Government

TOP
News
pg 7
STORIES

BUDGET

CASUALTIES

GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA
DISSOLVES SIX AGENCIES

County News

pg 6

NEW
SHELTER

For Over 35 Ebola

Orphans in Gorlu,
Lofa County

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VOL 9 NO.71

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 3015

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RIVERCESS COUNTY SWEATING OVER UNMIL PULLOUT

SECURITY CONCERN
Less security officers are assigned in our county and there are lots of reports and
complains but the government has not done anything about that. UNMIL that was beefing
up their (LNP) efforts in the county will be leaving soon; we are going to encounter more
problems. - George Cole, Secretary General of the Civil Society Council Rivercess Chapter

County News - pg. 5

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES

LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING

SELLING

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2015

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

L$84.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015

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

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Page 2 | Frontpage

Monroviaince the return from war, Liberia has seen a boost

in its reconstruction drive with donors making
interventions in all aspects of the recovery process
including roads, bridges, health care, education and
others.
One sector that has seen major improvements since 2006 is
the infrastructural sector mainly the construction of urban
and feeder roads and bridges around the country.
A country with nearly all major roads impassable during the
rainy season a few years ago as commuters to South Eastern
counties and other parts of the country spent weeks along
road as these roads were cut off as a consequence of potholes
and collapsed bridges, the situation looks different at the
moment.
The Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund (LRTF), a multidonor trust fund for infrastructure was setup for Liberia with
support from contributions from the European Union, and the
governments of Great Britain (DFID), Sweden (Sida), Ireland
(Irish Aid), Norway and Germany (KfW) and the World Bank.
Administered by the World Bank, the LRFT has raised millions
for infrastructural projects in Liberia which has seen the
construction of the Monrovia-Buchanan Road and several
roads in Monrovia and other parts of the country.
The major Monrovia-Ganta highway which is the main
route to more than half of Liberias 15 counties is currently
under construction by two contractors- China Chongqing
International Construction Corporation (CICO) and China
Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd (CHICO).
Divided into two sections Red Light to Gbarnga in Bong County
is listed OPRC LOT 1 and is contracted to CICO with the project
costing a little over $166 million while the second segment
Gbarnga to Ganta and Guinea Border is known as OPRC LOT
2 and is contracted to another Chinese Contractor-CHICO at a
project cost of $70,934.18.
COMMITTED ALL FUNDING

During a tour of the construction work on the two lots Tuesday

by a team including Dr. Martin Lux, Senior Project Manager,
KFW; David Belgrove, British Ambassador to Liberia, Inguna
Dobraja, Country Manager of the World Bank Liberia Country

office and officials from the Ministry of Public Works, the

visiting officials in separate remarks expressed satisfaction
with the level of work but with an admittance from one of the
major donors that funds for roads projects in the trust fund
have all been committed.
Liberia experienced the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus
during a large part of 2014 which resulted to standstill in the
road construction projects and the consultants for one of the
projects has said the contractor is requesting the payment of
additional cost inquired during the Ebola outbreak.
Shaun Pearton, team Leader of Opus International the
Consulting Firm for the Red Light Gbarnga Road said the
outbreak of Ebola caused 7 months of delay resulting to
extra costs where expatriates working on the project were
evacuated.
Pearton disclosed that the contractor will be requesting
payments for extra cost incurred during the Ebola outbreak
but responding to inquiry from reporters on whether donors
will provide funding to cover the extra cost on Ebola, Inguna
Dobraja, Country Manager for the World Bank Liberia Country
Office said at the moment all funding in the LRTF have already
been committed.
All the funds in the Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund have
been committed, said the World Bank Country Manager.
According to her, issues such as extra cost on Ebola and others
that might evolve during the entire project period can only be
resolved if the Government of Liberia comes clear on what
the needs are to enable donors look out for ways in rendering
assistance.
The government of Liberia has to be clear what the needs are
to enable donors find the way out for further interventions,
she said.
The World Bank official expressed that there has been great
achievement in the road construction work within a short
span and is upbeat about the progress being made by the
contractors and Government of Liberia.
It is great that within a short period, progress has being made,
I am waiting for the moment to drive through the Monrovia to
Guinea border in short time, she added.
GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

British Ambassador Belgrove, described the level of progress

on the road construction as a sign of confidence.
I am incredibly impressed, I was here 3 to 5 years ago and
what I am seeing now is a sign of confidence in the contractor,
the government of Liberia, the consultants and all those
involved with these projects, Ambassador Belgrove said.
He declared that the United Kingdom is happy to provide
assistance to Liberia especially when the impact is visible.
Dr. Lux of KFW Ghana Office also expressed that he is
impressed to see the progress.
I am impressed by the project and the new concepts, social
responsibility. We are looking forward to a very sustainable
process for these roads, Dr. Lux said.
Government has Roadmap

Emmanuel Baker, Deputy Program Director at the

Infrastructural Implementation Unit (IIU) at the Ministry of
Public Works disclosed that in the wake of drain on funding
in the reconstruction Trust fund for projects, the Government
of Liberia has roadmap for construction projects around the
country.
He said the while the government is conducting feasibility
studies on other projects such as the Ganta to Tappita road,
other donors are making interventions including the African
Development Bank which is now supporting the Fish Town to
Harper Road.
The Ministry of Public Works has developed a roadmap
for infrastructural projects around the country and we are
conducting feasibility studies on several other projects, Baker
said.
Another official of the Ministry of Public Works, Daniel Socree,
Assistant Minister for Technical Services disclosed that the
government through the Ministry of Public Works has put in
place a lot to continue the reconstruction drive of the country.
The LRTF managed by the World Bank has so far sponsored
eight major projects including the rehabilitation of specified
Monrovia city street, Cotton Tree to Buchanan Work,
Demolition, Removal of the Debris of the Collapsed Vai Town
Bridge, the Construction of a New Vai Town Bridge, the
Monrovia Ganta to Guinea Border and others.

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

FrontPage
EDITORIAL
v

Frontpage

Page 3

COMMENTARY

Commentary

LIGHT MANUFACTURING ENGAGEMENT, THE WAY FOR

LIBERIAS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND GROWTH

POST-UNMIL
E
SECURITY
A CHALLENGING
DILEMMA FOR LIBERIA
LESS THAN A YEAR before the planned departure of the United
Nations Mission from Liberia, it is becoming increasingly clear
that Life after UNMIL would pose some serious problems for
post-war Liberia.
THE GOVERNMENT of Liberia recently revealed a costly
transition plan to facilitate its readiness for life after UN troops
leave its shores, setting an implementation plan at US$104.848
million, much of which is expected to be mobilized by the
Liberian government.
DEPUTY Finance and Development Minister for Expenditure,
Dr. James Kollie Tuesday while presenting the draft 2015/2016
National budget disclosed that an amount of $15 million of the
90 million for UNMIL drawn down is included in the current
budget.
With POLICE vehicles seen all around Monrovia and other
counties such as River Cess not having logistics to battle crime,
the allotment must this time make impact in the security sector
across the country and not only Monrovia as Liberia is not just
Monrovia.
FLEETS OF POLICE vehicles must not been seen in Monrovia
and police officers roaming the streets when there are no
police presence in other parts of the country.
UNMIL PRESENCE IS already being evaporated in counties
across the country and many residents in areas like Grand Kru
and Rivercess are beginning to feel the pinch.
Karin Landgren, Special representative of the United Nations
Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations
Operations in Liberia, writing in a Huffington Post Op-Ed
in April suggested that Liberia only really has 14 months to
assume full responsibility for all facets of its security while
asserting that lessons learned during the Ebola crisis could
help ensure a successful transition.
THE UNMIL BOSS said that in order for the security transition
plan to succeed, the Government must consistently prioritize
security sector and rule-of-law reforms throughout the 14
months remaining until the handover deadline. President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is fully committed to the transition, and
made sure that justice and security issues were included in the
nation's post-Ebola recovery plan, Landgren wrote.
BUT EVEN the UNMIL chief was quick to acknowledge the
glaring security challenges as she urged Liberia, Liberians and
the government to build on the response to the Ebola crisis
that led to the country reaching Ebola-free status when she
averred:
A successful security paradigm after the UNMIL drawdown
requires at least the same degree of community involvement,
consultation and cooperation that resulted in Liberia bringing
Ebola to the brink of elimination. It is essential that more
justice and corrections personnel be deployed outside of the
capital, Monrovia. But numbers aren't the whole story: the
police and judiciary can be effective only if they earn and enjoy
the trust and cooperation of communities.
WE AGREE that the government needs to adopt an aggressive
plan that will address the needs of every facet of the society
and not wait until problems pop up before scrambling for
answers and solutions.
THIS IS WHY WE must begin to address serious concerns being
raised in rural Liberian counties like Rivercess and Grand Kru
where security issues are poised to present pressing dilemma
for the government.
THE WRITINGS are already on the wall. Landgren, addressing
reporters recently raised a red flag over the inadequacies of
the security sector which she alarmed may not be ready for life
after UNMIL. Earlier this week I spoke to the security agencies
and superintendents in Rivercess and Grand Bassa County. I
was told that the LNP in Rivercess are supposed to number 162,
but they are 26. They dont have a single functioning vehicle.
They were frank with me, and they were also frustrated.
THE RIVERCESS issue is already taking a toll. A FrontPageAfrica
reporter in the area reports that ahead of the June 30 deadline
this year the local police in the county is in dire straits,
prompting concerns from people in the county who say the
imminent exit of UN forces is untimely and would further pose
serious security dilemma. Less security officers are assigned
in our county and there are lots of reports and complains

Jefferson G.Togba, togba26@yahoo.com, deatogba@gmail.com; Contributing Writer

ver since the war has ended and barely two years away
from the Unity Party led government second six year term,
headed by her excellency president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
The fight for economic viability and reconstruction still
ahead of every policy agenda. Does it stem from the fact that growth,
recovery and reconstruction will be slower than most expected? The
president saidThe task of reconstructing our devastated economy
is awesome, for which there will be no quick fix, in 2006 inaugural
address (See 2006 Inaugural address, page 6).
With Liberias Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) conclusion
and subsequent relieved of nearly $4 billion in external debts yet
the economic potential and capacity struggling toward balance and
job creation. The question is; can the reforms and growth experience
(of Ethiopia,Ghana and Nigeria) inspire Liberia?. However, the
Ethiopian main economy is agriculture based that most often suffers
from drought. As a result, the nation is diversifying its economy into
manufacturing, textiles, and energy generation.
Similarly, Liberia like many countries have gone through civil
war, but continue thriving for its citizen well-being. For instance,
Mozambique and Angola both suffered lengthy civil war than Liberia.
In many ways, they are all natural resources based economies, but
their concession agreements are tangible and developments driven.
Reconstruction priorities after wars cant be over emphasized
(whether inter or intra wars). On the other hand, Japan held its
chance after World War II, by engaging its labor-intensive industriestextiles and simple electronics, to jumpstart its economy until higher
labor costs took over its comparative advantage in those sectors.
Also other low-income economies like South Korea, Taiwan, Hong
Kong, Singapore, and similarly, Malaysia and Thailand walked in
Japan's footsteps.
China, after more than three decades of prompt economic growth,
PRC has moved itself away from one of the poorest nations on earth
to the worlds largest economy. Today, everyone emerging powers
see China as a threat because of its economic might.
And now that China, too, is on the verge to lose its comparative
advantage in labor-intensive industries, other developing countries
especially in Africa are set to take its place, which Liberia should
be not an exception,according Dr. Justin Yifu Lin. Indeed, since the
Industrial Revolution, the rise of light manufacturing has driven a
dramatic rise in national income. The UK's economic transformation
started with cloths(read more).
Then Belgium, France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland,
light manufacturing led the way. Similarly, in the United States,
cities like Boston, Baltimore, and Philadelphia became centers for
producing fabric materials, clothes, and shoes(See the US industrial
revolution). However, until recently, few believed that Africa, too,
could become a center for modern manufacturing. And I also believed
that Liberia, too, must stop relying on concessions and engage into
other sectors like agriculture and services through the prospect of
light manufacturing.
The same thought was reiterated on May 29th,2015 by US
Ambassador accredited near the nations capital Monrovia when she
addressed students at the African Methodist Episcopal University
on Campus Johnson Road. Ambassador Malac said Liberias
continued inclination to lure concessions into the country to invest in
the extractive industrieson which the country has depended since
the mid-1920s, but which, for the most part, has failed to develop the
country(See the Ambassador full speech).
And I argue that, Liberia should not be left behind, but, with the right
policies, there is no reason why Liberia as a country cannot follow
a similar trajectory toward economic growth and empowerment.
Botswana has fewer natural resources than Liberia, but remains the
world largest producers of diamond yet the nation does not depend
on income from diamond rather established a special account at
its Central Bank Called the Pela Fund(Read more). This fund is
disburse based on projects. Africas most successful stories of natural
resource management are accredited to Botswana as Norway is to
European(See more EITI information) .
Consider landlocked Ethiopia, which only ten years ago seemed to be
an especially bad bet. But then the country built an industrial park
v

