL
and voice of UNMIL Radio
said the donation was the
organization way of showing
support for Ebola patients.
We are all members of the
Female Journalists of Liberia
and on behalf of us, we are here
to make this little donation, this
is nothing but just the thought
is what counts. It is usually said
little is much when God is in
it, said Mrs. Browne.
She further said We know
that there are challenges in
the health sector but as the
WHO the government and
other organizations are doing
all they can, we as Liberians
are suppose to be doing this
to support our brothers and
sisters.


Receiving the items on behalf
of the Island Hospital ETU,
Mr. Williamatta S. Williams
Gibson, a Liberian Doctor in
Charge, said the donations
were on time, in that the
patients needed it more.
On Behalf of the Island
Hospital ETU, we say thanks
to you. You may think this
is small, but this is actually
what the patients need, juices
and water. The patients need
a lot of juices and water for
strength, because some of the
patients can hardly eat, so it is
the juices and water they need
to regain their strength. And
we ask that the Lord replenish
what so ever was given.
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 7
SECTIONAL AGITATIONS DOMINATE
BONG POLITICS AHEAD OF POLLS
F
RONT
PAGE
POLITICS
Selma Lomax, selmalomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Gbarnga, Bong County-
A
s horse trading,
accusations and
counter-accusations
and rallies in
various towns and villages in
Bong County progress, the 13
candidates registered for the
December 16 special senatorial
election are set for battle.
Though the National Elections
Commission, NEC, through its
former Upper Bong Magistrate,
Daniel Newland, had assured the
people of the county of the NEC
readiness to conduct free and
fair polls, for the people of the
county the general feeling is that
the pudding is in the eating.
With all the facts on ground, the
contest will mainly be between
fve candidates namely:The
incumbent Jewel Howard-
Taylor of the National Patriotic
Party (NPP), Dr. Mator M.
F. Kpangbai, Movement for
Progressive Change (MPC),
Unity Partys Ranney Banama
Jackson, Congress for
Democratic Changes (CDC)
Augustus Jonathan Flomo,
Franklin Siakor of the Liberty
Party (LP) and Dr. Henrique
Flomo Tokpa, who is likely
to contest as an Independent
Candidate following UPs
adoption of his in-law Jackson.
Bong has about 178,866
registered voters and has over
400 polling centers with Gbarnga
having the largest chunk of
voters estimated at 29,000. A
lot of factors would determine
the winner of October election.
Some of which are past record
of the candidates achievements,
popularity among electorate, key
and prominent supporters of the
candidate in each of the countys
13 administrative district, ability
to mobilize fund etc.
FrontPageAfrica now analyses
the chances of each of the leading
candidates and the factors that
would assist them:
Gbarnga
Gbarnga, the countys capital,
has been the focus of the
candidates mainly because of
its highest number of voters of
all the 13districts in the county
representing almost one in fve
of the voters are resident in the
area.
There is the likelihood that the
fve leading candidates would
share the votes of the electorate
in the city but Jackson and
Flomo are expected to share the
highest number of votes.
Some goodwill arising from
the pioneering infrastructure
development schemes initiated
by Jacksonduring his stint as
superintendent of the county
such as the superintendents
compound, electrifcation of
Gbarnga, rehabilitation of the
presidential palace among others
stand him in good standing in the
countycapital.
Counting for Flomo is the pace
with which he has sustained
the development of some
parts of the city and what has
come to be described as legacy
projects including construction
of pit latrines, provision of
scholarships to students among
others. Kpangbai on his part has
touched the people of Gbarnga
through his welfare programs.
Key political fgures that will
determine the outcome of the vote
in Gbarnga include Rep. George
Sylvester Mulbah of district #3,
which shares boundary with
Gbarnga, Rep. Prince Kermue
Moye, of district #2, which also
shares boundary with Gbarnga,
Liberias Ambassador to
Washington, Jeremiah Sulunteh,
Superintendent Selena Polson-
Mappy, local leaders in both
districts One and Two among
others.
All of these key actors from
Gbarnga are committed to
Jackson making him favorite in
the city.
Flomo would be helped by key
actors like Chief elder Suakoliie,
CDCs Chairman Victor Wesseh
and former PMC Accountant
Emmanuel Diabolo. Diabolo
and Chief Suakoliie would work
vigorously for the success of
Flomo in Gbarnga.
Panta District
Panta is one district with a
great population of youths. It is
not surprising that it is leaning
towards CDCs Flomo. Flomo
won the district overwhelming
in 2011 and is poised to repeat
such feat as evidenced by the
overwhelming support he has
received in recent months. But
the fve leading candidates have
key political actors in the district
to pull out the votes for them.
Flomo would count on the
support of the districts
lawmaker, Lester M. Paye, who
looks set to announce support
for his candidacy and maybe
the commissioner of the district
Wellington Bellepu. Flomo
would also count on the goodwill
arising from what he did for
residents of the district during
the recent rain storm disaster that
left many residents homeless.
Observers say if the home boy
advantage, a theory propounded
by Rep. Paye during the 2011
election, is anything to go by,
Flomo, who hails from Panta
district, is expected to beneft
from this advantage.
Jorquelleh District 1
Eyes are on the infuence of
the districts lawmaker, George
Sylvester Mulbah, who hails
from Jorpolu clan. Mulbah, who
has declared support for UP
candidate Jackson following his
fallout with his partys candidate
Howard-Taylor, clinched the
highest vote in the Lower House
during the 2011 election with
over 13,000.
It is left to be seen whether
Mulbah can translate such
support to Jackson after the
former Bong superintendent
performed dismally in the
district in 2011 despite Mulbahs
support for him at the time.
It is also an incontrovertible
fact that the likes Washington
Bonnah, an infuential youth in
the district and other prominent
indigenes, are likely to work for
the success of Howard-Taylor in
the election.
Jorquelleh District 2
This arguably would be the most
keenly watched race in the county
given the deep political interests
at play by prominent indigenes
from the area. Kpangbai, the
MPC candidate, Siakor, the
LP candidate and Independent
candidateJames Saybay are all
from this district and would be
determined to win the district to
increase their chances.
What makes the race here
interesting is that the incumbent
lawmaker, Prince Kermue
Moye, is leading the campaign
for Cuttingtons president Dr.
Henrique Flomo Tokpa and will
be looking to capitalize on his
status as a lawmaker to deliver
the district to Tokpa.
Although, the three candidates
(natives of district #2) are
popular in the district, but
observers are of the opinion that
the infuence of the Kpangbais
name may work in favor of
the MPC candidate. Political
observers also say the outcome
of the result here will signify
whether the lawmaker is popular
in his district.
Suakoko District
No doubt that UP has a long list
of politicians in this district, but
the challenges before the party
is its ability to translate this
asset to pulling out the votes.
The party chieftains include
the paramount chief, Arthur
Wennah, Commissioners Claude
Saul among others. Political
observers say any support for
a candidate from Ambassador
Sulunteh whether via phone or
physical presence would prove
key.
Also, the incumbents forces are
being marshaled by the districts
lawmaker, Edward Karfah who
is expected to infuence the
voting pattern for the senator, but
records have not really shown
that this factor has earned the
community more votes in the
past.
One major factor that is likely to
help Jackson, Flomo and Siakor
here is the presence of their
parties big wigs in this area.
However, Tokpa, who hails from
district, has strong followers
and would be looking to test his
popularity here.
Fuamah District
Siakor had until recently had
a large sway over this district
until the emergence of James
Gbarbea, a prominent candidate
in Lower Bong, who has become
a sort of worry for the incumbent
in the area. It is believed the
former senator still has the
support here to produce another
political shocker again.
Sanoyea District
Ordinarily, the presence of
Howard-Taylor, who hails
from this district, should
infuence votes in her favor, but
unfortunately, lack of political
structure and strong home
backing may affect the senator.
