Health News pg 8 TOP STORIES

STRIKE LEAVES MORE PATIENTS HOPELESS

4G PASSAGE

LEGISLATIVE BEAT

pg 7

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRED WITH SENATE ON CBL ACT AMENDMENT

BUYING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1

SELLING L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1

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

VOL 8 NO.537

PRICE L$40

SECRECY MARS 1 MILLION DONATION TO JFK

WHAT HAPPENED TO JINDAL'S 'GIFT'?

An investigation by FrontPAgeAfrica has gathered that the whereabouts of a donation from Indian steel and power giant to the John F. Medical center to help renovate and provide some medications to the hospital remains unknown.

Corruption Watch pg. 5

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Monrovia declaration by Liberias Minister of Information Lewis Brown last week may prove costly to the ongoing efforts to terminate a controversial lease agreement between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA) and a Chinese company, Qingian International (Lib) Group Development Co. Ltd. (CNQC) to rent its apartment building to house the LTA. Angelique Weeks, the Chair of the LTA agreed to pay US$385,000.00 (Three Hundred Eighty Five Thousand United States Dollars) per year, with a three-year upfront payment to a Chinese Landlord totaling US$1, 155,000.00 (one million, one hundred fifty five thousand United States dollars). The fourstorey building contains thirty-one rooms and six bathrooms situated on two lots of land. The building, located on the Congotown back road near the Baptist Church, had previously been turned down by the National Investment Commission because the landlords demanded an asking price of US$450,000 per annum. The agreement was terminated by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf last week after a FrontPageAfrica investigation blew the lid open on the controversial deal. The LTA entered into the agreement despite objections from the Public Procurement Concessions Commission and concerns from the Ministry of Justice. However, a team of FrontPageAfrica reporters who visited the controversial property last week noticed that LTA was already situated in the building raising concerns over whether the presidents cancellation was still in place. The LTAs previous lease with the Methodist Church has already expired. Now FrontPageAfrica has learned that some complications have emerged in the governments attempt to cancel the agreement amid a growing possibly that the Chinese company could sue the Liberian government for breach of contract. Legal experts say, Browns admission last week that the LTA followed all the rules against the PPCC objections could complicate the GOLs attempts to cancel the agreement. Brown, addressing the weekly news briefing last week said: For the lease of a piece of property to be used by the LTA as temporary headquarters. What has been discovered is that in fact all of the attending processes and procedures to legitimize such a transaction were followed. Agreements committing the LTA and by extension the Government must be signed by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance and the operating agencies, these were scrupulously followed and so quite clearly, all the of requirements of the law have been met. However, the president is still very concerned that expending such an amount notwithstanding the fact that the legal processes and procedures are satisfactory, the president still construes this decision, not the processes and procedures but the decision as one which borders on the error of judgment for many reasons. So notwithstanding, they say everything that is legal may not always be expedient, on the side of expediency the president has directed the Ministry of justice to take every step required under the law to ensure that the agreement is nullified. Notwithstanding, the fact that all the documents made available show that laws have been followed

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com

the President believes this may be an error of judgment by the LTA and has therefore instructed the Ministry of Justice to with immediate effect take every step necessary to nullify the agreement. Browns comments contradicted a PPCC letter responding to the LTAs request for no-objection. More troubling, are the fact that both the Ministries of Finance and Justice signed off on the deal without a no-objection letter accompanying the LTAs request. Section 31 of the PPCC Act states that prior notice to the PPCC is required for proposed contract awards exceeding the following thresholds: Goods-US$200,000; Works-US$400,000; ServicesUS$100,000. Below these threshold levels, a notice to the Commission is for information and publication of contract award as required by Section 37 of the PPC Act. Regulation Number 003 stipulates that the Ministry of Finance shall take part in the negotiations and signing of contracts over US $250,000 and the contracts shall be attested to by the Ministry of Justice. Many are now wondering how the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice signed off on the deal in the wake of massive hardships in Liberia. Sources at both Finance and Justice Ministries say, the sign off on the agreement was done in the absence of ministers proper with Sebastian Muah signing for Finance and Benedict Sannoh signing for Justice.

While both ministries agree that the contract with the Chinese is binding, an authoritative source told FPA Sunday that the Ministry of Justice is currently in negotiation with the LTA and the Chinese company to find a way out. The bottom line is we need to negotiate first but if it fails, then we will have to explore legal options. But the truth of the matter is both Justice and Finance failed the government on this lease deal, a source told FPA Sunday. For now we are working with Justice to work with the Chinese. The issue here is that the wisdom was wrong from the beginning on this deal. If money has been paid, we need to renegotiate and find a building with a reasonable price for the LTA to transfer to. The current size of LTA is too big for the work they do. That agency should not have more than 50 persons. As a result they had employees scattered in three buildings around Monrovia. Thus, if you bring them into one building it should be at a low cost to the government. On this deal, the cost is high to government, so the wisdom was wrong, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday. The source added that the ball remains in the Ministry of Justices court to find a legal way out of the LTA impasse but added that the LTAs account is still frozen even though they have already moved into the building. They dont have money to keep on running, the source concluded.

FrontPage COMMENTARY EDITORIAL AN OPEN FALL ON EDUCATION

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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Commentary

GOL MUST LISTEN TO HEALTH WORKERS

Beyan Flomo Pewee, Executive Director, Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia (YOCEL)

MOST OF LIBERIA Monday saw a go-slow action by health workers that paralyzed services to patients, sick people including pregnant women. We do not know the total number of children who might have been delivered by unqualified health workers due to the absence of trained health workers in many of our hospitals including Phebe in Suakoko, Jackson F. Doe Memorial in Tappita and Redemption in Monrovia and several others across the country. AT VARIOUS HOSPITALS and other medical facilities in Monrovia and other parts of the country the situation was catastrophic as patients were rejected despite their medical conditions due to the absence of nurses and other medical practitioners. AT THE REDEMPTION hospital in New Kru Town all patients were discharged, the place looked like a ghost town when our team of reporters visited early Monday. THIS ACTION BY health workers is not the first of its kind, at this same time last year, health workers went on a go slow raising the same issues they are raising today; yet one year on the government has not been able to bring sanity to the sector. FEW WEEKS AGO, the President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf promised to resolve the impasse when she made these comment in response to a health workers concern raised at a hatai center interaction in Monrovia. LIKE I TOLD YOU, I said all of you who want to go on the payroll, should go on the payroll; only the incentive system has to be combined with the payroll because you cannot get them both because the donors have pulled back, said President. WHAT WE WILL do is to make sure that the CSA completes the process and get you on the payroll. THIS ASSURANCE GIVEN by the President was a sigh of relief to many health workers who listened to her, what we wanted to see is the immediate works to turn these promises into action that could yield the needed result to halt this strike. The entire government was aware of this strike action and saw it coming because health workers across the country had been threatening for days. WE HAVE SEEN the government taking proactive steps to stop political demonstrations from taking place as we saw with the foiling of the planned April 12, protest by a group of young people who did not need much to be pacified. PROBABLY THE GOVERNMENT could not take a decisive action that could have pacified the health workers while further negotiations would be ongoing to stop the strike action that is now affecting many of our most vulnerable population-the sick. HEALTH WORKERS HAVE vowed not to return to work if the nine counts they presented to the ministry of health are not met, which include better wages and incentives and the placing of volunteers on the ministrys payroll. but on Monday a defiant Dr. Walter Gwenigale, Minister of Health and Social Welfare instead of calling for a truce, decided to go on a threatening spree. DR. GWENIGALE HAS threatened to dismiss Health workers who will abandon job for a week, adding: Any worker who fails to work by February 21 2014 should consider him or herself dismissed from the Ministry [Health and Social Welfare. WE BELIEVE MINISTER GWENIGALE comments can not solve the ongoing impasse as it will further exacerbate the already catastrophic situation. STARTING FROM TODAY, no one will be paid for days they have not worked, Gwenigale said. All directors and supervisors are requested to take attendance and keep accurate record of all who are coming to work and those who have chosen to stay away. THIS IS NOT at attempt to help population of the country many of whom already lack basic health facilities and access to good medical care. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD take queue from the Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery (LBNM) which in a release called on all parties involved to enhance cordial working relationship to address the concerns raised by the health workers to promote quality health care. THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH must appeal to the health workers to call off its strike action in the interest of the patients who are the ones feeling the pinch of the protest, that is what a responsible leadership does and desist from issuing empty threats, that will only harm our people and cause them more suffering. MANY ARE SURPRISED that there would be a strike one year later by health workers after what happened almost a year ago when health workers were on a go-slow making the same demands. THE HEALTH SECTOR of Liberia has received the highest budgetary allotment in the 2013-2014 national budget but the sector continues to be in disarray and we are yet to see the needed improvement.

