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VOL. 16. NO. 64

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL

Seward Coopers Challenges


See Pg. 4

COMMENTARY

Warren Leonard Dazevedo, 19202014, Pioneer American Scholar Of Liberia: A Tribute


See Pg. 4

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has launched the Mount Coffee Hydropower Rehabilitation Project in Harrisburg, Montserrado County. The hydro when fully rehabilitated, it is anticipated that it will supply 60 Mega Watt of reliable and affordable electricity to residents and businesses of Monrovia and its immediate environs. The project was launched in that rural Montserrado town-

Govt Launches Hydro Project


-President Sirleaf Insists on December 2015 Deadline for the Restoration of the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant
ship Harrisburg with an array of Liberian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and development partners in attendance. Specific among the partners were the three funding partners, the governments of Norway, Germany and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The launched of the project starts the process of bringing to fruition governments long anticipated dream of providing cheap and reliable power

www.liberianobserver.com

Contd on pg. 14

Cusworth Not a Fake Degree Granting Institution


See Pg. 3

LOCAL NEWS

British Ambassador Assesses Aid Impact in Bomi


See story on Pg.14

Work has now began on the hydro so power can begin to flow out of it by December 2015

Police Contribute to Mob Violence


Chief Zanzan Karwor Opines
By Alvin Worzi & Gloria T. Tamba
he head of the traditional council of Liberian chiefs and elders, Zanzan Karwor, has attributed the increase in mob violence around the country, to the manner in which cases are handled by the Police. Chief Karwor said there is no proper background investigation while recruiting people to be a part of the LNP. Chief Karwor went on record to declare that poor people in the country are not

State of the Economy


See Pg. 13

BUSINESS

T
Ambassador and Mrs. Cochrane-Dyet

Contd on pg. 14

Liberia YMCA In US$1.7M Theft Case Ruling Judge Gbeneweleh U14 Invited to Dallas Cup to Appear Before Tourney
See Pg. 15

SPORTS

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across Africa
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The future is pan-African

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See story on Pg.14

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Tuesday, November 5,27, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Monday, January 27, 2014

World News

Marylands Columbia Mall shooter Identified

People who had taken refuge in shops and restaurants when they heard gunfire were escorted out of the mall after the shooting had ended
(BBC) Darion Marcus Aguilar, 19, arrived at the centre with a Mossburg 12-gauge shotgun, Howard County Police Chief William McMahon said. Police were trying to determine whether he knew the victims, who worked at the mall. After shooting them, Aguilar then turned his gun on himself. There are a lot of unanswered questions, Mr McMahon said. The incident took place at a mall in the Baltimore suburb of Columbia. Aguilar, from College Park, Maryland, arrived at the centre just after 10:00 (05:00 GMT) on Saturday. He killed the victims at a store on the upper level of the Mall of Columbia, Mr McMahon said. The victims - Brianna Benlolo, 21, and Tyler Johnson, 25 - worked at a skateboard shop called Zumiez. It took a long time to identify the gunman since he was carrying ammunition and a backpack which police thought may have contained explosives, Mr McMahon said. When we originally found the shooter, he still had a lot of ammunition on his person, he added. A further five people were injured in the incident. They have since been discharged from hospital. The centre, about 45 minutes drive outside Washington DC, is a popular weekend shopping destination.

(BBC) Syria will allow women and children to leave the besieged area of Homs from now, the UN mediator at the Geneva peace talks has told reporters. Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said women and children were free to leave. He said armed groups were preventing them from leaving. Mr Brahimi said that the opposition had agreed to give the government lists of detainees held by armed groups. He said it was too early to assess the prospects of a comprehensive deal. Mr Brahimi said he hoped a humanitarian convoy from the UN and the Red Cross would be able to go to Homs on Monday. Mr Mekdad said he hoped arrangements could be made with local officials to allow the convoy access but that the aid must not fall into the hands of terrorists, the term Syrian officials for all armed opposi-

Syria Talks: Civilians to be Allowed Out of Homs Old City

Page 2 4 Page
Foreign Briefs

PAKISTAN
At least 20 soldiers have been killed in north-western Pakistan in a bomb blast that struck an army convoy, sources in the security forces say. At least 24 others were injured in the explosion near the town of Bannu, with fears the death toll will rise. The source of the explosion is still being investigated. Pakistans Taliban said they had carried out the attack as part of a fight against a secular system and promised many more such attacks.

The old city of Homs has been under siege by government forces
tion. Lakhdar Brahimi said that the government would allow women and children to leave immediately but had asked for a list of adult male civilians who wanted to leave to ensure they were not fighters. The envoy said the opposition had pledged to gather names of detainees from groups it had authority over or contact with but admitted that this did not include all anti-government groups fighting in Syria. The opposition in turn has been asking for the release of thousands of prisoners in government detention. Mr Brahimi said the talks in Geneva had taken the form of a joint session with the government and opposition in the morning before he met the sides separately in the afternoon. He added that he expected this pattern to be repeated on Monday. Mr Brahimi said he had been encouraged by the atmosphere at the talks on Sunday, saying they had been characterised by respect and exchange. No direct words had been exchanged between the delegations but the two sides were

Egypt to Hold Presidential Poll Before Parliamentary Vote


Supporters of the military held rallies on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Thousands gathered in highprofile locations including Tahrir Square - the focal point of the 18-day 2011 popular revolt - many waving Egyptian flags and banners showing army chief Gen Sisi. Anti-government protests also took place, with 49 people killed in clashes and arrests reported in several cities. Amidst continuing violence and instability, many Egyptians believe Gen Sisi is the strong man the country needs, the BBCs Arab affairs analyst Sebastian Usher reports. But others are concerned that if he stands and wins - which seems the likeliest outcome - it will make him too strong, giving him all but complete control of the now modified roadmap, our correspondent adds. The Anti-Coup Alliance, led by Mr Morsis Muslim Brotherhood, has called for 18 days of protests beginning on Saturday, mirroring the 18 days of protests that three years ago

talking to each other through him, Mr Brahimi said. Fundamental divisions Syrias civil conflict has claimed well over 100,000 lives since it began in 2011. The violence has also driven 9.5 million people from their homes, creating a major humanitarian crisis within Syria and for its neighbours. The opposition and government are fundamentally divided over the aims of the conference. The government delegation has said the main issue of the talks is finding a solution to foreign-backed terrorism. The opposition, however, had insisted that the regime commit in writing to the Geneva I communique, which called for a transition process. The communique urged Syria to form a transitional governing authority that could include members of the present government and the opposition and other groups.

Mexican authorities have said top security officials will be replaced in the western state of Michoacan that has recently been rocked by violence. Hundreds of troops have recently been deployed to restore order after groups of vigilantes clashed with a drug gang. But many vigilantes are refusing to heed the governments call to disarm. This is despite reassurances by the federal government that the self-defence groups are not the target of an ongoing security operation.

MEXICO

(BBC) Egypts interim government has announced presidential elections have been moved forward. This means parliamentary polls will happen later, not first as originally envisaged by the military-backed authorities roadmap to democracy. The move is like to intensify speculation over whether army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will stand. Many have urged to him to stand after he led the removal

(BBC) - New Central African Republic leader Catherine Samba-Panza has asked both European and African countries to send more troops to help restore order. The 59-year-old former mayor of the capital Bangui was elected by the interim parliament on Monday. About a million people - 20% of the population - have fled their homes during months of religious violence.

CAR

(BBC) An explosion at an arms depot in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 20 people, UN officials say. The explosion happened on Friday after a bolt of lightning caused a fire at an army base in the city of Mbuji-Mayi. More than 50 people were

Many Dead in DR Congo Blast Caused by Lightning UN


also injured and houses were destroyed, said the statement by the Monusco UN mission. The aim of the Monusco is to neutralise armed groups in DR Congo, which is struggling to recover from a war that killed millions between 1998 and 2003. Fridays blast, which occurred near the main market in Mbuji-Mayi, caused desolation in the central city, according to Monusco. I have instructed our office in Mbuji-Mayi to stand by and support local authorities in dealing with the situation, said Martin Kobler, head of the peacekeeping mission. mining industry. people live in poverty.

of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last July. Mr Morsi, Egypts first democratically elected president, was deposed after mass protests against his rule. Interim President Adly Mansour announced the decision to bring forward the presidential poll in a televised speech, saying the decision had been taken after dialogue with national forces and representatives of various orientations and trends.

led to Mr Mubarak stepping down. The Brotherhood has regularly held protests since the overthrow of Mr Morsi. Hundreds of its supporters have been killed, and thousands detained. It has been declared a terrorist organisation and accused by the interim government of being behind a string of violent attacks in recent months, which the Brotherhood denies. The crackdown on the Brotherhood has been accompanied by an increasingly hostile climate towards anyone perceived as anti-military, including journalists and secular activists. Many fear the security state in charge during Hosni Mubaraks era is now firmly re-establishing itself. Earlier this week human rights pressure group Amnesty International said in a report Egypt has seen violence on an unprecedented scale since the army ousted Mr Morsi. It accused security forces of regularly committing abuses and said rights and liberties in Egypt were being eroded.

An Iranian diplomat has been killed in a gun attack in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. He was shot as he was leaving the Iranian ambassadors residence in the southern Hadda district by car.The diplomat, named as Ali Asghar Assadi, was taken to hospital but died from his wounds. Iranian state TV said he had been hit in the chest and stomach while driving. It said Mr Assadi, described as Irans economic attache, had been martyred.

YEMEN

ITALY
Italys controversial ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi has returned to the centre of the political stage, striking a reform deal with a centre-left rival. Berlusconi was thrown out of parliament in 2013 after a tax fraud conviction. But he still heads the opposition Forza Italia party and held lengthy talks with Democratic Party (PD) leader Matteo Renzi late on Saturday. Under their agreement, he will back electoral and constitutional proposals aimed at making Italy more governable. The current electoral system has left Italy with a series of shaky coalitions.

VENEZUELA
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced a shake-up of the team running the countrys economy during his annual state of the union address. The current public banking minister, Rodolfo Torres, will replace Nelson Merentes as finance minister. Mr Merentes will take over the post of head of the central bank. Speaking at the National Assembly in Caracas.