Apart from the human infuence,
the performance of Siakor during
his stint as senator of the county,
with the construction of major
roads in the district could also be
an added advantage to the chance
of the former senator here.
Zota District
Two prominent UP partisans,
including party chairman
Robert Wongbeh and senatorial
candidate Jackson may have
great infuence on the political
permutations in this district.
Jackson clinched the district
in 2011 with over 3,000 vote
difference and is poised to do
same.
Also expectations that Tokpa
would have been candidate of
the party raised optimism among
his supporters in the district,
but to what extent his failure to
emerge as candidate of the party
would affect him in the district
remains to be a guess.
Kpaii District
This has been CDC stronghold
since the advent of the current
democratic dispensation.
The district has always voted
against UP, LP and NPP. In the
2011 general and presidential
elections, it re-elected Rep.
Tokpa J. Mulbah (former of the
CDC) and he was a strong backer
of now junior senator Henry
Yallah. There are no indications
that the tide has changed and
the other candidates may fnd it
diffcult to excel here.
Rep. Mulbah is poised to declare
for CU president which could
alter the dynamics of the politics
in the district. But the likes of
the commissioner and other key
local offcials who are supporting
other aspirants wouldtry to resist
the CDC dominance in the area,
but it would be to no avail,
according to political observers.
Kokoyah District
Kpangbai is expected to perform
well in this district based on the
presence of elites of this district,
who were prodigies of his
deceased father.
But political observers say
election in this district is expected
to be keenly contested going by
those who are contesting. Be that
as it may, watchers of political
trend in the district are of the
opinions that it may be diffcult
to conclude categorically at
this point that any of the fve
leading candidates would easily
dominate.






Page 8 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
A map showing the diagram of the Ebola Treatment Center
Alpha Kappa Alpha Chaplain, Sister Clavenda Parker making welcome remarks
Pres. Sirleaf and VP Boakai at the ceremony
Alpha members during the ceremony
A partial view of the 96 bed room Ebola Treatment Center
Alpha Phi Alpha Pres. Bro., T. Nelson Williams, II addressing the gathering
Pres. Sirleaf (far right) VP Boakai, Alpha members bow in prayer
Alpha Brothers at the ceremony
ALPHAS TURN OVER 96 BEDROOM EBOLA TREATMENT
CENTER TO GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA PICTORIAL
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 9
PRESIDENT SIRLEAF DESCRIBES
ALPHAS AS PATRIOTIC ACHIEVERS
P
resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has described
members of the Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,Inc. as patriotic
achievers. President Sirleaf made the disclosure
on Wednesday, October 22, when both organizations turned
over a 96 bed Ebola Treatment Center to the Government
of Liberia. The Treatment Center is located in Virginia,
Montserrado County. Several government offcials including
Foreign minister Augustine Nguafuan, Health Minister Walter
Gwenigale, Representatives Edwin Snowe and Saah Joseph as
well as United States Ambasador Deborah Malac and Peace
Ambassador George Manneh Weah were in attendance.
"These are patriotic achievers, because they saw the need for
their country. They frst trained people as it relates to having
knowledge on Ebola prevention, engaged in other activities
and now an Ebola Treatment Center being turned over",
president Sirleaf stated. The president used the occasion to
pay homage to the many doctors, nurses and health workers
who have continued to be on the front line in the battle against
this disease (Ebola)as they are spending time serving humanity.
President Sirleaf and Vice President Joseph Boakai who are
members of both organizations noted that she visited four
hospitals and 17 clinics in Lofa where she noticed health care
workers are at work despite the challenges. "They are happy
to be back at work", the president stated. She then thanked the
minister of Health, Walter Gweinagale, for the good work in
the health sector.
Also speaking was Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai who
acknowledged the donors of the project. "Something good is
coming out of Liberia despite this unfortunate situation", V.P.
Boakai hinted. Ambassador Boakai said that "We are here
to celebrate all the donors to this project. You have done this
for the Liberian people, and the Liberian people are usually
grateful", Veep Boakai indicated.
Speaking earlier, Alpha Phi Alpha president T. Nelson
Williams, II said in early August, president Sirleaf, consistent
with the obligation of her offce, sounded the battle cry against
the invading Ebola virus disease, and declared a state of
national emergency and the members of both Alphas promptly
responded.
Mr. Williams further indicated that "We made SOS calls to
our international organizations based in the United States,
requesting medical supplies and Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for distribution to medical facilities in Ebola infected
areas of Liberia. As a result of this request, a 40 ft container
with assorted medical supplies, valued at $ 600,000.00 USD,
will be arriving in Monrovia in early November. These supplies
will be given to medical facilities and health workers around
the country".
The Alpha head added that realizing the general lack of
knowledge and awareness associated with the deadly Ebola
virus, they embarked upon phase II of their intervention by
engaging UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare for proper training and awareness materials with both
provided.
To date Mr. Williams intoned that 42 Alpha brothers and
sisters have trained 1, 865 volunteers and community leaders
in 67 communities in Montserrado, Margibi and Grand Bassa
counties.
According to Mr. Williams, while they were implementing the
massive awareness program, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha
and Alpha Kappa Alpha were informed of the need to manage
the logistics, stock and distribution of medical supplies to
needy medical facilities in Montserrado and other counties as
they partnered with HEARTT, Ameri Care and the Rotary Club
of Monrovia in stocking and distributing medical supplies and
PPEs to JFK Medical Center and Ebola Treatment Center,
ELWA Hospital and Ebola Treatment Center, Phebe Hospital,
C. H. Rennie Hospital, Amadiya Clinic, Benson Hospital,
Barnersville Clinic, Soni Wehn Clinic, Cooper Clinic, Clara
Town Clinic, U Foundation Clinic and Hope for Women
International with plans underway for other medical facilities.
"The growing demand for more space to accommodate Ebola
patients inspired members of our Alpha organizations to
launch phase IV by constructing a 96 bed Ebola Center at the
Unity Conference Center in Virginia, Montserrado county. All
these projects were funded by our two organizations, business
partners and friends of Alpha", Mr. Williams noted among
others.
Also, the chaplain of the Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. Clevenda
Parker gave an historic account of both organizations relative
to their formation and the kind of work they have and continue
to do in serving humanity. Madam Matilda Parker, the head
of the project for the Ebola Treatment Center recognized the
donors and various workers of the project.
Page 10 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
Augusta Pshorr, augusta.pshorr@undp.org
DATA CENTER ON COURSE
F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
F
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LAW & ORDER
Liberia Revenue Authority receives major ICT boost from UNDP
T
he Liberia Revenue
Authority (LRA)
has received several
ICT equipment
and accessories from the
United Nations Development
Program (UNDP) in Liberia.
The equipment include
50 desktop computers, 25
laptops, 50 UPS, 20 switches
and six heavy duty printers
among others.
The ICT support is in response
to a request made by the LRA
to the UNDP early this year to
assist it set up its data center.
It is the frst phase of the data
center project, which is put at
over US$200,000.
Turning over the Equipment
on October 23, UNDP,
represented by Deputy
Country Director for
Operations, Rokya ye-Dieng,
Economic Advisor Janice
James, National Economic
Advisor Stanley Kamara, as
well as the Team Leader for
UNDP Sustainable Economic
Transformation Pillar Dorsla
Farcarthy stressed that the
partnership with the LRA was
in fulflment of its mandate to
promote human development.
They urged the LRA to use
the supplies to help promote
independence in the collection
of revenue from all sources.
UNDP ICT Unit, headed by
its ICTLAN Manager Kaman
Weah, is working closely
with the LRA to ensure that
the data center is set up and
the equipment used for the
intended purpose.
T
he Civil Law
Court has ordered
Mohammed Kanneh,
Hassan A. Bass and
Mohammed Keita and the
managements of North Star,
Edgail and Universal Impex
and others, to be identifed,
to turn over all properties of
the Liberia Scrap Association
(LSA) in their possession
to the Aylmer Johnson-led
leadership.