t is regrettable to see the kind of education our peers received in some parts of the country-Liberia. The agenda for transformation and the Liberia rising (nations vision 2030) creates an avenue for the full realization of quality and affordable education for every child without discrimination. But the implementation of these legal instruments is still a major challenge to government. This article reveals actual happenings in some rural communities in Liberia. I was opportune to have form part of the official assessment team of the Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia(YOCEL) to a nearby town called Gbaigon located in Bomi County with only one hour thirty minutes distance from the nations capital (Monrovia). The Educational situation of the people most especially girls cannot be over emphasize. Teenage Pregnancy has become the order of the day for school age girls and a vocational training skill is never their dream. The population of the town is estimated to be over 500 hundred and the youthful population constitutes 154 with 68 boys and 86 girls. It was mention by the PTA Chairman and confirmed by the town chief that the total numbers of girls in the town are of school age and most of them have refused to go back to school due to pregnancy or over age problem. Furthermore; the only school they had, has gone to a deprivable condition that creates room for ineffectiveness and poor learning environment. Many parents have refused to send their kids to school due to the recent fees imposed by government to public primary school. My mind is been question, looking at the kind of learningconditions and thinking if these kids will ever have the opportunity to advance their studies. No text books, No siting capacity in class room that suggest students to sit on the floor, lack of sanitary facilities, three teachers teaching the entire public primary school
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and the most regrettable aspect is the low enrollment dropping from 250 to 60 students. These situations proves that Liberias free and compulsory primary education law is not working, cause parents labor very hard to pay their children schools fees considering the fact that most of them are single parents with no adequate skills. Can you determine asingle Future for these kids who have never experience the excitement of education and have no idea of it? Their lives are center around making cassava pitch for their very survival.
the already deplorable health sector of the country, the Government through the Ministry of Health must act responsibly in resolving the current crisis. OUT OF THE TOTAL budget an amount of US$21,360,150 was allotted for compensation of employees and with other donors activities in support of the health sector not captured in the budget, the sector is unarguably the highest recipient of donor assistance. Such a sector with such huge support should not be in such disarray.

A SECTOR THAT RECEIVED budgetary allotment of US$120,115,516 in the 2013-2014 approved budget out of which donors account for US$64,818,386 and US$30,280,938 representing grants., should show better results than this, Dr. Gwenigale even though a close ally of the President and cannot be replaced as the president has publicly stated during the launch of the Pneumonia vaccine as he was named as one of her best performing minister, must not see the public backing by the president as push to challenge striking workers, the Liberian people need health care. SIRLEAF POLITICS OF protecting cronies must not be extended to

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HARRY GREAVES TAKES COMMENTS FROM MANDINGO MAFIAS TO TASK FPA ONLINE
GABRIEL ZARWEA

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unknown territory without having the management infrastructure in place, you risk failure, and that is exactly what happened. As the price of crude oil escalated during the first and second quarters of 2008, reaching a peak of US$148/barrel, Siaka Turay (Aminata) decided he wanted to be a rice mogul, went to China and took a large position on rice, thinking the price would continue to rise. Bad move. The price dropped dramatically and he lost his shirt. The financing company backing him almost went bankrupt. Musa Bility (Srimex) wanted to be the cement king of Liberia. He similarly lost a ton of money. As for Cherif Abdallah, he also came a cropper, not because an adventure into unknown territory, but because he too took his eye off the ball. He was away from the country, and his business, for an inordinately long period, courting, I believe. He left his cousin from Mauritania (or was it Mali?) to manage his affairs. Once he was out of earshot, this cousin sensed an opportunity of a lifetime and decided to drive a Mack truck through it. He set up a parallel company, siphoning off sales. When Cherif finally returned to the republic, he discovered that his cousin had absconded with his sales and profits, leaving behind only the costs for him to contend with. Ouch! But, I digress. Back to Musa and Siaka. These costly mistakes impacted severely on their core business, petroleum importation, because they used their petroleum money to finance their forays into unchartered waters. They were unable to pay their petroleum vendors on time, the vendors started reducing the amount of credit they were willing to give them and the downward spiral took hold, such that by the end of 2008 their market share had dropped precipitously from a high of 39% to 19%. By 2011, the rot had set in. That's when LPRC management decided to step in and set up the cartel of Aminata, Srimex and Conex (Cherif Abdallah) and to force foreign importers to buy through the cartel members, under the guise of "Liberianization". If you deduct some 4.7 million gallons of product that MOTC was forced to buy from Srimex that year, the true market share of the Liberian importers in 2011 was 11%, not 23%, a level that was even lower than they had attained in 2005, the year before I took over at LPRC! Mr. Bility would have us believe that the cozy monopoly that the Three Musketeers aka the Mandingo Mafia have arranged with LPRC Managing Director T. Nelson Williams to guarantee them healthy profits is good for us, the consuming public, because the monopolists are Liberian. Well, a monopoly is a monopoly is a monopoly, no matter the skin color of the monopolist. And we in this country know from bitter experience how harmful monopolies can be. Put another way, we know how beneficial to consumers free markets are. On the day Cellcom launched in 2004, the price of international calls dropped by 50% from US$1.00 per minute to 50cents. Sim cards that used to cost US$65.00 now cost as little as US$1.00. And the cell phone wars bombarding us on our airwaves have resulted in lower and lower toll rates. My wife and I are in the food service business (P. A's RIBHOUSE). We have never asked the government to exclude anyone from the catering or restaurant business whether they are white people, brown people, yellow people, Lebanese, French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Vai, Mandingo, Fulah, Mende, Gio, Mano, Gola, Kpelle, Kru, Krahn, Sapo, etc. We are willing to compete, to take our chances in the rough and tumble of the marketplace, where sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The customer, not the government, should determine who prospers and who falls by the wayside. That is the essence of our free market system. Mr. Bility wants us to believe that a cartel of 3 Mandingo boys (out of total complement of 11 importers, including 7 Liberian importers) is a valid definition of "Liberianization"? Puhleeeaze! Had he told me that when I was MD at LPRC, I would have promptly revoked his importation license, created my own Bassa Mafia by collecting 3 boys from Kokoyah (my home), issuing them import licenses, arranging product supplies and financing for them, and regaling them as paragons of Liberianization virtue. What a crock! The current cartel of the Three Musketeers at LPRC has a bad smell to it. It lacks transparency, is corrupt by its very nature and should be done away with. Yours truly,

The Reader's Page

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

MATERNAL APPOINTMENT: ROBERT SIRLEAF EJS'S ENVOY TO KUWAIT

The Editor Frontpage Africa Tubman Blvd, Congotown Dear Mr. Editor:

She will get what she looking from the Liberian people, they made it clare they do not want her criminal son in the government. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf still looking for way to build her criminal EMPEIR. ELIZABETH MATU TUBMAN FINANCIAL COMPTROLLER AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY Gabriel Zarwea you will get what you looking for. Thank you Robert Sirleaf, the result oriental professional. Thanks you the Oil Sector reform. BENJAMEN QUAYE UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA Elizabeth Matu Tubman, I would think you should concentrate on your supply chain problems at LPRC so as to avoid future fuel shortages than showering political praises on Robert Sirleaf. LPRC lacks inventory management and control. You rely on one supplier so that when that supplier has an issue, you have an issue. I am talking about your recent supply problem with Ivory Coast that has caused fuel shortages on the Liberian market. You have a CPA. In the US, you used it. In Liberia, you've refused to use it. It is all too common for you Ellen supporters to celebrate mediocrity than offer your best for the kind of money you get paid. By the way, without his mother, can Robert Sirleaf hold any of the positions he's held under any other Liberian president? This is not a trick question. Answer it sincerely. SELTUE R KARWEAYE SR. TOP COMMENTER METRO STATE Elizabeth Matu Tubman I am not surprise by your diatribe against those that questioning this failed regime because those that support this regime tend to look at thing from myopic perspective. Critical analysis is lacking here! We had seen over the years. Let call spade a spade. This President in her book "This Child Will Be Great" criticized Tolberts family enrichment games; Does Cronyism; Taylors Patronage politic and yet continue to appoint her sons and closed family members in her government in key economic and political positions of commanding influence and yet you and others think the Presidents decision is not in error and she has violated no law. Isn't that hypocrisy on her part? We had seen Angolan President's daughter due to Oil negotiation is the riches Woman in Africahttp://edition.cnn.com/.../isabel-dos-santosbillionaire/ and also seen the Equatorial Guinea President's Son who father is Madam Sirleaf best friend had gotten rich overnight and is now under investigation with his properties been seize in Europe and corruption.http://www.nytimes.com/.../for-obiangs-son-high-life-in... Shine your eyes. MASSA QUOIYAN UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA President Sirleaf is looking for better days for Liberia.She stood and is still fighting for everybody to work together to make that dream come true. Unfortunately, we still have Liberian that do not want change and some of them go on the net to talk nonsense up to inciting violence. Liberian people had more than enough violence and it did not and will not help us. So let us think about our children future and engage into things that will help them tomorrow. Let us give Robert Sirleaf a chance. He is a liberian like you and myself. He just happen to be the son of our president and nobody can change it. MATTHEW GEORGE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND I urge my fellow Liberian to stage popular upraising against Ellen and her corrupt officials. We all aware, there's are no government in the world that can ERADICATE corruption. Government strive to minimize corruption. As for the Liberian government led by STUPID Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, corruption is their daily function. GABRIEL ZARWEA ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF GOVERNMENT IT IS A CRIMINAL GOVERNMENT. Liberian lost faith in her ability to run this country anymore.Any of you guys watch GOD FATHER MOVIE YET IF YOU DO EXACTLY THAT HOW SHE IS RUNNING LIBERIA. SHE NEED TO GO.