Mbuji-Mayi is DR Congos

third-largest city and is at the heart of the countys diamond DR Congo has massive mineral resources but most of its

Cusworth Not a Fake Degree Granting Institution


ocuments in possession of the Daily Observer have established that the Cusworth International Business School (CIBS) is not a fake degree granting institute as reported earlier, rather, they are an institution accredited to offer advanced diplomas in Insurance and Risk Management. During one of their routine exercises recently, officials from the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) reported the existence of a fake degree granting institution in the country that included the CIBS. The CIBS is being administered by its president and founder, Dr. Austine U. Okafor, managing director

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 3 3

By C.Y. Kwanue

Egypt Observes 3rd Year Anniversary of Revolution


By Joaquin Sendolo, Observer Diplomatic Correspondent

and chief executive officer (CEO) of International Insurance Company (Liberia) Limited. However, documents in possession of this paper indicated that the CIBS, located on Sinkor 20th Street on Coleman Avenue in FiamaMonrovia is a Pan-African Business School, and a professional insurance institution with study centers in Nigeria and South Africa respectively. As such, CIBS is duly incorporated in Liberia as an indigenous institution and is registered with the Bureau of Technical and Professional Education with the highest professional accreditation level up to advanced diploma in the fields of Insurance and Risk Management. The institution was in

The compound in which the school operates


March 2013, accredited by the Ministry of Education (MOE) with registration number 0300, through the Bureau of Technical Education to award up to advance diploma being business professional institutions like Charter Insurance Institute of London (CII), Institute of Charter Management Accounting (ICMA) and Institute of Charter Accounting of Nigeria (ICAN), among others. It is also established that the CIBS has affiliation in other tertiary institutions in Monrovia and the Anointed University in South Africa. By those memorandums of understandings (MOUs), CIBS operates as a study center for these establishments. According to our investigation, at the end of the training programs, the students are necessitated to meet accredited requirements of those universities whose exams the students must write, and if successful, the diploma or the certificate (not degree) are awarded to them by the respective universities, but not the CIBS as was earlier perceived. Furthermore, CIBS seeks to fill the gap created by the absence of the West African Insurance Institute (WAII) to operate as a professional insurance training entity in the rebuilding process of postwar Liberia. Following the cessation of hostilities in the country, there was no university or higher institution of learning that offered insurance studies as a discipline, which poses a great challenge in the area of

lthough all is not well as expected after toppling Hosni Mubarak in 2011, the Arab Republic of Egypt has proudly commemorated its third year of revolution on January 25, 2014. Citizens of Egypt having felt the dictatorial regime of Hosni Mubarak for over 30 years took to the street at Tahrir Square in Cairo and called on the President to resign his post. After months of resistance against his regime, President Mubarak relinquished his post and was subsequently taken to court to be tried for alleged human rights abuses in that country. Speaking during a very brief reception marking the observance of the day at his residential compound, Egyptian Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Sameh Lotfi acknowledged that during Mubaraks regime, there were many negative aspects of his countrys society; and therefore a change was needed. Before and during the revolution, Ambassador Lotfi stressed that there were many innocent victims of the Egyptian revolution who needed some time to treat their wounds, assuring, Egypt is better now, and will be much better in the near future. I am not talking about optimism or pessimism. I am talking about facts. We are now more secure, we have a very strong and professional police organization that deals with partiality, integrity, and neutrality with all parties, he asserted. He added that the celebration was also in commemoration of the annual day of Egyptian Police whose sacrifices and

human capacity-building in the insurance industry; this is why the CIBS was established. It can be recalled that in 1990, the WAII was relocated to Banjul, The Gambia from Liberia due to the intensity of the Liberian civil crisis. CIBS, no doubt, applied to the Association of Insurers in Liberia (AIL) who embraced the CIBS concept to operate as professional insurance institution, thereby recommending the entity to the Bureau of Insurance at the Ministry of Transport through the office of the Commissioner of Insurance, who was the regulator of the Insurance industry in the country at the time. The bureau, according to our investigation, approved CIBS to operate as a professional insurance institute for the benefit of the insurance industry. Not only that, CIBS also applied to the MOE through the Bureau of Technical Education, who awarded CIBS the license or permit to operate in Liberia. It then received accreditation from the MOE to award basic intermediary and advanced diplomas.

Ambassador Lotfi: Egypt is better now.


devotion have been demonstrated over the years. Ambassador Lotfi also told all of the ambassadors and government officials that attended the occasion that, presently, Egypt has a balanced constitution and the government respects human rights. He furthered that preparations are underway to have an elected president and parliament, noting that the world knows everything about Egypt and would judge the end of its current activities. Speaking on behalf of the Liberian Government, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sylvester Grigsby said the aftermath of revolution usually sets into motion processes of social scrimmages and dissolution. He said amidst these situations, it requires the collective will of body politic (The people of a politically organized nation or state considered as a group) to ensure that these processes result in integration and stability for progress and development. Recalling Liberias years of turbulence, Minister Grigsby intoned that Liberians have to appreciate the Egyptian peoples yearning for democracy. He said as a result of the struggle for democracy in Egypt, a new constitution has been adopted. Minister Grigsby also expressed sympathy on behalf of Liberia to the people of Egypt for the loss of lives suffered during the period of the revolution. He recalled that Egypts cradle of civilization impacted Africa and the world over, and its (Egypt) relationship with Liberia is highly recognized by citizens of the country (Liberia). Egypt is on record for sending medical doctors to assist Liberia in the healthcare delivery system and for providing scholarships for Liberian students to study there. Meanwhile, instability still looms over Egypt as the country celebrates its third year of revolutionary success. Since the ousting of Muslim Brotherhood Leader Mohammed Morsi last year, there have been a series of violent demonstrations and clashes with the police and military. A day to January 25 there were four bomb blasts in Cairo, killing 49 persons and leaving infrastructure damaged.

By Ishmael F. Menkor

SEGAL Security Service Gains Momentum

he Security Expert Guard Agency of Liberia (SEGAL) is said to be gaining momentum in its activities by contributing immensely to the Poverty Reduction Strategy through employment. At the program marking the graduation ceremony of SEGAL Security Training Class Six on January 25th in Yekapa, Nimba County, Nimba Supt. Christiana Dagadu praised the security firm for being so committed to its call of duty. She said, SEGAL services have created jobs for many Liberians as well as citizens of Nimba County thus reducing the unemployment rate in the country. SEGAL is so honest to the people of Nimba and they are always committed to what they says and through their commitment to peace in Nimba, she said. At the program where the Supt. spoke, SEGAL certificated over 172 men and women after a month-long security training conducted by the Liberia National Police under the topic Vital Installation Training Course. At least 35 percent of the trainees were females.

SEGAL guards marching the street in Yekepa, Nimba Co.


SEGAL is one of the leading security guard services in Liberia with employees reaching 2000. SEGAL provides protection for ArcelorMittal facilities in their concessional area in Nimba where over 600 of their personals are assigned. The orator of the occasion, Liberia National Police Assistant Commissioner Coolo Moses Tamba Sepoh said a private security is an auxiliary to the national security and also charge with the responsibility to protect lives and properties. Speaking on Discipline A Milestone to the Successful Ending in Your Lives, he urged graduates to be committed to their calling and show integrity. He further urged the SEGAL family to continually conduct in service training for their officers in order to build their capacities. He said this would be a way of giving them retentive mind and top their strength rather than their weaknesses. SEGAL General Manager Momo Cyrus also encouraged the newly trained officers to be committed so as to reach what he termed key performance indicator. He added that indicator will enable his firm get or renew contract upon the expiration of existing contract with ArcelorMittal by the end of this year. Lionel Keller, SEGAL Board Chairman encouraged the officers to further their education while serving as security, We dont want you to be security all throughout your lives, go to school.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 27, 2014 Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 4

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

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

We hope that he wont be bullied by money or other gifts.

We think the President has made a fine appointment of Seward Cooper as Chair of the National Oil Company (NOCAL). He is well-educated, well-mannered and highly experienced as a corporate lawyer and international public servant. He is patriotic and hails from one of Monrovias most distinguished families. He has vast experience in public service and knows a lot about governance and statesmanship. We think we can say with certainty that Sewards is not a confrontational character. He is more an establishmentarian (someone who believes in working within the system, not against it; an advocate of the state). One could see that in Seward as he served President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as Legal Advisor. There were many decisions made that caused people to wonder what the President was thinking. As a good lawyer, Seward had to raise eyebrows at some of these decisions; but being the perfect gentleman, one could imagine him flashing his characteristic smile and offering a few cultured, diplomatic questions and perhaps carefully conceived comments, but not more. He was not the type to balk (draw back) or resign if things did not go his wayno! He would live to serve another day. But we suspect that Counselor Cooper will soon discover on his new job the need to shun some of that mild-mannered disposition as he increasingly confronts the sharks in the petroleum business. Who are they? The oil companiesthe Chevrons and Exxon Mobiles of this world; the goods and services providers who will insist on their way or no way; who will not understand initially that this man is not one that will be bullied by money or other gifts. Not honest, straightforward and selfless Seward Cooper. He will need his diplomatic and legal skills and principles nerve in his confrontation with the Legislature, whose members in both Houses are accustomed to making selfish and unreasonable demands in the grasping pursuit of power, influence and ah! the big one: money. There is where the man will have to shed some of his Cooper aristocracy and quickly learn to fight, if indeed he must ensure that the nations newly found petroleum resource will benefit not a few foreigners and a handful of locals, but THE PEOPLE OF LIBERIA. What do we mean? Look at the new Oil Bill currently before the Legislature. We are told that this bill, which the former NOCAL Chair Robert Sirleaf, the Presidents son, takes credit in crafting, has nothing in it for the average Liberian, or for any serious Liberian participation. Chairman Cooper will need to carefully examine the oil blocks to find out how many Liberians have a stake in any of them. He must reflect upon all the other concessions that this administration has allowed to gobble up our natural resources lock, stock and barrelthe iron ore, the gold, diamond and now the petroleum, WITHOUT ANY LIBERIAN PARTICIPATION. Chairman Cooper, the lawyer, the patriot who loves his country and people, the man of principle, must revisit that Bill, refashion it and make SURE that this God-given resource, petroleum, will make Liberians rich too; not just the foreign concessionaires and a handful of others. This is definitely not a scenario at which Mr. Cooper will deem it enough to flash a smile. No! He must know that the people are watching very closely and expectantly, and that every single Liberian is asking THE QUESTION of the hour: What is in it for Liberia and Liberians? Seward Cooper must seriously consider what legacy he plans to help President Sirleafand himselfleave behind. Surely it cannot be a Liberia Mining Company, a LAMCO, a Bong Mine, a China Union, a Western Cluster legacy, where there was no Liberian participation; concessions that allowed foreigners to walk away with billions of United States dollars, leaving Liberia and Liberians impoverished and powerless in their own country. Chairman Cooper, along with NOCAL President, Dr. Randolph K. McClain, are called to work their hardest to ensure that this newly found resource, petroleum, will this time be, far from the case in so many African countries, a blessing, not a curse.