This was contained in a ruling
handed down by assigned
circuit judge Emery S. Paye
on October 20 after months of
legal battle.
Judge Paye also ruled that the
Johnson-led leaderships two-
year tenure begins on the day
of his ruling.
The ruling draws down the
curtains on a trial, which began
with a petition for declaratory
judgment fled by Johnson on
March 14 following radio
pronouncements by the adhoc
elections commission that he
didnt win the February 26,
2013 LSA elections.
Johnson and corps of offcers,
who were inducted by Nimba
County Representative
Matenokay Tingban at
the Monrovia city hall on
September 14, 2013, have been
prevented from taking over
the LSA on grounds that the
executive committee nullifed
the results of said elections for
an alleged fraud.
Chairman Bass then named
Edwin O. Urey, the ex-
president who didnt contest
the elections as president and
SEALED AND STAMPED
Court rules in Johnsons favor over LSAs disputed elections; will Urey and co fnally obey?
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Keita as vice president without
legal authority although
Johnson whipped candidates
Keita and Amadou Karmosoko
for the presidency.
Bass and Keita contended
in open court that although
Johnson won the elections he
wasnt qualify to contest and
that the results were nullifed
by executive committee.
But rebuttal witness James
McFarland, LSA executive
committee member, testifed
that the complaint fled by
Keita and Karmosoko were
never investigated and as such
the elections, which were
conducted by four of the fve-
man committee, were never
nullifed.
Both men also claimed that
the Ministry of Lands, Mines
& Energy (LME) nullifed the
elections after Johnson was
declared as winner but rebuttal
witness Aagon Gwaikolo,
LME director of mines, said
the ministry, as a regulator,
doesnt have powers to nullify
an election result, dissolve an
existing leadership and appoint
a new body.
Bass and Keita again
claimed LSA doesnt have a
constitution and the elections
were conducted without one.
Duo suffer waiver and latches
Having examined the synopsis
of the facts adduced at the
trial, Paye ruled that the court
will not do for Bass and Keita
what they ought to do for
themselves.
..But assuming and not
admitting that Aylmer Johnson
may not have been qualifed
to have contested for the
presidency, the question that
comes to mind is why did the
two candidates remain silent
and went to the elections
realizing that the petitioner
[Johnson] was not qualifed as
candidate?
This court is of the opinion that
Messr. Keita and Karmosoko
ought to have
fled their complaints
against the candidacy of the
petitioner before the elections
commission but not to have
ignored this sound ground,
went through the elections
and lost after the results were
announced before fling a
complaint.
The party, who fails to act
when he should have acted,
suffers waiver and latches. For
reliance see Knowlden versus
Johnson 39 LLR 345. The
failure of the two candidates
to attack such defects so as
to stop petitioner from taking
part in the elections amounts
to their waiver and latches,
Paye is quoted in the transcript
compiled by court reporter
Roselyn F. Simpson.
Vague constitutional
argument
Although Bass and Keita
claimed that elections were
held without a constitution,
the judge ruled that the
court doesnt have any legal
authority to nullify the results.
Although the petitioner
produced copy of what is
believed to be a constitution
for the association; assuming
but not admitting that the
association doesnt have a
constitution as yet the question
that comes to mind is by what
yardstick did the election
commission conduct the
elections?
So any means by which
the elections commission
conducted the election and
came out with a result in
favor of the petitioner cant be
questioned now by this court.
Hence [it] remains valid, Paye
added.
The judge also ruled that hes
of the strong opinion that it was
Bass, who prevented Johnson
and others from taking over the
affairs of LSA following denial
statements from Gwaikolo
and that Bass, who wanted to
perpetuate Urey, who held the
presidency for 10 consecutive
years, will subsequently be
punished by the court for
breading confusion among
LSA members.
Will ruling end saga?
Apparently concerned about
the prolonged leadership
quarrel, Paye asked whether
the petition for declaratory
judgment will bring an end to
the matter.
Section 43.1 of LCLR
[Liberia Code of Laws
Revised] pages 217-218, under
the caption Power of Courts to
render declaratory judgment
says Courts of records within
their respective jurisdiction
shall have the power to declare
rights, status, and other legal
relations whether or not, further
relief is or could be claimed.
The declaration may be either
affrmative or negative in
form and effect; and as such
declaration shall have the force
and effect of a
fnal judgment.
In the instant case, evidence
established that the petitioner
was announced winner
of the February 26, 2013
elections of the LSA and
subsequently inducted into
offce. Accordingly this court
is of the conviction that the
granting of petitioners petition
for declaratory judgment, as
prayed for, will certainly and
convincingly terminate the
controversy over the leadership
of LSA.
Wherefore, and in view
of the foregoing facts and
circumstances, petitioners
petition is hereby granted.
Having granted petitioners
petition, this court hereby
declare that petitioner Aylmer
B. Johnson is LSA president
in keeping with the results of
February 26, 2013 elections.
As such, he and his corps
of offcers elected are to run
the affairs of LSA in keeping
with the terms and conditions
laid down by LSA members.
..And his hereby so ordered,
Paye, while mandating the
clerk of court to serve copies
of the ruling to all parties, said.
Meanwhile Cllr. J. Bima
Lansanah and attorney Eugene
L. Massaquoi of the David
A. B. Jallah Law Firm, who
represented the respondents,
have announced an appeal to
the Supreme Court.
Aylmer Johnson
He said his technical team,
which is composed of ICT
professionals, will provide the
requisite skills and capacities
needed for the project.
Responding, LRA Deputy
Commissioner General
for Administration Oliver
Rogers lauded UNDP, which
he described as a reliable
partner in governments
implementation of its reform
agenda under the Agenda for
Transformation (AFT).
Rogers indicated that the
LRA was established to
enhance revenue collection
and administration; institute
tax policies that supports
economic growth; support the
national budget and deepen
the tax net.
The LRA started full
operations on July 12 but the
act establishing it was passed
into law in September 2013
and published in February.
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 11

A. Macaulay Sombai, sombai121@gmail.com 0777217428
Al-Varney Rogers alrogers2008@gmail.com 0886304498
F
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COUNTY NEWS
F
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AGRICULTURE
EBOLA RIPS TOWN IN GRAND CAPE
MOUNT: 16 DEAD, 43 QUARANTINED
Monrovia-
S
ince the outbreak
of the deadly Ebola
virus in Liberia, two
counties are known to
be the epic centers of the virus
as Lofa and Montserrado are
worse hit, reporting more cases
and deaths but it seems other
counties are now experiencing
increase in Ebola cases.
Jenewonde Town in Tawor
District, Grand Cape Mount
County has seen sixteen deaths
with forty-three currently
quarantined from Ebola and
its citizens are calling on the
Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare to assist them with
food, medicine and other
necessary materials as they
remain quarantine in their
town.
The Deputy Executive Director
of a local NGO (From Hunger
to Harvest) Varney Kiazolu
has told FrontPageAfrica that
45 out of the one hundred and
thirty fve (135) residents of the
town are presently quarantined
after three persons died from
the disease and a woman taken
to the Island Clinic Ebola
Treatment Center in Monrovia
for treatment.
Since the outbreak of the
Ebola virus in Liberia, the
outbreak in Jenewonde Town
is yet the highest in the county
and none of the town residents
or citizens could tell us what
caused the outbreak but one of
them only said that the disease
killed permanent citizens frst,
Kiazolu said
Kiazolu who said he visited the
town recently on a fact fnding
mission under the auspices of
his organization said presently
16 people have died from
the disease and that the 43
quarantined people are really
in need of food and medicine
in order to fght the disease.
As I entered the town, I
quickly observed that the
Ebola virus has caused heavy
calamity among the residents
because everyone was in a sad
mood but nevertheless they are
all working together as they
continue their fght against the
virus, said Kiazolu.
He further said The people
asked me to call the attention
of their county offcials,
citizens, international NGOs
and the government of Liberia
to quickly come to their aid.