I learned something new about the circumstances surrounding our recent fuel debacle. It was Aminata, not Srimex (my apologies to Musa Bility) that was given the exclusive right by LPRC management to bring in 6,500 tons of diesel (equivalent to 2 million gallons, about 2 weeks' consumption). All other importers were forbidden to bring in any product until Aminata's had landed. Problem is that Aminata's cargo was supposed to have come in on January 10th. It is February 16th and no sign of that cargo. If TOTAL, the foreign importer that Musa Bility complains so much about, had not come to our rescue with a 7,000 ton cargo that is now discharging, the economic wellbeing and security of our nation would have been put at serious risk. To support his claim that I was in the pocket of foreign importers, Mr. Musa Bility asserted , on T. Max Jlateh's radio talk show "50/50", that local importers' market share never exceeded 15 % while I was managing director of LPRC. As the table below shows, that assertion is patently false. Fig. 1 LPRC Gasoline & Diesel Import Statistics Liberian Importers Foreign Importers All Importers Year Thousand Gallons % Thousand Gallons % Thousand Gallons % 2005 5,169 12% 39,674 88% 44,843 100% 2006 17,870 35% 33,295 65% 51,165 100% 2007 20,719 39% 31,859 61% 52,578 100% 2008 12,150 19% 52,327 81% 64,477 100% 2009 21,080 35% 39,725 65% 60,805 100% 2010 12,041 15% 65,859 85% 77,900 100% 2011 19,039 23% 63,019 77% 82,058 100% I took over as managing director in January 2006 and left in September 2009. One can see that there was a dramatic increase in the market share of Liberian importers during my first year in office, from just 12% in 2005 to 35% in 2006. That growth continued into the next year, 2007. In fact, the market share of Liberian importers for gasoline was 50%. So much for the claim that I was in the pocket of the foreign importers. I achieved these dramatic results for Liberian importers without imposing any quotas or limiting the right of any importer to import. I simply helped Liberian importers in a number of non-discriminatory ways. I put in a good word for some with product suppliers and even arranged financing for one, unbeknownst to him. I simply told him, "You will receive a phone call from such and such company. They will extend credit to you." I hooked the very Musa Bility up with a large Nigerian oil company, OANDO, but that relationship unfortunately went sour because of his unorthodox business practices. The market share of the 3 Liberian importers at the time dropped precipitously in 2008 because they did not take my advice. I warned them that the foreign importers would not take kindly to their eating their lunch and would likely come back strong. To counter that, I suggested that they form one giant company so they could more effectively compete. But instead of doing that, they got seduced by their new-found wealth and chose to "diversify" into new territory, businesses with which they were unfamiliar, a classic mistake of burgeoning Liberian entrepreneurs. I learned several decades ago from the legendary Liberian industrialist, Steve Tolbert, that if you diversify away from your core business into

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

T
Monrovia -

SECRECY MARS 1 MILLION DONATION TO JFK

here is growing secrecy over a purported donation from Indian steel company Jindal to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center with the hospital indicating that it is not aware of any donation. JINIDAL, an Indian steel giant is among one of the companies that submitted bids for the takeover of the Wologizi Mountain. But the company later decided to go into the provision of Thermal power to the country at an affordable price. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her state of the nation address recently said the power plant bill for Jindal is one of many legislations that will be submitted to the legislature for passage into law. Said President Sirleaf in her annual address before the joint session of the National legislature Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Honorable Legislators: We intend to submit several new bills, in particular: .A Bill to ratify a Power Purchase Agreement and an Implementation Agreement between Jindal Corporation and Government for the construction of a 175 MW coal power plant. An investigation by FrontPageAfrica has gathered that the whereabouts of a donation from Indian steel and power giant to the John F. Medical center to help renovate and provide some medications to the hospital remains unknown.

WHAT HAPPENED TO JINDAL INVESTMENT?

An investigation by FrontPAgeAfrica has gathered that the whereabouts of a donation from Indian steel and power giant to the John F. Medical center to help renovate and provide some medications to the hospital remains unknown.

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CORRUPTION WATCH

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Jindal Steel and Power MD and CEO Ravi Uppal

According to authoritative sources at the hospital the amount was provided the hospital but since the donation, the JFK is yet to make public the Indian donation but the hospital has told FrontPageAfrica that it is not aware of such donation. One source indicated that the donation was made to the president's sister, Jennie Bernard in the presence of top JFK staff but how the fund is being expended remains a mystery. Besides the cash donation, the company also promised to provide mimeographing machine, CT Scan (only one in the country-located at Tappita Hospital) and other medical equipments to the JFK. The donation is part of JINDALs contributions towards the healthcare delivery system of Liberia as the company prepares to invest in the Wologizi Mountain in Lofa County. They have not even singed the company's power plant contract, but have received such an amount from JINDAL. Such game intended to enrich few people in the cream of power is not good for this country," one official at Lands and Mines speaking on the basis of anonymity said. When contacted, there was no one available at JINDAL to comment as a security at the gate said all his bosses were out of Monrovia. In an official response, the JFK indicated in an email: The management of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center says at no time did it receive one million United States dollars from the company in question. The management indicated that the information was strange and only got to know about it from a FrontPage Africa inquiry.

MONROVIA F QUICK IMPACT PROJECT FOR NINE COMMUNITIES

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Monroviahe Government of Liberia through a partnership amongst Ministry of Finance, the General Services Agency (GSA) and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has begun the rehabilitation of 22 battered public latrines and 112 water kiosks in Monrovia to bring water sanitation and hygiene relief to targeted communities. Under the governments sponsored Monrovia Quick Impact Water and Sanitation project, several existing latrines deplorable and unhealthily conditions will be reconditioned. The project seeks to develop water kiosks in the target communities to reduce water borne diseases as well as enhance the availability of water and sanitation services to the people. Breaking grounds for the project President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says due to the extensive

- 22 Public Latrines and 112 Water Kioks Targeted

destruction of infrastructure caused by years of conflict and the lack of maintenance, many basic public services were discontinued, especially water supply and sanitation. A Finance Ministry Press Release quotes President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as expressing

joy that the Quick Impact Project was finally off the ground to bring needed relief to the people. An elated President Sirleaf thanked Liberias Minister of Finance, Amara Konneh for delivering on the project. She called on the community

residents to ensure the facilities were proper maintained. She also used the occasion to underscore the need and importance of community unity, co-existence, stressing they were critical to fostering development and improving lives.