but the government has not done anything about that, George
Cole, Secretary General of the Civil Society Council Rivercess
Chapter told FrontPageAfrica. UNMIL that was beefing up their
(LNP) efforts in the county will be leaving soon, we are going to
encounter more problems.
IF THE security dilemma is already showing signs of weakness
in a couple of counties, a year off the UNMIL departure, it signals
that the Liberian government has a long way to go in preparing
the country for Life after UNMIL.
RESOLUTION 2190 of the United Nations Security Council
signed in 2014 mandates the Liberian Government shoulders
the countrys security responsibilities from UNMIL by 30 June
2016, and also suggests a concrete plan, with timelines and
benchmarks, for building the security sector to assume all security

near Addis Ababa and invited the Chinese shoemaker Huajian to

open a factory there. Huajian opened its doors in January 2012 with
two production lines and some 600 workers. By the end of the year, it
had employed 2,000 Ethiopians and doubled the country's exports of
leather shoessee more Ethiopia shoe's city. Today, the company has
3,500 workers in Ethiopia producing more than two million shoes a
year(See the case of Ethiopia).
In 2013, the Ethiopian government created a new industrial park
as a result of Huajian's success, with space for 22 factory units.
Within three months, all of them had been leased by export-oriented
companies from Turkey, Korea, Taiwan, China, and elsewhere. The
World Bank has provided $250 million to support the continued
construction of these industrial parks.
The Ethiopian success story is just the start for Africa. Today, Africa
play host to 10 of the world fastest growing economies and I think
Liberia should no longer take a back seat(See Africa's ten Economies
and Investment Countries,2012). As Foreign investors seek and learn
more about Africa, they will increasingly see what it has to offer.
Indeed, the cost of labor in Africa is competitive enough that Ethiopia
could attract companies from countries as poor as Bangladesh.
Africa has a surplus of agricultural labor and too few other jobs. As
foreign companies launch operations in the labor-intensive sectors
in which Africa or Liberia has a comparative advantage, they will
train the local workforce.
In so doing, most workers will become managers and eventually,
owners. They will become familiar with the technology and learn
how to maintain consistent quality in the production line.
They will establish relationships and contacts with international
purchasers and financiers. And, time on, most of them will be able
to raise capital and start up industries and factories of their own
export companies owned and operated by Africans. In many ways,
Mauritius started ahead. In the 1970s, the government set up
industrial parks to process textiles and garments for export(Read
more,1970). During the period mentioned, most of the owners were
foreigners from Taiwan or Hong Kong. Today, more than 70% of the
island's industrial companies are locally owned.
A carefully focused export strategy is crucial for Liberia Special
Economic Zones (SEZs). Liberias international development
partners, African Union, Ecowas and many Head of states and
governments want to work toward regional integration as identified
in their objectives and missions to integrate Africas markets of 55
African countries. This might have its advantages, but it should not
be a priority. Africa today in 2013 accounts for just 5.8% of global
GDP, compared to 3.6% in Latin America and the Carribean, 7.1% for
developing Asia, -0.2% for the Euro Area and 2.4% for Central and
Eastern Europe(read more,2013).
Developing countries must use their limited resources in the most
effective way, and there is no question where the most attractive
opportunities in Africa are to be found. For example, instead
of investing heavily in the infrastructure needed for regional
integration, a country like Ethiopia would be better off building
industrial parks and linking them by road to ports in Djibouti(read
on road projects).With the right growth strategy, Liberia change can
come like any nation before it. We, also,too, have the sea coast to our
advantage.
Also,in 1952, Taiwan was poorer than almost every country in
Africa(Read Taiwan Economics record,1952). Then it was China
in 1979, when the country's per capita income was less than onethird of Sub-Saharan Africa's(See China GDP history). Today, China
has become an upper-middle-income country, and it is on track to
become a high-income country by 2020.
This time in Ethiopia and other countries in Africa are becoming
foreign direct investment hub for many multinational companies
today. If they stay on the tried and tested path of those who have
gone before, there is every chance for Africa and Liberia to also
boom economy. We have two of our sub-regional member states
(Ghana and Nigeria) counted among Africas fastest economies and
investment friendly. We must join the light manufacturing group
to raise our economy and people standards. Can Liberia rise to top
economies of Africa 15years down the line?

responsibilities of the country.

LESS THAN 12 months away, the challenges are becoming glaring
and the pressure building amongst jittery Liberians questioning
the governments ability to have the security sector under
control especially ahead of the 2017 presidential elections when
contentions will be high and the need for security in counties
across Liberia become an urgent necessity as political forces go
the distance over potential election problems.
WE HOPE THAT those fears currently being expressed in Rivercess
and other parts of the country would be allay and mechanisms
put in place to ensure that life for Liberians after UNMIL remain
peaceful as post-war Liberia continues its journey and transition
from war to peace.

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Page 4 | Frontpage

The Reader's Page

FrontPage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB

COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE

GHOST
TOWN:
20 ARRESTED, HUNT FOR

LOOTS IN CONCESSION TOWN

JOHN-LORD BAXTER TOP COMMENTER DAMANSARA, KUALA
LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
As a government, we cannot allow a few people to undermine the
interest of this country; to run investors away and to make sure that
we do not attract what we need to achieve our development goals,
the Liberian leader pointed out. She indicated that her government
cannot continue to go out and attract investment to create jobs, and
others engage in violence that scare away investors.
When I returned the last time you may recall, I said to Liberians that
we cannot continue to go out and attract investment, bring people
to do business and create jobs and then when you have these kinds
of violence, it takes away from our effort and people run away from
the country, a visibly concerned President Sirleaf said, cautioning,
Money only goes to the place where its safe. They [investors] dont
go where theyre frightened.
SIMON JOHN TOP COMMENTER GRANITE BAY, CALIFORNIA
This is very serious, I hope this story is untrue because there is no
one they can turn to. Everyone is in the company pocket. Just like
you said, only the president and the legislator can fix this situation.
NO one to cry for the poor. Where are the politicians , where are
the representative of the Butaw district? Where are the elected
officials of the county? Oh, I forgot, the newly elected senator is the
former superintendent of the county and is on the GAC audit list for
corruption.
LORENZO BERNARD TOP COMMENTER CLASSIFIED AT
CLASSIFIED
Madam Sirleaf, all
you have attracted in 11years is corruption. Your administration
encourages corruption and so citizens thinks it's okay and the
consequence is, it has become the norm in Liberia. Citizens who are
challenging those non profitable cheap concessions signed by your
corrupt administration are in no way undermining the interest of
Liberia. In essence they are simple undermining your selfish and
dubious campaign to steal and sent the country back into bankruptcy.
CHARLES E. KING TOP COMMENTER MONROVIA, LIBERIA
Greetings Mr. Weah: Not too long ago you wrote in FPA about Liberia
following the "..white man this and the white man that when you were
talking about Liberia following America in celebrating Valentine's
day. Now by your own admission you say you are applying for your
American citizenship. That means you will take an oath of allegiance
to the 'Flag and to the Republic of which it stands'. You know doubt
will be celebrating many of your new country's holidays and later
in life when you marry and have children who will be AmericoLiberians they will be celebrating their American holidays and more.
Now I see why you speak the way you do about Liberia. I sent you a
note some time ago as an older person speaking to a younger person
- try to "Temper" you speech-the words you use. Show that you have
more words in your vocabulary.
ANSU OPA DUALU TOP COMMENTER COALITION OF
CONCERNED LIBERIANS
This Gestapo -like enforcement measure being employed by this
administration is dangerous and unconstitutional. Perhaps they
should first try addressing what's causing the large majority of the
peoples in these concession areas to behave as they are. I guess this
is too common sense for our officials. There is something seriously
rotten in our vampiric state.
JOHN WEAH
I am so glad that i have my green card. I put in for citizenship.
Workers should Take GVL to court. The bush tactics of violence
helps nobody when this nation is experiencing 80% unemployment.
Ebola has not helped either. this is not the time. I LIKE Liberia but i
want my AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP. You bush Liberians dont get the
message.
SAMUEL JACKSON TOP COMMENTER DIRECTOR AT LIBERIAN
IRON
Working as serfs on a plantation may look good for the company,
but the model is not sustainable. I hope we punish the offenders, but
determine why this is happening so often. And so it goes.
SHANA IER TOP COMMENTER
Which "development goals" na Madam Pres???? Or you mean your
offshore accounts "development goals"?
ANSU OPA DUALU TOP COMMENTER COALITION OF
CONCERNED LIBERIANS
Lol Shana, 'offshore goals ' dis girl mouth bust.

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bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

Send your letters and comments to:

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

THE NEXT EPIDEMIC

FACING LIBERIA

The Editor

nless the Liberian Government and the international

communities attend to the mental health issues in
Liberia, the nation faces some serious mental health
problem in the future. You dont have to be mental
health profession to access the signs of this grieving nation. After
fourteen years of civic war, adequate mental health measures
were never instituted.
The fact remains that the nation is bleeding from lot of emotional
pain. Everyone you talk to in Liberia fear eminent treat of severe
mental crisis. Suicidal ideation is on the rise in the nation for the
first in our history. There are so much hurting people without
any professional intervention. Post Ebola programs must include
grief counseling for victim families. Aggression, helplessness and
hopelessness are some signs of unresolved grief that are now
manifesting in the lives of our people.
Mental health is the next epidemic facing Liberia because it has
the ability for lasting negative effect. This can affect our economic,
family, interpersonal relationship and every vital institution
according to the global assessment functioning. Meanwhile,
there is an urgent need for Individuals and Institutions who are
specialized in grief counseling to be given the necessary support
in order to prevent this upcoming national health crisis (mental
health).
Bishop Nathan S. Kortu Jr.
Email: nathankortu@yahoo.com