Kiazolu confrmed that
the people who are under
quarantine in the town are
working along with the county
authorities but emphasized that
the county authorities and the
government need to quickly
respond to their call as they
remain quarantined.
He promised to revisit the
town two weeks from now and
disclosed that he is always in
contact with the people as they
struggle to overcome the 21
days.
Grand Cape Mount was one of
three counties along with Bomi
and Gbarpolu that were a while
ago placed under quarantine
by the Government of Liberia
to prevent the movement
of people in and out of the
neighboring counties.

PROTECTING LIBERIAS FOREST
Monrovia-
T
he Forestry
Development
Authority says
the 150 million
agreement signed between
the governments of Liberia
and Norway is not meant to
infringe on the interest of
the Liberian people, rather to
improve forest governance,
strengthen and support effort
in reducing greenhouse
emissions from deforestation
and forest degradation in
Liberia.
We will never engage in
any act that will infringe on
the interest of our partners
and our people. We will be
inviting all of our partners
to a roundtable conference
to sort any area where we
have some doubt or may have
misunderstood the intent and
purpose of this agreement,
FDA Managing Director
Harrison Karnwea said.
Karnwea continued:
We have an unwavering
commitment to work with all
of our partners including the
Liberian Timber Association,
Civil society, the forest
dependent communities and
other partners who have stake
in the proper management of
our forest resource.
The clarifcation comes in
the wake of concerns raise
by civil society organizations
and the timber association in
Liberia saying that agreement
will lead to loss of revenues
and jobs in Liberia.
Karnwea said, agreement
would enable Liberia to place
30% or more of her forest
estate under protected areas
status before 2020 adding that
something the government
has been unable to do due to
lack of funds.
The partnership aims at
facilitating green growth
through the development of a
deforestation free agriculture
sector in the country. Norway
will support Liberias effort
with up to USD 150 million
until 2020, Karnwea said.
The FDA boss said
partnership would look at
the building of capacity
in relevant institutions,
increasing effort to enforce
the law and strengthen forest
governance to avoid illegal
and unsustainable logging.
We [government] will
refrain from issuing any new
logging concessions until
all concessions have been
reviewed by an independent
body to ensure compliance
LIBERIA-NORWAY AGREEMENT
with the laws, Karnwea said.
Karnwea continued:
piloting direct payments to
communities for protecting
their forest and establish
a public private coalition
with multilateral companies
committed to ambitious zero
deforestation policies. To
this effect we can leverage
our membership with the
Tropical Forest Alliance.
Karnwea said indigenous
forest dependent and local
communities withhold
their Free Prior and Inform
Consent to operations on
land to which they hold legal
communal and customary
right adding that both parties
will ensure that those tenure
rights are respected.
Under the General
Approach and Principles, the
parties will seek proposals
and progressive scaling up of
fnancing, actions and results
over time based on principle
of payment for performance,
Karnwea said.
Karnwea said, the government
of Liberia had already put
in place and mobilized the
necessary institutions and
legal regulatory frameworks
prior to the signing of the
agreement.
Norway has the intention to
contribute funds to Liberias
REDD+ efforts up to an
amount of 150,000.000USD
for a multi-year period
starting 2014 given
verifed progress on agreed
deliverables.
Page 12 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 13
REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET
Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
LCG Provides Security for
MV/ VEGA at the Buchanan Port
MOD/ PR/ 10/23/14
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
The Liberian Coast Guard (LCG), as part of military-to-military
cooperation, is expected to provide a high value asset security
protection to the M/ V Vega, a container ship conveying huge
supply of assorted equipment and supplies at the port of Buchanan
for use by the American military in Liberia on Operation United
Assistance.
The visit by the ship will, for the frst time, provide window of
opportunity for professional divers of the LCG to provide direct
security for high value assets and conduct Hull Inspection of the
M/V VEGA (Marshall Islands registry) at the Buchanan Port.
This gesture on the part of the LCG signals to various shipping
agencies that the force is committed to ensuring waterside port
security.
The M/ V VEGA (Marshall Islands registry) is expected to berth
at the Port of Buchanan, the second port of call in Liberia this
Friday, October 24, 2014 at 12:00 noon. M/V Vega is a container
ship that measures 194 meters in length. Besides, it has a 9.1 Meter
draft (9.5 Meter maximum draft for Buchanan). The ship will stay
at the port for 3-4 days and then depart for Senegal.
The LCG divers crew will provide waterside security and conduct
sweep of the hull immediately upon mooring, maintaining 24/7
communications with the M/V VEGA.
Professional divers will once again put to use skills learned from
various trainings by partnering with port agencies to ensure that
Liberian ports and waterways are secure.
The LCG was reactivated on February 11, 2010. One of its
functions is to police Liberias territorial waters, including inland
water Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It carries out its functions
in partnership with other government agencies like the Bureau of
Maritime Affairs, the National Port Authority and others.
Signed: ______________________________
David K. Dahn
Assistant Minister/ Public Affairs
Monrovia-
G
roup of children between the ages of 12 to 16 gathered before the Capitol Building,
seat of the National Legislature Thursday, seeking justice for their fallen colleague
Shaki Kamara who died in state security shootout against civilians in the West Point
Community in August this year.
The children gathered with placards, chanting antigovernment slogans with specifc messages to
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf while others directed their protest to the National Legislature.
Let justice be done to all men and we demand justice for Kamara one of the placards read.
Another had inscriptions calling on President Sirleaf to ensure justice. President Sirleaf please do
for Children of Liberia Justice in the Shaki Kamara death case for history will judge you for being
good to us.
After standing in the blazing sun for several hours, the protesting children did not get attention from
both the Liberian Senate and the House of Representatives with no lawmaker making attempt to
receive their petition or hear what they had to say.
The late Shaki Kamara, 15 was a victim of a shooting incident in the West Point community in
Monrovia by offcers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) when that area was quarantined by
government on Ebola suspicion.
Days after the incident, the Armed Forces denied shooting and blamed the wound of Shaki Kamara
on barb wire.
A week later, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf established an independent special committee to
investigate the incident after the US government and other human rights institutions had drawn
interest into the incident because it had human rights implications.
In announcing her receipt of the report, Sirleaf without revealing details of the fndings of the inquiry
board, declared that she has requested the Independent Human Rights Commission to carry out an
investigation into the incident
The army had initially stated that the Shakis wound was sustained from barbed wire that was used
for the blockade. The wound is a superfcial wound, a wound in which the individual was jumping
or was running or through the stampede wounded himself," said Samukai.
Defense Minister Samukai at the time clarifed that the Armed Forces of Liberia was not issued
any orders to shoot to kill anybody. Those soldiers are under orders from this point, no decision
on the use of those weapons against any person can be issued without any clear instructions from
the commander in chief to the minister of defense and through the chain of command of the Armed
forces of Liberia.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said, the Liberian military remains responsible and accountable for
its action at all times as she announced that her offce has received the report from the Special Board
of Inquiry set up to probe the occurrences in the West Point Community on August 20, 2014.
That incident led to the shooting death of 15-year-old Shaki Kamara, who, according to his mother
was on his way to buy tea for her breakfast. Eva Nah told FrontPageAfrica in the aftermath of the
shooting: They fred my son, I just sent the boy to buy tea that morning and people telling me they
fred my son, they dont want me to see his body, I feel so bad.
President Sirleaf said the probe by the Independent Human Rights Commission would allow for
frank exchanges between the citizens and the Commission, thereby assuring our people that their
views and recommendations will be given consideration in the fnal conclusion of this very sad
chapter in our nations history. Sirleaf said her government remains bound to get to the bottom of the
West Point saga.

WE WANT JUSTICE FOR KAMARA
Children protest at Legislature demanding probe in West Point Kids death

Page 14 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
IN BRIEF
SYRIA SAYS SHOOTS
DOWN TWO OF THREE
'IS WARPLANES'


Damascus (AFP) -
S
yria's air force has
destroyed two of three
warplanes reportedly
seized by fghters of
the Islamic State group in the
north of the country, Information
Minister Omran al-Zohbi said.
The jihadists were reported to
have seized the three planes,
believed to be MiG-21 and
MiG-23 jets, from Syrian
military airports now under IS
control in the northern provinces
of Aleppo and Raqa.
The Syrian Observatory for
Human Rights reported on
Friday that jihadists were being
trained by Saddam Hussein's
former pilots to fy the jets at the
military airport of Jarrah, east of
the city of Aleppo.
F
RONT
PAGE
WORLD NEWS
BOYFRIEND LEADS POLICE
TO PREGNANT OHIO
WOMAN'S REMAINS
UK MAN FAKED COMA FOR
2 YEARS TO AVOID COURT
CLEVELAND (Reuters) -
A
n Ohio man who
confessed to
killing his pregnant
girlfriend and
burning down their Columbus
apartment led authorities to her
body early Wednesday, Ohio
police said.
Jacob Ferrero, 22, confessed
to the murder and arson to
Columbus police and fre
investigators late Tuesday
night, Columbus Police Sgt.
Rich Weiner said.
Ferrero, who was arrested
on Tuesday, was charged on
Wednesday with the murder of
his live-in girlfriend, Samantha
Greenlee, also 22.
LONDON (AP)
H
e might have got
away with it if it
hadn't been for his
supermarket loyalty
card.
A British fraudster who pretended
to be quadriplegic and sometimes
comatose for two years to avoid
prosecution has been convicted
after police caught him on
camera driving and strolling
around supermarkets.
Alan Knight of Swansea, Wales,
stole more than 40,000 pounds
($64,000) from the bank account
of an elderly neighbor with
Alzheimer's disease, prosecutors
said.
When police began investigating,
the 47-year-old Knight claimed
to be quadriplegic and so sick he
sometimes fell into a coma. He
checked himself into a hospital to
avoid court appearances, saying
he was having seizures.
NYC HOSPITAL TESTS DOCTOR WHO
HAD BEEN TO WEST AFRICA FOR EBOLA
A
doctor who recently
returned to the
United States from
West Africa was
rushed to a hospital in New
York City on Thursday and is
being tested for Ebola, hospital
offcials said.
The 33-year-old man
who had a fever and was
experiencing gastrointestinal
symptoms was transported
from his Harlem apartment by
emergency workers in hazmat
gear to Bellevue Hospital
Center, which this week was
designated by health offcials
to be used "for the isolation,
identifcation and treatment of
potential Ebola patients."
Preliminary test results are
expected later Thursday.
According to WABC-TV, the
health worker had quarantined
himself since returning to New
York City from Guinea, where
there have been 1,540 cases of
Ebola and 904 deaths since the
outbreak began.
In a statement, the hospital
said it is working closely
with the city and state health
departments "to ensure that
all staff caring for the patient
do so while following the
utmost safety guidelines and
protocols."
The hospital said it is also
evaluating the patient for other
causes of illness, including
salmonella, malaria or stomach
fu.
Additionally, the city's "team of
disease detectives immediately
began to actively trace all
of the patients contacts to
identify anyone who may be at
potential risk."
If he tests positive, the health
care worker would be the
fourth person to be diagnosed
with Ebola on U.S. soil. The

frst, Thomas Eric Duncan,
a 41-year-old Liberian man,
died from the disease earlier
this month. Two Dallas nurses
who treated Duncan at Texas
Health Presbyterian Hospital
became infected with the virus,
sparking renewed fears that the
outbreak which has killed
thousands in West Africa
could spread to other parts of
the country.
On Monday, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
debuted new safety standards
for New York City health care
workers recommending that
everyone treating an Ebola
patient be fully covered and
wear two pairs of gloves and a
special mask.
All of us are scared, Arjun
Srinivasan, a CDC offcial,
said at the event, which was
attended by thousands of the
city's health care workers. Its
OK to be afraid.
"The chances of the average
New Yorker contracting Ebola
are extremely slim," the
hospital said. "Ebola is spread
by directly touching the bodily
fuids of an infected person.
You cannot be infected simply
by being near someone who
has Ebola."

WHY EBOLA HASNT REALLY
SPREAD ACROSS WEST AFRICA
Experts point to strong national health systems and proper contact tracing
T
hough a few cases of
Ebola in the U.S. and
Europe havesparked
panic that the deadly
virus is spreading far and wide, a
closer look at the outbreak in West
Africa tells a slightly different
story. The epidemic, which the
World Health Organization
reports has claimed at least 4,877
lives, largely in West Africa, has
so far been mainly confned to
three countries: Guinea, Sierra
Leone and Liberia. But why have
others like Guinea-Bissau, Mali
and Cte dIvoire which all
share at least one border with a
badly afficted country so far
managed to avoid any cases of
the virus?
Part of it is still luck of the draw,
due to movement of people and
the relatively porous nature of
borders, says Aboubacry Tall,
West Africa Regional Director
for Oxfam. And the threat
seemingly posed by open borders
has led to the affected countries
gradually sealing themselves
off to prevent Ebola from being
passed on to neighbors. When
the frst cases were confrmed
in March by Guineas Ministry
of Health, Senegal decided to
close its southern border with the
country. As the outbreak spread
to Sierra Leone and Liberia,
more border closures followed:
Sierra Leone shut its borders on
June 11 and Liberia did the same
on July 27, with the exception
of a few major entry points
(such as the main airport) where
screening centers would be set
up.
Greg Rose, a health advisor at the
British Red Cross, says that while
border controls may have had a
small effect on the situation in
West Africa, a key difference
was that that other countries
had been forewarned, which
allowed them to set up systems
to prevent further infections.
Moreover, Tall says that in
neighboring countries like Cte
dIvoire, Senegal and Mali, the
health systems were in a slightly
better shape. In comparison,
the three most-affected countries
already had overburdened health
care infrastructure before the
Ebola outbreak. Sierra Leone
and Liberia had not yet fully
recovered from the damaging
effects of long civil wars
Sierra Leone had two doctors
per 100,000 people and Liberia
had only one, whereas Mali
had eight and Cte dIvoire had
14. (The U.S. has 242.) With
a lack of staff and resources,
Tall says, Ebola came in and
rapidly overwhelmed the health
systems in the three countries,
which have now collectively
seen more than 9,900 cases of
the virus.
Tall adds that two key elements
in containing the spread in
neighboring countries are
community mobilization and
the preparedness of the public
health system. He highlights the
importance of raising public
awareness on Ebola and of
putting the medical system on
high alert all the way to border
areas, so that anything that
looks like a suspect case has a
higher chance of being picked
up. The difference made by a
rapid response can be seen in
Senegals success with its one
Ebola case. Despite closing its
border, Senegal reported its
frst case on Aug. 29, after a
a Guinean university student
traveled by road to Dakar, the
capital. He was treated and
recovered, and his contacts were
traced and monitored. On Oct.
17, WHO declared the outbreak
in Senegal offcially over, saying
the most important lesson for
the world at large is this: an
immediate, broad-based, and
well-coordinated response can
stop the Ebola virus dead in its
tracks.
Though not a bordering country,
Nigeria suffered an outbreak of
20 cases including eight deaths
after a Liberian-American
man died of Ebola after arriving
at the main airport in Lagos.
However, the government of
Africas most populous nation
was able tosuccessfully trace
those in contact with him and
has since beendeclared Ebola-
free. Nigeria has kept its
borders open to travelers from
the most affected countries, but
increased surveillance. Dr. Faisal
Shuaib, of the countrys Ebola
Emergency Operation Center,
recently told TIME that closing
borders tends to reinforce panic
and the notion of helplessness.
When you close the legal points
of entry, then you potentially
drive people to use illegal
passages, thus compounding the
problem.