Prior to the conflict, approximately 75% of the country's population (2.5 million) lived in rural areas, but as a result of the conflict, thousands of people fled in to Monrovia, which experienced rapid urban population growth. This severely stressed Monrovia marginally in water and sanitation systems. The Quick Impact project will cover Newport Street, Randall Street, Front Street, BuzzyQuarter, Gurley Street, Warren Street and Bassa Community. Other communities to be cover include West Point and New Kru Town. Making remarks, Finance Minister Amara Konneh paid tribute to the President for her leadership in helping to restore basic social services to the people. He said the project was being realized because of the collaborative spirit and effort of the sector agencies working on the program and the also the partnership between the Executive and the Legislative branches of government. He

assured that the government will continue to make good on her promise to restore social services and urged the beneficiary communities to work together for the success of the project. The Quick Impact Project which was launched in Bassa Community on Tuesday, February 18th, will be concluded on May 10th, 2014 and is also expected to reduce the water shortage problems in the beneficiary communities. As a key stakeholder in the WASH sector, the LWSC is leading the implementation together with the General Services Agency. The project is expected to create some economic activities especially for those in the sale of disinfectants and toiletries and will create about 500 job opportunities, mainly targeting young people in those communities. The project has a significant social impact as it will improve a better and more hygienic atmosphere for residents.

Gbarnga, Bong County esidents of Gbarnga city, particularly those living in Barworlor quarter, the community of Jorquelleh district paramount Flomo Barworlor, are groaning as refuse has taken over the metropolis. Investigation by FrontPageAfrica Tuesday showed that many designated refuse dumps along some roads in Barworlor quarter are filled with waste. It was observed that the affected roads had been narrowed by refuse, preventing vehicular movement. Some of the roads are Peoples street, Gbarnga Broad Street and Far East. A resident, Theresa Jones, lamented the development, blaming the Gbarnga City Corporation for not removing the refuse. Jones pointed out that the odor oozing from the refuse dumps could have serious health implications for the residents. I dont know what the City Corporation is doing. Many of the dumps on the roads

A CAUSE OF CONCERN
Gbarnga Residents Groan as Waste Takes Over
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
bags of waste in the same positions at the dump every day and every week, then you dont need to be told that this sanitation people are not working. She called on the City Corporation to wake up from its slumber and save the residents from danger. An effort to reach the City Mayor of Gbarnga, Madam Esther Coaline Warbey, was unsuccessful as she did not answer our correspondents calls on Tuesday. But Warbeys media aide, Derrick Peters, said, The sanitation authority is on top of the situation. Peters claimed in a telephone interview Tuesday that some of the refuse sites were not approved points for dumping of wastes. We are on top of the situation. People are throwing refuse into the drainage anyhow. But we are dealing with the situation, he said.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

in Barworlor quarter are smelling and this is not good for the health of the people, Jones said.

Another resident, who simply gave her name as Deborah, described the situation as appalling, condemning

the sanitation agency for not performing its duties. Marvelous said, The poor sanitary condition of

Barworlor quarter is giving residents serious cause for concern. When you see the same

WORKS ON SALALA-SANOYEA HIGHWAY UNDERWAY AFTER DECADES

Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
ongoing, recent inspection tour by Polson-Mappy across the county actually opened the eyes of many to the giant strides of the administration in building infrastructures.From the findings at the various sites visited by FrontPage Africa, it is quite clear that the administration is on a great mission to put the county ahead of every other county apart from Montserrado in the country in terms of public infrastructures.The superintendent took time to explain how the local administration has been development fund to judiciously execute those projects that are bringing development to the county.Polson-Mappy said: This is what we do with the development fund; we do not use the money to pay ourselves, we don't use the money to run our overhead. We are investing it in infrastructure, she said. Of course, the Polson-Mappys legacy of infrastructure building is anchored on a dream to see Bong County emerges as one of the greatest counties of Liberia. Certainly, it seems to be a dream that is gradually becoming a reality and at whatever point it is before the tenure lapses, surely, the Polson-Mappy administration will forever be remembered in the annals of the county that has done many goods to the people.

Selena Polson-Mappy, Bong Superintendent

that the success of the county depends on the success of the districts, noting that each district is yearning for the county leadership attention according to their needs.Polson-Mappy said: As I walked round the various districts, it brings home to me, the work that still remains to be done. Passing through Salala, I remember the pain caused by the tragedy last year when we lost some of our children in an avoidable accident. '"My heart grieves for the families, but let me assure you here that the process of building pedestrian bridges in our districts is already underway and we will deliver on them.Continuing, she added: Walking past Totota and other areas in the county, I am reminded of the conditions of the roads, I get your messages, I feel your pain standing here, I know that we would improve on the work as the weather gets better." "But of course,

Gbarnga, Bong County he Superintendent of Bong County, Selena PolsonMappy, has said that her administration will give priority attention to the construction of roads to open up rural areas in the county. Polson-Mappy, who said this while addressing thousands of Salala residents recently when the earth moving equipment procured from the county made its debut road rehabilitation in the district, said her administration is committed to tackling the challenge of infrastructure renewal in the various districts in the county. The superintendent said several challenges have been identified in the 13 administrative districts of the county, but pleaded with community dwellers to exercise patience as the county administration will tackle such challenges one after the other. She noted

more road work in addition to the over 10 roads that are in various stages of construction means more inconvenience to us, she added. She reminded residents that addressing road challenges also come with its own attending inconveniences to them, calling for understanding and cooperation with the county leadership working on various roads. Of the many good legacies that the current administration of Polson-Mappy will leave behind, most cherished would be the strong commitment to infrastructure building.For one,

the infrastructure that has been built and those being built across the county have been designed to last generations, thus giving the county administration a good name that will last beyond its existence. As a matter of fact, the Polson-Mappy led administration is leaving its footprints with the spread of various developmental projects across the length and breadth of the county, which then means that every resident of the county, irrespective of their location is having a taste of the local government.From education to health and even to

the environment, every sector of the county is witnessing a massive turn around with the various projects being implemented by the local government.Across the county, roads are being rehabilitated with strict adherence to quality that will make them durable and long lasting.But these are just little in view of the paradigm shift the local administration is bringing to transportation in the county. The economic benefits and the comfort alone is bringing to the people of the county are unquantifiable.While many of these projects are stealthily

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

P
Monrovia-

SPEEDY INTERVENTION?
SENATE TO PROBE HEALTH WORKERS CONCERNS
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com

Monrovian the wake of public criticism from the Public and Civil Society Organizations against the Liberian Senate for the passage of a bill to prevent members of the Board of governors of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) from participating in politics, the House of Representatives have concurred with the Senate in the passage of the bill. In less than a week following the passage of the controversial bill by the Senate, the Houses Plenary Tuesday suspended their rules and constituted themselves into a committee and took a majority vote of 37 for the passage of the bill while 7 Representatives voted against the bill and 1 abstaining from the process. Before the passage of the bill a heated debate sparked up among lawmakers as some lawmakers were seen vehemently opposed to the passage of the bill, while others saw their colleagues in the senate action as what they call necessary precaution. A motion raised by Representative Alex Grant of Grand Gedeh County, brought the matter to an end. Grants motion was that plenary rules be suspended, and that the first reading of the bill constitutes the second, third reading and voted upon and any motion for reconsideration be tried immediately. Representatives Munah Pelham Youngblood (CDC-District #7 Montserrado County), Thomas Fallah (CDC-#5 Montserrado County), Julius Berrian (CDC#10 Montserrado County), Saah Joseph (CDC-District#13 Montserrado County) and Gabriel Smith (IND-District #3

'4G PASSAGE'
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURS WITH SENATE ON CBL ACT AMENDMENT

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com

Grand Bassa County) amongst were all against concurring with the Liberian senate to pass into law the CBL Amended law. Plenary of the Liberian Senate Thursday February 13 voted to pass into law the amended provision of The March 18,1999 Act authorizing the Establishment of the Central Bank of Liberia.