AVOID SCARE TACTICS

In Citing Foreign Direct Investment, IREDD Tells President Sirleaf

The Editor

he Institute for Research and Democratic Development

(IREDD)urges government to employ pragmatism,
leadership and conflict sensitive skills in handling
the deteriorating state of harmony across urban and
rural settlements between aggrieved youths and state security
agencies.
Here are the exact words of president Sirleaf in reaction to the
violent containment of aggrieved youths in Batuw, Sinoe County
in GVL concession area:
As a government, we cannot allow a few people to undermine the
interest of this country; to run investors away and to make sure
that we do not attract what we need to achieve our development
goals, the Liberian leader pointed out. President further said:
When I returned the last time you may recall, I said to Liberians
that we cannot continue to go out and attract investment, bring
people to do business and create jobs and then when you have
these kinds of violence, it takes away from our effort and people
run away from the country, a visibly concerned President Sirleaf
said, cautioning, Money only goes to the place where its safe.
They[investors] dont go where theyre frightened. IREDD rejects
the growing level of violence clashes between officers of the
national police force and youths living in communities affected
by concession operations. The origin of these violent conflicts
are rooted in varying expression of unattended grievances and
reported brutal handling of aggrieved citizens by state police. The
government dismissive approach towards community voices and
the dehumanizing experiences they face has offered no lasting
solution but only resonated in setting the stage for nurturing new
level of violence. In the last decade, government brutal handling
and dismissive approach to grievances has never change the
pattern of violence or slow down the demand for redress in urban
and rural concession communities.
This tells you that government is using the wrong tactics

to respond to grievances that are linked to the humanity of

human beings. The current approaches are unproductive and
lack leadership. Hence, IREDD detests governments repeated
characterization of youth demonstration as anti FDI is a
woeful and organized distortion and misrepresentation of the
preconditions to attract FDI in any country. While IREDD does not
embrace violence as a way of seeking redress, it also recognizes
the constitutionality of citizens right to peacefully assemble as
underscored by Article 15(a) of the Liberian Constitution noting,
rather than demonizing demonstration, it is an important conduit
for powerless people to express burning unattended grievances.
Should Liberia fail to attract and operationalize the benefit of
FDI, governments insinuation of blaming it on youth demand for
redress to their grievances in concession communities will be a
flagrant distortion of facts, misrepresentation and a disposition of
government unpreparedness to listen to its citizens and remedy
the countrys deteriorating security situation. President Sirleaf
and a few honest and well-schooled members of her kitchens
cabinet on this subject are aware that rather than blaming
constitutionally certified actions demonstration as a fright to
FDI, it will be smarter to inwardly look at FDI internal enemies
and the greater challenges ahead of the transition from a more
informed and honest perspective.
The civil order we have gained over the last few years is
ultimately slipping out of our hands and our conscience place
us under moral and institutional responsibility not to sit idly
watch the distortions. We utterly reject a violent culture but we
more bitterly detest organized persistent affliction of brutality
and lethal handling of harmless citizens under the disguise of
protecting a peace that has never being placed in protective mode
by the state. There are multiple factors that are linked to FDI
discouragement within the global and domestic economic sphere.
In Liberia, the issues are practical, visible everywhere and speaks
volumes from one situation to another and from community to the
other and in the same pattern of manifestations: disenchantment
across communities, the persistent poor rating of the countrys
unemployment condition at 85%, the dehumanizing state
of poverty which the president consistently affirmed in ten
successive State of Union addresses and the level of official
corruption and waste which is often defended by president
Sirleaf and her administration. In many forms and circumstances,
these leadership deficits undermine infrastructural development,
nurtures a disenchanted and angry society, weakens healthcare
delivery and instigates illiteracy profoundly in a country that was
since pronounced to be moving towards a middle economic in
2008. The truth is dishonesty and broken leadership.
With these indicators, only dont care investors that thrive in risky
environment may venture to invest under the circumstances
particularly as UNMIL's drawdown becomes eminent.
It is
grossly regrettable that multinational enterprises that have come
to contribute to the economic resuscitation of our country are
being victimized in this pattern of violence across concession
communities. Notwithstanding, the pattern must also serve as
a reminder to multinationals to rethink their mode of corporate
engagement in cognizance of the structural causes that led to
Liberia brutal conflicts. Corporate bodies are under obligation
based on OECD guidelines to avoid positioning themselves in
manner that may make them to be perceived as operating in
conspiracy with state actors to downplay legitimate grievances of
members of communities in their areas of operations.
Absolutely, IREDD does not believe in that the wrong
characterization and brutal handling of aggrieved youths can
serve as a fair remedy to the escalating level of violence across
concession communities. It is important to note that the more
brutal handling that is meted against the same demographic
groups with similar grievances in different locations create
scenario of victimhood among groups that share similar
victimization. The Institute fears such pattern of victimization
can ultimately serve as a mobilizing factor for violence public
disorder.
The Institute for Research and Democratic Development
(IREDD)

EDITORIAL TEAM

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666;

077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com;
rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com
Danesius Marteh, Sports Editor, danesius.marteh@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528
James-Emmanuel D. Cole, Jr, Graphics Designer
& Layout Editor, echange4life@gmail.com;
0886 211 390, 0777 027 030
Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.
com
Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline.
com, 0886-304498
Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.
sombai@FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428

COUNTY NEWS TEAM

Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042
Bong
County,
Selma
Lomax,
selma.lomax@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666
BUSINESS/ADVERTISING
Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@
frontpageafricaonline.com

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Frontpage

Page 5

RIVERCESS COUNTY SWEATING OVER UNMIL PULLOUT

SECURITY CONCERN
Less security officers are assigned in our county and there are lots of reports and complains but the government has not
done anything about that. UNMIL that was beefing up their (LNP) efforts in the county will be leaving soon; we are going
to encounter more problems. - George Cole, Secretary General of the Civil Society Council Rivercess Chapter

Cestos City, Rivercess County he United Nations

Mission in Liberia
is preparing to pull
out from Rivercess
County by June 30 this year
despite the glaring challenges
the Liberian National Police
is facing in the county. The
expected UNMIL pull out is
prompting concerns from
people in the county who say
the imminent exit of UN forces
is untimely and would further
pose serious security dilemma
for the county.
Rivercess County has eight
administrative districts with
most parts lacking goods
roads while others are very
inaccessible. The county is
already struggling to deal
with security issues in hardto-reach areas, frequent riots
and tension in gold mining
areas, while the limited man
power and the lack of vehicle
for the police are challenges
that may exposed the already
poor security condition in the
county.
Less security officers are
assigned in our county and
there are lots of reports and
complains but the government
has not done anything about
that, George Cole, Secretary
General of the Civil Society
Council Rivercess Chapter
told FrontPageAfrica. UNMIL
that was beefing up their
(LNP) efforts in the county will
be leaving soon, we are going
to encounter more problems.
Even the LNP detachment in
the area admits that UNMIL has
been its back bone by providing
logistics and transportation
which often enable them
response to security incidents
and ensuring the rule of law
in the county. For almost a
year, the LNP commander has
been without a vehicle thereby
making it difficult to response
to crime, something residents
in the countys capital Cestos
City say is worrisome and
even risky for the police
to transport criminals on
commercial motorbikes from
very remote areas in the
county.
UNMIL has been helping
immensely
by
providing
vehicle
when
theres
problem, and since the police

ALPHA DAFFAE SENKPENI, alpha.senkpeni@frontpageafricaonline.com

Residents in Cestos are concern about their security when UNMIL leaves
commander car damage it has
been almost one year but the
government has not replace
the car, Cole said.
UNMIL BOSS RAISED RED
FLAG
Karin Landgren, the head of
the United Nations Mission
in Liberia, recently told
journalists at a news briefing
in Monrovia that in order for
Liberia to enjoy a successful
Security Transition in the
eventual departure of UNMIL,
a lot of things will have to be
put in motion and police in
particular would need to be
effective in all counties and
earn the trust and cooperation
of the various communities.
The UNMIL boss also raised a
red flag over the inadequacies
of the security sector which she
alarmed may not be ready for
life after UNMIL. Earlier this
week I spoke to the security
agencies and superintendents
in Rivercess and Grand Bassa
County. I was told that the
LNP in Rivercess are supposed
to number 162, but they are
26. They dont have a single
functioning vehicle. They were
frank with me, and they were
also frustrated.
The UNMIL boss also raised a
red flag over the inadequacies
of the security sector which she
alarmed may not be ready for
life after UNMIL. Earlier this
week I spoke to the security

agencies and superintendents

in Rivercess and Grand Bassa
County. I was told that the
LNP in Rivercess are supposed
to number 162, but they are
26. They dont have a single
functioning vehicle. They were
frank with me, and they were
also frustrated.
Another prominent resident
of Cestos City told FPA that
they are living in the county
by the grace of God because
the county has only a handful
of police officers and with
UNMILs pullout imminent,
hes very afraid, adding that the
situation may be dangerous in
areas like Monweh statutory
district and the mining areas of
Sand Beach, Gataylay, and Solo
Town.
Now that UNMIL is leaving,
these guys who are doing
drugs business and other
illegal
transactions
may
engage in more unlawful
acts in those areas, what
will happen to the people in
these areas? But UNMIL dont
want to understand these
factors and is insisting that
it will pull out, said Joseph
Dohn, Coordinator of the
Rivercess Veteran Association
University graduates hailing
from the county.
SECURITY
COUNCIL
DECISION IRREVERSIBLE
Cestos City Mayor, Sarah M.
Zeo says shes afraid that the

LNP detachment HQ in Cestos is in a deplorable condition

frequent violent incidents in

the county may escalate once
UNMIL leaves and admitted
that LNP continues to face all
sort of constraints.
We cant say something
will happen because we are
depending on the police but
since there is low man power,
we are hoping that the police
bosses in Monrovia can send
more man power because
UNMIL is leaving, she said.
Even
the
new
county
administration is concerned
about the situation and when
UNMIL boss, SRSG Karen
Langren visited the county,
Deputy County Superintendent
for
Development,
Ruth
Sawmadal
said
the
administration communicated
to the UNMIL boss on the issue.
But definitely, the SRSG cannot
reverse the Security Council
decision of withdrawing UN
forces from the entire county
by next year. But people in
the county are hoping that the
pullout from the county should
be delay until the Liberian
government can put all of her
arts in place.
Like most people in the
county, the local government
says it has also cried out
for national government to
improve security in the county.
There are less than 30 police
officers in the entire county, a
county with already existing
infrastructure challenges and
pretty much susceptible to
crimes.
So for us as a county, we
have cried, we have called and
one of the lawmakers of the
county has promised to take
this concern to the county
legislative caucus and they
will take it on by meeting the
police commissioner and find
a way to help improve security
in the county, explained
Ruth Sawmadal, the countys
Development Superintendent
during an exclusive interview
with FPA in Cestos City
recently.
Early this year FPA reported
about the multiple problems
police in the county faced,

which had, according to police

source, obstructed efforts to
combat crime in the county
and maintain a courteous
relationship with locals in
ensuring respect for the rule
of law.
The police source told FPA
that they heavily relied on UN
vehicles to transport suspects
and criminals from across
the county. The deplorable

condition of the police station

in Cestos City is still a problem
for police operations and
although there have been
requests to renovate the
building nothing is being done
yet.
GOL PLAN FOR
DRAWDOWN

UNMIL

This year the Liberian

government disclosed that
it has a transition plan as
UNMIL leaves the country. The
implementation of the Plan
was set at US$104.848 million
and most of this amount is
expected to be raised by the
government herself which
has now crafted a fiscal
budget for 2015/2016 with
US$604 million. The strategy
stressed the importance of

the government prioritizing

funding for the countrys
security sector for five years,
which means, allocation in the
national fiscal budget for the
next three to five years should
prioritize the national security
of the country.
Resolution 2190 of the United
Nations
Security
Council
signed in 2014 mandates
the Liberian Government
shoulders
the
countrys
security responsibilities from
UNMIL by 30 June 2016, and
also suggests a concrete
plan, with timelines and
benchmarks, for building the
security sector to assume all
security responsibilities of the
country.
And with June 2016 just 12
months away, the security
concerns in Rivercess might
not be unique in the country as
UNMIL counts down its exits
timer. Ever since the United
Nations
Security
Council
resolved to pulling troops out
of Liberia, many debates about
the governments competence
and capacity to assume
responsibility of the countrys
security has over showed the
logic and determination of the
governments transitional plan
mainly because of situations
like the one in Rivercess
County.

Even Justice Minister Cllr.