Shuaib pointed out that closing
borders has another unwelcome
effect: it stifes commercial
activities in countries whose
economies are already struggling
because of the Ebola crisis.
Access to food has become a
pressing concern for many people
in the three affected countries and
their neighbors, Bukar Tijani,
a U.N. Food and Agriculture
Organization representative, said
in September. In Liberia, for
example, the collapse of cross-
border trade meant that the price
of cassava a food staple
jumped 150% in early August.
Another immediate consequence
of travel restrictions, says Tall, is
that most airlines have stopped
fying to these countries, which
makes it more diffcult for
humanitarian personnel to get in
and out.
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 15
Sports
SPORTS
BARCELONA CLUB MEMBER TO
DROP SUIT AGAINST NEYMAR
AN EPL PLAYER IS IN A WAR WITH
HIS COACH OVER WHETHER HE'S
FAT, AND IT'S GETTING UGLY
FURIOUS PLATINI HITS OUT AT
"INSULTING" CAF ALLEGATIONS
MESSI: I WANT TO BEAT REAL
MADRID, NOT BREAK THE RECORD
B
ARCELONA,
Spain (AP)
The Barcelona
club member who
fled a lawsuit over the cost
ofNeymar's transfer fee said
Tuesday he has asked his
lawyers to withdraw the suit.
Jordi Cases brought the suit
claiming that former Barcelona
president Sandro Rosell had
misappropriated funds by
hiding the real cost to the
club behind false contracts, a
criminal offense punishable by
up to six years of prison.
The lawsuit led to the
resignation of Rosell in
January.
"I can affrm that no behavior
that would constitute a crime
has been observed," Cases
wrote in a letter released by the
Catalan club. "For this reason I
have instructed my lawyers to
end the penal and civil suit."
BERNE, Oct 22 (Reuters) -
U
EFA president
Michel Platini has
reacted angrily to
a suggestion that
he is interfering in the affairs
of African football and denied
calling for the continent's
Nations Cup to be postponed
because of the Ebola crisis.
The Confederation of African
Football (CAF) had claimed in
a statement issued on Tuesday
that Platini had suggested
calling off the tournament, due
to be played in Morocco in
January.
B
arcelona star Lionel
Messi says Real
Madrid in Saturday's
Clasico is his main
priority, instead of breaking
Telmo Zarra's Liga goalscoring
record.
The Argentine star is just one
goal away from levelling the
league's all-time highest scorer,
having netted his 250th goal in
the 3-0 win over Eibar.

OTTENHAM 5-1 ASTERAS TRIPOLIS
E
rik Lamela scored
a wonderful rabona
goal and Harry
Kane hit a superb
hat-trick as Tottenham ran out
convincing 5-1 winners over
Asteras Tripolis in the Europa
League at White Hart Lane on
Thursday.
Spurs had begun Group C
with frustrating draws against
Partizan and Besiktas, but
Thursday's game at White Hart
Lane saw a much more positive
performance that was lit up
by an outrageous goal from
Lamela.
Kane opened the scoring with
an excellent strike of his own
after 13 minutes, but Lamela
stole the show just before the
half hour when he elected for
a 'rabona' effort from the edge
of the area that few past the
helpless Tomas Kosicky in the
Asteras goal.
The Argentine got his second
of the match with a brilliant
volley in the 66th minute
before Kane added two more
to complete his well-deserved
hat-trick.
Tottenham's victory was
marred somewhat by keeper
Hugo Lloris being sent off late
on, and Kane rounded off his
eventful evening by spilling
Jeronimo Barrales' shot from
the resulting free-kick into
his own net after taking the
Frenchman's place in goal.
Mauricio Pochettino made six
changes to the Tottenham side
beaten at Manchester City on
Saturday, but it was a strong
line-up with Jan Vertonghen,
Ben Davies, Mousa Dembele,
Andros Townsend, Kane and
Emmanuel Adebayor coming
in.
And Kane put them in front
early on with a ferce right-
footed drive from 25 yards out
that arrowed beyond Kosicky
Kane nets hat-trick but outstanding Lamela steals the show
and into the bottom-left corner.
The hosts survived a scare
when Facundo Parra was put
clean through but was denied at
close range by frst Lloris and
then Davies, and Lamela soon
capitalised on that let-off with
his incredible frst goal.
Townsend tried to match that
effort with a long-range attempt
that went just wide before then
testing Rosicky with another
strike as Spurs looked to
extend their advantage before
the break.
Asteras tried to rally at the start
of the second half and managed
to apply a little pressure of
their own.
They were three behind on 66
minutes, though, when Lamela
was fed by Kane and, after his
frst shot rebounded up into the
air, he hit the back of the net
with a left-footed screamer.
Lloris was at full stretch to
keep out a fantastic volley from
Fernando Usero but Tottenham
added another on 75 minutes
when Kosicky could only parry
out Dembele's shot and Kane
poached his second.
Kane completed his hat-trick
with a close-range header
before Lloris was dismissed for
a foul on Anastasios Tsokanis
when he was clean through.
Kane took over goalkeeping
duties for the free-kick, but
would be best advised not
to give up his day job as a
goalscorer as a tame Barrales
shot squirmed embarrassingly
under his body.
INTER 0-0 SAINT-ETIENNE: TOOTHLESS
NERAZZURRI FIRE EUROPA LEAGUE BLANK
A
toothless Inter drew
0-0 with Saint-
Etienne in a lacklustre
game at San Siro in
the Europa League on Thursday
night.
The Serie A club - who were hit
by the surprise resignation of
long-serving honorary president
Massimo Moratti earlier in the
day - had won both qualifers
and their Group F fxtures with
Qarabag and Dnipro going into
the clash at San Siro.
But while Inter have still not
conceded a Europa League goal
this term, Walter Mazzarri's side
could not break down a stoic
Saint-Etienne team, who have
now drawn all three of their
group games.
A Zdravko Kuzmanovic strike
well saved by Stephane Ruffer
was as close as Inter came
in a game of few chances as
Mazzarri's men saw their lead at
the top of the pool cut by a point
to three after Qarabag's 1-0 win
in Kiev.
Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, slip to
third ahead of the return fxture
at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
on November 6.
Featuring against one of his
former clubs, Inter skipper Fredy
Guarin had the frst effort at goal
but blazed his strike over the
crossbar from outside the area
two minutes in.
Mauro Icardi was next to go
close but he too failed to fnd the
target when played in by Yann
M'Vila.
Winger Ibrahima Mbaye came
close to engineering an opening
when he surged down the right
but still the visitors stood frm
amid Inter's domination of
possession.
Florentin Pogba's free-kick found
the Inter wall as Saint-Etienne
made a rare foray forward and
Kevin Theophile-Catherine
almost gave Christophe Galtier's
side a shock lead when he headed
wide from the ensuing corner.
The visitors grew into the game
before the break and almost had
a half-time lead when Franck
Tabanou let fy from a free-kick
- Juan Pablo Carrizo required to
tip the effort over.
Romain Hamouma saw appeals
for a penalty waved away after
going down under pressure from
Mbaye early in the second half
before Inter were dealt a blow as
M'Vila limped off to be replaced
by Hernanes.
While forced upon Mazzarri,
the change seemed to inject
some energy into Inter's second-
half showing as the home
side continued to dominate
possession without really
threatening Ruffer.
Page 16 |
Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014
F
RONT
PAGE
EBOLA
8a
Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com
The explosion from the fre fame; most of the time when they strike their wood on fre, the explosion is so shocking
that it is like a mini earthquake. That has a trauma effect on our elderly people and those who are down with pressure.
It is affecting our children and us psychologically. Albert T. Reeves, Chairman Life Community
LIVING HELL
Monrovia-
T
he people of
Boys Town in
Marshall, Margibi
County say their
life is a living hell because
of the crematorium that is
located in that area. Albert T.
Reeves, Chairman the Life
Community area says the
decision of the government
of Liberia to use the facility
belonging to the Indian
government to cremate
Ebola dead bodies is causing
pollution in the area.
We the people of Life
Community, Boys
Town community to be
exact, we are asking the
government to please
relocate the crematorium
that they have here, he
told FrontPageAfrica on
Tuesday.The action that the
government has now taken to
cremate Ebola victims here
in our community is creating
some health hazard and it has
some psychological effect
on us the residents. We are
talking about pollution; the
pollution is very widespread,
to the extent that most of the
community dwellers have left
their homes and their areas
are now open to criminals.
Mr. Reeves said every night
while cremation is taking
place; community members
feel tremors in their homes
which sometimes causes
some level of damage to their
buildings.
The explosion from the
fre fame; most of the time
when they strike their wood
on fre, the explosion is so
shocking that it is like a mini
earthquake, he said.That
has a trauma effect on our
elderly people and those who
are down with pressure. It is
affecting our children and us
psychologically. We want to
believe that if this continues
in the nearby future, it may
give us some lungs problem.
Rev. Mother Ruth Kollie said
she moved in the area last
year thinking she had found
a quiet and safe environment
to raise her children and run
her church but the cremation
of Ebola dead bodies have
deprived her of whatever
little peace of mind she has
had over the last one year.
Kollie said the cremation of
dead bodies has left members
of the community in a state of
shock and unease. She said
the smoke from cremating
dead bodies has led them
to virtually eating human
beings.
We are close to the
crematorium and the thing is
affecting us. This is not our
culture for us to be eating and
then were eating our friend
humans, she said.
She said the community has
had no one to talk to since
the government approved
the facility to cremate Ebola
dead bodies. She said the
CREMATION OF EBOLA BODIES HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE FOR BOYS TOWN
community was not informed
that the facility was to be
used for such a purpose.
All of a sudden during the
outbreak of Ebola, we saw
Mary Broh coming here.
When the government was
starting the cremation, they
did not do any awareness,
she said. This thing is
affecting our children and us.
We cant eat in peace; we are
not living in peace. Smelling
burning bodies is having a
psychological effect on us.
Horror movie
Robert B. Morris, Town
Chief, Gbolozon Town, said
the cremation of the bodies
is like a horror movie that
is constantly being played
before the eyes of community
members. He said because
of the level of pollution that
is caused by the burning
of dead bodies they can no
longer engage in farming
activities like they used to do.
He said the community has
lost its livelihood and some
members who cannot stand
the shock have left.He said the
community knows for a fact
that the facility belongs to the
Indian community in Liberia
but it was not informed that
they would have used it for an
Ebola cremation zone.
We cant stay on our farms
because of the smoke, when
our children are eating; we
have to lock them up in the
house because we dont want
fies to sit over their food, he
said.We heard from our great
fathers that an Indian man
bought this place to just burn
Indian bodies. The Indians
in a year will burn one body,
this time, young babies, sick
person that died from Ebola;
anybody who died from any
part of Monrovia is brought
here to burn.
He said the actual act of
burning is traumatic and the
community feels it is in a war
zone when the cremation is
taking place.
When they bring these
bodies they dont just burn on
the spot. When they put that
body on fre, the sound from
the explosion has cracked
this house, he said pointing
to his house.Most of the
houses around here have
been cracked because of the
explosion. Its like the war
is right here at our doorsteps
and it feels like a bazooka
being blasted and theres
nowhere to run.
GoL must act
Mr. Reeves showing a
complaint sent by the
community to House Speaker
Alex Tyler and copied to the
Margibi County Legislative
caucus said the government
needs to take their complaint
seriously.
We are using our collective
ideas to appeal to our
lawmakers; we have written
our senators, the Margibi
Legislative Caucus, our
direct representative Hon.
Roland Cooper and we ask
them to peacefully talk to
government, he said.We
copied this document to
the EPA director and the
minister of internal affairs, to


please help us to relocate this
crematorium.
He said if the government
does not act, the community
will revolt and stop all
cremation from going on.
We are not against
government but were against
the pollution and the health
hazard and effect that this
crematorium is now causing
for our community. Three or
four days from now, we will
carry out a sit-in action, he
said.If they dont address
us, we will carry out a sit in
action. We will have over
5,000 plus citizens dwellers
with women and children
in front of the crematorium
and make sure that we will
resist all bodies or cars from
entering that crematorium.
We want this message to
be taken and taken very
seriously.
On Tuesday afternoon the
area was quiet but black
smoke from the overnight
cremation was billowing over
the fence. Rev. Mother Kollie
commented: You just wait
tonight after 9 Oclock, you
will hear the sound. It cant
be easy here. There were
facemask and gloves that
has already been used lying
about along the road leading
to the facility. Residents
say they cant wait for the
government to relocate the
crematorium because their
life is a complete horror story.
The facility was given by the
Indian Community in Liberia
to the Liberian government
for the cremation of Ebola
dead bodies and since then
all the Ebola dead mostly
from Montserrado County
have been taken there for safe
disposal.

Frontpage
Friday, October 24, 2014 Page 17
F
RONT
PAGE
HEALTH
POOR MATERNAL HEALTH FACILITIES AT
C. B. DUNBAR HOSPITAL IN BONG COUNTY
Gbarnga, Bong County-
N
ot all women have
a good story to tell
while giving birth
to babies. This is
because many still die in large
numbers during delivery in
Liberia.
A house wife, Mrs. Mary
Kollie, was, however, lucky
as she put to bed without
complications. Many have
travelled same road and ended
up in the morgue. It was the
frst pregnancy for the 30-
year- old undergraduate, yet it
ended in a safe delivery.
When she conceived, she
enrolled at a maternal hospital
in Gbarnga for the antenatal
care. But for personal reasons,
she decided to access health
care at the Baptist Clinic on
the Kokoyah road, a private
clinic in Gbarnga. There, she
was taken in and delivered of
a baby girl. The mother and
child were discharged on the
third day.
The story of Mrs. Kollie did
not refect the true situation
of maternal health in Liberia,
although she made it through.
Many would count her lucky
in a country where mother and
child death is very common.
But the big question is, why is
maternal and infant mortality
still high in Liberia? It is
because of the poor state of
delivery rooms and the lack
of equipment to manage
emergencies?
The majority of newborn
deaths are preventable as they
are caused by complications
related to prematurity,
birth and severe infections,
doctors told FrontPageAfrica.
Preterm and small babies are
at much higher risk of death
and disability. These deaths
and infections are caused by
a number of factors such as
the poor skill of personnel
and inadequate and obsolete
equipment.
A visit to the C. B. Dunbar
Maternity Hospital in Gbarnga
Thursday revealed that the
5-year-old institution is
overwhelmed despite receiving
the largest subvention among
its counterparts.
Expectedly, some of the
medical equipment are
unserviceable and need
outright replacement. The
hospital is seriously faced
with inadequate funding and
clinical supplementation to
promote research, continuity,
education of staff and
provision of essential facilities
to both staff and patients.
Health funding has become
great responsibility
government alone cannot
shoulder making its
subvention a drop in the
ocean particularly with the
contemporary developments
in health technology.
Though the hospital is
enjoying some donations from
private organizations and
multinationals, it can perform
better with more. Currently
it can boast of two incubators
and one bilirubin machine
for managing jaundice in
children. Expectant mothers
also got delivered by
experienced medics and at
risk pregnancies, including
multiple pregnancies are
delivered, but mothers and
babies are managed with
derelict equipment, said our
source.
Enquiries at the hospital
revealed that the hospital has
equipment for the survival of
neonates, and skilled hands
to deliver expectant mothers.
Many in Bong County though
consider them elitist.
A nurse and midwife, Mrs.
Margret Daniels (not real
names) with the C. B. Dunbar
hospital, said these equipment
cannot be compromised in
any hospital, and because
every private hospital wants
more patronage, it will ensure
things are done properly.