Sub-Section 3 of Part IV Section 13 of the CBL Act calls for the removal of the board of governors from office upon a bill of impeachment by the House of Representatives, upon finding by a majority of the Board of Governors and the recommendation of the President, for several reasons which include; Gross Breach

of Duty, Misconduct of Office, Conviction of a Felony and Being declared Bankrupt and Violation of paragraph (a) and / or (b) of sub-section 1 of section 13. In the Senate-amended provision, the bill gives power to the National Legislature to determine whether or not the Executive Governor or a member

of the Board of Governors at the Central Bank of Liberia has committed an impeachable offense. The bill also gives power to the Legislature to take necessary action of impeachment in keeping with the relevant provisions of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia. Part IX Section 44, which prohibits the Central Bank of Liberia from engaging in trade or participating directly, or indirectly in the ownership of any financial, Agriculture, Commercial, Industrial, or enterprises, was also amended. In the senate amended provision, it prohibits the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia and members of the Board of Governors from contesting political office(s) while serving in their respective offices and shall not be qualified to contest any elected office within three years consecutively after the expiration of their tenure with the CBL. The passage of the bill Thursday

came as a result of a report submitted to plenary by a special committee established by the Plenary of the Liberian Senate chaired by the Ways, Means and Finance committee. After the passage of the bill the House of Representatives Committee chair on banking and currency Julius Berrian expressed his disappointment in his colleagues for fast-tracking the bill without giving it the necessary consideration. Berrian also argued that his colleagues who voted in favor of the bill were in violation of rules 53.1 of the legislature, which calls for a 24-hour notice to be given prior to the passage of any bill. Whenever a bill is introduced on the floor before deliberation every member should have a copy of the bill but that was ignored in the case of this bill we never got a copy of that bill, said Berrian. As chair on Banking and Currency, I believed the bill shouldnt have been passed plenary should have sent it to committee room and the committee comes up with its findings as it is normally done. House plenary mandated its chief Clerk to communicate the bill to President Ellen Johnson for subsequent approval.

lenary of the Senate has agreed to hold a special session Wednesday to investigate the concerns of Striking Public health workers around the Country. The Senate Plenary through a Motion file by Senator Johns Ballout of Maryland County after several minutes of discussion among senators, agreed that the head of the Ministry and striking workers be brought to the senate to discuss the way forward on the health workers strike. The senators motion was amended by Senator George Tengbeh, who added that during the meeting health leaders of the striking health workers request the their colleagues return to work while the issue is being resolved. Health workers in Liberia Sunday February 16, 2014 started a go-slow action against the government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in demand of improved salary and incentives. In a statement by the health workers, directing all its

members to embark on an indefinite strike, the body which reiterated its call for the removal of Health Dr. Gwenigale and two of his deputies, said the inconveniences resulting from their strike should be blamed

on the Minister for failing to implement the agreements the Liberian government reached with the health workers last year. While we sincerely apologize the inconveniences this action may cause our

people, the Minister of Health, Dr. Gwenigale, should be held responsible," the Bong County health workers said. However, sources in the Ministry of Health alleged that the health workers were simply asking to be on par

with the doctors in every ramification, especially remuneration. On Monday following the abandonment of medical stations across the country by many health workers, the Minister Dr. Gwenigale issued

a weeks ultimatum to the striking workers threatening to dismiss many, at a news conference in Monrovia. Any worker who fails to work by February 21 2014 should consider him or herself dismissed from the Ministry [Health and Social Welfare], Gwenigale warned. Minister Gwenigale said any health worker who physically blocks another health worker or access to care of patients should consider himself or herself fired. Minister Gwenigale termed the health workers strike action as illegal, adding that they are to return to work immediately. Starting from today, no one will be paid for days they have not worked, he threatened. All directors and supervisors are requested to take attendance and keep accurate records of all who are coming to work and those who have chosen to stay away. Dr. Gwenigale thanked those health workers who vowed to continue working, adding that the government is finding ways to address their needs. According to the Health Minister the Liberia National Police has been asked to protect all health workers who want to work.

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he decision by government health workers to go on a go-slow action has left so many patients in dire straits. At the Redemption Hospital, patients including pregnant women were unattended to as security guards assigned at the hospital told them they could not be treated because there were no nurses or doctors on post. Among the seven pregnant women who came for treatment was an eight-months-old pregnant woman she told FrontPageAfrica that she had come to see the doctor because she was told prior to the strike action that she needed close medical attention because her unborn child was not in in the right position. Evelyn Johnson 20, is pregnant with her third child, she leans against the wall looking straight into the open sky, she had been scheduled for an appointment to do an ultrasound. I am worried because am already in my eighth month going to nine, and my baby is not in good position, what if I get in pain, what will I do? The frustrated mother asked. Right now I dont know what to do, because I dont have money to go to private clinic. What if I go to private clinic and they ask me to even pay LD1, 500, I wont get it. So we are appealing to them (Health workers) to come back to work. Johnson lamented that she had given birth to her two children at Redemption without encountering any problems, and moreover it is free of charge, so she preferred there than any other place. Johnson is also requesting the government to see reason to solve the workers problems so that they can return to work because they are lifesavers. Another girl Asatta Massaquoi who had given birth on Thursday had refused to be discharged on grounds that her few days old baby is still sick. According to Massaquoi, at night only what she calls Learners or interns are

STRIKE LEAVES MORE PATIENTS HOPELESS

Massa F. Kanneh masskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

An eight-month-old pregnant woman at Redemption who was turned away on Tuesday

left at the Hospital. Private clinic intake of patients more A staff at the a sub-branch of the St. Josephs Catholic Hospital in New Kru town told this paper that the intake of patients from Monday and Tuesday have skyrocketed. The staffer said many of them come without money for many of their examination fees including laboratory, so they just give them medication based on what the patients says happened to them or is happening. The Health workers across the country started a go-slow action on Monday demanding increment in wages and incentives and also the placing of health volunteers on payroll. The health workers are also demanding the resignation of the minister of health Dr. Walter Gwenigale and his two principle deputies. But during a news conference in Monrovia on Monday, Dr. Gwenigale threatened to fire any health worker who did not return to work by next Monday. Any worker who fails to work by February 21 2014 should consider him or herself dismissed from the Ministry [Health and Social Welfare], said Dr. Gwenigale. He said any health worker who

SHAWN BAKER, MARIAM CLAESON, WERNER SCHULTINK he Sistine Chapel seems an unlikely place to launch a new breastfeeding revolution, but future historians may tell us thats where it began. When Pope Francis recently invited mothers to feed their hungry infants during a special baptism, he was also sending a global message in support of public breastfeeding. "If they are hungry, mothers, feed them" said a smiling Francis, because they are the most important people here." Breastfeeding advocates were thrilled, calling on other personalities to follow his lead. It doesnt make headlines, but every year 800,000 children under five die because of poor breastfeeding practices. Scientific evidence about breastfeedings extraordinary benefits continues to grow. Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth can reduce newborn mortality by up to 20 percent. Those are the crucial numbers: initiate breastfeeding during the first hour after birth; breastfeed

INSIDE THE POLITICS OF BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION

must develop a unified voice all actors can rally around. This includes a space for dialogue on polarizing issues such as partnering with private companies to reduce malnutrition. Recast the advocacy case for a 21st century world. Women are increasingly raising children in urban areas, working outside the home, influenced by advertising and accessing mobile phones. Advocates must make an aspirational case for breastfeeding that appeals to them and their families. Build support from policy makers, health care providers, businesses and communities. Countries that promote breastfeeding have higher coverage levels. Women need support to begin breastfeeding their infant at lifes beginning and to continue as their babies grow. Take urgent action to protect breastfeeding as breast milk substitutes (BMS) companies gain market share in emerging economies. Nothing worried respondents more than the threat this poses to breastfeeding. Civil society groups report ongoing violations of the International Code of Marketing of

physically blocks another health worker or access to care by patients should consider himself or herself fired. Minister Gwenigale termed the health workers strike action as illegal, adding that they are to return to work immediately. Starting from today, no one will be paid for days they have not worked, he threatened. All directors and supervisors are requested to take attendance

and keep accurate record of all who are coming to work and those who have chosen to stay away. The Health Minister said that the Liberia National Police has been asked to protect all health workers who want to work. Amidst the ongoing strike action, the Liberian Board of Nursing and Midwifery (LBNM) in release issued in Monrovia, distance itself from the on-going strike action by health workers nation-wide. LBNM in a statement encouraged all parties involved to enhance cordial working relationship to address the concerns raised by the health workers to promote quality healthcare. Also, the Liberia Medical and Dental Council has called on the National Health Worker Association to call off its strike action in the interest of the patients. The LMDC also has asked the Legislature, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and all relevant agencies to resolve the issues causing the strike action. The ministry of Health in a separate release said, the problem the Ministry incurred is due to donor-reduction in their financial support to personnel costs. In recognition of the sudden and drastic change in donor policy towards financing personnel costs the government of Liberia is absorbing the wage bill in phases, stated the ministry. It is not clear when this go-slow action will end but the Senate has intervened in the matter holding a session specifically aimed at intervening in the matter.