Benedict Sannoh mentioned
this year, the wide spread fear
that is amongst Liberians over
the imminent pull out of UNMIL
from the country. There are
some who are pessimistic,
that when UNMIL leaves, the
Country will revert to chaos.
These are genuine concerns,
and we have a responsibility as
a Government to clarify them.
There have been several
clarifications
by
the
government which intends
to alleviate fear of a national
security collapse during a
post-UNMIL era. But what
is undeniable is the existing
lack of man power of Liberian
security officers in Rivercess
as well as logistical constraints
they already face.

Page 6 | Frontpage

GOVERNMENT SET TO
DISSOLVE SIX AGENCIES
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviahe Executive Branch

of government has
forwarded to the
National Legislature
an act to dissolve six state
owned
enterprises
and
autonomous agencies created
through an act of legislation.
Although the names of the
six agencies to be affected
are yet to be disclosed but
FrontPageAfrica has gathered
that three of the entities
to be dissolved include the
National Insurance Company,
the National Food Assistance
Program and the Liberia
Industrial Free Zone.

According to Deputy Finance

and Development Planning
(MOFDP)
Minister
for
Expenditure Dr. James Kollie
some of these agencies have
outlived their usefulness.
These companies we believe
have outlived their usefulness
and for that we are proposing
a legislation to dissolve them,
the Deputy Minister said.
Speaking on the National
Food Assistance Program the
Deputy Finance Minister said,
the entity was useful during
the period of care food during
the country civil conflict and
that program is no longer
in existence so it is only but

necessary to dissolve the entity

through an act of legislation.
With Liberia already facing
huge unemployment, on plans
for Liberians employed in
those entities to be absolved
into other entities he said, the
government of Liberia has a
redundancy plan and it will
operate within that plan.
Speaking
to
legislative
reporters Tuesday at the
capitol building when he
presented to House Speaker
Alex Tyler a draft National
budget for the fiscal year
2015/2016 in the tune of
six hundred and four million
the Deputy Minister said, the

executive branch requested for

a delay in the submission from
April 30 to May 30 because
they needed time to gather the
needed financial information.
Dr. Kollie said: We just came
from Ebola period so we
needed time to put together
our entire budget that was why
we asked the legislature to give
us more time.
The submission of the budget
is Liberia Constitution which
provides for the Executive
branch to submit to the
National
Legislature
the
financial budget every year.
According to Dr. Kollie, Public
Administration in Government

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

and National Security account
for the highest amount in the
budget with fifteen Million of
the 90 Million allotted directed
to the UNMIL draw down
operation.
He also disclosed that all health
workers in the Country are
been placed on government
payroll making the Ministry
of health another agency of
government that that has been
allotted a lion share of the
budget.
All community colleges and the
University of Liberia received
an increment in their budget
for this fiscal year.
Making presentation of the
budget in the conference room
of Speaker Tyler, Dr. Kollie said
the president was delighted
to enjoy the confidence of the
Legislature and appreciated
the acceptance of her month
request to delay the submission
of the FY15/16 budget.
The Budget was due on April
30, 2015.
The Draft Budget is based
on a total projected resource
envelop of US$604.04 million.
This
amount
represents
Domestic
Revenue
of
US$465.61million;
Grants/
Budget Support of US$66.23
million;
Borrowing
of
US$58.61; and Carry-forward
(surplus from FY2014/15) of
US$13.58 million.
Speaker Tyler, in receiving
the draft budget, promised
to act speedily in presenting
the instrument to the plenary
of the House for onward
submission to the appropriate
Committee for scrutiny.
Key areas of expenditure in
the Draft Budget include debt
repayment (US$32.5 million);
payment of salaries across
the government (US$252.1
million); Social Development
Fund and other pass through
(US$23.2 million); Health
Sector Strengthening (US$73.0
million); Education Sector
Support (US$79.4 million)
and Security & Rule of Law
(US$90.1 million), including
(US$15 million for UNMIL

"NO RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES IN LIBERIA"RELIGIOUS COUNCIL SECRETARY ASSERTS

Monroviahe Secretary General

of the Inter Religious
Council of Liberia,
Pastor St. John York
has called for Unity between
Christians and Muslims in
Liberia.
Pastor York noted that people
from both religions have been
living together in Liberia
without problem, saying the
issue of Liberia being turned
into Christian state should not
bring division among people of
the two religions.
"There should be no religious
differences among us, we are
far greater than division, let
all work together and move
Liberia that we all love forward
than to be looking for things
that will divide us," he noted.
He called on both regions to
focus on how to win people
over to their religion than to be
making request for one to be
dominant over the other.
As a Christian leader, Pastor
St, John called on the churches
to invest in more training in
the area of theology in order
to keep them on track on

Edwin G. Genoway, Jr ( 231886458910)-genowayedwin@gmail.com

religious issues.
He noted that the training of
pastors is very important when
discussing religious matters.
The
United
Methodist
prelate noted that the lack of
knowledge is a major problem
that has the ability to spark

out chaos and religious crisis

in a country is dangerous as
Liberia is no exception.
Rev. York also told journalists
that pastors are the light of a
community and should lead
the people with unity.
He
however
encouraged

religious or church leaders

to come together and realize
how Islam and Christians
have worked together over
the centuries, saying he wants
Liberians to consider all
religions and move the country
forward in love and unity.

The Inter Religious Council of

Liberia is a group of Christians
and Muslims leaders who are
making significant impact in
the peace and reconciliation
process in Liberia.
Rev. York wants Christians
and Muslims leaders to openly
discuss the universal nature of
their religions so as to ensure
that Liberia is not accused of
importing so many things into
the country to the extent of
importing conflicts into their
environments and therefore
fighting proxy wars.
He noted that the Inter faith
and religious council have
been working together without
discrimination
since
the
outbreak of the civil conflict
in Liberia, saying, "during the
war the inter faith religion
council comprise of Muslims
and Christians that have been
talking to warlords to go for
peace agreement, the arrival
of ECOMIL and UNMIL is an
example for our intervention,"
he noted.
The religious prelate said
only the Council can make
the people of Liberia live

Transition), as First Claims on

the resource envelop.
Other key areas of funding
agreed
by
the
Cabinet
include the Government of
Liberias (GOL) contribution
(Counterpart Funding) to
ongoing
donor
financed
public investment projects
through loans and grants
(US$24.5 million), as well as,
GoLs Grants and Transfers
to various institutions and
entities (US$85.7 million) that
contribute to Liberias socioeconomic reconstruction.
In support of major Public
Sector Investments intended
to advance Liberias postEbola
recovery,
growth,
and
development,
the
Cabinet agreed to fund road
construction and maintenance
(US$44.3 million, including
US$17.3 million as GoLs
contribution to donor funded
projects), renovation of public
buildings (US$9 million);
expansion of electricity (US$2.4
million); district development
projects
throughout
the
country through the National
Legislature (US$10.9 million);
water & sanitation (US$2.3
million); beach & waterways
cleaning
(US$1million);
human
capacity
building
(US$2 million); private sector
development (US$1.5 million);
National Low Cost Housing
Project (US$1.5 million); LWSC
Water Project (US$1.0 million);
renovation works at BWI (US$1
million); renovation works
at Tubman University (US$1
million); and a host of other
key interventions critical for
the delivery of social services
and economic transformation.
The MOFDP has stated that
citizens are encouraged to fully
participate in these budget
discussions by engaging with
their representatives to ensure
that the Final National Budget is
representative of the countrys
needs
and
aspirations,
particularly considering the
socio-economic impact caused
by the Ebola virus disease.
together in peace and the good
examples is being immolated
by countries in the region
especially Guinea and Sierra
Leone.
An upsurge of religious
particularism influenced by
the concept of Christians
belonging to the Body of
Christ and Muslims belonging
to the universal ummah have
militated against the unity
of nations and the quest for
common
citizenship
that
would enable neighbors to
live together in peace. The
perception that the European
West is Christian, and the Arab
East is Muslim has created
a situation where conflict
between the West and the
Arab East is perceived to be
conflict between members of
the Body of Christ (Christians)
and members of the Ummah
(Muslims).
This was more pronounced
and almost became the norm in
some parts of Africa during the
Gulf War of 1991, the invasion
of Iraq in 2003 and the Danish
cartoon saga in 2006.
In Nigeria (the northern part),
for example, Christians and
Muslims literally slaughter
each other and burn down
worship places on a regular
basis.

NEW SHELTER

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Golu, Lofa County s moving vehicles

ply the dusty road in
Gorlu, Lofa County,
happy sounds of
little Ebola orphans filled the
air, as they jumped up and
down singing the slogan:
Our ma na come, our ma na
come, meaning our mother
has come, in welcoming their
caregiver who had brought
their Monthly supply.
Rev. Cecelia Mapleh of the
United Methodist Church,
who is the caregiver of more
than 65 Ebola orphans,
housed on the Methodist
compound of temporary
structures, once used for
internally displaced people,
disembarked from the vehicle
and was nearly knocked
down from rush of the kids
who jumped in excitement
over her arrival with goodies.
In celebration of the Justice
with Peace week, the newly
constructed shelter to house
the kids was painted by
members of the church, while
the bigger kids helped in the
process. The children are
said to be moving into their
new home within the coming
week.
During the Ebola crisis, we
saw many of these children
who were denied and sent
into the bushes to live by
various towns and villages
including their own, because
their parents had died of
Ebola. So when I heard about
the situation, I felt so sad and
sent for the kids, because
knowing that Lofa was
the Epicenter of Ebola, we
thought to have the children
taken to an orphanage. But
when the orphanage said

Frontpage

For Over 35 Ebola Orphans in Gorlu, Lofa

Mae Azango maeazango@frontpageafricaonlin.com

it did not have space, we

decided to house them here
for six months, but instead,
we are going to nine months
now, since November of Last
year.
Since the effects of the
deadly Ebola virus that wipe
out over 4,000 people, the
stains and scars left by the
virus will continue to remind
Liberians whenever they
look at the many homeless
kids rendered orphans by the
Ebola virus.
The Methodist Church is
not the only organization
supporting many orphans
around the country, but
many other groups and

kind-hearted
individuals.
Yet, the Ministry of Gender
and Children Protection,
responsible for orphans
around the country, says it
has identified 4,000 orphans
they are working with, but
yet many of the orphans have
not been listed nor catered
to, by the Ministry.
The youngest child at the
center in Gorlu, who lost
one parent to Ebola, is four
months.
Rev. Mapleh and that she
immediately called on the
church human Right Monitor
Director Mr. Jefferson Knight,
who suggested they take the
children for a short while,

until they could find an

alternative. But yet they are
still waiting from the promise
given by the government,

REDUCING ILLICIT
MINING-EGIRP SUPPORTS LANDS, MINES AND ENERGY Ministry

W
Monrovia-

ith the high level

of illicit mining
across Liberia,
the
World
Bank through the Economic
Governance and Institutional
Reform
Project
[EGIRP]
has built the capacity of the
inspectoral division of the
Ministry of Lands Mines and
Energy to help curtail illicit
mining.
Liberia is rich in natural
resources,
research
has
indicated,
with
valuable
mineral which occurs in a
large number of depositional
environments,
and
is
deposited through a large
number of processes including
biogenic, hydrothermal, and
evaporation, among others
is found in Liberia but these
minerals are illegally mined
by locals and foreigners
defrauding the country.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa
last March, Assistant Minister
of Mines William Hines said,
low capacity and logistics is
responsible for the increase in
illicit mining.
"The Ministry of Lands Mines
and Energy is expected to be at
all mining sites and at all times,
but it is not like that, because

we do not have the logistics

needed to do the work," said,
Assistant Minister Hines.
He added "There are no
vehicles or even bikes for
the Inspectors to cover these
mining sites, some of them
have to walk through the
bushes to some sites, while
other sites are not covered
because of the long distance.
The Assistant Minister Mines
also said There are 49 mining
sites in the Country and we
need twice the number of
inspectors and patrol officers
to inspect, but we have only
34 inspectors to cover these
mining sites and that number

is not enough to do the job."