She explained their functions:
The incubator can help
regulate a preterm babys
temperature; and the air
humidity and oxygen levels
can be regulated within it. The
ventilator provides assistance
for the babys breathing. There
are two types of ventilator, one
which breathes for the baby,
and the other which responds
to the babys breathing and
will breathe for it if he misses
a breath or doesnt breathe
deeply enough.
The monitors there are
several different types of
monitoring equipment and
your baby may have one, some
or all of them. Sensors can be
stuck to your babys abdomen
and/or chest to detect heart rate
and breathing rate. He may
have a sensor strapped to his
foot to monitor the amount of
oxygen in his blood. His blood
pressure may be monitored
with a tiny cuff around his
arm. Screens are often by
each incubator showing all
these readings. While the
drips and tubes prevent it from
becoming dehydrated. The
baby may also have a tube
passed into the nose to feed
through. If the baby doesnt
need to be ventilated it may
have a thin tube under its
nostrils to provide him with
extra oxygen. It may also have
a thin tube in one of his veins
where drugs can be given.
She argued that not many
facilities, either private or
public has such life saving
equipment.
A member of the County
Health Team, who spoke on
condition of abnormity, said
just as not all facility can
boast of survival of neonates
because they are ill equipped,
not all facilities can also
ensure an expectant mother
delivers safely.
Our source added: There are
levels of delivery facilities.
The level determines what
equipment obtains there.
Basically the elements
of obstetric care that are
essential at frst referral level
to reduce maternal mortality
and morbidity can be
classifed into the following
categories: Surgical obstetrics;
anesthesia; medical treatment;
blood replacement; manual
procedures and monitoring
labor; management of women
at high risk; Family planning
support and neonatal special
care.
Neonatal special care,
while clearly not directly
concerned with the reduction
of maternal mortality, has
been included because it is
diffcult to imagine maternal
care facilities at frst referral
level that do not provide some
special care for neonates,
many of whom may be in
less than optimal condition
for the same reasons that put
their mothers at risk. Thus
the requirements for such
care need to be included for
practical planning purposes,
our source added.
A member of the County
Health Team, Darkarmue
Kollie, agreed with our source,
saying: Before now there
were no purchase of basic
obstetric drugs (misoprostol
and magnesium sulphate)
required for essential obstetric
care in primary and secondary
health facilities.
Luckily, within the last four
years, it has become very
available unlike before. So this
has become a kind of weapon
in the hands of practitioners
that can be used to save the
lives of the mother. The
essential drugs are in the area
of government intervention
and have been made a lot
cheaper. They are accessible,
available and affordable. This
is courtesy of national and
international development
partners.
FrontPage Africa has gathered
that the Ministry of Health and
Social Welfare has a list of less
than 10 essential commodities.
They are needed to save lives
of women, especially at
delivery. It is the Accelerated
Pathway to Achieving the
Millennium Development
Goals (APWAMDG) that
is making all these things
available.
The Ministry of Health and
Social Welfare has been doing
a lot in terms of training
health personnel. There is the
Midwives Service Scheme
(MSS) to provide skill for birth
attendants such as midwives.
SOGON has also tried to
build some capacity. We help
those people by training them
to respond appropriately. We
also have a program called
the Volunteer Obstetrician
Scheme (VOS).
We go to some of the health
centers once in a while
to assist them when they
have a problem. We attach
ourselves to health centers
of our choice. We have been
working through the National
Primary Health Care Board
(NPHCB) but it has not been
made smooth enough as it
should. The scheme will soon
be inaugurated in Lagos,
although it is a national
program through NPHCB.
Dr. Samspon Arzuakoi, head
of the Bong County Health
Team told Radio Gbarnga
a community radio station
in Gbarnga the Ministry
of Health is looking at the
possibility of upgrading
the TBAs because they
cannot be ruled out. The
government wants to enhance
their capability to recognize
problems and report to
qualifed personnel. It has
not really come up with the
resolution but it might allow it
eventually.
Arzuakoi said high coverage
of interventions before
conception, as well as before,
during and after pregnancy
could prevent needless deaths.
A systematic assessment of
challenges in eight high-
burden countries-Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Democratic
Republic of Congo, India,
Pakistan, Kenya and Liberia
revealed that the most
common barriers to improving
survival were related to the
health workforce, fnancing
and service delivery.
According to Arzuakoi the
ministry is aware of these
challenges. The ministry has
directed all counties to set
up task teams to inspect the
Obstetric departments of all
their health facilities to ensure
compliance with prescribed
minimum standards and
improved quality health care.
But the question remains:
How many Liberian health
facilities measure up in these
requirements?
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

8b
Sports
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
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END OF THE ROAD?
T
he speculations are rife and the writings are
apparently visible that there is an end in sight
for Sekou Jabateh-Olisehs time at CSKA
Moscow.
Jabateh, who is on his third loan with Kuban Krasnodar,
returned to the
Arena Khimki to face his parent club but he had to
watch proceedings from the substitutes bench.
And CSKA made matter worst on his return by inficting
Kubans frst defeat
of the season with a 6-0 thrashing on October 18.
Fourth placed-Kuban were hoping to improve on
an impressive 2-2 draw away to Dinamo Moscow
on September 28 but were brutally torn apart by the
defending champions.
There were two goals each for Nigerias Ahmed Musa
and Ivory Coasts Seydou Doumbia, who traveled
around the world from Africa Cup of Nations duties
in Calabar and Abidjan respectively, after Finland
international Roman Eremenko had given CSKA a 17th
minute lead.
Jabateh has failed to impress since CSKA bought
Musa from Dutch club VVV Venlo in January 2012,
prompting loan moves to Greek club PAOK in January
2013, with an extension in July 2013 and with Kuban
in July 2014.
And CSKA coach Leonid Slutsky was understandably
delighted with the performance of this Africa contingent.
Musa and Doumbia are fantastic players. They put in
a really good performance for us today but Kuban is a
great team and a tough opponent to beat. To travel from
Africa Cup of Nations [duties] and the then score in a
league match in Russia was wonderful, Slutsky told a
post-match news conference.
Kuban coach Viktor Goncharenko started with
Senegals Ibrahima Balde also from Nations Cup duty,
Will CSKA Moscow draw the curtains on Jabatehs deal in June 2015?
~ Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@fontpageaficaonline.com ~
leaving Jabateh on the bench.
Oliseh began his career with Liberias
Gedeh & Sons before moving to
Nigeria to join Ebedei FC and with
Denmarks FC Midtjylland in 2006.
Between 2008 and 2009, Oliseh
made fve league appearances for
Midtjylland, before moving on loan
to Russian side CSKA Moscow in
July 2009.
The loan deal became permanent in
December 2009 and Oliseh signed a
fve-year deal.
CSKA Moscow
Oliseh debuted against Kuban 4
October 2009, having replaced striker
Tomas Necid in the 70th minute and
scored nine minutes later to complete
a 40 victory for the Army Men.
He then made his Uefa Champions
League debut as a substitute against
Besiktas on 8 December 2009,
replacing Milos Krasic in the 82nd
minute at the BJK Inonu Stadium.
However, he was not able to secure
a frst team spot in 2010, due to
the presence of fellow attacking
midfelder Krasi.
Following Krasi's transfer saga to
Juventus, Oliseh received a rare start
and did not disappoint.
He scored in the 12th and 44th
minutes against Anzhi Makhachkala
on 15 August 2010.
Another winning goal followed on
20 September, scoring the only goal
in the home victory against Sibir
Novosibirsk.
But playing time has been far and
few and it is highly unlikely, barring
injury, that CSKA will renew his
contract after June 2010 as Musa has
been impressive since his signing.
Musa has scored 24 goals in 75
league matches and fve goals in nine
cup matches in Russia.
And along with Doumbia, who has
scored 60 goals in 89 league matches,
it is highly unlikely CSKA will renew
Jabatehs contract when it expires in
June 2015.