Seward Coopers Challenges

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

WARREN LEONARD DAZEVEDO, 1920-2014, PIONEER AMERICAN SCHOLAR OF LIBERIA: A TRIBUTE


By D. Elwood Dunn, PhD
To reading Liberia I bring the sad but important news of the passing of a great American scholar of the Liberian experience. Professor Warren Leonard DAzevedo, an expert on the Gola people, passed away peacefully in California, USA on January 19, 2014 at age 93. He died surrounded by family, notably his wife, Kathleen Addison DAzevedo. In my hearing he told of his first visit to Liberia in the early 1950s to conduct research in Western Liberia among Gola-Liberians. Because those were times when foreigners required governmental permission to undertake research especially in rural Liberia, he received written permission at the hands of President William V.S. Tubman (1944-1971) before embarking on a research journey that would span in excess of half a century. He became a pioneer scholar of the Gola people, and used his research findings to enhance understanding of the Liberian state. Born Oakland, California August 19, 1920, he was educated at the University of California, Berkeley (BA, Anthropology, 1942) and Northwestern University (PhD, Anthropology, 1962). He settled early on a dual research career Native/Indian American studies, and Liberian studies. In 1963 he joined the faculty of the University of Nevada-Reno where he went through the ranks to full professor and departmental chair. He retired in 1988, but remained an active scholar well into the first decade of this century. Professor DAzevedo was also director of the first Peace Corps project in 1962, and continued as consultant to Peace Corps projects in Liberia and Sierra Leone through 1979. He was visiting professor at the University of Liberia in 1981, and received from the Liberian Studies Association a decade later the first annual Lifetime Achievement Award. So while he was both a Native American and Liberia scholar, it is the circumstances under which Bomi became, eventually, in 1984 the tenth county. In a word, his Liberia work focused Gola social organization, ritual tradition, artistry, intergroup relations, socio-cultural change, and the impact of the Liberian state on these features of the Gola people. DAzevedos A Tribal Reaction to Nationalism is illustrative of the significance of his work in general to a deepened understanding of the formation of the Liberian state. Exploring historical and structural processes affecting development of the state, he sought to establish the inadequacy of the view that politics indigenous to the Liberia area were simply awkwardly overwhelmed by the state. Professor DAzevedo provided evidence that the dynamics of Gola subjugation and eventual co-operative involvement in the emerging Liberian nation must be understood not only in terms of specific features of Gola and [colonial] Liberian social organization, but also in terms of regional historical events prior to colonial occupation and during the struggle on the part of the newcomers to establish cultural and political jurisdiction over a portion of the west African coast. The study importantly went on to draw the inference that this way of viewing Gola reaction to nationalism in Liberia may well be applicable to the other ethnic communities indigenous to the Liberia area. This nuanced understanding of the formation of the Liberian state has contemporary relevance as we grapple, in our post-conflict era, with appreciating the ingredients of state formation in our quest to build a more cohesive and democratic state. What a contribution of distinction of an itinerant scholar to understanding our fledgling democracy! May many daughters and sons of Liberia strive to build upon the solid foundation of this exemplary scholarship, especially at a time when a National History Project is on the horizon. Thank you Warren, and Rest in Peace!

Professor Warren Leonard DAzevedo latter that this brief tribute focuses. DAzevedo was anthropologist, sociologist and culture historian combined. A major theorist in the study of African art, he seemingly extrapolated from there an intellectual framework, which he brought to the study of Liberia. He postulated the study of indigenous peoples in their natural habitat amidst the complexities of interactions with other peoples, some of a vastly different culture and consequent worldview. Among his numerous scholarly publications were the following: Some Historical Problems in the Delineation of a Central West Atlantic Region, (1962) Tribe and Chiefdom on the Westward Coast, (1971) Gola Poro and Sande: Primal Tasks in Social Custodianship, (1980) Uses of the Past in Gola Discourse, (1962) THE GOLA OF LIBERIA (1972) Traditional Artist in African Societies, (1974) A Tribal Reaction to Nationalism, (parts 1-3, 1967-1970). Dr. DAzevedo also once shared with me a draft unpublished article titled The Tenth County of Liberia. Recall that to Liberias original five counties of Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, Grand Cape Mount, and Maryland, were joined in 1964 four new counties of Bong, NImba, Lofa, and Grand Gedeh. The draft article alludes to the

Tuesday, 5,27, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Monday,November January 27, 2014

Page 5 4

ased on commitment to our many valuable subscribers to detail individual lawmakers activities and their professional background, the Daily Observer brings to your eyes Representatives of the 73 electoral districts and the 30 Senators of the 15 counties. Note: This profiling is based on roll call in both Chambers of the Legislature that begins with (House of Representatives) the Speaker, Deputy, Montserrado and preceding counties as per statues creating those counties, (Liberian Senate) the President Pro-Tempore, Montserrado and preceding counties as well. In todays edition, we are playing host to the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the absence of Speaker J. Alex Tyler, who is not in the country at the moment.

Bassa County Donated a cow to the Muslim Community in Bassa during the 2012 Ramadan feast Made an initial contribution of USD2, 000 (Two thousand dollars) towards the construction of the Compound District #4 high school. Led a four-man delegation from SEA Invest, Europes largest bulk and fruit shipment Company, which toured the Buchanan Port to identify possible areas of investment. Donated one hundred bags of cement towards the completion of the Blezee Administrative District community hall which was under construction in Barzi-Giah Town, District #3, GrandBassa County. Paid all WAEC Fees for both 9th& 12th Graders for the 2012/2013 school year. Donated 100 bags of cement toward the school construction project in Zadoegbo Town, #4 District, Grand Bassa County. Donated 50 bags of Cement towards the EC Church school construction project in District #4, Grand Bassa County. Donated eight bundles of zinc towards the women and youth centers in District #2, Grand Bassa County.

in September 2012, the Senate confirmed 250 nominees from the executive. Deputy House Speaker Hans Barchue represents Grand Bassa County Electoral District # 1 and got elected in the 2011 Presidential and Legislative Elections, the only constitutional election conducted after all provisions of the 1986 Constitution came into effect. Education background Representative Barchue was born on February 6, 1962 in Liberia. He attended the American Corporative School (ACS) and Ricks Institute during his early days

Pro-Temp Findley Gbehzohngar


School-Buchanan City St. Peter Lutheran SchoolMonrovia Secondary: William V.S Tubman High School-Monrovia Tertiary: BSC in Electrical Engineering-Franklin University, USA Advance: Masters Degree in Sociology-Lund University, Sweden tors of Grand Bassa County Community College Member-Multi Stakeholder Steering Group LEITI Member-Board of Directors of the University of Liberia Contribution to Bassa over the past 12 Months: In April 2012, Pro-Temp Findley made available 1.4 million Liberian Dollars to markets in Grand Bassa County in micro loans. This amount has since doubled

Fortsville School in Grand Bassa County as Principal for a number of years. He joined the National Security Agency (NSA) as Chief Accountant in 1991 and was promoted to Comptroller in 1993, a position he occupied up to 1999 when he got connected to the National Reconciliation and Reunification Commission (NRRC) to head the personnel department. The Deputy Speaker later received employment at the Ministry of Justice as Comptroller, a post he served for a brief period and later accepted an offer from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs to serve in a similar

Deputy Speaker Hans Barchue, Representative, Grand Bassa Co. Dist. #1, 2nd Floor/Room-239
of education. In 1979, he graduated from high school at age 17 from the Lutheran Training Institute (LTI) located in Lofa County. He later studied at the University of Liberia where he obtained his Bachelors of Science (BSC) degree in Economics in 1985. Amongst many of his studies, Rep. Barchue is still a student of the Cuttington University Master Program and Lewis Arthur Grimes School of Law of the University of Liberia. He holds certificates in Financial Management programs from Sierra Leones West African Institute of Financial Management in the study of Financial Management in a Post-Conflict Country; and Certificate from Gambias African Development Bank and other Accounting studies institutions across the region. Commitment to Nation Deputy Speaker Barchue returned to LTI to teach the younger generation where he headed the department of Social Studies for several years before joining the capacity from 2001 to 2009. He headed the ECOWAS National Unit at the Planning Ministry with the responsibility of coordinating all ECOWAS activities between the ECOWAS Commission and the Liberian Government. With the extensive travel experience of visiting 13 of the 15 countries in West Africa, Rep. Barchue is also president of ECOWAS Volunteer Program, a system instituted to encourage foreign teachers to take up jobs in Liberias school system. Dreams and Aspirations He supports a holistic district development approach that would provide economic stability in all 73 Electoral Districts. He also dreams strengthening local governance for collective participation and wants government presence in his district felt like it is done in other parts of the country. Finally, Rep. Barchue became Deputy Speaker of the 53rd National Legislature in 2012, replacing Bong County Representative Tokpah J. Mulbah who occupied the position for several years.

Pro-Temp Findley signing a check of LD$100,000 after he launched the LD1.4 million micro-loan scheme for markets in Grand Bassa County
Profile Of Hon. Gbehzohngar Milton Findley President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate And Senior Senator of Grand Bassa County Personal Data: Name: Gbehzohngar Milton Findley Date of Birth: July 2, 1960 Place of Birth: Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County Fathers Name: Cllr. Joseph Findley (Deceased) Mothers Name: Mrs. Gertrude Findley Marital Status: Married Religion: Christian (Episcopalian) Office: 2nd Floor/Room #202/203 Educational Background: Primary: Buchanan Demonstration Elementary due to the huge demand from several groups across the county. Increased the number of scholarship students to 123 in 2012. These students attend various Universities in Monrovia and the Grand Bassa Community College in Buchanan. Personally sponsored the construction of a hand pump in the Joe Quarter Community in Buchanan which cost 71,850LD. Residents of Joe Quarter Community had been without safe drinking water for a protracted period of time and reports said at least eight persons had died from water borne diseases over the past decades. Constructed a community latrine in the Tarr Bar Community in Buchanan, Grand

Donated LD50, 000 towards the Barcorlin Women skill training program. Lobbied for scholarships and curriculum, student and faculty exchange programs at universities in the States of Maryland, California and Ohio in the USA during his visit there in September 2012. Achievement at the Senate over the past 11 months during the 1st Session of the 53rd Legislature There were a total of 64 Sittings during the 1st Session of the 53rd Legislature presided over by Senate ProTempore Gbehzohngar M. Findley. The Liberian Senate passed a total of forty bills. Concurred with 11 bills from the House of Representatives. As of the date of closing

Experience in Government: Member-Senate Statutory Committee on Executive Member-Senate Standing Committee on Education and Public Administration Member-Senate Statutory Committee on Ways, Means, Finance & Budget Member-Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries Member-Joint Legislative Modernization Committee (JLMC) Co-Chairman-Senate Standing Committee on Lands, Mines & Energy Chairman-Senate Standing Committee on Posts and Telecommunications Chairman-Senate Subcommittee on Revenue Chairman-Senate Subcommittee on Procurement Member-Board of Direc-

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 6

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS


OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

Republic of Liberia

CITY OF BUCHANAN GRAND BASSA COUNTY

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PURCHASE, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF SCRAP METALS AND UN EQUIPMENT ITB: GBC/ICB/100/01/2013/2014
January 27, 2014
1.
With consent of Central Government, on 22 July 2013, Grand Bassa County, by and through the County Administration, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) and the National Port Authority Buchanan by which all old unused structures and scrap presently located in AMLs Concession area and within the Port of Buchanan have been turned over to Grand Bassa County. The County has decided to sell this scrap at market value and to use the proceeds for the benefit of the entire County. The County therefore invites prospective bidders with requisite technical & financial qualifications and capabilities, to bid for the purchase, removal, and disposal of said scrap metals currently located within the concession area of AML and Grand Bassa County. LOT 1: Cut scrap metals presently located in AMLs Concession area. LOT II: Old Equipment and scrap metals presently located within the Port of Buchanan Bidding will be conducted through the international Competitive Bidding (ICB) method of Procurement specified in the Public Procurement & Concession Acts (PPCA) and approved by the Public Procurement & Concession Commission (PPCC) and is open to all eligible bidders.

INTRODUCTION AND INVITATION

to undertake the above activities (c) have previous successful investment and management of similar operations or at least five (5) years, (d) have proof of requisite financial resources to undertake the above described operations, (e) have good record of corporate social responsibility and must be willing to adhere to and support Liberias Content policies and regulations, and (f) if foreign, have a locally registered and licensed scrap broker and dealer company as its subsidiary associate or affiliate.

Tender Documents for the purchase, removal and disposal of the said unused scrap metals currently located within the Concession area of AML and the Port of Buchanan may be obtained from the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City at the address below, from January 27, 2014, during official working hours on payment of a non-refundable bid fee of Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000.00) for each lot payable by a managers Check to: GRAND BASSA OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT 6. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISISON OF BIDS Deadline for the submission of SEALED BIDS is March 7, 2014 at GMT. All Bids must be delivered and deposited in the tender box at the Office of the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City before said deadline. All late Bids will be rejected outright. Bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. on March 7, 2014. All Bidders or their representatives are asked to be present.
a. Information contained in this Invitation to Bid is indicative only and will be confirmed and amplified in the Bid Documents. b. Interested firms may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit, Administration Building Buchanan, Grand Bassa County Republic of Liberia from 8:00 A.M. 4:00 P.M. Mondays through Fridays or call Contacts Numbers: +231886422063 or +231886945388 +23177755199 or +231886570243

5.

TENDER DOCUMENTS

The stock of scrap includes all abandoned equipment, parts and scrap metals, situated within the Concession Area of Arcelor Mittal Liberia (AML) and the Port of Buchanan; and is to be disposed of as in where is. Provision/Tentative inventory shall be provided Tender Documents; however, bidders are required to conduct their own assessment to determine the exact locations, categories, quantities and qualities of the stock.

2.

THE STOCK

7.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

3. DIRECT FISCAL BENEFITS TO CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM SALE


Proceeds from the sale shall be applied to and used for the benefit of the entire County of Grand Bassa. Appropriate sustainable added value, create job, project linage opportunities, social projects etc.

The successful bidder must (a) be a recognized local and/or regional and/or international entity with requisite experience in the steel industry to include the purchase, removal and disposal of scrap (b) have verifiable technical and managerial competence

4. BUYERS MENTS

QUALIFICATION

REQUIRE-

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday, January 27, 2014 Republic of Liberia

Page 7

Civil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project

Civil Service Agency

For Immediate Release

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) (International Consultant)


IDA GRANT ID: TF No. 010792 Assignment Title: Request for expression of interest Conducting the Mandates & Functions Review (MFR) of Ministries and Agencies The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for strengthening Governance-Civil Service Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for hiring an individual consultant to conduct the mandates & functions Review of ministries and Agencies. The objectives of the assignment are as follows: Complete the MFRs of the above-mentioned Ministries; Complete the review and editing of all completed ministries; and Build the capacity of local staff to conduct MFRs. The duration of the assignment: The timescale of the assignment is for a period of 70 working days. The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting their detailed information (CV, brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience both general and on similar assignments. Specific experience on World Bank funded projects will be an added advantage. Selection will be based on qualifications and experience stipulated below. Consulting firms are allowed to propose individuals for this assignment. However, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be used in the selection process, and corporate experience shall not be taken into account and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual. Qualifications and experience: i. The Firm- not less than 5-year experience in similar work with World Bank or Donor Funded Projects; ii. Key professional staff The following are the minimum Key Staff required for the assignment: a) Principal Consultant: An advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration or Public Policy (possession of doctorate with an in-depth knowledge of governance reforms trends, and best practices in the global context is an advantage); At least ten years of relevant experience, five years of which shall be related to policy analysis; Extensive experience in research, policy level analysis, technical advice and publications, especially in mandate and functional reviews of public institutions; Experience in Africa and post conflict settings. Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and IT packages; Excellent oral communication, negotiating and writing skills; Provide vision for organizational growth; and Must provide sample of professional work done b) Consultants: A minimum of a related undergraduate degree c) Human Resources Specialist: Must have a minimum Masters Degree (preferably MBA) At least 3-5 years professional work experiences Specialized knowledge and experience of HR management The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011). (Consultant Guidelines), setting forth the World Banks policy on conflict of interest. An individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011. Interested Individual Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 09:00 and 17:00hours, Mondays to Fridays. Expressions of interest must be delivered on a written form clearly marked: Ref: Consultancy: MFR of the CSRCBP at the address below in person or by mail or by email) on or before Friday, February 7, 2014 at 16:00hours. The Consultant/Projector Coordinator Civil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project Civil Service Agency 63 Carey Street, Monrovia, Liberia Email: yaidooshy11@gmail.com Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP

he Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) in collaboration with its Independent Administrator (Ernst & Young Ghana/MGI Monbo & Company) is reconciling all payments from the oil, mining, agriculture and forestry sectors to the Government of Liberia from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. As part of its mandate, the LEITI requested all entities operating in these sectors to submit reporting templates of payments of payments made to the government for the period under review and in support of its 5th Reconciliation Report. It is important to note that after series of extension in deadlines from November 22, December 20, 2013 and January 15, 2014 the below listed companies have not submitted reporting templates as required. LEITI is therefore constrained to enforce the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group (MSG) Regulation of 2009 which in part calls for Public Censure. Failure to submit reporting templates may lead to additional sanction by the LEITI MSG. The companies concern are:

Agriculture

Liberia Agriculture Development Corp Liberia Forest Product LIBINC Oil Palm Sime Darby The Liberia Company

Forestry

1. B&V Timber Company 2. Bargor & Bargor Enterprise 3. Ecowood Incorporated 4. Euro Liberia Logging 5. Geblo Logging Inc. 6. International Consultant Capital 7. Liberia Hard Wood Corp. 8. Thunder Bird International 1. Acquarian Commercial Holdings Inc. 2. Amlib United Minerals Ltd 3. Ascension Resources Ltd 4. Bukon Jeddeh Resources Ltd 5. Investment Development Corporation 6. Konblo Bumi Inc. 7. Liberia Development Initiative 8. Middle Island Resources 9. Mount Belle Resources Liberia Ltd 10. Planet Minerals Limited 11. Shankil Resources Inc. 12. Southern Cross 13. Thacket Mining Inc. 14. Viola International Inc.

Mining

DAILY OBSERVER

Pictorial of the Program Marking the 6th Graduation Ceremony of SEGAL Security Gaurds from the LNP Vital Installation Training Course, Held in Yekapa, Nimba County on Saturday, January 25, 2014

Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 10 8

Sample of the training certificate

SEGAL GM Cyrus with Orator Sepoh of LNP

Assistant LNP Commissioner Moses Sepoh giving the keynote speech

Board Chair Mr. Keller left discussing with Mr. GM Cyrus before the program commences

A member of the female platoon led the parade.

Females SEGAL Security make up about 40% of the graduates.

The graduates upon receiving their certificates

Continued on pg 9

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 12 8a

JOB VACANCY NOTICE


Position Title: Reports to: Location: Senior Internal Auditor Director of Internal Audit Monrovia Job Summary The incumbent will be responsible to assist the Director of Internal Audit to plan and conduct operational, financial and compliance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls. Determine compliance with selected policies, procedures, and regulations as set by the General Auditing Commission. Make written recommendations to the Director of Internal Audit to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness of the control systems of functions reviewed. Perform special investigations as requested by management. This position works with all levels of Management and employees within the National Housing Authority, internal audit personnel and external auditors. Consult with Administrators and Staff at all levels to promote good auditing practices. Job Responsibility Assist the Director of Internal Audit to direct Units staff in the development, analysis, and preparation of reports Assist Units staff to resolve complex or out of policy operation problems. Responsible to meet Unit productivity and quality goals. Assist the Director of Internal Audit to plan and coordinate audits to assess controls, operational efficiencies and compliance with selected policies, procedures and regulations. Resolve audit problems that occur and develop modifications to coverage and schedule. Ensure work papers are adequately documented and audit evidence is sufficient. Prepare accurate audit reports for the Director of Internal Audit and conduct exit conference. Elicit information from knowledgeable internal/external sources about areas and functions to determine appropriate audit direction/methodology. Research and keep abreast of legislative issues, new audit regulations/trends and audit methodology. Discuss updates of new regulations with the Director of Internal Audit relevant departments. Assist external auditors as appropriate. Assist in developing annual audit plan and submit to the Director of Internal Audit. Conduct periodic training workshops to promote awareness of internal audit control and to discuss changes in policies that will impact the system flows of information. Work with Management to ensure a functional Fixed Asset Control System. Personal Skills & Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and collectively with others Strong inter-personal skills; must be a team player BBA in Accounting or Finance; or its equivalent in Auditing or related field Computer Proficiency Fully conversant with the PFM Law, PPC Act and other financial regulations of the Government of Liberia Must be a person of high integrity Certifies Fraud Examiner preferred At least five years experience, preferably in the auditing fields MBA in Accounting or Finance will be an added advantage. Interested individuals should send a letter of application with detailed resume to: The Human Resource Manager National Housing Authority UN Drive, Waterside Monrovia, Liberia Deadline for the receiving of all applications is Friday, January 31, 2014 at 4:00 pm. Females as well as NHA staff are encouraged to apply.

JOB VACANCY NOTICE


Position Title: Chief Accountant Reports to: Comptroller Location: Monrovia Job Summary The incumbent is responsible to assist the Comptroller in all the technical accounting works at the National Housing Authority. Apply principles of accounting to analyze financial information and assist in the preparation of financial reports by compiling information and utilizing appropriate accounting control procedures. He/ she is responsible for coordinating activities and ensures/ monitor daily recording of all financial transactions. Job Responsibility Prepare all financial schedules, to include receivables, payables, drafting of cash plans, projects, etc. Assist the Comptroller with the budget process and enter all budgets into the system. Prepare monthly bank reconciliation for management. Ensure that policy matters are handled, but specifically design proposals that attend to resource mobilization. Assist income generating areas to plan and execute programs that yield best practice of financial intake for the corporation. Ensure compliance. With approved budget and conduct quarterly variance analyses. Carry out other assignments given by management. Submit a monthly financial report to the Comptroller. Personal Skills & Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and collectively with others Strong inter-personal skills, must be a team player BBA in Accounting or Finance; or its equivalent in Accounting or related field Computer Proficiency, especially with QuickBooks, Microsoft, Excel software. At least five year experience, preferably in the accounting field MBA in Accounting or Finance will be an added advantage. Interested individuals should send a letter of application with detailed resume to: The Human Resource Manager National Housing Authority UN Drive, Waterside Monrovia, Liberia Deadline for the receiving of all applications is Friday, January 31, 2014 at 4:00 pm. Females as well as NHA staff are encouraged to apply.

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 12 8a

JOB VACANCY NOTICE


Position Title: Reports to: Location: Senior Internal Auditor Director of Internal Audit Monrovia Job Summary The incumbent will be responsible to assist the Director of Internal Audit to plan and conduct operational, financial and compliance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls. Determine compliance with selected policies, procedures, and regulations as set by the General Auditing Commission. Make written recommendations to the Director of Internal Audit to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness of the control systems of functions reviewed. Perform special investigations as requested by management. This position works with all levels of Management and employees within the National Housing Authority, internal audit personnel and external auditors. Consult with Administrators and Staff at all levels to promote good auditing practices. Job Responsibility Assist the Director of Internal Audit to direct Units staff in the development, analysis, and preparation of reports Assist Units staff to resolve complex or out of policy operation problems. Responsible to meet Unit productivity and quality goals. Assist the Director of Internal Audit to plan and coordinate audits to assess controls, operational efficiencies and compliance with selected policies, procedures and regulations. Resolve audit problems that occur and develop modifications to coverage and schedule. Ensure work papers are adequately documented and audit evidence is sufficient. Prepare accurate audit reports for the Director of Internal Audit and conduct exit conference. Elicit information from knowledgeable internal/external sources about areas and functions to determine appropriate audit direction/methodology. Research and keep abreast of legislative issues, new audit regulations/trends and audit methodology. Discuss updates of new regulations with the Director of Internal Audit relevant departments. Assist external auditors as appropriate. Assist in developing annual audit plan and submit to the Director of Internal Audit. Conduct periodic training workshops to promote awareness of internal audit control and to discuss changes in policies that will impact the system flows of information. Work with Management to ensure a functional Fixed Asset Control System. Personal Skills & Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and collectively with others Strong inter-personal skills; must be a team player BBA in Accounting or Finance; or its equivalent in Auditing or related field Computer Proficiency Fully conversant with the PFM Law, PPC Act and other financial regulations of the Government of Liberia Must be a person of high integrity Certifies Fraud Examiner preferred At least five years experience, preferably in the auditing fields MBA in Accounting or Finance will be an added advantage. Interested individuals should send a letter of application with detailed resume to: The Human Resource Manager National Housing Authority UN Drive, Waterside Monrovia, Liberia Deadline for the receiving of all applications is Friday, January 31, 2014 at 4:00 pm. Females as well as NHA staff are encouraged to apply.

JOB VACANCY NOTICE


Position Title: Chief Accountant Reports to: Comptroller Location: Monrovia Job Summary The incumbent is responsible to assist the Comptroller in all the technical accounting works at the National Housing Authority. Apply principles of accounting to analyze financial information and assist in the preparation of financial reports by compiling information and utilizing appropriate accounting control procedures. He/ she is responsible for coordinating activities and ensures/ monitor daily recording of all financial transactions. Job Responsibility Prepare all financial schedules, to include receivables, payables, drafting of cash plans, projects, etc. Assist the Comptroller with the budget process and enter all budgets into the system. Prepare monthly bank reconciliation for management. Ensure that policy matters are handled, but specifically design proposals that attend to resource mobilization. Assist income generating areas to plan and execute programs that yield best practice of financial intake for the corporation. Ensure compliance. With approved budget and conduct quarterly variance analyses. Carry out other assignments given by management. Submit a monthly financial report to the Comptroller. Personal Skills & Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and collectively with others Strong inter-personal skills, must be a team player BBA in Accounting or Finance; or its equivalent in Accounting or related field Computer Proficiency, especially with QuickBooks, Microsoft, Excel software. At least five year experience, preferably in the accounting field MBA in Accounting or Finance will be an added advantage. Interested individuals should send a letter of application with detailed resume to: The Human Resource Manager National Housing Authority UN Drive, Waterside Monrovia, Liberia Deadline for the receiving of all applications is Friday, January 31, 2014 at 4:00 pm. Females as well as NHA staff are encouraged to apply.

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Page 11 9

SEGAL Graduates Parading the Streets of Yekapa

Senior Officers of SEGAL Class 6 leading the Parade

The Orator LNP Commissioner Sepoh with SEGAL GM Cyrus carrying inspection during the parade

The graduates sitting attentively during the ceremony

SEGAL GM Mr. Cyrus in hand shake with the Training Commandant in appreciation of training

Mr. Gerald F. Smith, Security Manager AML making remarks

Mr. Momo Cyrus, General Manager of SEGAL making a special remarks

Nimba County Supt. Christiana Dagadu making remarks at the occasion

SEGAL Board Chair, Mr. Lionel Keller Sr. making remarks at the graduation ceremony

Parents and well wishers attended the ceremony

Training certificate is being awarded to one of the graduates.

Pentecostal Choir also graced the occasion

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Monday, January 27, 2014

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

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

Credit No.: IDA50260

Assignment Title: Website and Application System Analyst

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

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

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

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

Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 8 11

Invitation for Bids (IFB) Republic of Liberia Expand Support to County decentralized Health & Social Welfare Services IFB No: LCPS/NCB/001
1. This Invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared online in Development Business of January 6, 2013. 2. The Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) has received Financing from the Government of Liberia to expand support to strengthen the health care delivery system and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to payments under this Contract. Bidding will be governed by the Public Procurement & Concession Art (PCCA) of Liberia. 3. The Liberia college of Physicians and Surgeons now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Supply of Vehicles under the following Lots:
Lot Description 1 2

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

he Office of the Township Commissioner of Crozierville request the presence of all Crozierville citizens and residents to attend a very important development meeting slated for Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the hour of 11:00AM at the Town Hall. Prominent among issues to be discussed are the planning of the 150 years Anniversary of the Township, the reactivation of the Civic League and the appointment of the Common Council. This announcement should claim the attention of the below listed planning committee members: 1. Citizen Milton Weeks 2. Citizen Kenneth Y. Best 3. Citizen Emmett Flomo 4. Women Leader 5. Citizen Timothy K. Padmore 6. Citizen Amos Teleh 7. Citizen Ajah S. Padmore Signed: ________________________ Timothy K. Padmore Town Clerk Approved: _______________________ Hon. J. Alexander Thorpe Commissioner
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Contracts will be awarded on Lot basis Delivery is expected within 12 weeks to the Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS). 4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the Public Procurement & Concessions Act (PPCA) open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. 5. Qualifications requirements include: i) Working capital/liquidity to be able to execute the contract ii) At least three contracts of similar nature completed within the last five years. iii) Availability in Liberia of spare parts and after sales services. No margin of preference for goods manufactured domestically shall be applied. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents. 6. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the LCPS and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below between 9:00am to 5:00pm on business days from 6 January 2013. 7. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a Written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of One Hundred United States Dollars (USD 100.00). The method of payment will be bankers draft or wire transfer. Banking details will be provided upon request. The Bidding Documents will be provided in hard copy. 8. Bids must be delivered to the address at or before 6 February, 2013. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below on 6 February, 2013 at 11:00 hours GMT. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 2% of bid price or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. 9. The addresses referred to above are: For obtaining information and bid submission: The Finance Manager Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) Old Health Ministry, Capitol Bye-Pass Monrovia, Liberia For Bid Opening: Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) Conference Room Old Health Ministry, Capitol Bye-Pass Monrovia, Liberia

Double Cabin Pickup Vehicles (4x4) Mini Van/Bus

Qty Unit Bid Security Amount 1 Ea 2% of Bid Price 1 Ea

Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

Information Memorandum

LBDI Central Monrovia Branch Ashmun & Randall Streets Monrovia, Liberia.

Private Placement of 206,572


Common Stocks of the Liberia Cement Corporation at US$12 per Stock Payable in Full On Application
This offer document is simply an Information Memorandum and does not in any respect represent a prospectus. The offer document and the securities that it bears are directed at selected investors as well as the members of the general public. Every prospective investor to whom this document has been addressed is expected to conduct independent evaluation of the Financial Position and operating results of the Liberia Cement Company.

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NOV. 18, 2013: Close of Offer: Feb. 18, 2014

DAILY OBSERVER

Pictorial on the Official Program Commenmorating the Launch of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Rehabilitation Project in Harrisburg, Careysburg District, Montserrado County on Saturday, January 25, 2014

Monday, January 27, 2014

LETTERS

Page 14 12

Full view of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant

The Master Plan of the new Mount Coffee Plant, unveiled

President Sirleaf Unveiling the Plan of the Mount Coffee Hydro project

The Mount Coffee Hydro project Director, Randall Enns along with some members of his team

Matenokay Tingban, House of Representative Committee Chair on Lands, Mines and Natural Resources, speaking at the ceremony

Lands, Mines and Energy Minister, Patrick Sendolo, making remarks at the launch

Rep. Josephine Francis, LEC Board Chair, Bennedict Sannoh and Rep. Tingban

Right-side view of the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant, where the launching ceremony was held

The Head of State having a chat with her Energy Minister, Patrick Sendolo

Some equipment of one of the contracting companies, DAMNUS, that will be used for the hydro rehabilation process

Students of the Harrisburg Public School line-up to greet the President on her departure

Tuesday, November 5,27, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Monday, January 27, 2014

13 Page 4 Page

-What Liberians Expect to Hear from President Sirleaf Today at the Capitol
and projects the governments strategy for 2014 taking clue from her last years message. The economy, of course, is everybodys interest. In 2011, just as the Eurozone debt and unemployment crises were climaxing, the Liberian economy was concomitantly easing out of near recession. That Eurozone crisis came just as the global food and fuel crises, which created both structural and financial downtrends in the United States and Europe, was easing. That crisis definitely inflicted serious side effects to Liberias postconflict economic growth. Remittances inflow was hit amid the governments challenging debt relief campaign under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program, which restricted the government from borrowing. Liberias key creditors such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, the Paris Club, the United States and other bilateral creditors were knocking at the countrys doors asking it to adhere to the terms of the HIPC Agreement. In her Annual Message to the legislature in January, 2013, President Sirleaf explained how 2012 was challenging for the world economy particularly, the Eurozone debt crisis, which slowed recovery in major economies, fluctuated international commodity prices and climate change. She told the legislators that these factors represented major risks to Liberias growth and development, but projected that with the easing of the Eurozone crisis, Liberia was able to withstand the challenge. With inflation in single digit at about 7% in 2013, Liberians expect their Presidents report that inflation remained in a single digit in 2014. Exchange Rate With the rising depreciation of the exchange rate between the United States and the Liberian dollars, Liberians strongly expect President Sirleaf to make serious policy statement.

State of the Economy


The Liberian dollar depreciated against the US dollar during the last five months of 2013 and entered into 2014, exchanging at L$88 to US$1. Though the rate has artificially dropped to L$79 to US$1.00 over the last five days, Liberians expect their President to announce policy measures that would curtail instability on the exchange market. This is because most Liberians earn their living on the Liberian dollar. In 2013 when President Sirleaf delivered her Annual Message, the exchange rate between the two legal tenders was L$72 to US$1. The people want to hear that exchange rate has dropped below L$70 because they know that with a lower exchange rate, their purchasing power will increase since they widely use the domestic currency. Efficient Budget Management President will be expected to talk about strong budget management and reforms that will highlight a well-organized budget management, tackle corruption and ensure inclusive growth.
in rural areas and cities, investing in road maintenance, infrastructure and management are key priorities of our work in Liberia, said Supee Teravaninthorn, World Bank Sector Manager for Transport in the Africa Region. The completion of these major corridors will continue to improve connectivity to local and regional markets, physically unite the country internally and expand the global reach for Liberia, Teravaninthorn added. Fridays IDA financing would help to rehabilitate crit-

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will today face a joint session of the 53rd Legislature to deliver her State of the Nation Address. The Presidents address to focus mainly on the economy as the country experiences not only depreciation of its currency to the US dollar, rising (youth) unemployment, structural issues and the need to raise more money to finance governments development projects. The joint session is the highest forum provided by law for the President to brief the lawmakers about happenings in the country including national security, governance and rule of law, foreign affairs and, of course, the state of the countrys economy, amongst others . From the perspective of the economy, the Observers Business Desk analyzes what Liberians expect to hear from their President as she delivers her 2014 Annual Message to the legislature on Capitol Hill

World Bank Approves US$29M


-To Build Roads, Bridges in Liberia

World Bank president Kim Yong Kim


efficient transport services by upgrading existing roads, rehabilitating or replacing unsafe bridges and completing roads along the MonroviaBuchanan corridor. To date, the project has benefitted some 744,980 individuals and provided 90 percent of the rural population in the targeted areas with access to an allseason road. The additional funding approved by the World Banks Board of Directors on Friday consists of the World Banks International Development Association (IDA) credit of US$19.60 million, and a co-financing grant of US$9.4 million from the Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund (LRTF), a statement issued by the Bank has said.

he World Banks Board of Executive Directors on Friday, January 24, approved the total of US$29 million in additional funds for Liberias Urban and Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (URIRP). The money, according to the Bank, would be used to improve roads and bridges in Monrovia and surrounding rural areas, as well as improve the governments institutional capacity to manage the countrys road sector. The Urban and Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (URIRP) was approved in 2009 to support the governments goal of ensuring that Liberians nationwide have reliable, safe, affordable and

The LRFT is a multi-donor trust fund for infrastructure administered by the World Bank and supported by the European Union (EU) and governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway and Ireland. Liberia has made solid progress in rehabilitating transport infrastructure in the face of daunting challenges, said Inguna Dobraja, World Bank Country Manager for Liberia. The infrastructure improvements supported by todays financing from the IDA and the LRTF, will help to broaden the base of the economy, making Liberias growth more inclusive and improve the delivery of social services. She acknowledged the valuable collaboration and coordination amongst LRTF members which is helping Liberia address its infrastructure challenges. The LRTF financing would finance cost overruns incurred in the rehabilitation of the Monrovia-Buchanan corridor--- a total of 56.5 km, which is considered one of the most critical transport links in the country, given that Buchanan is Liberias second largest city and key to the countrys economic growth. Their contribution would also finance the conceptual design studies of the Ganta to Zwedru highway. Boosting access to transport

The growing news about revenue shortfalls to finance the budget sounds uncomfortable for the public particularly, when they have been informed by the government that the 2013/14 fiscal envelop is core revenue. Now, they expect the President to talk about this issue including inclusive growth practical term and how said growth can actually affect their lives in terms of what they put on their table. They dont want to hear rhetoric from their President about how her Administration managed the National Budget with efficiency while consolidating existing and instituting new reforms. The people will get bore if the President presents huge financial figures to them without naming tangible achievements that affect their lives such as road and other government-funded projects that were completed in 2013. The President, as they expect, will be talking about progress on the Monrovia-Ganta Road project and other projects. GOLs Fiscal Rules The people will want to know in clear and practical terms, GOLs fiscal rules put into place for borrowing.

They will also want to know the countrys debt stock both domestic and foreign including a clear picture on how the debts are being accrued and repayment strategies.

ical infrastructure, including the construction of the new Caldwell Bridge in Monrovia, thus facilitating access from Caldwell Junction to White Plains and access to markets, educational institution and hospitals. The new project financing also covers the construction of a new Fuel Unloading Facility (FUF) in the Freeport of Monrovia in addition to the provision of technical assistance to the University of Liberia, the Stella Maris Polytechnic and Tubman University in support of the overall infrastructure

They would want to know the governments guidelines for government guarantees for state own enterprises (SOE) borrowing, which we are told, requires a case-bycase financial assessment by the Debt Management Committee. Money Borrowed The public will also be interested to knowing from their President some of the projects being implemented by monies borrowed in their names. They would want to clearly know the status of those projectswhether they are completed or not. Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant The public also has interest in knowing clearly, the status of the Mount Coffee Hydroelectric Plantwhen will the project commence and when will it be completed. The President is expected to speak to the progress of the state of the countrys energy need and progress being made to address them. sector institutional capacity building. Many poor rural families in Liberia are migrating to urban areas in search of education and employment opportunities, said Kulwinder Singh Rao, the World Bank Task Team Leader. Timely completion of road works in and around Monrovia, including the new Caldwell Bridge, would facilitate improved access to key social services, including health and education, for some of the poorest Liberians.

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 27, 2014


to residents of Monrovia and their businesses. The government has on several occasions, termed the provision of electricity as a national emergency. Located in the Harrisburg Township of Careysburg, District, Montserrado County, the Mount Coffee hydro plant lies on the Saint Paul River approximately 21 miles from Monrovia. The rehabilitation exercise, according to government and project management sources, will be carried out on three of the four turbines that were initially installed prior to the 14-year civil crisis, though information had earlier emerged from government sources that all four of the turbines would have been rebuilt and the country could be served with a power output of 80-90 mega-

Govt Launches

14 Page 14
She called on all government officials, as well as every Liberian to roll-up their sleeves to work hard during the course of this dry season. During this dry season let us go out in the rural parts of the country and see what is being done in those areas. But when we get back, let us report the facts, she jokingly said. Giving the overview of the project, the Project Director of the Mount Coffee Hydro project, Randal Enns lauded the governments of Liberia, Norway, Germany and the EIB, and said that , It has been a pleasure implementing this project with the support and in the company of such dedicated, visionary and hardworking people, Mr. Enns noted. He furthered, On behalf of the Mount Coffee team, we are excited that as we stand here today in the Mount Cofjailed. Chief Karwor stressed the need for the Liberia National Police to begin to apply community awareness in recruiting people for the Liberia National Police; this, he said, will help improve the countrys image when it comes to security, Do not be a criminal and then seek to join the National Police, he warned. Supporting Chief Karwors views, the Deputy police Director for Operations, Col. fee powerhouse, construction has already started and we are well on the way to meeting the December 2015 goal for first power. The project has been underway since May 2012 with the establishment of the project implementation unit at LEC. Mr. Enns indicated that as mentioned earlier, the teams target is to have the first generating unit producing current in December 2015, and placing the remaining units into service in two month intervals. We expect the plant to be fully commissioned in mid2016, he said. The last sentence brought little uneasiness to President Sirleaf, who had though that the deadline for the project has been extended by the project director.

watt. The power generating capacity of the new hydro when completed will be below its previous potential. Prior to the First Liberian Civil War the plant produced 64 megawatts of electricity, which accounted for 35% of all electricity generated in the country, with almost all of it concentrated in the nations capital, Monrovia. The restoration of the Mount Coffee Hydro-Electric Plant which will provide affordable and reliable power to residents and businesses is an urgent national priority for Liberia which this government has decided to take very seriously, Lands, Mines and Energy Minister Patrick Sendolo said at the occasion. The rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee hydro plant

is estimated to cost around US$300 million, government sources disclosed. The funds are beings generated from four sources, the governments of Liberia, Norway and Germany and the European Investment Bank (EIB). It is expected that when the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant is fully rehabilitated, Liberia will be able to contribute power supply to its neighbors as a development partners to their economic viability, though this is debatable taking in to consideration whether the 60 megawatt will serve Monrovia and its environs efficiently. Although construction will start immediately following the ground-breaking on Saturday, the plant will only be able to produce power sometime in 2015. Until then, the Government of Liberia is exploring other alternative power sourc-

es, including the installation of heavy fuel oil (HFO) plants and the West African Power Pool project (WAPP) to beef up energy access across the country. President Sirleaf said the launched of the project became a reality as a result of tireless efforts from several individuals and organizations, to include, government officials, officials of the funding partners of the projects and other technicians. More people have worked hard to make sure that this day becomes a reality, she said. The Liberian leader called on the contractors to work and ensure that the deadline of the project, which has been set for December 2015, for the completion is maintain and that Liberians begin to taste hydro power again as soon as possible. and give his service to the one who has money. The traditional leader explained that security personnel in the country are also contributing to the increase in mob violence. Criminals now wear the police uniforms to help them accomplished their criminal acts in the community, he added. He claimed that some of the criminals in the country are in contact with higher-ups to help them get released from prison when helping to keep the students in schools amid hunger. Marys Meals also caters for 79 deaf students who live on the dormitory prepared by the organization. They are undergoing both academic and vocational skills training program including tailoring, carpentry and agriculture. Earlier, Bomi County Samuel Brown stated that though the county has fertile soil that could produce more food, citizens of the county heavily depend on imported rice and locally produced food stuff from Duala Market in Montserrado County for feeding. Impressed by the output of the deaf students couple with project proposals submitted by the Oscar Romero School (Home of Marys Meals), the Ambassador said that they at the British Embassy, were going to discuss and come out with whatever assistance they can render to complement the effort being made to help such disadvantaged Liberians.

receiving justice in the courts, due to what he termed financial constraint, that makes it difficult to follow up cases. He made the statement over the weekend when he attended the launch of a Stop Mob Violence Campaign, held on the Slipway Community Field in Monrovia. Chief Karwor said the security sector and the courts in the country have created a

Police Contribute

serious problem for the people of Liberia when it comes to recruiting for Police duty: some recruits are of no-good character and are using Liberia National Police (LNP) uniforms to accomplish their bad aims. Chief Karwor noted that If there is no money to pay lawyers to plead your case, there will be no fair trial in the court; the lawyer could disregard your rights in the case

Chief Zanzan Karwor wants justice unbending


field. During the trip to Bomi, the British Ambassador visited the Superintendents office, the Scottish-based aid program, Marys Meals, and the residence of Rev. Fth. Gareth Jenkins, Priest of St. Dominic Catholic Mission in Tubmanburg. Sharing his impression about the trip, Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet said he was glad for the impact Marys Meals is making in the lives of ordinary people, especially students of various schools, including the deaf in Bomi, Gbarpolu and Cape Mount. Marys Meals is a school feeding program catering to schools in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties. Thousands of students in these counties are fed by Marys Meals with rice and beans in their various schools; that, according to the Assistant Country Director, Joseph Flomo Goelo, is immensely performance or omission of which is an obligation, required by law. It is an extraordinary court order, because it is issued without the benefit of a full judicial process; it may also be issued while a case is in process. Indeed, it could be issued by a court at any time appropriate during proceedings. The Writ was prayed for by lawyers representing Mr. Charles Carron, a Belgium national, who lost a US$1.7million theft of property and economic sabotage case, against Mr. Amos Brosius.

Abraham Kromah, said he is in agreement with the tradition chief and promised to find a way of dealing with some of the challenges he (Chief Karwor) made reference to, concerning the culture of the nations police force and its operations. I am not going to add to Chief Karwors statement, as everyone has an opinion. I respect the Chiefs views.

British Ambassador

By Joaquin Sendolo Observer Diplomatic Correspondent

ritish Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has described as remarkable, the United Kingdoms impact on the lives of Liberians in the post-war era. Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet took over the British Embassy in Liberia on October 14, 2013, when it was reopened after being closed for 22 years. In an interview with journalists following a trip in Tubmanburg, Bomi County on January 23, 2014, Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet said, It was important for me as a diplomat to get out of Monrovia to go into the counties so we can see the situation on the ground ourselves. It is important that

we come here because the United Kingdom (UK) has an aid program here, which costs about US$15 million. He said that the United Kingdom also contributes to the operations of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to the tune of US$42 million, including Europe-Aid, which is approximately US$250 million. He said that UKs development assistance comes to the government, citing the Buchanan road project completed about a year and a half ago, as one of the projects his country contributed to. The UK, Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet explained, contributes to the works of UNHCR, UNDP, and other UN agencies in Liberia, as well; so, to maintain a clear picture of unfolding events as to how aid sent here is impacting Liberians, he has to get out in the

Ambassador and Mrs. Cochrane-Dyet at Marys Meals Warehouse with deaf students and their instructors.
He lauded the UK humanitarian organization for its work in Bomi and said the success is gained mainly because Liberians themselves were demonstrating patriotism through commitment to the job. Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet did not comment on what was discussed behind close door with Catholic Priest Gareth Jenkins. He toured the Catholic compound and visited the mass grave of about 300 children who died from starvation in Tubmanburg when that area Presently, Judge Gbeneweleh presides over the Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice. In December 2013, he ruled, defendant Amos Brosius not-guilty of charges brought against him by the government on behalf of Mr. Carron. Now a free man, all of Brosius rights are to be restored, including a criminal bond he had secured. Defending the Courts ruling, Judge Gbeneweleh said that the prosecution had failed to produce enough evidence to convict the defendant of the allegations level against him. Interestingly, none of Carrons lawyers were seen in the was being controlled by defunct rebel group, ULIMO-J of deceased Roosevelt Johnson. It is not also clear what Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet and Bomi County Superintendent, Samuel Brown, discussed behind closed door as Journalists were asked out. However, Superintendent Brown had earlier underscored initiation of girls in the Sande Society as one key challenge facing the county in terms of youth education. courtroom when final judgment was pronounced. The case began in 2013, when Carron accused Brosius of diverting million of gallons of petroleum products entrusted to his (Brosius) care for distribution to customers of Ducor Petroleum Company. Defendant Brosius denied the claim when he first appeared before Judge Gbeneweleh, shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution. Mr. Brosius is the former managing director of Ducor Petroleum, while Carron holds 90% shareholder in Ducor and owns the Monrovia Oil Trading Company (MOTC).

Judge Gbeneweleh

By Abednego Davis

he Full Bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday 23, January called Judge Peter Gbeneweleh to appear before the Justice in Chamber, Associate Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh. Mr. Amos Brosius, former managing director of Ducor Petroleum Incorporated is also due to appear. The two are required to show

up on Tuesday, February 4, at 10:A.M., according to the communication. They will be required to show why a petition for a Writ of Mandamus prayed for on behalf of Mr. Charles Carron, should not be granted by the High Court. Mandamus is a writ or order issued from a Court of Superior jurisdiction that commands an inferior tribunal, corporation, municipal corporation, or individual to perform, or refrain from performing, a particular act---the

Judge Peter Gbeneweleh


The case was heard in Criminal Court C that was presided over by Judge Gbeneweleh.

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 27, 2014

Page 16 20

Liberia YMCA U14 Invited to Dallas Cup Tourney


onamiSport has secured invitation to bring a Liberia YMCA U-14boys All-Star team to the U.S. for the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup soccer tournament from April 1320, 2014. This was confirmed by its Executive Director, Doc Lawson, in an email to the Daily Observer sports desk last Friday. He said the team will compete in one of the oldest and most prestigious international youth football tournaments in the world, which is The Dallas Cup. The Liberian team will compete against teams from England, Mexico, United States, Canada and New Zealand. Doc Lawson, who will be arriving in the country later this week, said he would be holding meetings with the Liberia Football Association, the Ministry of Youths & Sports

By Omari Jackson

and other partners to conclude arrangement for Liberias participation. The DonamiSports, which began a community football development program in several communities in Monrovia, will hold try-outs to select Liberias representative. When he arrives later this week, Doc Lawson said he would meet with, my partners on the ground, Liberia YMCA, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Liberia Football Association to share the details about this historic event. In a press release issued by the organizers the first round of international team invitations for the U17 bracket of the 2014 tournament had been sent to the best teams from around the globe, to clubs hailing from five different countries. The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup continues to set the standard for international competition in youth soccer tournaments, said Andy Swift, the tourna-

Doc Lawson (with a big smile) in a group photo with the Dallas Cup Executive staff, after concluding the arrangement in Dallas, Texas (USA)
ments Executive Director. This years U17 bracket, with the quality and diversity of the international clubs, combined with yet another extremely talented group of teams from the United States, is shaping up to be one of the strongest and most competitive in many, many years. The release said headlining the U17 group are three professional Mexican clubs, a Dallas Cup U17 bracket first. Club America, UANL Tigres, and CF Monterrey Rayados will be sending their U17 teams to Dallas to compete in the 2014 tournament. CF Monterrey will be fielding the same team that won the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup 2013 U16 Championship this past March. All three teams were playoff quarterfinalists in the recently concluded Mexican U17 Apertura season, with Tigres and Club America advancing to the semifinals. The eventual winner, CD Guadalajara, will compete in this years in the Dr Pepper Gordon Jago Super Group. In addition there will be teams from four different continents, all competing with

their own unique style of soccer. German side FC Astoria Walldorf, Club Deportivo ASES from Colombia, and the Gold Coast Knights from Australia will join the Puerto Rican U17 National Team in one of the most competitive and diverse U17 brackets in Dallas Cup history. While the remaining international U17 participants are yet to be announced, the DonamiSports has secured a place for the Liberia U14 to participate in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXV from April

13th through April 20th, 2014. Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States and will be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Dallas Cup consists of seven age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week. Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has hosted teams and referees from 47 states, 100 countries and 6 continents.

We said were not going home - Keshi

Edward Kais Own Goal Sinks Kaba FC

n the world of soccer, coaches first, are apt to train their defenders to pass the ball to the goalkeeper whenever a defender is under intense pressure from opponents.

Young Arsenal and two goal scorers Kesselley and Tarnue


The second advice is for a defender to communicate with his goalkeeper before he kicks the ball to him. Kaba FC, a 3rd division club in the ongoing LFA league, against Young Arsenals last Saturday, applied the first advice. That is, he made the decision to pass the ball to the goalkeeper for safety to reduce the pressure he was under. But what he forgot, was communicating his decision to his goal-

keeper, who was nowhere in the post. It was in the 84th minute and Kaba FC had allowed Arsenals strikers James Tarnue and Kesselly Kamara to score two goals for their side, and they were looking for goal number three. Defender Edward Kai held the ball as his opponents advanced towards him. Turning around he shot the ball towards his goal, and the poor ball rushed to the side where the goalie was nowhere around. That was how Kaba FC lost 3-0 to Young Arsenals. Edward has a bad day, said a soccer fan, I hope he can recover his next game.

n the 34 years of the Dallas Cup history, some of brightest soccer stars in the world were discovered. Dr Pepper Dallas Cup also provides opportunities for visiting international players to be seen and scouted by U.S. colleges. There are 8,608 potential full mens scholarships available from U.S.

Dallas Cup Gives Foreign Players U.S. College Opportunities


Colleges, according to the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup organizers. One example of these opportunities is the 20122013 National Junior College Athletic Association Champions, Tyler Junior College, which is composed of players from Jamaica, England, South Africa and Australia to name a few.

Freshman Victor Sousa of Akron Zips (2011 SC Corinthians) and Junior Byron Knowles-Ramirez of Tulsa Hurricanes from Brujas FC and FC Dallas Academy

nce the dust had settled after Nigerias stunning 4-3 win over Morocco in a Chan quarterfinal match at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi was left to reflect on one of the greatest games he has ever been involved in. It was a breath-taking 90 minutes which showcased the best of African football. The game produced seven goals scored, nearly all of them brilliantly executed, as the West African team turned around a three-goal first-half deficit against a Moroccan side which very much played its part in what could well be the best match at the Cape Town Stadium this year. Keshi enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a player in Nigeria and Europe, before going on to manage Togo, Mali and then the Super Eagles, which he guided to the 2013 African Cup of Nations title, subsequently being named as African Coach of the Year. It was something very unique. It happened when I was in Mali, 2010 Nations

Stephen Keshi-Eagles coach


Cup, against Angola in the first game, we were four goals down, 12 minutes, we came back to score four to tie 4-4. This one was something else though. I just want to say thanks to my players for the character and the mentality that they brought in the second half, theyre just awesome. Keshi said the secret to the stunning fight-back was to pay less respect to their opponents after the sides came out for the second half. This was not us playing in the first half. It was like we gave too much respect to Morocco. They are a good team, but we have to be ourselves and we have to take our game to them. In the second half I wanted to see different character, I wanted to see the same character that we brought into the Bafana Bafana game (a 3-1 win in the group stage which knocked South Africa out), or more. Morocco coach Hassan Benabicha blamed his sides second-half capitulation on the lack of preparation the team had before the tournament. Sapa

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VOL. 16. NO. 64 MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

If a snake does not act like a snake, little children will use it to tie firewood. Dr. Owls African Guest

olice in Monrovia under the command of the chief of Special Investigation Unit (SIU) at the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Augustin Mehn, over the weekend arrested one of those suspected of masquerading with fake academic

Fake Degree Holder Arrested Promises to Name Collaborators


By C.Y. Kwanue

PRICE: LD 40

Civil Society Group Suffers Grant Fatigue


-Seek Over US$4M; Want GOLs Help
time for the government of Liberia to provide financial support to civil society organizations. Civil society groups have reached a point where they see the government as a strong partner. So the government must now begin to support our programs which are geared towards improving the livelihood of ordinary Liberians who live mainly in rural communities, he said. The FIND boss emphasized the critical role of civil society institutions, mainly members of the LCDGP. We complement governments efforts. Moreover, we pay taxes to the government, Woods added. Also speaking to reporters, the head of Rural Human Right Activism Program, Mr. Lorma Baysah, noted that limited funding is undermining the output of the 20 LCDGP-member organizations. He said the US$4 million

credentials including terminal degrees in the country. Shortly after police picked up Ndien Peters; a self-proclaimed doctorate degree holder, he was taken to the Liberian National Police Headquarters on Capitol Hill where he was formally charged with forgery and impersonation. Interestingly, while being processed by the police, Peters reportedly made an open

confession to the commission of the crime of falsification of credentials, but was quoted as telling the police that I am not alone in the business of using false academic credentials in the country to gain employment, there are some higher ups too. With that confession, Mr. Peters promised to cooperate with the investigation to identify several other persons

Peters (center) and far right with false degrees being quizzed by security personnel shortly after he was arrested
he knew to be in possession of counterfeit academic credentials surreptitiously (secretly, slyly) used to acquire jobs in Liberian society. According to suspect Peters, those in possession of some of the counterfeit credentials have reportedly studied in the United States of America (USA) or the West African State of Nigeria as well as the University of Liberia (UL). At the UL, some of the suspects claimed to have graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and or Master of Science in Geography (MSc), degree, but the date of entry and graduation from the UL present a questionable contrast. Peters, has among other things, submitted documentary evidence containing names of those suspected of being in possession of falsified degrees; including the terminal ones. Like the proverbial saying goes, to add insult to injury,

he Liberia Community Development and Governance Program (LCDGP), has disclosed that it needs over US$4 million to successfully implement its programs over the next two years. According to LCDGP officials, the money will support a chain of civil society organizations operating in different areas ranging from human rights, social justice, economic and environmental, amongst others, to implement several programs in rural Liberia. The LCDGP is a coalition of 20 cross-country partner civil society organizations from across Liberia. Speaking yesterday at the opening ceremony of a twoday assembly of the LCDGP in Monrovia, Foundation for International Dignity (FIND) Executive Director Mr. Roosevelt Woods said it is now

will help finance the entire program till 2015, the lifespan of the project. Earlier, the national focal point for the Dutch-based Inter-Church Organization for International Cooperation (ICCO)-Liberia, Allen Lincoln, explained that the purpose of the LCDGP seminar is to strategize and plan how to execute the various programs and projects the institution does. The two-day forum, according Mr. Lincoln, will allow participants the opportunity to draw their plan with inclusive of communication and fundraiser strategies. The seminar is the first for LCDGP members who come from 20 human rights organization, he said. According to the LCDGP official, the LCDGP focuses on three thematic issues, namely: conflict transformation, peace building and democratization as well as human rights specifically

a letter in possession of the Daily Observer claiming to come from the president of the Anointed University in South Africa has denied that Peters is a graduate of the institution. The letter further advised the National Commission of Higher Education (NCHE) in Liberia to disregard any certificate that Mr. Peters might have presented to it since he (Peters) was not a graduate of their university. Recently, authorities of the NCHE embarked on an exercise to clean the higher education system; wherein those with fake credentials would be arrested and prosecuted in keeping with the legal framework. However, following the completion of Peters preliminary investigation by the police, he was asked to go home, but to report to the police in charge of quarters regularly beginning to today.

at fair economic opportunities for Liberians and forest governance and land issues, amongst others. We are also expected to fully know about the status of the roll-out of the first of the project and that organizations will also draw a memorandum of understanding to work together and support

each other, Lincoln stated. The assembly is very important because it brings together all organizations and partners of ICCO. This is where we come to discuss the overall work of our organizations whether we have improved over the year and plan for the future, observed the president of the

Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, Atty. Esther Seton-Cee. Madam Cee is one of the key participants at the LCDGP seminar ongoing at the Building Market on Carey Street. She told our reporter that participants and partners were hoping to agree on a work plan for 2014.

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

MONDAY, JAN. 27, 2014, vol. 16, No.64indd 1

1/27/14 1:02 AM

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