With these challenges facing
this sector the Economic
Governance and Institutional
Reform Project has embarked
on a program to build the
capacity of the inspectorate
division of the Ministry of
Lands Mines and Energy.
On Tuesday, the head of EGIRP
Boniface Satu turned over two
Toyota pickups and fifteen
motorbikes to the Ministry
of lands Mines and Energy to
enhance their work.
We have here two vehicles, we
will build capacity and provide
a computer lab, the Ministry
of Lands and Mines will not

be strengthened with only

capacity but logistics, Satu
asserted.
Turning the equipment over,
Satu said that the Ministry of
Lands Mines and Energy is
a critical component to the
project.
As you are aware this is
an eighteen million dollars
project, Lands and Mines is
critical component of this
project, Satu added.
The head of EGIRP mentioned
intensive training for the
inspectoral department and
the set-up of computer labs
as a mean to strengthen
monitoring on illicit mining.

who pass by the compound

with food and other items but
do not stop to find out about
the kids.

We are at the close of this

project, and the goal here is
to ensure that the Ministry
of Lands and Mines is
strengthened to monitor illicit
mining, Satu explained.
Satu averred that the project
in line with Ministry has built
inspectorate hubs in five
different regions.
He continued: in that vein we
are constructing inspectoral
hubs in five different regions to
do that kind of work you need
logistic, this is approximately
one million.
The
EGIRP
Coordinator
added that with capacity and
logistical support given the
Ministry he is certain the illicit
mining will be reduced.
We believe with this the
Ministry will be able to do
the things they need to do to
monitor illicit mining, Satu
added.
Ministry of Lands Mines and
Energy Deputy Minister for
Operations, Sam Russ thanked,
the World Bank for its support
to the inspectorate department
of the ministry.
Minister Russ stressed, that
training and capacity building
is important adding that
countrys resources can be
properly managed.
We want say special thanks to
the staff of the EGIRP and the
World Bank, we place serious
emphasis on training, we need
to build the capacity to manage
those resources, Russ added.
Russ continued: we also place
a serious emphasis on training,
their rigorous training is about

Page 7

We got in touch with the

ministry of Gender who sent
us to Voinjama branch in Lofa
County and when we did, they
said they will get back to us,
but we have not heard from
them yet. They are always
here, so we do not know what
is in the pipeline, but we are
still waiting. Because we do
not have food and support for
the children and we had over
thirteen people taking care
of these children, but due to
lack of payment, many of the
staffs have dropped, so we
have only three staffs taking
care of the kids and it is so
strenuous on us.
Rev. Mapleh says she feels
good bringing joy on the
faces of the orphans because
they are the future leaders.
She says she has given the
church 35 acres of land for
the construction of a mission
center. Though, it is a longterm project, we will do
fundraising programs and
ask partners and friends
to help us. Thanks to the
people of Lofa County, most
especially the senators and
representatives. But I will
also say we should work
together in bringing future
to these children. We as a
church intend to build our
mission center here that will
include schools, hospitals,
church and dormitories for
both boys and girls.

to come to an end, we want to

turn this key to the minister
responsible.
The EGIRP project came as the
result of fourteen years of civil
unrest that left Liberia with
poor governance structure
characterized by corruption
and abuse of public resources.
The war destroyed productive
assets, physical infrastructure,
institutional
and
human
capacity and eroded public
confidence in the government.
In 2006, when President Ellen
Johnson took office, improving
economic
governance
and strengthening public
administration became her
priority.
With this, the government
and her partners decided
to
design
an
initiative
to
improve
economic
governance and strengthen
public administration which
is expected to increase
transparency and efficiency
in the management and
utilization of Liberias rich
natural resources for the
provision of public services.
The Economic Governance and
Institutional Reform Project
[EGIRP] was established in
2008 to improve efficiency
and transparency in managing
public financial management
and human resources, focusing
on revenue administration,
public procurement, budget
execution
and
payroll
management.

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Page 8 | Frontpage

BIVAC International Liberia

BIVAC GENERAL INFORMATION

The brokers must bring an official letter (headed paper and stamp)
from importers company/oganization explaining in details the
amendment they are requesting. No Original Document must be
attached to the amendment letter, only copies. Amendment and
replacement will be done in 1 working day.

AMENDMENTS

The status of the file can be checked online by both importers and
exporters on Verigates (an account by connecting to the following
webpage https://verigates.bureauveritas.com and follow the link
ask for an account) or by phone +231777757467 or by email at
claim.liberia@bureauveritas.com or by coming to our office on
Broad Street and enquire from our Helpdesk.

STATUS

1.
Fresh or frozen meat and meat products, including poultry
2.
Fresh and frozen fish and crustaceans
3.
Fresh and frozen vegetables and tubers (excluding canned,
preserved, or dried)
4.
Fresh fruits and nuts (excluding canned, preserved, or dried)
5.
Dairy produce, including milk, cream, butter, cheese, and
eggs (excluding powder)
6.
Bottled water and alcoholic beverages
7.
Products of the milling industry, including rice, flour, and
starches
8.
Live animals, all types
9.
Prescription medicines/pharmaceuticals and biological
substances
10.
Specialized medical, dental, or veterinary apparatus and
equipment
11.
Inorganic and organic products of the chemical industry,
chemical elements, acids, and chemicals (e.g. lead, mercury,
sodium, monosodium glutamate, formaldehyde, sulfuric
acid), including ozone-depleting substances
12.
Fertilizers containing nitrates
13.
Petroleum products, including crude and refined oil and
petroleum gases
14.
Explosives, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and combustible liquid
or gas preparations
15.
Military tanks and weapons, arms and ammunition
16.
Hazardous waste (including clinical waste, municipal waste,
sewage sludge, and other wastes)
17.
Building materials (including lime, cement, steel rods,
plywood, PVC pipes, sheets of zinc, and ceramic flooring
blocks)
For all other type of goods a RFI must be opened at BIVACs office

CATEGORY OF GOODS REQUIRING AN IPD

(IMPORT PERMIT DECLARATION) FROM THE
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE.
(ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE
MCI/NO.008/06/2013):

IPD: 6 months, extension subject to approval from MOCI.

RFI: 6 months, no extension allowed.

VALIDITY OF THE LICENSES

CLAIMS

DESTINATION INSPECTION:
- The following shipments are exempted from PSI and will
undergo DI without penalty:
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Open Top containers
Shipments coming by road freight
Shipments of used personal effects and household goods
coming from the USA
Office converted containers
Break bulk (including all vehicles) and loose cargo must
undergo PSI. Consolidated FCL containers for one single
consignee (even if covered by several licences) from
either the same supplier or from the same consolidator
(different suppliers) will also have to be inspected at
origin and containers will have to be sealed.
- The following shipments must undergo DI but will be
charged a penalty by Customs:
All imports that have not undergone PSI (except where the
shipment is PSI exempted).
All containers that have undergone PSI, but for which the
seal affixed further to the inspection has been broken. This
additional service will be charged to the importer
separately.
A request for inspection should be filled in at BIVACs
office in Monrovia in order to schedule the destination
inspection.

THRESHOLD
An inspection is mandatory in the following cases:
1. For goods imported by sea when the FOB is above USD
3,500.00
2. For goods imported by air when the FOB is above USD
1,500.00
3. For goods imported by road when the FOB is above USD
1,500.00
All vehicles excluding duly authorised exempt vehicles are
subject to PSI, regardless of their value.

For exemptions 1, 2 and 3 an IPD or a RFI will have to be

opened anyway and follow the normal process except that no
BIVAC fees will be required.
- For 1), the exempt stamp will have to be gotten from the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- For 2) and 3), the exempt stamp will have to be gotten from
the Ministry of Finance.

Please note that more detailed information on the

process and required documents are available at
our office on Broad Street and on our Website
https://verigates.bureauveritas.com in the Liberia
section.

FOR APPOINTMENTS PLEASE FILL OUT THE

APPOINTMENT SLIP AVAILABLE AT THE HELPDESK
COUNTER.

Email: claim.liberia@bureauveritas.com
Phone: +231777757467

CONTACTS

The importers have the right to ask for a credit note, in case an
IPD/RFI opened, for which the shipment of the goods have been
cancelled. The importer can apply for a credit note to be used in a
subsequent shipment. There will not be any cash refund. A Credit
Note is valid for one year and must be requested before the end of
the validity of the Licence.
.

CREDIT NOTES

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR CERTIFICATE BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR

SHIPMENT AND CHECK THE INFORMATION ON IT. DO NOT WAIT
FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE SHIPMENT TO INFORM US OF ANY ISSUE /
CLAIM. IT WILL AVOID DELAYS IN THE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE OF
YOUR GOODS.

In case of the Importer is not satisfied with the final decision from
BIVAC, a last appeal can be done by sending a formal appeal letter to
Customs.

Claims will be responded to within 2 working days.

Please do not attach original documents to the claim form/letter.

Each claim must be accompanied by supporting documentation as

evidence.
Examples:
Freight Petition: Freight receipt from the shipper
HS code: Catalogue/Data Sheet/Picture or Product Manual
FOB: Sales contract/Export price list from the exporter, etc

In case the importer disagrees with the valuation or classification or

any detail on the CRF he has the right to appeal against it. He is then
required to submit a claim letter to the Helpdesk or by email to
claim.liberia@bureauveritas.com or by filling a claim form (available
at the Helpdesk).

BIVAC - BUREAU VERITAS GROUP is the exclusive Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) provider for Liberia. The Pre-Shipment Inspection Services are intended to facilitate international trade and
contribute to the economic development of the country. Since its creation, BIVAC International has provided Pre-Shipment Inspection services to countries on every continent. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Bureau Veritas, one of the world's leading independent control and inspection groups. Bureau Veritas is one of the most widely represented French companies in the world. This world-wide coverage is
provided by more than 1,400 offices and laboratories located in 140 countries on every continent with a total workforce of more than 66,500.
4 Global Regional Centers connected world-wide with over 300 inspection centers in every part of the world. Services provided by BIVAC / GSIT Division of Bureau Veritas Group are designed to: facilitate
transparency in trading activities; Ensure that goods meet current regulations; Provide Authorities with effective means of overseeing and controlling foreign trade and protect revenues.
PROCEDURE
Please note that the process must be started by the importer in
Liberia before the departure of the shipment from the Country of
Origin.
After the validation of the license (IPD or RFI) the inspection will
be organized in the Country of Origin.
Please note that more detailed information on the process and
required documents are available at our office on Broad Street
and on our Website https://verigates.bureauveritas.com in the
Liberia section.

PRODUCTS EXEMPTED FROM INSPECTION

SCOPE
1. Imports below the Threshold* value, with the exception of
motor vehicles (used and new), which are subject to PreShipment Inspection regardless of their value;
2. Reasonable amount of personal, household or removal articles
as defined in regulation by the Minister of Finance;
3. Supplies for missions, United Nations Organizations and
NGOs;
4. Gold, precious stones, objects of art;
5. Explosives and pyrotechnic products, arms, ammunition,
weapons and implement of war imported by the Liberian
Armed Forces and the Liberian Police service;
6. Live animals, trade samples, foodstuffs from West Africa
region, fresh fish caught by local Liberian canoe..

IMPORT PERMIT DECLARATION (IPD)

This document is available at the Ministry of Commerce - Foreign
Trade Division.
The importer must open an IPD only if the shipment contains
a/some product(s) included in the following list.