exclusively for six months; continue till the childs second birthday. Breast milk is indeed a superfood, which also builds the bond between mother and child. What will motivate media, politicians and celebrities to provide leadership on breastfeeding promotion as Pope Francis has recently done? Yet the data is stark: the global rate of exclusively breastfed children under six months has remained below 40 percent since the early 1990s. Lack of progress in ten highly populated countries, with over half the numbers of non-exclusive breastfed children,

has significantly impacted the global picture: Why has investment in breastfeeding programs remained so low, despite its powerful contribution to child survival, growth and development? What can be done to rally political will for this priority? In one word: leadership. Thats the consensus feedback from a recent study conducted by UNICEF, Breastfeeding on the Worldwide Agenda, which analyzes responses from 44 health and nutrition actors across the globe. Interviewees were passionate about their commitment

to advance breastfeeding, and frank about their challenges: Relative to its importance, its just undervalued. There are virtually no resources for breastfeeding support, despite compelling evidence of its impact. Leadership trumps everything for me said one interviewee, distilling a widely shared view. Respondents called on UNICEF and WHO to guide a renewed advocacy drive for breastfeeding, integrating it within existing campaigns. They also prioritized these actions: Define a common agenda. Advocates

Breast-milk Substitutes. There was much good news in UNICEFs study as well. We may now be at a crucial turning point for breastfeeding advocacy, many said. They pointed to the surge in interest in nutrition that has never been higher worldwide. Investing in the 1,000 days window of opportunity is a message now resonating with political leaders and donors, who pledged $4.15 billion to combat malnutrition till 2020. UNICEFs study provides a roadmap for action. Can breastfeeding advocates and their allies capitalize on this historic opportunity? These are some of the words UNICEF respondents used to describe the focus and tone for a breastfeeding communication campaign What will motivate media, politicians and celebrities to provide leadership as Pope Francis has just done? How to convince families enamored by formula advertising that breastfeeding truly is the best choice for the modern woman and her child?

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Moses Wenyou

C
Monrovia-

itizens of Jogbah Clan in District #4, Grand Bassa County were among scores of their kinsmen from surrounding towns and villages who expressed strong opposition to the expansion of the Equatorial Oil Palm Company at a well-attended meeting on Friday February 14, 2014. The meeting was held under the auspices of the Senior Senator of Grand Bassa County and President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Gbehzohngar M. Findley following reports of heightened tension between the Equatorial Oil Palm Company and citizens who strongly oppose the companys expansion. Recently, it was reported that police were deployed in the area to restore calm after violence erupted over an Executive Order authorizing the resurvey of the land occupied by the company. The re-survey has already taken place but the citizens seem unhappy with the process which will see them vacate their ancestral land. At the meeting held in the Town of Qwrakpo-jilian, the citizens through their spokesperson Mike Collah expressed the hope that the visit of the President Pro-Tempore to the area would help address the

GRAND BASSA DISTRICT #4 CITIZENS OPPOSE EPO EXPANSION

Pro-Temp Calls For Calm

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Pro-Temp Findley addressing cross section of citizens in Jogbah Clan, Statutory District #4, Grand Bassa County
dilemma they faced over their land. In a two-page position statement, Mr. Collah decried what he called inhumane treatment meted out against them by EPO and the National Government. According to Mr. Collah, since the company started operations in 1960, it has failed to improve the living conditions of the people. EPO can boast of nothing in terms of education, clinics or hand-pumps in our towns, explained the citizens spokesman. Instead, Mr. Collah accused EPO of contaminating their creeks which serve as source of clean drinking water. For these

Monrovia t was nearly two years in the making. Last Wednesday, trainers, high school and elementary teachers, government representatives and NGO personnel gathered in a room for training on a new civics curriculum. It could be the start of something big for Liberia. The training is part of a pilot program that will teach civics, human rights and peace to about 2,500 students across Liberia. The curriculum, called LAW+YOU: Rights & Responsibilities of the Liberian Citizen uses interactive teaching techniques such as role-play, group presentation, discussion and brainstorming. Interactive teaching is part of an international trend in teaching in some of the worlds best schools. Research suggests that active learning helps students retain more information and actually triples knowledge gains for students. That is because, interactive lessons help students process the information in a different way than traditional lectures and homework, according to Harvard Magazine, Jan/ Feb 2014.At the helm for the training were legendary newsman and attorney, Kwame Clement and Tenneh Johnson Kemah, Director of Child Steps International Liberia (CSIL), a Liberian nonprofit group focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children

KWAME CLEMENT, JOHNSON -KEMAH LEAD LIBERIA CIVICS DRIVE

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and other reasons, Mr. Collah said, they (citizens) have resolved that EPO abandons all attempts to expand and stays within its operational area. In response, Pro-Temp Findley called for calm amongst the

citizens promising to intervene in the saga. But the Pro-Temp observed that there has been serious misunderstanding about the survey. He said the National Legislature authorized the survey but with a caveat that the citizens must be involved in the process. No lawmaker can stop a survey under our laws. Only the court and the Executive can stop a survey. But I can assure you that this problem will be solved. Pro-Temp Findley averred. Pro-Temp Findley assured the citizens that he would organize a meeting within ten days between President Sirleaf and representatives of the aggrieved citizens to settle the matter once and for all. Meanwhile Pro-Temp Findley says allegations of police brutality against the people of District #4 will be fully investigated and individuals found guilty will be penalized. He also said those responsible for contaminating creeks which serve as sources of drinking water will be made to construct hand-pumps for the citizens.

and families. CSIL produced the curriculum and the training with funding from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), and with the approval and assistance of the Ministry of Education.I came to this project late in the process. When I saw the potential for this program, I just said how can I help? said Clement. Training attendees were guided through the training by Clement, and participated in the same exercises that students will do when they return

to school next week. Teachers learned how to teach subjects, including: students rights and responsibilities as citizens; the structure and workings of our national government; the various branches of government and their respective functions; the role of the media in strengthening our democracy; and how to promote transparency in government and fight corruption.The training was very much inspirational to me personally, said Francis Lansana, who works for the nonprofit

Accountability Lab and was one of the training participants. I think it is an idea needed in Liberia, because it serves as a call back to building the sense of patriotism in the minds of Liberians, which is a gateway to economic, social, cultural and political growth and development.Seven schools, including William V.S. Tubman High School, B.W. Harris Episcopal High School and Phebo High School in Maryland County will participate in the pilot project. The

pilot phase of this project will give us an idea of any changes we need to make before this program is rolled out across the country, said CSIL Director Kemah. She wants to bring programs to Liberia that focus on the best interest of the child. We are passionate about giving children and youth the tools they need to succeed. This program is just one piece of the picture.Full rollout of the program to Liberias schools is expected to take place over the next two years.

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n Friday February 14, the former Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Harry Greaves speaking as guest on the Sky FM Radio talk show 50/50 made a host of grave allegations against the current management of the LPRC under the stewardship of Managing Director T. Nelson Williams, II, the Board of Directors, three Liberian owned importers; Srimex, Aminata and Conex and even the president of Liberia, Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Mr. Greaves who served as Managing Director of the LPRC from January 2006 to September 2009 (was terminated from such position by president Sirleaf after a very controversial, erratic and shady Zakhem contract in the name of rehabilitating the Product Storage Terminal (PST) on Bushrod Island where the LPRC is located. This led to him releasing a tape on then Assistant Minister of State Aloysius Jappah in the name of extortion). During the talk show hosted by its regular presenter T. Max Jlateh who was recently terminated by the LPRC as Media Consultant due to a below par or poor performance and has embarked on a revenge mission, Mr. Greaves made four reckless statements in the name of exposing the ills at the entity. Speaking on the then shortage of fuel in the country, a rather frustrated Harry Greaves described the LPRC management as being Corrupt, that the Board of Directors was a configuration of rather un informed individuals who were just listeners to the Managing Director, Mr. Williams, that three Liberian importers were through the consent of the LPRC monopolizing the petroleum market in the name of Liberianization, and even went below to bell in reintroducing tribal issue, describing the three importers mentioned above as (Three Mandingo Mafia) and that the president has being misled or was uninformed. Ignoring the doctrine that he who comes with equity must come with clean hands, Mr. Greaves and his accomplice T. Max Jlateh who engaged in unethical journalism in failing to invite someone from the LPRC to have a counter view on the show, did not even allow a counter to Harry Greaves views by evidence of him (T Max) regularly cutting off callers who went against Mr. Greaves. The former LPRC boss who is notorious of engaging in a plethora of questionable deals during his time as head of the company laughably climbed on radio in the name of exposing the ills at the LPRC. Below are some facts in giving a retrospect of Mr. Greaves ugly past and some achievements of the current LPRC boss, T. Nelson Williams. NIGERIAN OIL (ADDAX DEAL) For the controversial Harry Greaves to insinuate that the current LPRC management is corrupt is highly ludicrous and in fact an irony as on many occasions he was booked or accused of corruption. We can recall the Nigerian Oil Addax deal where Mr. Greaves then as Managing Director of the LPRC failed to give a comprehensive report or an account on the deal that should have benefited the country immensely. A staggering US $1 million dollar went in thin air and Mr. Greaves is yet to give account of said amount. We are therefore calling on the Justice Ministry to renew calls in pressing corruption charges against him. NOT IN THE INTEREST OF LIBERIANS When Harry Greaves took over in January 2006, he frustrated many families as he downsized 400 employees in the name of having a small workforce. This made things worse as more people added to the high rate of unemployment in the country. His major saying was I have the trigger, take advantage of the money and leave LPRC. This was his way of indirectly forcing people to abandon their jobs in the name of package. But, when T. Nelson took over the company as Managing Director in 2009, he met a workforce of 231 employees and currently has a workforce of almost three hundred employees, with huge benefits that other entities can model. Mr. Williams is keen on empowering fellow Liberians unlike Harry Greaves who brought the institution to a down ward spiral and fellow countrymen lives backward by downsizing them. ONE MAN SHOW For more than a year, Mr. Greaves literally ran a one man show at the LPRC as he had no deputy and operated as a demagogue as everything he said and did was gospel. He ran a seemingly solitary empire as he was a player and referee at the same time. There was no accountability and almost all major programs for the entity were held at his then Panache, a complete conflict of interest. One pellucid example is the month long Leadership Workshop in 2007 where senior staff of the LPRC converged at Harry Greaves then Panache Restaurant now P. As Rib House, a huge sum had to be paid by the LPRC to Mr. Greaves own business, taking into account the duration of the exercise, a complete conflict of interest. POOR HUMAN RELATIONS When Mr. Greaves was terminated as Managing Director in 2009,

HARRY GREAVES IS FRUSTRATED

Alfred Wilson, Contributing Writer
there was jubilation among employees of the LPRC. Something that was quite astonishing. Our independent investigation conducted indicated that he was a thorn in their flesh, had a poor human relations, lacked tolerance and was not really keen on employees delight. It was all about ME, MYSELF & I. On the Monday after his termination, his former administrative manager Viola Bedell in an interview with the Front Page Africa newspaper described him (Harry Greaves) as a very cruel administrator who had very poor human relations as he had little or no regard for fellow human being. NO MOTIVATION FOR EMPLOYEES During his more than one year without a deputy, Mr. Greaves operated a seemingly evil empire as corruption was rampant and there was virtually no employee delight. But, when T. Nelson Williams, II came on as Deputy Managing Director for Administration, there were a host of positive programs in lifting employees. The employee of the month program, organized retirement program where retirees ended their tenure as indicated by the Labor law with huge and attractive package, Loan scheme at the various banks and these employees now under the T, Nelson Williams, II administration celebrate a special week called Employee Appreciation Week where they are celebrated, hailed and honored for the good work. There is also housing allowance for employees and recently, a Leadership program was organized were employees are groomed by going for studies abroad to learn Petroleum Engineering, International Oil and Gas Management and other related fields as a means of taking over tomorrow. Few months ago, three employees traveled to Dundee University and Taxes State University in the United Kingdom and the United States for studies where they will obtain master degrees, something that never came to the fore under the reign of Harry Greaves. Also, during the regular Under the tree meeting which is often used to inform employees on the status of the company as well as provide other developments, Harry Greaves used such gathering to get at employees as he showed arrogance and petulance with much threat in responding to questions from employees. But, under T. Nelson, it has being the opposite as the facts are put forth and the briefings are always a delight to employees. It has always being an interactive engagement and employees are always free to put forth their views, criticism or dislike without any threat from the current LPRC boss. EXCESS LOSSES During the tenure of Harry Greaves, there was relatively no accountability. Demurrage ( losses were very high and in fact the Loading Rack where the loading of tankers are done was a yes go zone as people with gallons or whatever moved there freely and made away with petroleum products. January 2008 through January 2009 (Portion of Harry Greaves Tenure) Against January 2010-December 2013 (Portion of T. Nelson administration), demurrage record. Ship to shore losses under Harry Greaves administration, (US$ 1, 188,841.77), United States One Million, One Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred Forty One Dollars, Seventy Seven cents. Ship to shore losses under T. Nelson administration, (US$ 798,656.18), United States Seven Hundred Ninety Eight Thousand, Six Hundred Fifty Six Dollars, Eighteen Cents. If one were to do the math, it would mean a difference of US$ 390,185.59 cents has been saved by the T. Nelson administration. MISREPRESENTATION OF THE FACTS Mr. Greaves noted on his accomplice T. Max show that T. Nelson has taken part in oil and gas transaction as he had or has a company engaged in such business. Investigation since conducted has it that such assertion is a pathological lie as Mr. Greaves cannot in any way authenticate such. EFFICIENT BOARD MEMBERS The LPRC Board of Directors headed by the erudite and well respected Dr. Herman Brown has a host of professionals in various background of study and play a very salient role in making the LPRC remain on the right trajectory contrary to Mr. Greaves that they are all listeners. Highly respected personalities that include lawyers, engineers, economists, accountants, etc. all form part of the Board unlike the Harry Greaves era where Board members were mere listeners as they danced to his dictatorial tone and often operated under threat. It is therefore fool hardy and squarely nave for Mr. Greaves to question the wisdom of president Sirleaf in the configuration of the Board. T. NELSON PROMOTES LIBERIANIZATION. It is quite a bizarre for Mr. Greaves to describe the Liberianization policy that has led to more Liberian businesses being empowered in the petroleum sector as corruption. Such comments are indeed inappropriate and out of order as Mr. Greaves continuous frustration has led him to be in a state of quagmire and confusion. With eleven licensed petroleum importers and Liberian businesses comprising a chunk, the industry continues to make gains and Mr. Greaves who is perhaps fronting for some non Liberian businesses continues to make mockery of himself in questioning the Liberianization policy as such is the best way of putting the Liberian economy into the hands of Liberians. The volume importation with the Liberian importers is high as no foreign importer has brought in a single product of vessel with more than 8,000 Metric Tons. Aminata and Srimex can boast of that and are Liberian importers. T. Nelson is the first Managing Director in the history of the LPRC that has enhanced the Liberianization policy to the admiration of many, noted one petroleum importer about a year ago. Besides, it is unfortunate for Mr. Greaves to bring back those vices that exacerbated the 14 year civil crisis. To describe three Liberian owned importers as Mandingo Mafia is inimical to the peace we are enjoying especially after celebrating ten years of peace. WORTHLESS ZAKHEM CONTRACT The Zakhem contract signed by Harry Greaves as a means of rehabilitating the PST which worth US$ 19 million was one marred by flaws and inconsistencies as the bidding process, value and other aspect were questioned by several bodies including the national Legislature. After cancelling the Mechanical Engineering Group (MEG) contract signed by his predecessor Hon. Edwin Snowe which worth US$ 12 million for the same purpose of rehabilitating the PST, Mr. Greaves contract was even worse as it was a complete mess that was crafted in order to enrich himself. US 9.2 MILLION AND NOT US 10 MILLION According to documents in our possession, Harry Greaves left the amount of US$ 9.2 million in the companys coffers and not US$ 10 Million as erroneously reported by him on the Talk Show on Friday. But, he made or raised such amount without any projects on hand. Unlike the T. Nelson administration which continues to make profits and has a profit or amount in its coffers US$ 8.3 million. There is currently the Motherwell contract for the rehabilitation of the PST ongoing with its value at US 22.4 Million. With the LPRC having no external support but is funding the project itself, the above stipulated amount of US$ 8.3 million is quite a monumental achievement which is a clear indication that the company has and continues to make huge strides and is on the right track. SIGNIFICANT GAINS UNDER T. NELSON With the rehabilitation project ongoing by evidence of several tanks being erected, a modern petroleum testing laboratory and Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) office dedicated, a planning and project department since established, rebranded the company and 5-year strategic plan launched, Loss Prevention department to deal with major losses established, established a Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department, a unique Corporate Social Responsibility Program that continues to touch the lives of many , with more than 3000 individuals, institutions, communities combined greatly benefiting, intact, a scholarship program for 1,000 students in eight counties, a plethora of wonderful programs and benefits for employees which include Leadership Program, medical plans in Liberia, Ghana and Morocco, decentralization of the downstream oil sector with the launch of the Ganta Oil terminal modernization and rehabilitation, achievement of US$ 8.3 million net profit, internship, cadet programs and the Oilers Sports Association more competitive as a means of empowering young people, the LPRC under T. Nelson continues to make significant gains which one cannot really quantify. Thus, Mr. Greaves need to wake up from slumber, stop being subjective and negative, but be realistic in putting forth the facts and not engage in distorting them. There is also a concrete pavement project which is intended to pave the entire LPRC yard with concrete, something that was never done under Harry Greaves. Indeed, the LPRC under T. Nelson Williams, II continues to make tremendous gains and is by far better than the Harry Greaves administration as there are the tangibles, progress and gains. The LPRC has indeed left the lower spiral created by Harry Greaves and has catapulted to a higher spiral under T. Nelson Williams, II which worth serious commendation. Let it be quickly stated that under the administration of Harry Greaves three year spell as far as statistics in our possession is concerned, the country experience petroleum shortage on three separate occasions, while under T. Nelson in the more than four year spell so far, there has been just one experience of fuel shortage, which is a clear indication that the T. Nelson administration is better than that of Harry Greaves.

