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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-
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Contd on pg. 14
LOCAL NEWS
Work has now began on the hydro so power can begin to flow out of it by December 2015
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
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Tuesday, November 5,27, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Monday, January 27, 2014
World News
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-
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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
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
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
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By C.Y. Kwanue
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
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.
By Ishmael F. Menkor
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.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 27, 2014 Monday, January 27, 2014
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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.
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
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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
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-
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Republic of Liberia
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.
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
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-
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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
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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
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Board Chair Mr. Keller left discussing with Mr. GM Cyrus before the program commences
Continued on pg 9
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The Orator LNP Commissioner Sepoh with SEGAL GM Cyrus carrying inspection during the parade
SEGAL GM Mr. Cyrus in hand shake with the Training Commandant in appreciation of training
SEGAL Board Chair, Mr. Lionel Keller Sr. making remarks at the graduation ceremony
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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
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
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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
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
INVEST TODAY! Visit our branches and be a proud owner of CEMENCO
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
Information Memorandum
LBDI Central Monrovia Branch Ashmun & Randall Streets Monrovia, Liberia.
LBDI Sinkor Branch 9th Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia
OFFER CONDITIONS:
Individual: Minimum of 5 stocks at US$12 each Institutions: Minimum of 1,000 Common stocks and additional common stock in multiple of 100.
Procedures: 1. Application forms are free and available at LBDI Branches on 9th Street Sinkor and Randall & Ashmun Streets 2. Payment can be made by Cash, Managers Check or Debit Authorization
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
LETTERS
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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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
PRICE: LD 40
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.
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