FEES
The fee is 1.2% of the FOB value with a minimum fee of USD
190.00
The fee for Rice is USD 1.00 per Metric Ton
The fee for Fuel is USD 2.00 per Metric Ton
The fee for Bulk Vegetable Oil is USD 2.00 per Metric Ton
BIVAC will charge as well:
USD 10.00 for replacement of lost RFI (upon presentation of a
letter from the importer)
USD 50.00 for replacement of lost CRF (upon presentation of
a letter from the importer)
USD 10.00 per amendment (upon presentation of a letter
from the importer)

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Frontpage

Page 9

Re-Advertised Invitation for Bids (IFB)

National Competitive Bidding
Supply of Uniforms for LRA
IFB No. LRA/NCB/002/014-015
1. The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has received funds from the Government of Liberia
through budgetary allocations and intends to apply part of it to fund eligible payments
under the contract for Supply of Uniforms for LRA as part of its FY 2014/2015 operations.
2. This procurement covers Supply of Uniforms for LRA staff as indicated below;

SUPPLY OF UNIFORMS

LOT-1

Item
Description Quantity
1
Uniforms 1,200
LOT-2
Description Quantity

1
Specialized Clothing (T-Shirts)
800

All interested bidders must include a uniform sample as part of BID including indicating
a current business address where the physical location of their premises can be found and
a company profile covering the last 5 years.

3. The Liberia Revenue Authority now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders
for Supply of Uniforms for LRA.
4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures
specified in the PPC Act and approved by the PPCC, and is open to all eligible bidders.

5. A complete set of Bidding Document in English may be obtained by interested bidders

upon payment of a non-refundable fee of 50.00 USD to the LRA Budget & Finance Office at
the Ministry of Finance, First Floor, from the below address within the hours of 9:30 am to
3:00 p.m. daily.
Walter J. Dean,
Liberia Revenue Authority
LRA Logistics Management Section
Ministry of Finance & Development Planning Building,
1stFloor
Broad & Mechlin Street-Monrovia, Liberia
Tel: 231-(0886) -517-891
Email: WALTER.DEAN@LRA.GOV.LR
6. Qualification requirements include the following:

Signed Bid or Tender Form

A bid security (in the form of Managers Check)
A valid tax clearance Certificate
Valid Business Registration
Company profile
Names of current past/clients and their contact details
Proof of similar services provided over the last 5 years

7. All bids must be clearly marked with the address indicated below.

Supply of Uniforms for LRA

Ref: IFB No. LRA/NCB/002/014-015
Liberia Revenue Authority,
NASSCORP House
Paynesville, Liberia
Tel: 231-(0886) -517-891 or walter.dean@lra.gov.lr

8. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before June 29, 2015 at 10:00am

9. Bids will be opened on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., in the presence of bidders
representatives who choose to attend, at the address below:
10. Electronic and late bids will not be accepted

Liberia Revenue Authority Headquarters

NASSCORP House
ELWA Junction
Paynesville, Liberia
Note: This IFB and other LRA related information are also available at www.lra.gov.lr
and Liberia Revenue Authority Facebook page.

Oliver N. Rogers, II
Deputy Commissioner General Adm. Affairs
Walter J. Dean
Procurement Manager

GVL ASSESSES DAMAGE

Following Protest at Butaw Plantation in Sinoe County

MONROVIA ays after protesters stormed and vandalized the premises of Golden Veroleum Liberia;
the company says it has commenced assessing damages at its Butaw farm site in Sinoe
County. The company in a press release issued yesterday said the assessment would be
completed in the coming days, renewing its commitment to local communities in Sinoe
and Grand Kru.
A team of technicians have been dispatched to Sinoe to assess the level of damages caused, GVL
Spokesman Stephen Binda said in a statement. In addition, the company said it has commenced
discussions with the Sinoe and Grand Kru Legislative Caucuses, the Liberian National Police in a bid
to resolve the matter. With the assessment, Binda said the companys monthly payroll for employees
would be conducted as usual. The company described the violence and looting as a great lose to both
GVL and its Butaw community.
Binda said while it acknowledges the intervention of government into the matter, GVL has not been
officially offered the use of the Sinoe County Development Fund. It is not our intent to use the
county development fund to repair damages, Binda said. We absolutely would not accept these
funds for any repairs whatsoever, if we are asked to use these for damage repair, we would utilize
the funds to the desires of the local Sinoe citizens and use directly for urgent county purposes, such
as school, clinic and road building and repair. We will not under any circumstances use the county
development fund for any damage repair. Our thought and belief is the county development funds
are strictly for the people of Sinoe and not GVL.
On Tuesday of last week, members of the Butaw Youth Association staged violent protests demanding
an immediate meeting with a top GVL official. The company management requested to schedule the
meeting for an appropriate time, as it was in the midst of a management coordination meeting at
the time.
Entrances were later blocked, by the Butaw Youth, preventing vehicle and employee movement,
while stones were thrown at managers and facilities. Several company vehicles were damaged,
while others sustained body injuries and properties looted, thus causing dozens of GVL employees
to flee into bush for safety.
The genesis of the complaint by the Butaw Youth stemmed from an ongoing boundary dispute
between Butaw and the neighboring community of Murrysville. GVL indicated in a previously
released statement that its corporate policy and international standards dictate that the companies
not expand into areas with boundary disputes.
Due to the boundary dispute we do understand the frustration with the slow progress in Butaw,
said Binda. We too have been frustrated by this, however, we have a very clear policy of not entering
into disputed areas and this will not change.

LIBERIA CATHOLIC BISHOPS APPOINTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CATHOLIC
JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMISSION

Monrovia he Catholic Bishops Conference of

Liberia has appointed Veteran and
Liberias Foremost Human Rights
Lawyer, Atty. Samuel Kofi Woods,
II Chairman, Board of Directors, Catholic
Justice and Peace Commission.
Other prominent Liberians appointed to
the Board includes: Mrs. Korto Williams,
co-Chairman of the Board: Mrs. Williams
is the Country Director of Action Aid, an
International NGO working in Liberia and
joins the JPC Board with years of experience
in advocacy and leadership. She is a strong
advocate for gender equality.
Msgr. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe: Msgr. Jubwe
is Parish priest for the St. PiusX Catholic
Church in Harbel, Margibi County and
former Rector-President of St. Pauls College- Seminary, Gbarnga Bong County.
Mrs. Caroline Borwah-Brown: Country Director for Medica Mondiale, an International Womens
Rights Organization and once served as Board Member of the Bureau of Veterans Affairs with wide
experiences in policy formulation and human rights advocacy.
Mr. C. Morris Kollie: is Treasure of the Board. Mr. Kollie is currently President of the Catholic Mens
Organization (CMO) in Gbarnga and Director of Archives at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia.
In making the appointments, the Catholic Bishops re-affirmed their commitment to social justice
and peace in Liberia and respect for human dignity, by this act, we, the Liberia Catholic Bishops
believe that we enter a new page in re-activating a vital institution in promoting respect for human
rightsthe Bishops affirmed.
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission was founded in November of 1991 by the Catholic
Bishops Conference headed Late Catholic Prelate Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis in response
to wide spread human rights violations and abuses occasioned by the Liberian civil war which
started on December 24, 1989.
The new Chairman of the Board comes with a wealth of experience, national and international
respect. He was the founding Director of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission.

Page 10 | Frontpage

IN BRIEF

WORLD NEWS

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

HOLDING FIRM
PAGE

RONT

Buhari expected to keep oil portfolio for himself in new Nigeria cabinet

MORE AMERICANS DISTRUST

HILLARY CLINTON THAN TRUST HER

hile Hillary Clinton remains the clear front-runner

in the race for the 2016 Democratic presidential
nomination, a growing number of American
voters view her unfavorably and distrust her, new
polls released Tuesday show.
According to a CNN/ORC poll, 50 percent view Clinton
unfavorably up from 44 percent in March (before she
announced her presidential bid) and the highest level since
2001, when it was 53 percent. The only other time a majority of
Americans viewed Clinton unfavorably was in 1996, when she
was first lady.
The survey found 46 percent view Clinton favorably, down from
53 percent in March and 61 percent in May 2013.
Meanwhile, 57 percent of Americans say she is not honest and
trustworthy (up from 49 percent in March), 47 percent feel she
cares about people like them (down from 53 percent in July
2014) and 50 percent feel she does not inspire confidence (up
from 42 percent in March 2014).
A new ABC News/Washington Post poll shows Clinton faces
similar character hurdles.

NIGERIA FIRST LADY AISHA BUHARI

SLAMMED FOR $52K CARTIER WATCH

he Nigerian media was in an uproar this week over a

watch first lady Aisha Buhari wore during her husband's
inauguration ceremonies. She also wore the accessory
described as a Cartier Baignoire Folle 18-Carat White
Gold Diamond Ladies Watch in her newly unveiled official
portrait. Nigeria media have estimated the watch costs roughly
$52,000, or more than what President Muhammadu Buhari
earns in three months from his official salary.
The timepiece triggered outrage from some Nigerians as the
newly elected president has vowed to crackdown on government
corruption, including overpaid public officials. Buhari played up
his modest background while on the campaign trail, claiming he
was a pastoral farmer with 150 cows who could barely afford to
pay for his presidential nomination form. More than 50 percent
of Nigerians live below the international poverty line of US$1.25
per day, according to the United Nations.
Some have claimed that the watch is merely a knockoff and
doesn't cost more than $129. But critics said the watch is the
real deal and is made of white gold and brilliant-cut diamonds.
The official portrait of Aisha Buhari was released hours after the
inauguration last week attended by U.S. Secretary of State John
Kerry, among other world leaders.

SAUDI BEHEADS WIFE KILLER, SYRIAN DRUG TRAFFICKER

Riyadh (AFP) audi Arabia on Tuesday beheaded a man convicted of

murdering his wife, along with a Syrian drug smuggler,
adding to a toll that activists called a "stain" on the
kingdom's rights record.
Authorities executed Saudi national Awad al-Rasheedi following
his conviction for stabbing his wife to death, the interior ministry
said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.
"Because he had previous drug-related arrests and because he
attacked the closest person to him, his wife, because taking a life
is the biggest type of corruption on Earth and because he was
drunk and under the influence of hashish at the time, he was
sentenced to death," the ministry said.
He was executed in the Gulf coast city of Dammam.
Syrian national Mohammed Abdul Hadi Ahmed, who had been
convicted of trying to smuggle amphetamines into the kingdom,
was also executed in the northern Jawf region, the interior
ministry said.
The two beheadings bring the number of executions in Saudi
Arabia this year to 92, despite fierce criticism from rights groups.
According to an AFP tally, 87 Saudis and foreigners were put to
death in all of 2014.

ABUJA (Reuters) resident

Muhammadu Buhari
is likely to keep
the oil portfolio for
himself in the new Nigerian
cabinet, rather than trust
anyone else with the source
of most of Nigeria's revenue
and traditional fount of
corruption, associates say.
Nigerias oil sector is so
dirty that nobodys hands
are clean enough to do the
surgical changes needed,
one long-standing associate
told Reuters on condition
of anonymity because the
cabinet decision is still under
wraps.
Another political associate
said: He will do it. It would
be stupid to give that position
to anyone else.
The first source said Buhari
has still not settled on his
cabinet and has laughed off
media speculation about
figures he will appoint,
joking with friends as he
read out a newspaper article
that mentioned possible
names: "They have picked my
ministers for me! Have I even
told you who I want?"
A former general who ruled
Nigeria 30 years ago, Buhari
has extensive knowledge of
the oil sector, having been

epp Blatter, FIFA's

long-time president,
announced
on
Tuesday that he will
be resigning as soon as an
extraordinary FIFA congress
has elected a successor.
Blatter had won a fifth term
as president just last Friday
and seemed to feel vindicated
in two victory speeches,
after yet another round of
bribery scandals had beset
him and his organization. A
recent indictment by the U.S.
Department of Justice had
led to the arrest of nine of his
close associates last week,
and ABC News reported
Tuesday that Blatter is,
in fact, a subject of that
continuing investigation.

head of the Petroleum Trust

Fund under military ruler
Sani Abacha in the 1990s
and oil minister in the 1970s
under Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was voted in by Nigerians
on
an
anti-corruption
platform after years in which
graft appeared to worsen
under the leadership of
his predecessor Goodluck
Jonathan.
Buhari sent a list of 15
special advisors to the
outgoing national assembly
for approval on Tuesday, but
the cabinet is unlikely to be
publicly revealed until the
end of July or early August.
The senate, which must
confirm the cabinet, will
convene only briefly on June
9 before its members are
expected to go on recess for
up to six weeks.
Its going to be a lean
government, I doubt hell
have 42 ministries like
Jonathan but he must have
at least 36 (for the number of
states) as prescribed by the
constitution, though it does
not specify whether they
have to be senior or junior,
an advisor in the ruling APC
party told Reuters.
The new administration had
not yet gone through reports
on Jonathan's handover notes

on policy, the advisor said.