PAGE RONT

PERSPECTIVE

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

t appears Barrack Young Controllers (BYC)s 1-0 win over Ghanas Asante Kotoko will not go unnoticed as two second divisions clubs of Liberia Football Association (LFA) have showered praises on the squad. Georgian FC president Wilmot Smith, who visited the teams camp on Saturday and even predicted the 1-0 victory to BYC president Sekou Konneh, thinks the win was well deserved. But Wilmot was quick to warn the squad against the complacency, which robbed Liberia of its maiden World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea in 2002. It is a welcoming, welcoming news for the BYC and Liberian football community. As we have a desire to make Liberian football better, we think the more our teams participate in these tournaments and the more advances they make, make us stronger and make us to be future contenders. But what is needed to be done now is to deal with it one step at a time to ensure that we can leave the preliminary round and enter the zonal stage. That, I think, will be a boost for Liberian football. The boys can be assured of our moral support. We will be there always, as club president, and bringing our family to support them. Complacency is the room for failure. Advancing to the next stage doesnt give us any extra leverage. That is why it is not good to be complacent because we want to move Liberian football to another level. The LFA has done her best to ensure that Liberia participates in all of the tournaments. So, complacency must not be the order of the day for any team. So it is not only BYC that have advanced to the next stage. Red Lions is also there [into the Caf Confederations Cup]. Although they went there without kicking a ball, we think they should keep the focus and copy from what BYC did on Sunday, Smith, who recently endorsed the reelection of LFA president Musa Bility, told FrontPageAfrica on Tuesday. Small Town International FC were delighted that BYC created one of the upsets of the weekends matches by eliminating Asante Kotoko, who twice won the tournament and were runners-up five times. The management and board of Small Town International are pleased to congratulate the players, technical staff, managerial team and supporters of BYC for Sundays historic performance against Ghanas Asante Kotoko. Special recognition goes to all Liberians, who turned-out in their numbers to cheer BYC to victory. This was a special show of unity that, despite our local rivalry and political affiliation, we were united behind the Go Blue Boys. Ghanaian oppositions, at club or national level, have been a torn in our flesh. We recalled in 1996 when Goldfields, then Ashanti Gold Sports Club, eliminated Junior Professionals

Sports

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SPORT BRIEF
MANCHESTER CITY STAR AGUERO RULED OUT OF BARCELONA CLASH

M
HISTORIC QUALIFICATION
Georgian FC, Small Town and Writers Club commend BYCs achievement in Caf Champions League Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Writers Club, one of Liberias newest media groups, said BYCs feat clearly signifies the progress of Liberian football on the continent. It says BYC broke a 17-year stigma of Liberian clubs not making it beyond the preliminary rounds. Speaking at a news conference in Monrovia, the groups acting president hailed the team for the excellent performance on Sunday. Macpherson C. Marbiah said, despite the challenges faced by Liberian football clubs, BYC were able to defeat Kotoko, which has won Ghanas premier league 22 times. Marbiah also lauded the players and technical staff for the level of professionalism exhibited during the course of the game. He challenged BYC to continue to maintain their status in order to continue to ably represent Liberia. Financial motivation has not been a problem for BYC as the following persons encouraged the squad: FC Fassell president Cassell KuohUS$3,000; President Ellen JohnsonSirleafUS$1,000; LFA president Musa Bility US$1,000 and LISCR FC president Mustapha Raji US$500. The National Oil Company of Liberia (Nocal) and Aqua Life (responsible to provide water) remain the teams corporate sponsors. And they can join Junior Professionals, who beat Burkina Fasos Racing Club de Bobo 2-1 on aggregate, as the only Liberian clubs to progress to the second round since 1997. BYC will meet Ivory Coasts Sewe Sports in round one on March 2 in Monrovia with the return leg on March 7 in San Pedro.

anuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Sergio Aguero will play no part in the first leg of Manchester Citys Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona. The Argentina internationals season has been interrupted by a series of niggling injuries, the most recent of which came during his sides 5-1 hammering of Tottenham last month when he tweaked his hamstring shortly after opening the scoring. Pellegrini had been hopeful that the former Atletico Madrid star would be fit enough to make the substitutes bench for the visit of Tata Martinos side, having stepped up his rehabilitation with a return to first-team training last week. However, the Chilean confirmed on Monday: "Aguero is not on the squad list. We'll see if he can be fit for Saturday [against Stoke], but maybe it's difficult." Aguero has scored 26 goals in 25 appearances this season, including six in the Champions League, and his head-to-head clash with international teammate Lionel Messi was due to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the heavyweight clash.

RAJA CASABLANCA TARGET CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY

4-2 on aggregate in the first round of this competition. Asante Kotoko eliminated Invincible Eleven 4-1 on aggregate in the first round in 1981 and 3-0 on aggregate in the second round in 1982 respectively. Ghana also denied Liberia a place at the 2002 World Cup finals in July 2001 in Monrovia. Sundays victory was a sweet revenge and could not

have come at any better time. Ghanaian media reports that BYC bribed their Burkinabe goalie Soulama Abdoulaye is a laughable blame game, which is only meant to distract your further concentration. In closing, we want to guide BYC against any complacency, which has severely hampered our progress of late. Sewe Sport, your next opponent, defeated Mighty Barrolle 3-2
v

CHANGE OF NAME

on aggregate in the preliminary round in 1997. No Liberian club have progressed beyond the first round since Mighty Barrolle beat Guineas Horoya AC 2-1 on aggregate in 1987 before losing to Ivory Coasts Africa Sports 3-2 on aggregate in the second round, the club said in a press statement approved by board chairman Adolph Lawrence on Tuesday.

his is to inform the public that Cecelia T. Morris of the city of Monrovia, Liberia petitioned the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County for a change of name. And having satisfied all the legal requirements, His Honor, Judge Peter W. Gbeneweleh, has granted the petitioner the formal and legal change of name to Cecelia T. Jallah. With the petitioners request legally and formally granted, all documents previously bearing Cecelia T. Morris remain valid.

Cecelia T. Morris

aja Casablanca winger Zemmama Meroune believes his team are in a good position to win the Champions League. The Moroccans, who reached the Club World Cup final in December, began their campaign with an 8-1 aggregate thrashing of Diamond Stars. "We have a great team and a good manager, I think we can win it," said Meroune, who scored in his side's 2-1 second leg victory on Saturday. "It will be hard for us but I think we have the team to do it." Raja are still on a high after their superb run to the Club World Cup final at the end of last year, where they lost 2-0 in the final to European and German champions Bayern Munich. And they have made a flying start to their campaign to lift the Champions League trophy for a fourth time - following wins in 1989, 1997 and 1999 with a comprehensive success in the preliminary round.

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VOL 8 NO.537

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014

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HISTORIC QUALIFICATION Georgian FC, Small Town and Writers Club commend
BYCs achievement in Caf Champions League

DRIVER IN A CDC-8 PLATED CAR IN FIST FIGHT

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Spot News

Monrovia-

t was a scene at the ELWA Junction in Paynesville last Saturday, when the driver in a car marked CDC-8 forcibly dragged another driver from his vehicle

for not letting him on the road at the turntable of the ELWA Junction. It was later confirmed that the driver was an influential member of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and he is commonly know as the General. The CDC driver engaged in a fistfight with the other driver parking his car in the middle of the road. The police intervened to stop the General from hurting the other driver who was clearly of a small statue. The polices intervention didnt work as the guy became even more furious, He was cursing and swearing at the same time, it took nothing but a group of Armed Forces of Liberia officers to intervene and subdue him. The entire movement within the area came to a standstill because of the inappropriate action of CDC-8.