"There is a huge body of
proposals being bandied
around the place," the advisor
said, adding that nothing
beyond broad strokes had
been outlined.
TASK AHEAD IN THE OIL
SECTOR
Jonathan has left Buhari with
a cash-strapped government,
with a rainy-day fund so
depleted that it must borrow
just to cover salaries.
The government relies on
oil sales for the bulk of its
revenues but there has been
little oversight on how these
are handled. Former central
bank governor Lamido Sanusi
was sacked under Jonathan

after he declared that some

$20 billion in oil revenues
were missing between 2012
and 2013.
The dealings inside the
state
owned
company
NNPC are so opaque that
PriceWaterhouseCoopers,
commissioned to do a
forensic audit over the
missing funds, said it was
unable to obtain enough
account documentation.
Not only is oil money
stolen through accounting
gymnastics and oversight
gaps, but oil itself goes
missing at unmetered oilfield
well heads, pipeline taps and
export terminals.
Pipeline protection and
coastal inspection contracts
have been given to exmilitants of the oil-producing
delta who kidnapped foreign
oil workers and blew up key
infrastructure until a 2009
amnesty. Buhari plans to let
the 60 billion naira-a-year
amnesty program end in
December as scheduled to
save money and it is unclear
what he will fund in its place.
The new leader has also made
clear that he wants to revamp
Nigerias refining sector,
which declined while the
country became dependent
on imports for fuel.
Hes emotionally attached
to the refineries because he
built some of them. He wants
them to start functioning
again, the APC source said.

SEPP BLATTER SAYS HE WILL

RESIGN AS FIFA PRESIDENT

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Frontpage

Sports

IN SEARCH OF A DEEP-ROOTED STRUCTURAL CHANGE

oseph Sepp Blatter

has
announced
his
resignation
as
Fifa
president and called an
extraordinary congress "as
soon as possible" to elect his
successor.
Blatter was re-elected on
May 29 despite calls to stand
down from Uefa president
Michel Platini and British
Prime
Minister
David
Cameron.
Needing a two-third majority
in the first round, Blatter
got 133 votes with 76 votes
for his sole challenger
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of
Jordan in an election that
was overshadowed by last
Wednesdays arrests on
charges of racketeering, wire
fraud and money laundering
as part of a US prosecution
that also indicted 14 people.
Knowing an uphill task
was ahead, the Jordanian
withdrew from the second
round and Blatter was
immediately sworn in for
another four-year term.
A
separate
criminal
investigation
by
Swiss
authorities into how the
2018 and 2022 World Cups
were allocated is also under
way.
Speaking at a news conference
in Zurich on Tuesday, which
was broadcast live on Fifas
website, Blatter announced a
significant reform program to
be driven by Domenico Scala,
the independent chairman
of the audit and compliance
committee.
I have been reflecting deeply
about my presidency and
about the forty years in which
my life has been inextricably
bound to Fifa and the great
sport of football. I cherish
Fifa more than anything and
I want to do only what is best
for Fifa and for football.
I felt compelled to stand for
re-election, as I believed that
this was the best thing for the
organization. That election is
over but Fifas challenges are
not. Fifa needs a profound
overhaul.
While I have a mandate
from the membership of
Fifa, I do not feel that I have
a mandate from the entire
world of football the fans,
the players, the clubs, the

A PRINCIPLE-MINDED

Page 11

SPORTS

ANCELOTTI TURNS
DOWN AC MILAN

CHARACTER? C

Blatter to quit Fifa presidency after winning a four-year term on May 29

Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

people who live, breathe and

love football as much as we
all do at Fifa.
Therefore, I have decided
to lay down my mandate at
an extraordinary elective
congress. I will continue to
exercise my functions as Fifa
president until that election.
The next ordinary Fifa
congress will take place on
13 May 2016 in Mexico City.
This
would
create
unnecessary delay and I will
urge the executive committee
to organize an extraordinary
congress for the election of
my successor at the earliest
opportunity. This will need
to be done in line with
Fifas statutes and we must
allow enough time for the
best candidates to present
themselves and to campaign,
said Blatter in keeping with
the approved April 2015

statutes.
First, Blatter or 13 executive
committee members will
have to convene an executive
committee
meeting
in
keeping with chapter 31,
article three.
For its sole purpose and at
the end, an extraordinary
congress will be announced
and must take place within
three months of receipt of
the request in keeping with
article 22, article four.
Until that election, the
79-year-old
Swiss
will
continue to carry out his
envisaged reforms in line
with his functions.
Since I shall not be a
candidate, and am therefore
now free from the constraints
that elections inevitably
impose, I shall be able to
focus on driving far-reaching,
fundamental reforms that

transcend our previous

efforts. For years, we have
worked hard to put in place
administrative reforms, but
it is plain to me that while
these must continue, they are
not enough, he said.
Amid a scandalous week,
Blatter said footballs world
governing body is need
of deep-rooted structural
change such as time limits for
the president.
The executive committee
includes representatives of
confederations over whom
we have no control, but for
whose actions Fifa is held
responsible. We need deeprooted structural change.
The size of the executive
committee must be reduced
and its members should
be elected through the Fifa
congress.
The integrity checks for
all executive committee
members must be organized
centrally through Fifa and not
through the confederations.
We need term limits not only
for the president but for all
members of the executive
committee.
I have fought for these
changes before and, as
everyone knows, my efforts
have been blocked. This
time, I will succeed. I cannot
do this alone. I have asked
Domenico Scala to oversee
the
introduction
and
implementation of these and
other measures.
Mr. Scala is . elected by
the Fifa congress. He is also
the chairman of the ad hoc
electoral committee and,

as such, he will oversee the

election of my successor. Mr.
Scala enjoys the confidence of
a wide range of constituents
within and outside of Fifa and
has all the knowledge and
experience necessary to help
tackle these major reforms.
It is my deep care for Fifa
and its interests, which I hold
very dear, that has led me to
take this decision. I would
like to thank those who
have always supported me
in a constructive and loyal
manner as president of Fifa
and who have done so much
for the game that we all love.
What matters to me more
than anything is that when all
of this is over, football is the
winner, Blatter concluded.
Africa (54 votes), which
last long supported Blatter
will be key in deciding his
successor but Europe (53
votes), which has been seen
as the epicenter center of
worlds football and with the
money, will field a candidate
with Platini viewed as
Blatters successor.
Asia (46 votes) and North
and Central America (35
votes) should be a good
campaign ground for possible
candidates with Oceania (11
votes) and South America
(10 votes) completing the
209-member
electoral
college.
Blatter, who is yet to be
charged or investigated,
is on his way out but the
damning corruption charges,
allegations and investigations
continue.

arlo Ancelotti has

turned down the
chance to return to
AC Milan as coach.
The 55-year-old had revealed
after being sacked by Real
Madrid last week that he
woud be taking an 12-month
sabbatical from the game
to recover from a back
operation he will undergo in
Canada this summer.
However, Milan owner Silvio
Berlusconi nonetheless sent
club CEO Adriano Galliani
to Madrid for a series of
meetings with Ancelotti, who
spent eight seasons at San
Siro between 2001 and 2008.
Ancelotti admitted after the
talks that the chances of him
rejoining the Rossoneri were
"50-50" but the former Italy
international turned the job
down on Tuesday.
"Carlo Ancelotti has informed
Milan that he will not be
able to become the coach
of the Rossonera first-team
squad for next season," read
a statement on the club's
official website.

COSTA: I'VE NO REASON

TO LEAVE CHELSEA

iego Costa has

moved to reassure
Chelsea fans that he
is going nowhere
this summer.
The
Spain
international
netted 20 goals in his debut
Premier League campaign,
but reports emerged on
Monday linking him with a
move back to former club
Atletico Madrid.
Speaking after the Blues' 1-0
victory over Sydney FC in
Australia on Tuesday, Costa
rejected such rumours and
insisted he 'loves' being at
Chelsea.
"[It is] quite a simple answer,"
the striker told Chelsea
TV. "It's always a bit more
difficult in the first season
for adaptation, but I have no
reason to leave this place, I
love it, the fans love me and I
want to stay."
Costa played 41 minutes
of Chelsea's friendly with
Sydney before being replaced
by Ruben Loftus-Cheek just
before half-time.
The substitution was merely
a precaution after Costa's
injury troubles this term, and
the player himself said he
welcomed the game time.

Page 12
6a | Frontpage
Gbarnga & Suakoko, Bong
Countyne
afternoon
in
May,
our
correspondent
set off in search of
joints where hard drugs were
sold and consumed in parts
of Gbarnga and surrounding
areas. Along the line, the
search led to Sergeant Kollie
Town (SKT) just outside
Gbarnga. Known as Better
Days, it is lined on both sides
with crowded shops on most
days of the week.
On this particular afternoon,
a number of people, idle
men from the look of it, sat
at the back of a plank in
front of a building. One of
the men occasionally passed
tiny wraps to the others in
exchange for money.
Our correspondent observed
the transactions for a while
and then, without being
noticed by the others,
beckoned to one of the
men a gaunt and wrinkled
fellow whose bloodshot eyes
darted a quick and suspicious
glance.
The man gave his name as
Joshua Bedell. Obviously
guessing
that
our
correspondent desired some
of the stuff wrapped in paper,
he offered to help him get
it. If you want Charlie or
Thailand, I can assist you to
get some. G-Man wont sell
to you because you are new
here, Bedell said in Pidgin
English.
G-Man was the fellow who
had been passing the wraps
to the other men. As it turned
out, he was a dealer in hard
drugs and the words Charlie
and Thailand stood for the
street names of cocaine and
heroin.
Our correspondent was able
to buy two tiny wraps of
cocaine and heroin at LD 100,
but not without attracting
curious stares from the other
drug users. They suspect you
may be a policeman or DEA
official, Bedell explained.
He cut the picture of a young
man whose whole existence
revolved around hard drugs.
He had just had a fix that
afternoon and was clearly a
shade too excited.

LIKE SKT, LIKE GBARNGA

After combing the area for

a while, our correspondent
discovered more addicted
drug users and not less
than six dinghy drug joints
between SKT, Gbarnga and
Suakoko towns, obviously the
hub of a thriving illicit trade
in narcotics in Bong County.
Further investigation by
FrontPageAfrica
showed
that most of the joints were
located in filthy surroundings,
often near crowded and busy
areas, especially in densely
parts of the mentioned areas.
Young men and women, some
barely in their teens, often
loiter around such places,
eager to grab an opportunity
for a quick fix. In a particular
joint in Suakoko and SKT, a
nursing mother sitting on a
mat quietly sniffed from a
substance in a piece of paper,

COCAINE SELLS FOR

LD 90 IN GBARNGA
Wednesday, June 3, 3015

By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

A popular drugs haven in Gbarnga

while her baby yelled for her
attention. Some of these
people you see here have no
homes. This place is their
home. Day and night, you
will find them here. This is
where they always hang out.
The only time they leave here
is when they need money
desperately for another fix,
a resident of the area said, on
condition of anonymity.
When asked why he had
not bothered to report to
the police or DEA, the man
said, It is risky. Some law
enforcement agents are
practically on the payroll of
these people. Some come
here in disguise to buy
drugs, too. What if I go to a
police station to report and
somebody leaks my identity
to them? That will be too
risky. Most drug addicts are
criminals. They are capable
of anything. They could kill
or do anything to me if they
suspect that you are a threat
to them.
Also, in the Gbarnga area,
behind the central market,
Sugar Hill, Robber factory
and Brooklyn communities,
among others, are dreaded
and avoided by many lawabiding Bongese (citizens
of Bong County) because of
their collective role in the
wider trade in hard drugs.
A resident once described
the area as the unofficial
hard drugs market. Illicit
transactions between drug
pushers and their customers
take place in many of the
shops found on the streets in
Gbarnga. You can easily tell a
drug joint by the filthy curtain
hanging at the entrance.
When our correspondent
visited there, a few young
men could be seen openly
smoking Indian hemp, now a
common food in many parts
of the city, as it is in many
others in the county.
Normally, influential citizens
in the county are said to be
associated with cocaine,

heroin and other related

narcotics. While children of
the rich, for instance, flaunt
the drugs in schools, it is said
that some wealthy people
go as far as sharing cocaine
and heroin to their guests
at some social functions.
But most of the addicts
encountered on the streets
of Gbarnga were clearly from
poor backgrounds.
MARIJUANA FACTORIES

Sometime in April, Bong

County Senator Henry Yallah
expressed concern over the
discovery of marijuana farms
in parts of the county. This
added another dimension
to the general awareness
of a looming drug crisis in
the county. The discovery
of clandestine marijuana
farms in the county is the
first alarm of insecurity in
the county, the senator was
quoted as saying during a
meeting with officials of the
Drugs Enforcement Agency
(DEA) in Bong County.
Since crimes like armed
robbery and rape are often
committed
under
the
influence of drugs, we must
first fight drugs in order to
fight crime. At this time of
high security challenges,
drug control should be a high
priority issue. Every society
that wants to promote peace
and security must fight
drugs, Senator Yallah said.
Earlier, news reports had
indicated that the discovery
of such farms posed a serious
obstacle to the current
campaign to rid the county of
the menace of drug addiction.
Almost
every
week,
traffickers in hard drugs are
caught trying to smuggle in
narcotics to Monrovia and
other parts of the country.
The development confirmed
the suspicion held in certain
quarters that despite the
efforts of the DEA and other
law enforcement agencies

at curbing the trend, Bong

County might be on the brink
of a major social disaster.
The three major drugs in
popular demand among
drug users in the county are
cocaine (known as Charlie),
heroin
(Thailand)
and
Methamphetamine (Meth or
Fast-track).
JOURNEY
TO
DESTRUCTION

SELF

Stakeholders cannot stop

worrying about the effects of
drug addiction. Apart from
the implication on the crime
rate, the environmental and
health consequences seem to
be endless. But for the person
involved too, drug abuse is a
quick ticket to the land of self
destruction.
While many people the world
over have fallen from grace
to grass because of their
involvement with drugs, the
case of a popular student in
Gbarnga, Solomon Peabody,
a student of the Dorothy
Cooper School in Gbarnga,
who was apparently destined
for the very top, but took
to drugs and has become
a shadow of his glory, is a
glaring example. The boy is
now a regular guest at rehab
homes in the county. All
efforts to reinvent him have
not yielded fruits because the
boy is still mentally, physically
and psychologically stranded
in drug holes.
The case of another financial
top shot, who got lost in the
drug groove, is instructive.
He was introduced into the
world of cocaine by some
girls. Since he tasted the first
shot, he could not stop asking
for more. Although he had a
wife and kid, he eventually
sold off everything he had
including his car to satisfy
his craving for more drugs.
A Gbarnga-based elite family
also reaped the bitter fruit
of addiction through one
of these children, not long

ago. He was a student of

Cuttington University in
Suakoko. It was there he
turned an addict, forcing
the parents to lure him back
home.
SAVED FROM THEMSELVES

While the war against drug

trafficking continues to rage
across the globe, some drug
users in Gbarnga have been
fortunate enough to be saved.
Our
correspondent,
for
instance, encountered such
people, including George
Peabody,
Daniel
Sackie
and Alphonso Kamara. At
different times in their lives,
they were all addicted to
hard drugs. All three were
residents of Gbarnga and
got entangled with narcotics
in the Sugar Hill community,
right in the heart of the city.
For more than ten years,
Peabody,
for
example,
abandoned his family to
walk a strange and tortuous
path defined by an endless
yearning for cocaine, heroin
and crack, known locally
as Gbana. He lived like a
vagrant, without a home and
a thought of the future, and
was virtually at the mercy of
nature.

In rain or shine, Peabody

(now almost 32 years old)
walked the streets of Gbarnga
begging for alms to satisfy a
perpetual hunger for drugs
and food.
In an interview with our
correspondent,
Peabody
recounted, with a hint of deep
regret, how he got hooked
on cocaine and heroin in all
those years, as well as how
he desperately struggled to
overcome drug addiction and
start a new life.
He said, I have no one else to
blame except myself. I lived
on the streets. Looking back
at the past, I can say there is
no gain in street life. I gained
nothing and was clearly on
the path of self-destruction. I
depended heavily on cocaine
and heroin. I would beg alms
from morning till night and
do small jobs just to make
some money. In the end, I
spent all the money on hard
drugs. Sometimes I made
about LD 500 from begging
in a day and I would spend all
the money on drugs the same
day.
Incidentally,
Peabody
confessed that he got his
regular dose of narcotics from
a discreet joint in the same
Sugar Hill community. I was
only one among many men
and women, even teenagers,
that got their supplies from
the ghetto, he said.
Reluctantly
and
almost
tearfully, Sackie narrated
how he was lured into
addiction and how he kept
up the habit for 10 years. He
said, It is not a good thing
to remember the unpleasant
past. I lived a very miserable
life. I was lost, battered by
hard drugs, homeless and
hopeless for a long time.
Everything about me was
upside down. I was addicted
to hard drugs for 10 years. A
girlfriend of mine introduced
me to cocaine in 1998. Before
I met her, I worked with on
former president Charles
Taylors farm.

A recent ransacked ghetto in SkT, Bong County

Wednesday, June 3, 3015

Frontpage
Category of Vehicles

American Underwriters Insurance Company

RANDALL STREET
Tell: 0886578981/0776662094/0886535850

The American underwriters group maintains offices in various countries providing its clients with: war risks coverage, political risks coverage, property, marine,
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In keeping with the vehicle and traffic law, Title 38, approved May 9, 1972, and published 1978; the Government of Liberia is pleased to announce the approved
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Tel: +231 0555 650 000
0777 650 000
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Email: aug@auginternational.com
augsecretary@gmail.com
website: www.auginternational.com

6b
Page 13

Yearly approved rate

1. Taxi US$300.00
2. Transport Pick-Up
S/Size Ton
400.00
M/Size-1 Ton
425.00
B/Size 1 Tons
450.00
3. Transport Buses
S/S-Max 18 Persons
550.00
M/S-30 Persons
600.00
B/S-30 Over Persons
650.00
4. Transport Trucks
10 Tons (10 tires)
720.00
12 Tons (12 Tires)
750.00
14-18 Tons (18 Tires)
800.00
Trailer-22 Tires
1,000.00
5.Private Car (PC + Personalized Plate)
Sedan
150.00
Jeep
225.00
6.Business Car (BC)
Sedan
175.00
Jeep
225.00
7.Pick Up
PP
250.00
BP
300.00
8. Business Truck (BT)
10-Tons (10 Tires)
575.00
12 Tons (12 Tires)
600.00
14-18 Tons (18 Tires)
6400.00
Trailer (22 Tires)
800.00
9. Business Bus (BB)
S/S-Max 18 Persons
440.00
M/S-30 Persons
480.00
B/S-30 Over Persons
520.00
10. Private Bus (PB)
S/S-Max 18 Persons
355.00
M/S-30 Persons
385.00
B/S-30 Over Persons
420.00
11. Private Truck (PT)
575.00
12. Private Motorbike
80.00
13.Business Motorbike

85.00
(1/2) Price - 6 Months Third Party
CALL Pearl 0886 578 981

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The below positions are available for qualified,
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and one (1) night, per week. Ability to operate a stand by Generator.

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Forward all application to the below address:
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Tel: 0777-96262

ALPHA PHI ALPHA/ALPHA KAPPA

ALPHA PARTNERS WITH EXXONMOBIL
AND NOCAL IN SUPPORTING ORPHANS
AND SURVIVORS OF EBOLA

PRESS RELEASE
Monrovia, Liberia. On Monday, June 1, 2015 ExxonMobil and NOCAL presented
a $60,000.00 USD grant check to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated to
implement a post EBOLA initiative. The check was presented by Dr. Randolph
McClain, President and CEO of the National Oil Company. The Alpha organizations
will implement a transitional assistance and community re-integration initiative
targeting Children and families impacted by Ebola.
T. Nelson Williams, II, President and Chief Dean of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Liberia, received the check and in returned thanked NOCAL and ExxonMobil for
the assistance given to Alpha for the Post Ebola intervention. He assured the
companies that the Alphas will continue to live up to its aims of Manly Deeds,
Scholarship and Love for All Mankind by using the grant for its intended purpose.
It can be recalled that Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha built the 100 bed
Ebola Treatment Center (ETU) at the Unity Conference Center. They also went
on a five (5) county Ebola Awareness Campaign which trained 1,948 community
leaders and volunteers. The Alphas also presented $600,000 USD worth of
medical supplies, PPEs and equipment to 27 medical facilities in Montserrado and
surrounding counties.
As Liberia is now free of EBOLA, a new and emerging challenge is facing the nation.
It relates to: (1) the hundreds of children orphaned by Ebola due to the death
of parents and other caregivers and (2) the need to more smoothly reintegrate
persons who have survived Ebola and are now returning to communities bearing
the stigma of Ebola. Both of these issues are creating social challenges that if not
addressed could result in un-intended consequences.
This grant will allow the Alpha organizations to reach out to two orphanages in
Margibi and Montserrado Counties.

This landside modernization project will include the following: State-of-the-art Safety features; Yard Pavement; New Cargo
Gates with various channels; Real Time Updates of Container Movements; Conventional Drainage System; New and Modern
Offices; Biometric Access Control System; Close Circuit Television (CCTV); and Global Positioning System (GPS).

he management of APM Terminals Liberia wishes to announce to port users and the general public the commencement
of its Modern Yard Development Project. The yard development project was suspended in August of 2014 due to the
Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak. Having collectively won the battle against Ebola, as a committed partner in Liberias
trade facilitation, APM Terminals Liberia is resuming construction work of the project.

APM Terminals Liberia Post Construction Terminal Layout

MANAGEMENT, APM TERMINALS LIBERIA LTD.

The Management of APM Terminals Liberia is quite aware; there is hardly any development without a challenge. As the yard
modernization project commences, we expect to experience challenges and constraints in our capacity utilization, which
is likely to have an adverse impact on the delivery of services to our cherished customers. In light of this, we would like to
entreat you to bear with us, as we collectively endeavour to develop and modernize the Freeport of Monrovia, the Gateway
to the Liberian Economy.

The construction is estimated at 34.5 million U.S. Dollars and will take approximately 23 months to complete. This development
follows APM Terminals Liberias previous investment of 50 million U.S. Dollars spent in constructing the newly built and now
fully operational 600m quay.

APM TERMINALS LIBERIA YARD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT