VOL. 16. NO. 65 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014 PRICE: LD 40

The FULL TEXT of the President’s

Annual Message tot he National

Legislature begins on Page 4!

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EDITION

EDITORIALThe Hydro: What Happened to the

1000 Megawatt Plan?

COMMENTARYANNUAL MESSAGE

to the Third Session of the

53rd National Legislature of the

Republic of Liberia

LOCAL NEWS206 Women

Graduate from Skills Training

Program

BUSINESSEcobank Brings

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-Pres. Sirleaf Announces; Sends Several Bills for Ratification

Repressive’ PRC Laws for Repeal by Senate

President Sirleaf entering the Joint Chamber to deliver her Annual Message

By J. Burgess Carter

President El-len Johnson Sirleaf Monday, January 27, an-nounced that the Executive

Branch of Government has sent several Bills to the 53rd Legislature for enactment and/or ratification, among them the Bill to Repeal All Repressive Laws found in statutes and de-crees of the defunct People’s Redemption Council (PRC).

Delivering her Annual Mes-sage before the joint session of the 53rd Legislature in the Joint Chamber of the Legisla-

Cont’d on pg. 17

-Says Pres. Sirleaf

Gov’t to Streamline Commission on

Higher EducationBy C.Y. Kwanue

In an apparent reac-tion to the handling of activities at the National Com-mission on Higher Education (NCHE)

over the years, President El-len Johnson Sirleaf Monday, January 27, announced that a bill intended to streamline (update, reorganize) and im-

Cont’d on pg. 17

The World is at Risk!

-As Youth Unemployment Increases World Leaders Sound Alarm at World Economic Forum

See story on Pg.17

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2014, vol. 16, No.65indd 2 1/28/14 2:08 AM

Daily Observer Monday, January 27, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Foreign BriefsWorld News

Page 2Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Italy(BBC) – Italian police are

hunting for a stolen holy relic that contains the blood of Pope John Paul ll.

It appears to have been taken during the burglary of a small chapel that was a place of spe-cial significance to the late Pope.

The church of San Pietro della Ienca lies in an isolated spot in the mountains of cen-tral Abruzzo region.

Over the weekend, thieves broke some protective iron bars and forced their way in through a window.

They left the collection box, but took a crucifix and the priceless relic, which contains a piece of gauze once soaked in the blood of the late Pope - one of only three such relics in the world.

China(BBC) – China’s Jade Rabbit

Moon rover is in trouble after experiencing a “mechanical control abnormality”, state media report.

The Moon exploration ve-hicle ran into problems due to the moon’s “complicated lunar surface environment”, Xinhua news agency said, citing sci-ence officials.

The rover landed in De-cember as part of China’s Chang’e-3 mission - the first “soft” landing on the Moon since 1976.

Ukraine(BBC) – Ukraine’s justice

minister has warned anti-gov-ernment protesters occupying her ministry she will call for a state of emergency if they do not leave.

Olena Lukash told local me-dia she would ask the National Security and Defence Council to introduce the measures.

The ministry became the lat-est government building to be occupied on Sunday, with pro-testers setting up bags of snow as barricades outside.

Unrest and occupations of municipal buildings are spreading across Ukraine.

Libya(BBC) – Five Egyptian

embassy staff who were kid-napped in the Libyan capital Tripoli have been freed, Liby-an officials say.

The country’s deputy for-eign minister, Razak Grady, said three diplomats had been released and the others were being handed over to the au-thorities.

Four Egyptian officials were snatched from their homes on Saturday with another seized on Friday.

Egypt freed Libyan militia commander Shabaan Hadiya after the release of its embassy staff.

However, Egyptian and Lib-yan government sources de-nied that Mr Hadiya’s release was part of a deal with the hostage-takers, Reuters news agency reports.

Uganda Doubts LRA’s Joseph Kony Serious About Talks

(BBC) - Uganda’s govern-ment says it doubts rebel leader Joseph Kony is serious about peace after he purport-edly sent a letter asking for forgiveness and calling for talks.

Government official Henry Okello-Oryem said a tele-phone conversation arranged with Mr Kony had failed to materialise.

The letter reportedly saw Mr Kony say his Lord’s Re-sistance Army (LRA) rebel group was committed to “end this war”.

It has waged an insurgency for more than 20 years.

It is notorious for abducting children to serve as sex slaves and child soldiers.

‘Peace envoy’ Mr Kony is wanted by the

International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes.

Several thousand African troops, backed by 100 US spe-cial forces, have been hunting him and other fighters of the LRA across the region.

The US has offered up to $5m (£3.3m) for leads result-ing in his arrest.

Talks between the govern-ment and LRA collapsed in

2008 after ICC refused to yield to Mr Kony’s demand to drop the arrest warrant.

“I want to assure the people of Uganda that, we are com-mitted to a sustainable peace-ful political settlement of our long war with the government of [President Yoweri] Musev-eni,” Mr Kony is quoted as saying in the purported letter, published in Uganda’s pri-vately owned Daily Monitor newspaper.

“We are willing and ready to forgive and seek forgiveness, and continue to seek peaceful means to end this war which

has cut across a swathe of Af-rica for the people of the Great Lakes and the Nile-Congo Ba-sin to find peace.”

Mr Okello-Oryem, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, told the BBC that Mis-sion Okello, a man claiming to represent the rebel leader, was behind the latest initiative.

He had agreed to a time and date to hold a telephone con-versation with Mr Kony, but it never happened, Mr Okello-Oryem.

Mr Okello told him Mr Kony was worried that US satellites operating in the neighbour-

ing Central African Republic (CAR) and the region would locate him, Mr Okello-Oryem added.

Mr Okello told the BBC the conversation had not taken place because of technical problems.

But Mr Okello-Oryem said he was not sure whether Mr Okello was a genuine repre-sentative of Mr Kony, and if the LRA leader was serious about peace the two of them would have already spoken,

The LRA was forced out of Uganda in 2005 and since then has wreaked havoc in CAR and other neighbouring states.

Mr Kony claims the LRA’s mission is to install a govern-ment in Uganda based on the Biblical Ten Commandments.

In November, then-CAR ruler Michel Djotodia said his government was in talks with him about his surrender.

However, African diplomats cast doubts on Mr Djotodia’s claim.

Mr Djotodia resigned as CAR interim president earlier this month.

Joseph Kony is wanted on war crimes charges

Tunisia Assembly Passes New Constitution

(BBC) Tunisia’s parliament has adopted a new constitution - the first since the ousting of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali three years ago.

The National Constituent Assembly passed the text by 200 votes from 216.

Analysts say politicians hope it will send out a message of stability after months of dead-lock between Islamist and secular forces.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate Mehdi Jomaa says he has formed a new caretaker government.

There was a sense of joy, pride and relief inside the as-sembly, when it became clear that the new constitution had been adopted with an over-whelming majority.

Members of the public and the assembly gasped first, and then embraced each other, while they sang the national anthem.

Politicians here are hoping to send a message of stability and unity, not only to the Tunisian public, but also to internation-al lenders.

If put into practice, clauses such as Article 45, which re-quires the government to cre-ate parity for women in all legislative assemblies in the country, are bound to make history.

The governing Islamist En-nahdha party made some con-cessions, most importantly the removal of references to Islamic law to get the text passed.

But large parts of the Tu-

nisian public remain uncon-vinced that this constitution will actually make a difference to their lives. Many feel that the drafting process took too long.

Inflation and unemployment remain stubbornly high, while the coffers of the government are empty.

The cabinet consists mainly of independents and techno-crats, and is expected to run the country until new elec-tions. No date has been set for the polls.

‘Historic milestone’ After the vote on Sunday, the

Tunisian flag was unfurled and parliamentarians embraced each other inside the chamber.

“This constitution, without being perfect, is one of con-sensus,” AP quoted assembly speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar as saying.

Parliament agreed the text

on Friday after the governing Ennahda party granted a num-ber of concessions, including dropping references to Islamic law.

It guarantees freedom of worship but says Islam is the state religion. It also forbids “attacks on the sacred”, which analysts say is open to inter-pretation.

The text also recognises equality between men and women for the first time.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon hailed the agreement as a “his-toric milestone”.

“Tunisia’s example can be a model to other peoples seek-ing reforms,” his spokesman said, reports the AFP news agency.

Tunis-based journalist Naveena Kottoor says large parts of the Tunisian public remain unconvinced that this constitution will actually make

a difference to their lives, with many more concerned about the country’s economic prob-lems.

Ennahda, a moderate Islamist party, won the first democratic elections after long-time ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced from power in 2011.

But it has faced fierce op-position from secular groups, who have accused it being too close to militant groups - charges it strongly denies.

It has also been unable to end an economic crisis, another factor in widespread street protests.

The constitution required two-thirds of assembly mem-bers to vote in favour. A sign-ing ceremony is expected to follow.

The killing of two secular politicians last year sparked a political crisis in Tunisia.

Assembly members waved the Tunisian flag in celebration after the constitution was passed

Hospital Ends Life

support for Pregnant Woman

(BBC) - A brain-dead woman kept alive by a hos-pital in Texas because she was pregnant has been taken off life support.

A court had ruled that John Peter Smith Hospital must stop life-saving measures for Marlise Munoz by Monday.

Mrs Munoz, 33, was 14 weeks pregnant when she fell unconscious in Novem-ber. It is believed she had a blood clot.

Her family wanted to let her die, but the hospital had argued it had a legal duty to protect the unborn child.

‘Against her wishes’ Her life support was turned

off at 11:29 local time (17.29 GMT) Sunday, family mem-bers told News 8.

“May Marlise Munoz fi-nally rest in peace, and her family find the strength to complete what has been an unbearably long and ardu-ous journey,” lawyers for the family said in a statement.

Mrs Munoz’s husband, Erick, filed suit against the hospital on 14 January, ar-guing that keeping her on life support went against her wishes as a paramedic famil-iar with end-of-life issues.

The family’s lawyers also provided medical records revealing that the foetus was “distinctly abnormal” as a result of oxygen deprivation.

The hospital in the city of Fort Worth had denied the family’s request, citing a Texas law saying life-sus-taining treatment cannot be withdrawn from a pregnant patient, regardless of her end-of-life wishes.

But on Friday, RH Judge Wallace ruled that Mrs Munoz, who was about 22 weeks pregnant, was le-gally dead. He ordered her life support to be removed by 17:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Monday.

Mrs Munoz, 33, has re-mained unconscious since her husband discovered her on the kitchen floor on 26 November while pregnant with the couple’s second child.

A blood clot has been listed as a possible cause.

Erick Munoz had filed suit to end his pregnant wife’s life support, arguing she

was legally deceased

Daily Observer Page 3Tuesday, January 28, 2014

206 Women Graduate from Skills Training Program

by David a. yates

In an effort to restore lost hope and dignity to vul-nerable Liberian women, a local Non-Govern-

mental Organization, Sarah Ricks Foundation (SRF) on Saturday, January 25, gradu-ated 206 women including girls from its one year free life skills training program.

The 206 women obtained certificates in various disci-plines such as, Tailoring, Cos-metology, Home Economics, Soap-making, and Tie-dying amongst other.

The Sarah Ricks Foundation is an NGO established to pro-vide free life skills training to less fortunate adolescent girls and women in Liberia.

The founder and general overseer of the institution, Madam Winifred M. Ricks, gave an overview of the pro-

gram, saying that the decision to establish ‘SRF’ for wom-en’s empowerment came from concerns over the slow pace of improvement in the lives of women and young girls in the country.

According to her, women in Liberia have been discrimi-nated against for a long time; a situation she said has resulted in a vast population of unlet-tered women. The situation has affected these women to the extent that they are un-able to help their husbands at home.

She asserted that women’s empowerment and business opportunities are limited and that acts violence and dis-crimination against them have become daily occurrences for many of them.

“The Sarah Ricks Foun-dation thought it wise to train them (women) free-of-

charge,” said Madam Ricks.Madam Ricks further noted

that this graduation would help set the pace for these graduates to showcase their new talents; which she described as being “highly sustainable.”

She said though their jour-ney was not easy, these women stood the test of time just to receive domestic and professional skills that would help eradicate poverty in their lives.

The SRF’s boss made it a point to note that since the es-tablishment of the foundation, only Representative J. Gabriel Nyenkan had contributed to the program with the amount of LD$50,000.

Madam Ricks further dis-closed that the Management of SRF is using five gallons of fuel per day just to sustain the program. Due to a lack of financial support and based

upon the demands of maintain-ing the program, management has decided to close down the program.

Serving as keynote speaker, district # 11 Representative J.Gabriel Nyenkan lauded the founder of the institution, Madam Winifred M. Ricks; describing her as champion of change in the district.

Representative Nyenkan noted that women’s empower-ment is very important in our modern world.

He said women are care-takers and often spend more times with their kids at home; therefore they needed to be empowered at all times.

“I am happy to see young la-dies getting involved in help-

ing women who have been marginalized over the years.”

The district # 11 represen-tative also used the occasion to make another commitment by pledging the amount of LD$100,000.00 to the founda-tion in hopes they would con-tinue the program.

(l-r) graduates of the sarah ricks Foundation looks on as the founder Madam ricks speaks

3 Schools Win Garden Competitionby Judoemue M. Kollie

Over the week end three schools in Grand Bassa County completed

a nine month garden program aimed at training students with some basic agricultural knowl-edge to make them productive citizens.

The schools include, Libe-rian Christian High School, Little Bassa Public School and Gorbleh Public School.

The program is being carried out by the Community Youth Network Program (CYNP) with support from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and its partners.

The garden competition cer-emony was held in Buchanan City, attended by staff of the MoA, the Food and Enterprise Development Program (FED), Food and Agriculture Organi-zation (FAO), and the USAID Advancing Youths Project

along with local authorities of the county.

Giving an overview of the program on Saturday, the ex-ecutive director of CYNP, Ju-nior Toe disclosed that twenty schools participated in the pro-gram (Back to School Garden Competition) in the county.

He said it had succeeded in training nearly 2,500 young

farmers in methods of cas-sava planting, and vegetable production from the various institutions.

He mentioned that the stu-dents acquired skills in im-proved agriculture methods in-cluding nursery management, garden beds construction, and pest control among other agri-cultural practices.

Toe explained that the garden program could not have been successful without the support of the MoA and its partners.

“We are grateful to the MoA and partners for providing all the necessary support; includ-ing technical services to im-plement the program.

He named seeds, tools, fertil-izers and other farming imple-ments that they received to extend to the various schools.

According to him the pro-gram is helping to promote a higher level of food security in the county.

“Today many of the students learning agriculture are dem-onstrating the knowledge they acquired in their various com-munities. It is helping them to increase the production of food and serving as income generation,” he told the audi-ence at the program.

In his keynote address, the Assistant Minister for Techni-cal and Vocational Training

at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, M. Boakai Jeleiba, stressed the need for the coun-try to prioritize vocational training for its youths.

“Young people must be taught to work with their hands in order to build the country. Teaching agriculture to stu-dents is the best way to move Liberia forward,” he stressed.

According to Minister Jelei-ba focusing on training youths in agriculture would help solve the problem of unemployment in the country.

“The crisis in Liberia is not about unemployment, but the lack of the citizens’ capacities in taking advantage of avail-able opportunities,” he noted.

He called for a legislation that would ensure that voca-tional education is prioritized in the country.

For his part, the Deputy Min-ister for Extension Services at the MoA, Thomas Gbokie, said that his ministry has the

mandate to providing training for Liberians who are inter-ested in acquiring agricultural knowledge.

“The ministry attached seriousness to students be-ing taught agriculture in the various institutions across the country. This is why we are inviting partners to come into our country to help,” he dis-closed.

Minister Gbokie said that the program is being designed to sustain the country’s food se-curity.

“To sustain food security in the country, kids must be taught agriculture,” he stated.

He used the occasion to call on the youth to venture into the agricultural sector as a way of improving their lives.

“If you plant crops or raise animals, you would be em-powering yourself with in-come,” he encouraged the young people.

The Chief of Party of FED, Agnes Lux, stated that her institution is supporting the school garden program in the country as part of the effort to improve food security.

She said that FED is support-ing farmers in rice production, vegetable and livestock farm-ing.

“Many of you young people can get empowered through our program to build the ca-pacities of Liberian farmers. We want as many of you as possible to partake in the pro-gram in the three counties,” she explained

She named the counties as, Nimba, Bong and Montser-rado.

Meanwhile, a cash award of LD$50,000.00, LD$20,000.00 and $LD10, 000.00 were pre-sented to the 3 schools for their successful dedication in imple-menting the garden program.

The money was provided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports

Gorbleh Public School (first winner) receiving the award from the MoA and partners

Duplication of Humanitarian Functions Worrisome’-says Head of liberian red Cross

by William Q. Harmon

The president of the Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has spo-

ken strongly against the du-plication of the humanitarian functions of the LNRCS by other non-governmental or-ganizations as well as some government ministries and agencies.

The LNRCS, prior to the Liberian civil crisis, was the most renowned and recog-nized humanitarian services provider in Liberia. The en-tity regulated every humani-tarian service program in the country.

The LNRCS was estab-lished by an act of National Legislature as a humanitarian relief organization guided by the Federation Strategy 2020 and its five year strategic plan.

Speaking at the signing of a Cooperative Framework (CFW) agreement with the In-ternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Monro-via, the LNRCS’s president, Emmanuel Kparhand, called on those in the sector to chan-nel their resources through the Red Cross.

Mr. Kparhand said the Libe-rian Red Cross has the vision and determination to tackle major challenges presently

confronting humanity; but noted that most government ministries, public corpora-tions, and multi-national companies are now involved in relief work.

Due to the civil war, the influx of humanitarian assis-tance programs from interna-tional and national organiza-tions, government entities, as well as individual philanthro-pist has been on the increase.

Though the influx of hu-manitarian services was high-ly appreciated by the LNRCS during the war years as they could not handle it all alone; it also meant that the sector became unregulated. It start-

ed taking less consideration concerning who provided what, when it was received and where it was going.

Some organizations are even using the name of the humanitarian sector to ex-ploit funds from donors and philanthropist while these fi-nances are not actually being used for the intended people and purposes

This situation has become a serious worry for the LNRCS president; a trend he said should no longer be followed. Mr. Kparhand called for all assistance and resources to be channeled solely through his entity.

The LNRCS boss indicated that the efforts by others in humanitarian work are highly

appreciated; but called on those involved to redirect their resources to fortify the Liberian Red Cross.

Mr. Kparhand maintained the LNRCS is the only insti-tution with the statutory man-date and ability to carry out relief activities successfully in Liberia. He assured all do-nors of a high level of trans-parency in expending their resources for the purposes intended.

He also called on govern-ment and key stakeholders to increase support in terms of resources, technical assis-tance and opportunities for the Liberian Red Cross to help alleviate human suffer-ing and save the lives of the nation’s most vulnerable.

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014

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

Published by Liberian Observer CorporationP.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

Liberia’s First Independent Daily

0886812888, 0886472772www.liberianobserver.com

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Cont’t on page 9

ANNUAL MESSAGE to the Third Session of the 53rd National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia Theme:

“Consolidating the Processes of Transformation”by Her excellency Mrs. ellen Johnson sirleaf President of the republic of liberia

Capitol Hill, Monrovia Monday, 27 January 2014(as Prepared)

Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, and Mrs. Boakai; Mr. Speaker; Mr. President Pro-Tempore; Honorable Members of the Legislature; Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and Members of the Judiciary; The Dean and Members of the Cabinet and Other Government Officials; Mr. Doyen, Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Her Excellency, the Special Representa-tive of the Secretary-General of the United Nations; Officers and Staff of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL); The Command Officer-in-Charge, Men and Women of the Armed Forces of Libe-ria; Former Officials of Government; Traditional Leaders, Chiefs and Elders; The Clergy; Political and Business Leaders; Officers and Members of the Bar Associa-tion; Labor and Trade Unions; Youth and Student Organizations; Civil Society Organizations; Members of the Media; Special Guests; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen; Fellow Liberians:

INTRODUCTION Once again, in fulfillment of the mandate

given by Article 58 of our Constitution, we are here to present the Administration’s legislative program and report to you on the State of the Republic. As we have done in the past, a full Executive Report, with comparative statistics, will subsequently be submitted to you. We hope that you will use it as a reference for more detailed information on the various public sector entities.

First, let us all give praise and thanks to the Almighty God for his manifold bless-ings upon our Nation, including our cel-ebration, in 2013, of a decade of peace, stability and continued development.

With saddened hearts we bade final fare-well, in 2013, to cherished loved ones. In their memory, please join me in a moment

of silent meditation. Thank you. Mr. Vice President and President of the

Senate: Let me again, in this public man-ner, express my thanks and gratitude for your dedication and unflinching commit-ment to the national cause we embarked upon together nine years ago. I know that I can continue to count on you for support as we consolidate the progress and meet the challenges of the next four years.

Mr. Speaker and Mr. President Pro-Tem-pore: Thank you for your dedicated leader-ship of this august body, and for passage of significant legislations to improve the lives of our people. Honorable Legislators: We welcome all of you back, from your annu-al Recess, and look forward to continued good working relations.

Honorable Legislators: In addressing the Third Session of the 52nd National Legis-lature on January 28, 2008, I said that we could not bring “quick fixes to the monu-mental problems that we inherited,” that our tasks would be difficult and our chal-lenges demanding. They remain so today.

We know that we have some distance to travel to overcome the challenges be-queathed to us by the long years of conflict, division, marginalization and exclusion. We know that it will require commitment to stay the course in the fight against cor-ruption. We know that it will take courage to ensure that rights and freedoms are pro-tected. But today, the bonds of our nation are stronger; the direction of our advance is clearer; and the common purpose of nation-building is compelling us to reach out to each other beyond our superficial differences in tribe, age, gender, religion and associations.

Therefore, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, notwithstanding the mounting challenges we face, and the difficult roads we must continue to travel, as a consequence of our combined efforts and the resilience of our people, I am proud to report to you that our Republic is, today, stronger, safer, and steadier than it has been in many years. I can thus say, with confidence, that the consolidation of the processes of Libe-ria’s renewal is solid; that our Agenda for Transformation, within the context of our

National Vision 2030, is sound, realistic and achievable. I salute all Liberians, and thank our development partners for this re-markable achievement.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Mr. Vice President and President of the

Senate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Members of the Legislature: Thank you, again, for your cooperation in passing into law several pieces of legisla-tion relevant to the reconstruction process of our dear country. The records show that 46 bills were passed and received during the 2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature.

The ratified bills include the Mount Coffee Hydro-Generation Rehabilitation Finance Contract between Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Development As-sociation (IDA) for the Accelerated Elec-tricity Expansion Project, and the Liberia Financing Agreement between Govern-ment and the International Development Association for the West African Power Pool plus the Act ratifying the Treaty for the Construction, Operation and Develop-ment of the Interconnection Lines joining Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. These will lead to the rebuild-ing and expansion of generation, trans-mission, and distribution of electricity, providing an economic stimulus of wide-spread effect. An economic boost is also expected from passage of the Act ratifying the Loan Agreement between Government and the African Development Bank (act-ing on behalf of the Nigeria Trust Fund) and between Government and the African Development Fund (on behalf of the Frag-ile States Unit) which will give us a paved highway along that critical corridor con-necting Harper and Karloken, that links our most southeasterly county, Maryland, to the rest of the country.

Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We recall also your ratification of the Restated and Amended Production Sharing Con-tract for LB-13 between Government and ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Liberia Ltd., a subsidiary of the world’s largest oil company, and Canadian Over-seas Petroleum (Bermuda). This contract

The Hydro: What Happened to the 1000 Megawatt Plan?

Sometime around 2008 when plans for the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydro-electric Plant were being con-cretized, the World Bank indicated that they were prepared to help the government raise the money for an 800 to 1000 megawatt hydro capacity. We remember distinctly calling in an editorial on the Liberian government to take very seriously this indication from the Bank of its willingness to work with us to achieve that goal.

Either some of our development partners did not think Li-beria deserved that, or our officials did not work hard enough toward that goal. Last Saturday the President settled for 60 megawatts--not even the original 64 megawatt capacity that was installed a half century ago, in 1964. In 2008, the experts were saying that the current energy demand in Monrovia alone was 200 megawatts, and another 600 in the rest of the country, including the iron ore mining operations.

Now we have to settle for a meager 60 megawatts, promised by the first quarter of 2016.

Was this the result of mean spiritedness on the part of some of our development partners, or was it the failure of Liberian diplomacy, determination and hard work? One of our big-gest diplomatic disappointments was United States President George Bush’s visit to Liberia on February 26, 2008 when, after earlier faithfully promising to help us restore the hydro, he announced that he would send us several thousand text-books for Liberian schools! Diplomatically, all we could do was to say “Thank you, Mr. President.” But is that why he visited America’s oldest and most trusted African friend?

But let’s remember that the Americans, who won their war for independence in 1776, have made a monumental success of their country, making it, by the end of World War II in 1945 the world’s first super power. They started off on the right footing--with a corps of serious-minded, selfless, visionary and hardworking leaders who were determined to make a success of their nationalistic venture. One leading American anthem captured the spirit of the times in its

description of the American Founders: “who more than self their country loved.”

True, there were and remained very serious problems in America—among them slavery and racism. But embedded in the American Constitution was the provision for amendments that paved the way for the gradual development of “a more perfect union.” Today America has its first Black President.

Why have we digressed from the Hydro to talk about Amer-ica? Because we have to ask ourselves how serious are we Liberians as a people? Can we say, as the early American leaders said and demonstrated, that we love our country more than we love ourselves? that we are prepared to work THE HARDEST for our country to make it a success? Do we truly love our own people more than we love ourselves and our foreign friends? Are we prepared to do everything possible to encourage, lift up and promote our own people first, to ensure their success at whatever good and constructive they under-take?

Well, whatever our answers to these questions, we must ad-mit that THESE are the things that the Americans do, and that is why they are counted the world’s most successful nation--a country that most people around the world admire and want at least to visit--or stay in.

So the Americans have built a great and rich nation and they have every right to do whatever they want with their money. Liberia, too, is a country that people love to visit and reside in. Why? Because Liberia is rich, and that Liberians, lead-ers and people, for reasons difficult to understand, favor the foreigner over and against their own people. No nation with that kind of disposition can ever prosper.

So the day we decide we need a 1000 megawatt hydro, and are prepared to work the hardest to get it, a 1000 megawatt hydro will be ours. That is the same for any goal we set for ourselves, be it self-sufficiency in food, quality education for our children, or anything else.

Bottom line, we Liberians have got to become a more seri-ous people, more loving to and supportive of one another. These are among the basic ingredients of national success. Without it, forget it.

Page 4

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Kingdom Care Medical Center Reaches Rural Communities

with Health Care

More than 7 communities in Panta Dis-trict, Bong

County, have benefited from a weeklong free healthcare delivery service rendered by a team of medical practitio-ners from the Kingdom Care Medical Center Mobile Clin-ic (KCMC) in Monrovia.

The initiative was spon-sored through CHEVRON and the National Oil Com-pany of Liberia (NOCAL) according to the head of KCMC, Dr. Martha Zarway.

The communities benefit-ing from the health services include Bellemu, Foequelleh, Garmu, Gbaota, and Shank-powar among others.

Over 300 residents from these various communi-ties--- including the elders and local authorities of Panta District--- turned out last Tuesday for the first day of treatment. They seemed over-whelmed with joy at the pres-ence of the nurses and doctor and gave them a rousing tra-ditional welcome.

In his welcome remarks on Tuesday, January 21, the chief elder of Panta District, Tokpa Dolo, said that they were pleased with the oppor-tunity to access free medical

services. “Your presence here today

is a manifestation of love, which has already brought healing to our lives. We are therefore very grateful you came,” he told the medical team.

He disclosed that health services in their district were scarce; as local clinics are often found lacking drugs to treat patients.

“Many times it is difficult for our wives and children to get adequate health care,” he mentioned.

In an interview with jour-nalists at the location of the KCMC on Tuesday, the com-missioner of Panta District, Willington Bellepu, called on the government of Liberia to improve health care delivery services in his district.

He said that with good health, people in his district could work more efficiently to improve their lives.

He used the occasion to thank CHEVRON and NO-CAL for identifying with his people on the matter of their health.

Giving an overview of their activities, the head of KCMC’s medical team, Dr. Zarway, stated that the health care delivery service was in-

tended to fulfill social corpo-rate responsibilities of both NOCAL and CHEVRON.

She said her institution is collaborating with the two companies to ensure that Liberian citizens--- mainly those from the rural parts of the country--- get access to free treatment.

According to Dr. Zarway medical conditions such as pregnancy, anemia, malaria, bronchopneumonia, hyper-tension and others were con-sidered for treatment at the various centers.

She explained that during the exercise patients with crit-ical illnesses were referred to the Kingdom Care clinic or bigger health facilities.

Dr. Zarway disclosed that the program started in Janu-ary 2013 in rural Montser-rado and Grand Bassa Coun-ties with around 2,700 people benefitting (a weeklong treat-ment per trip).

Meanwhile, some benefi-ciaries of the treatment de-scribed it as being very help-ful.

They lauded the medical team of KCMC and its part-ners for the kind gesture.

 

 (Top) patients awaiting treatment and (bottom) Dr. Martha Zarway head of KCMC

attending to the patients in the cue.

letter

Zoning Law Enforcement Is in the Right Direction, Madam President

Mr. Editor,I want to thank President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for emphasis made on the enforcement of the zon-

ing law of Liberia, and to also urge her to be realistic in ensuring that this law is enforced as stated and not merely for the sake of public speaking.

As you may know, development is being hindered by payment to illegal squatters for land that they do not own, and seeing this weakness on the part of government, squatters are making use of it to get lucrative gains from Liberians’ taxes. As the President recalled in her Annual Message, such are the cases with Peace Island where the Ministerial Complex is expected to be built, the Du-cor Hotel, roadside dwellers, etc. I believe Liberians engaged in this act know that they are doing wrong, but who to tell them and what action to affect their unwholesome act remain the problem. While human rights remain cardinal to the objective of this government, it is also expedient to note that to every human right there is a responsibility.

These indolent and illegal squatters will not continue to deliberately do things to benefit from our taxes while development we should also benefit from is impeded. The plan to remove them must also go with NO PAYMENT for squatting. This will bring to their senses the wrong they are doing. Let Madam President know that Liberians are law abiding when law is enforced to the letter, but when law is weak, they lose interest in that leader. Please forget about making yourself being loved now as it will come later when you do what will interest the public most.

Remember Machiavelli’s Principle on Leadership: “It is much safer to be feared than loved, if one of the two has to be wanting….. And men have less scruple in offending one who makes him/herself loved than one who makes him/herself feared; for love is held by a chain of obligation which, men being selfish, is broken whenever it serves their purpose; but fear is maintained by a dread of pun-ishment which never fails. This goes to say that enforcing the law to instill fear in people for wrong doing will achieve the purpose of development than nurturing evil doers with money that they do not deserve. May this decision be effective and also be extended to corrupt officials.

Joaquin Sendolo24th Street, Sinkor0886838535 jmeahkeehsendolo@yahoo.co.uk

Nimba’s New DEO Wants Second High School in Bain Garr DistrictAn official of the

Ministry of Edu-cation (MOE) in Bain Garr

Education District in Nimba County has stressed the need for an additional high school to accommodate the growing number of students seeking secondary education in the district.

District Education Officer (DEO), J. Lynon Martor, told the Liberia News Agency re-cently that the district has an overall enrollment of 23,050 students. This figure is com-prised of 12,672 males and 10,378 females in 27 public schools in the district. Bain Garr district only has one high school.

This, he observed, has led to an overwhelming influx of students seeking high school education at the John Wesley Pearson (J.W. Pearson) High School. J. W. Pearson High was established in the early 1950’s and remains the only senior high school in Ganta; the commercial capital of

Nimba County.Mr. Martor also lamented

that the Pearson High School lacks adequate chairs and classrooms to accommodate the large number of students.

Recently, the Principal of the school, James Saye Kar-damie, in an exclusive inter-view with the Daily Observer made a similar claim indicat-ing that the lack of chairs and instructional materials was greatly hampering the learn-ing conditions of the students.

Mr. Kardamie then attrib-uted the inadequate supply of chairs to the school to what he described as, ‘constant theft of chairs due to the school compound’s lack of a fence.’

However, according to Mr. Martor, the only ongoing proj-ects in the entire Bain Garr Education District are the ren-ovation of the J. W Pearson auditorium and the Bain Garr DEO’s Office-located in the courtyard of the school.

The auditorium, he ex-plained, contains three ‘new’ classrooms separated by ply-

wood partitions and a hall that was constructed by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in the late 70’s.

The DEO observed that the auditorium’s renovation proj-ect is being sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), while the renovation of the DEO’s of-fice is being implemented as a community initiative, which still needs additional funding to complete.

Mr. Mator then called on Nimba County’s local gov-ernment and development partners to build an additional high school to accommodate the large number of students seeking education in the most populated education district of the county.

He also appealed to the au-thorities at the MOE to pro-vide chairs and prescribed text books to ease the difficulties faced by students and school administrators in imparting knowledge to their students.

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DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 6

CHINA & AFRICASponsored by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Sponsored by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Please send your comments to the following email: chinaemb_lr@mfa.gov.cn

The History of Chinese New YearThe most important

holiday for Chinese around the world is undoubtedly Chi-

nese New Year -- and it all started out of fear.

The centuries-old legend on the origins of the New Year celebration varies from teller to teller, but they all include a story of a terrible mythi-cal monster who preyed on villagers. The lion-like mon-ster’s name was Nian which is also the Chinese word for “year.”

The stories also all include a wise old man who coun-sels the villagers to ward off the evil Nian by making loud noises with drums and firecrackers and hanging red paper cutouts and scrolls on their doors because for some reason, the Nian is scared of the color red.

The villagers took the old man’s advice and the Nian was conquered. On the an-niversary of the date, the Chinese recognize the “pass-ing of the Nian” known in Chinese as guo nian, which is also synonymous with cel-ebrating the new year.

Based on the Lunar Calendar

The date of Chinese New Year changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. While the western Grego-rian calendar is based on the earth’s orbit around the sun, China and most Asian coun-tries use the lunar calendar that is based on the moon’s orbit around the earth. Chi-nese New Year always falls on the second new moon af-ter the winter solstice. Other

Asian countries such as Ko-rea, Japan and Vietnam also celebrate New Year using the lunar calendar.

While both Buddhism and Daoism have unique customs during the New Year, Chinese New Year is far older than both religions. Like many agrarian societies, Chinese New Year is rooted in much a celebration of spring just like Easter or Passover.

Depending on where rice is grown in China, the rice sea-son lasts from roughly May to September (north China), April to October (Yangtze River Valley), or March to November (Southeast China). The New Year was likely the start of preparations for a new growing season.

Spring cleaning is a com-mon theme during this time, as many Chinese will clean

out their homes during the holiday. The New Year cel-ebration could even have been a way to break up the boredom of the long winter months.

Traditional Customs

On this day, families travel long distances to meet and make merry. Known as the “Spring movement” or Chu-nyun, a great migration takes place in China during this period where many travelers brave the crowds to get to their hometowns.

Though the holiday is only

about a week-long, tradition-ally it is a 15-day holiday during which firecrackers are lit, drums can be heard on the streets, red lanterns glow at night, and red paper cutouts and calligraphy hangings are hung on doors. Celebrations conclude on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival.

Children are also given red envelopes with money inside. Many cities around the world also hold New Year parades complete with a dragon and lion dance.

Food is an important com-ponent to New Year. Tradi-

tional foods include nian gao or sweet sticky rice cake and savory dumplings - which are round and symbolize never-ending wealth.

In China, New Year cel-ebrations are synonymous with “Spring Festival” and it is typically a week-long cel-ebration.

China Central Television has held an annual New Year’s Gala since 1982, which was and is still televised across the country and now via satellite to the world.

Chinese Zodiac – Horse2014 is the Year of the

Horse according to Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Horse starts from Jan. 31, 2014 (the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival of China) and lasts to Feb. 18, 2015.

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people’s ethos – making un-

remitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intel-ligent and able. Ancient peo-ple liked to designate an able person as ‘Qianli Ma’, a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters).

Strengths

People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the lime-light. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popu-lar among friends, active at work and refuse to be recon-ciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefi-nitely.

Weaknesses

They cannot bear too much constraint. However their in-terest may be only superficial and lacking real substance. They are usually impatient and hot blooded about eve-rything other than their daily work. They are independent and rarely listen to advice. Failure may result in pes-simism. They usually have strong endurance but with bad temper. Flamboyant by nature, they are wasteful since they are not good with matters of finance due to a lack of budgetary efficiency. Some of those who are born in the horse like to move in

glamorous circles while pur-suing high profile careers. They tend to interfere in many things and frequently fail to finish projects of their own.

Fortune Foretelling in 2014

Overview: It is their order to encounter the Year of Birth (Benming Nian), a year to offend “Taisui’, the god in charge of people’s fortune. In 2014, their fortune in all aspects will fluctuate, so will require great care. They may feel more stressed out, in which case they are advised to talk about it with close friends or councilors, and take part in group activities. Faced with any difficulties, they should be strong to overcome them all. If they treat people around them friendly and be-have righteously, they will get through the year smoothly.

Career: Horse people are easily offended this year even for trifles, and seem not to keep a harmonious relation-ship with colleagues. Some-times they doubt themselves too much, leading to a grad-ual loss of confidence. When finishing a task, they seek confirmation again and again from people around them. In this case, it is suggested to be confident and talk more to family instead of complain-ing to colleagues. Just keep a low profile, get along well with your boss and be careful of tricks by mean people and then achievements in your job

will come. Wealth: Their financial for-

tune will be unstable in 2014. It seems that there will be much unexpected cost. Thus to make ends meet comes first When managing money mat-ters, they should consider ac-cepting others’ suggestion. It is necessary to be careful to make any investment. Busi-nesspeople should make a full scheme before making a large amount of investment, because the market will be changeable in the year.

Relationships: The fortune in love life for horse peo-ple will be just so-so. If they would like to get married in the year, it is strongly sug-gested to select an auspicious date according to the dates of birth of the bride and the bridegroom, or they will suf-fer a lot in marriage. Singles may meet several people that they have feelings for, but none of them are doomed to be their Mr./Ms. Right. If faced with a dilemma, they’d better refer to the idea or sug-gestion of their relatives and friends. Husband and wife will argue a lot in the year; a focus on communication and mutual understanding can avoid it. For all lovers, mutual trust is the secret for an ever-lasting relationship.

Health: As they offend “Taisui” this year, they may suffer some discomforts. Some insidious diseases like dermatosis may happen. To avoid that, they’d better have a full physical examination. Besides, they also need to be careful to avoid unexpected injuries by knives and others sharp items. Females should pay attention to problem in urinary system and males need to care more about their stomach. Adjusting their emotions and traveling out-side will help with their health as well. They also need to re-member not to eat too much for each meal.

Take a Sip of Chinese New Year Traditions

(Xin Hua)

International students pose for photos with their couplets writing works in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu province, Jan 20, 2014. A couplet, or a pair of lines of poetry written on red paper, is an important decoration during Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, as it is placed at the entrance of a house. Dozens of international students from Nanjing Agriculture University experienced the preparation for the coming Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 31 this year. (You You/Asianewsphoto)

Students learn paper-cutting at a cultural exchange session in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu province, Jan 20, 2014. (You You/Asianewsphoto)

International students show their paper-cutting works in Nanjing, Jan 20, 2014. Paper-cutting, or Jianzhi, a traditional folk art, is widely applied in China for festival

decorations. (You You/Asianewsphoto)

Daily Observer Page 7 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Board of Directors of the Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP), a network of civil society organizations on the promotion and advocacy of inclusive im-munization in Liberia, is seeking applications to fill two (2) vacant positions at its national office in Monrovia for a one (1) year contractual period.

Positions: A. Job Title: Secretary GeneralSummary: The Secretary General (SG) is the head of the National Secretariat and shall be responsible for the overall management of the Secretariat. This unique role calls for a transformational leader who willcarry out the common vision and purpose of LIP.Candi-date for this position must be capable to deliver real strategic value to the general health service delivery frontline through the platform. This position requires the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfares, local and international partners with niche in health and immunization and donor community.

Key Responsibilities• Lead and Manage the Liberia Immunization Platform• Oversee the successful implementation of all LIP’s programs;• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors• Provide cutting edge program management delivery for the Platform• Lead Policy advocacy strategies of the Platform• Ensure the implementation of programs aligned with the mission, vision and stra-

tegic plan of the Platform.• Identify funding opportunities and sources for projects and core funding, includ-

ing fundraising campaigns, and collection of membership dues • Package and share publicly the best practices of member organizations • Serve as the liaison between the Board of Directors and management staff;• Attend operational programs, project meetings on behalf of the Platform.• Create a work environment in which the Liberia Immunization Platform can

thrive:• Effectively supervise staff of the national secretariat and manage their perfor-

mances;• Effectively implement the administrative, human resource, financial and report-

ing policy and procedures of the Platform and its regional secretariats;• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Standing Committees

Qualification:Applicant must hold at least a Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Public Ad-ministration, Public Health or related fields with at least 10 year experience. Masters Degree in Public Health and health related studies are added advantages. Applicant must have worked in the health system, social work and civil society activities for at least three (3) years.

Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immuniza-tion Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014.

B. Job Title: ADVOCACY OFFICERJOB DESCRIPTIONSummary TaskThe advocacy officer, as a full time staff of the secretariat, works under the supervision of the Secretary General in designing and carrying out the advocacy and visibility strategies of the Liberia Immunization Platform.

Key Responsibilities• Develop and deliver LIP advocacy & lobbying agenda and positions at the na-

tional, regional and district levels in consultation with the Secretary General and by extension, the Board of Directors

• Develop evidence based advocacy messages and/or materials such as presenta-tions, policy briefs etc in consultation with other staff and key stakeholders

• Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the Platform• Liaise and seek to influence stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and

Agencies, Legislature relevant to the work of the LIP. • Develop and implement the research agenda and facilitate research on behalf of

the Platform for advocacy• Provide technical support to platform members in advocacy and research at na-

tional and regional district levels of the Republic of Liberia. • Engage in policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy • Assist the secretariat in Resource mobilization• Coordinate the development of systems for monitoring and evaluation of pro-

grams and Projects of the platform. • Promote Knowledge sharing and learning among membership of the network• Responsible for ICT, website development and maintenance, development of

newsletter and media relations that shows visibility of network activities. • Any other assignment from the Secretary General

Qualification:Applicant must hold Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Mass Communication or other re-lated fields of study and at least three years of work experience in social work and proac-tive advocacy. At least a certificate or diploma in health advocacy training is an added advantage.

Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014.

Vacancy Announcement The 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 reac-tivation 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 Weeks2. Citizen Kenneth Y. Best3. Citizen Emmett Flomo4. Women Leader5. Citizen Timothy K. Padmore6. Citizen Amos Teleh7. Citizen Ajah S. Padmore

Signed: ________________________ Timothy K. Padmore Town Clerk

Approved: _______________________ Hon. J. Alexander Thorpe Commissioner

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 8Tuesday, January 28, 2014

How Would Our Ministries, Agencies and other Organizations Fare When a Software Audit is Performed?

If someone was to ask how much the Govern-ment of Liberia (GoL) or Liberian businesses

spend on proprietary and com-mercial software, I am not sure you would get a straight an-swer. This is just my opinion, of course. But, if a software audit was done today at our ministries, state-owned en-terprises (SOEs), businesses, and other organizations, how would they fare? In today’s article, I briefly discuss soft-ware audit and its impact on our society.

Before I proceed, let clarify the misunderstanding that a few IT professionals have about a software audit. Soft-ware audit is different from Information Technology (IT) audit. A software audit or soft-ware licensing audit, on which this article focuses, is a regular investigation of the software installed on all computers in an organization to ensure that it is authorized or licensed. The process minimizes the risk of prosecution for software theft, as well as the risk of malware through uncontrolled software copying. In addition, a software audit ensures that the right technical support is available to all users.

On the other hand, an Infor-mation Technology Audit or

IT Audit is an examination of the checks and balances, or controls, within an informa-tion technology (IT) group. In this process, evidence of an organization’s information systems, practices, and opera-tions are collected and evalu-ated. The evidence culled from this evaluation is used to determine whether the organi-zation’s information system is safeguarding the information assets, maintaining data integ-rity, and operating effectively and efficiently to achieve the organization’s business goals or objectives. As I said earlier, the focus of this article is on software audit and this is what I discuss in following para-graphs.

Many of the IT profession-als I know in Liberia (some of them working at government establishments), carry a soft-ware wallet or portable stor-age device that stores costly proprietary software on them. I often wonder how they man-age to obtain their repository of software knowing that the cost of commercial software is extremely prohibitive. For ex-ample, the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system is about $200 USD or more per copy. This amount is more than what some IT professionals make monthly in Liberia. So, it doesn’t take a Rocket Scien-tist to figure out that software piracy is ubiquitous in Liberia, and the entire continent of Af-rica. In fact, report on global

software piracy by the Interna-tional Data Corporation (IDC) found that 80% of all software sold in Africa is pirated. This level of piracy, according to the IDC’s report, causes Af-rica’s economy to suffer to the tune of over USD$1 billion.

Software piracy is mostly found among consumers and small businesses, and the in-creasing availability of un-licensed software at online peer-to-peer file-sharing sites. For every legal copy of soft-ware that comes out more than one copy of it is made and distributed illegally, and Liberia is not alien to this phe-nomenon. Honestly, I don’t think a lot of folks in Liberia bother to think of the ethical or economic consequences of

pirating software; just as folks don’t give thought do music or movie piracy.

Companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, IBM, and other large software publish-ers often perform an audit of their customers. And when organizations are found to be in violation of licensing agreements, significant fines are placed on them. Despite this, no software publisher has successfully found a 100% se-cure method to control pirated software. Illegal software is freely available and readily accessible in many forms: on CDs, both home-recorded and mass-produced, and across the Internet. But does this mean that our government entities should have illegal software

installed on their computers?For many businesses and

organizations in Liberia, the term software auditing is for-eign. And even if there is a remote thought of software audit, it is without a doubt giv-en the lowest priority. Obvi-ously, there are many reasons for this: very little interest in ICT and the lack of funding to purchase legitimate software. But the most vivid reason for this is the proverbial and ubiq-uitous problem that haunts us in Liberia; the lack of knowl-edge of software auditing and piracy, as well as their impact on organizations.

Software audits provide sev-eral benefits for an organiza-tion, especially the Govern-ment of Liberia. It can be an effective and efficient way to improve software distribu-tion, and help avoid copyright infringement prosecution by software companies like Mi-crosoft. This is something I wish policy makers would take seriously. In fact, the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which is the leading advocate for the global software indus-try before governments and in the international market-place, lists five key elements that it believes governments must implement in order to re-duce piracy in their respective countries. Perhaps our policy-makers can begin by taking a look at those five elements.

Now, let’s get back to my original question: Do we know

how much the Government of Liberia (GoL) spends on pro-prietary software? I would as-sume that it does spend a lot of money on proprietary soft-ware. And these software are greatly under-utilized, partly because of the lack of skills or proper training, and often because they were deployed without due diligence or re-search. Now, do you under-stand why I have always ad-vocated the development and use of Open source software in Liberia? Such an initiative could allow software to be produced locally thereby em-powering Liberians through entrepreneurship, and reduc-ing the risks that software pi-racy brings.

If we invest the same amount spent purchasing proprietary software on Open Source Software development in Li-beria, we may just be able to stimulate economic activity via a software ecosystem and reduce, if not eliminate, the amount spent on proprietary software. I reckon we might need to provide strong quanti-tative data to help us make a strong economic argument to our policymakers, for why we should adopt open source soft-ware. To make this argument, you need to collect data on the number of licenses that are purchased by the government, businesses, etc. The question is, where do you find the data?

by: Darren Wilkins | 0777129092/0886703789

| DWilkins@saharaTechnology.Com

Darren Wilkins

10 Classrooms Under Construction in Bong County

by Judoemue M. Kollie, from Panta District,

bong County

In an effort to meet the educational needs of resi-dents of Bong County, a 10-classroom school is

currently under construction in Bellemu, Panta District. to meet the educational quest of the school-going kids.

The project is being under-taken by the congregation of the City Refuge Church, lo-cated in Bellemu Town.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer newspaper recently in Bel-lemu Town, the Pastor of the Church, Reverend Jackson Kueniseur, disclosed that the project is intended to address the increment in the school’s enrollment.

According to him, the current enrollment is at 800 students from primary to secondary level, and for that, the school

is established as a “tuition free school.”

Pastor Kueniseur explained, “I established the school after the civil crisis to help compli-ment the educational needs of

citizens in his district.” “The school,” he said, “is

being supported through assis-tance from friends locally and abroad.”

“After I returned from exile

at the end of Liberia’s civil war, I decided to help my people through the establish-ment of a school. Today, we have many children leaving their various communities in

 rev. Kueniseur standing before the foundation of the school in bellemu, Panta District

the district just to attend this school,” Pastor Kueniseur added.

“Considering that many of the citizens around this area cannot afford to pay tuition for their children, we have de-cided to assist the parents in achieving their goals,” he said.

He mentioned that as a way to sustain the school, the ad-ministration has established an agricultural project to raise money.

“We get money from pro-

ceeds from our farms to pay the teachers and to settle other expenses.”

The City Refuge pastor dis-closed that his school will have a library and computer laboratory to better equip the students.

Meanwhile, Pastor Kueni-seur has called on the govern-ment and philanthropic or-ganizations in the country to assist him in the implementa-tion of the project.

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Tuesday, January 28, 2014

ANNUAL MESSAGEbrings into the offshore oil ex-ploration arena in our territory another reputable, credible giant oil company. It elevates Liberia on the list of frontier countries with encouraging prospects. Today, in the min-eral resource sector, Liberia boasts the presence of some of the largest, most-experienced, and reputable companies as contracting partners for ex-ploration and extraction of our mineral and hydrocarbon resources.

Honorable Ladies and Gen-tlemen: We were especially pleased that you ratified the Financing Agreements with the International Development Association for the Smallhold-er Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Commer-cialization Project, and for the Smallholder Tree Crop Revi-talization Project, both aimed at stimulating agricultural pro-duction among our small farm-ers. We also recall passage of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Commission, which sets the stage for assured access of our forests products into European markets.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President-Pro Tempore, Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for the several bills passed in support of good governance and the rule of law, thereby promoting administrative ef-ficiency and fostering peace and security for our people. Paramount among these were bills to improve the investment climate and strengthen the fi-nancial system against money laundering by, among other things, establishing a Financial Intelligence Unit; and creating the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and a semi-autonomous Revenue Authority. Our Penal Code was strengthened by amendments on illicit human trafficking, ex-tortion, environmental crimes, and fraud. The Jury Law was amended to expand access to justice, improve sentencing in criminal cases, and to better facilitate the conduct of trials.

For local government, sever-al new statutory districts were established which are likely to be integrated into a larger gov-ernance structure once the Lo-cal Government Act is passed. This will ensure that new statu-tory districts are not created solely for political purposes or would not impose undue bur-dens on the National Budget.

As you commence this 3rd Session of the 53rd Legisla-ture, we urge you to consider passage of other bills that have been submitted but remain un-der deliberations. In particular, we refer to Bills that would:

• Amend the Penal Code by providing for the Criminal Conveyance of Land;

• Amend the Act establishing the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to provide for im-mediate Direct Prosecutorial Powers;

• Amend the New Executive Law of 1972 to establish the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection;

• Repeal Chapter 60 of the Executive Law Creating the

John F. Kennedy Medical Cen-ter and replace it with a new Chapter 60 to be titled The John F. Kennedy Medical Cen-ter Act (2013);

• Amend the Telecommunica-tions Act of 2007 with respect to the Liberia Telecommunica-tions Authority; and

• Amend Title 21 of the Li-berian Code of Laws of 1956 to update the provisions of the Maritime Law and Maritime regulations to implement the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

Honorable Ladies and Gen-tlemen: Several Bills already submitted await your ratifica-tion. They are:

• the Instrument of Accession to the World Customs Organi-zation (WCO) and the Interna-tional Convention on the Sim-plification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures;

• the Financing Agree-ment for the Health Systems Strengthening Project between Government and the Interna-tional Development Associa-tion (IDA);

• the African Nuclear Weap-on Free Zone Treaty;

• the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union;

• the Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Importation and the Control of Hazardous Wastes in Africa;

• the Constitution of the Af-rican Civil Aviation Commis-sion;

• the Charter of the Africa Fi-nance Corporation;

• the African Union Conven-tion on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources;

• the African Union Non-Aggression and Common De-fence Pact;

• the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights;

• the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism;

• the Protocol to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism;

• the African Charter on De-mocracy, Elections and Gover-nance;

• the Convention on the Afri-can Energy Commission;

• the OAU Convention for the Elimination of Merce-narism in Africa;

• the Cotonou Partnership Agreement; and

• the African Union Con-vention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Dis-placed Persons.

Mr. Vice President and Presi-dent of the Senate, Mr. Speak-er, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Honorable Legislators: We intend to submit several new bills, in particular:

• A Bill to ratify the Loan Agreement between the Na-tional Port Authority and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Eco-nomic Development for the Port of Greenville Rehabilita-tion Project;

• A Bill to Amend the Judi-ciary Law to Create Criminal Court “F” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County and Special Divisions of the Circuit Courts of other Coun-ties to have Exclusive Original

Jurisdiction over Corruption and Related Economic and Fi-nancial Crimes;

• A Bill to ratify the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotro-pic Substances;

• A Bill to Amend the Execu-tive Law, Chapter 22, on the Ministry of Justice, Subchap-ter F, to strengthen the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency;

• A new Controlled Drug and Substances Act;

• A Bill to Establish the Rub-ber Development Fund to mo-bilize financial resources to re-generate the rubber sector;

• A Bill to Establish a Securi-ties Market in Liberia;

• A new Local Government Act in harmony with national policies designed to more ef-ficiently render services in a decentralized manner;

• An Amendment to the Pub-lic Health Law to add a new Chapter on Mental Health;

• An Amendment to the Civil Procedure Law on Special Pro-ceedings Concerning Mentally Disabled and Legally Incom-petent Persons to be titled the “Mental Health Procedural Act”;

• A new law for regulating insurance to be titled the Insur-ance Act (2014);

• An Amendment to the Char-ter of the University of Liberia;

• An Amendment to the 1989 Act Creating the National Commission on Higher Educa-tion;

• A Bill to Establish the Libe-ria National Tourism Author-ity;

• A Bill to ratify the protocol establishing the Community Court of Justice for ECOWAS;

• Multiple Bills relating to ratification of several treaties, conventions and protocols Government has signed with the United Nations World In-tellectual Property Organiza-tion (WIPO) and the Africa Regional Property Organiza-tion (AFRIPO) to protect the literary and artistic works of musicians, motion picture pro-ducers, writers and inventors;

• An Amendment to the Min-eral Development Agreement among the Government of Li-beria, Sesa Goa Limited and Bloom Fountain Limited;

• A Bill to ratify the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions;

• A Bill Outlining Procedures for the Exercise of the Consti-tutional Authority for Expro-priation;

• A Bill to ratify a Mineral Development Agreement be-tween Government and Hum-mingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc.;

• A Bill to ratify a Conces-sion Agreement between Gov-ernment and the Liberia Cocoa Corporation, a wholly Liberi-an-sponsored agricultural en-terprise; and

• A Bill to ratify a Power Purchase Agreement and an Implementation Agreement between Jindal Corporation and Government for the con-struction of a 175 MW coal power plant.

Honorable Ladies and Gen-tlemen: Additionally, we will be submitting, for your consid-eration:

• A Bill to Create Special Economic Zones in the coun-

try; • A Bill to Establish an En-

ergy Law to govern the energy sector; and

• A Bill for National Wildlife Conservation and for the Man-agement of Protected Areas of Liberia; and

Concurrently, in keeping with the Forestry Reform Law of 2006 that requires Govern-ment to place 1.5 million hect-ares (30 percent) of forestlands under protection, we will sub-mit a bill to establish the Gola National Park.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Members of this Honorable Legislature: Laws crafted must be consistent with our national interests, deter-mining, before submission to you, the financial implications. Antiquated laws that retard the promotion of our fledgling de-mocracy should be abolished. This Government was one of the first two African States that signed the Table Moun-tain Declaration, which calls for decriminalizing freedom of expression. Therefore, we will submit, for your consideration, bills to repeal all repressive laws as found in the statutes and in decrees of the PRC.

During the last several weeks, Honorable Members of the House of Representatives have been conducting consul-tations on a new Petroleum Law and the restructuring of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL). We trust the process you have under-taken will lead to a Petroleum Act that we would find suitable to approve.

Honorable Ladies and Gen-tlemen: During the period un-der review, we issued seven (7) Executive Orders to address national imperatives. They are: Executive Order #49 – Extension of Executive Order No. 36 Exempting the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation from Customs Duties on Cer-tain Products; Executive Or-der #50 – Moratorium on the Exportation of Unprocessed Natural Rubber; Executive Order #51 – Extension of Ex-ecutive Order #41 Exempting Selected Entities from Cus-toms Duties on Fuel; Execu-tive Order #52 – Suspension of Sections 904(a) and 904(b) of the Revenue Code of Liberia as Amended 2011; Executive Order #53 – Moratorium on Public Land Sales; Executive Order #54 – Temporary Sus-pension of Import Duty and Goods and Services Tax on Commercial Public Transport Buses; and on Spare Parts for the National Transit Authority (NTA) Buses; and Executive Order #55 – Re-Issuance of an Administrative Code of Con-duct for Members of the Exec-utive Branch of Government.

THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY

Honorable Ladies and Gen-tlemen: We have indeed made significant advances in eco-nomic growth and develop-ment over the last eight years of our national stewardship. We are proud of the achieve-ments of the Liberian people. But we must all be reminded that our country is recover-ing from a low economic base where 90 percent of our pro-

ductive capacity had been de-stroyed, which is arguably the greatest decrease in economic output recorded in any coun-try since World War II. Com-ing from where we were – a broken, destroyed and nearly incapacitated country – we have made marked progress in economic revitalization and the restoration of basic social services as part of the gover-nance pact with the Liberian people. Socioeconomic condi-tions have improved as a result of the combined strong efforts of the national government, the people of Liberia and our de-velopment partners. As much as has been achieved in eco-nomic and social development and reduction in the effects of the multi-dimensions of pov-erty, we do admit that signifi-cantly more must be done and more will be done. What is re-quired now is continued peace and stability and the combined efforts of all Liberians in ad-vancing the national cause of shared growth and develop-ment.

In the decades preceding in-stability, Liberia’s growth re-cord was remarkable as shown in statistical terms, but this masked serious problems of poverty and inequality in much of the country. The Agenda for Transformation recognizes this, pointing out that Vision 2030 will only be achieved if there is Economic Transforma-tion – addressing long-stand-ing structural deficiencies. The beginning years of our national recovery required reactivation of growth in those traditional economic sectors; however, these latter years demand a commitment not to repeat the mistakes of the past – to re-spond to inequality by lifting a larger number of the popula-tion out of long-standing pov-erty through inclusive growth.

Historically, our growth po-tential is challenged by chronic deficits in critical infrastruc-ture, and a largely undiversi-fied economy dependent main-ly upon traditional export products – iron ore, rubber and timber – which are exposed to global markets’ volatility.

Despite these historical con-straints and the sluggishness of global economic recovery in the last two years, the Libe-rian economy continues to be resilient. Growth registered an average annual 8 percent be-tween 2006-2013 – the third highest in the ECOWAS re-gion and well above the sub-Saharan Africa average of 2.5 percent.

Growth and progress could have registered even higher levels if greater effort had been made to unleash the poten-tial consistent with the more than US$16 billion which was mobilized in Direct Foreign Investment. As we move to address historical constraints, infrastructure is a first prior-ity. An economic Constraints Analysis conducted by the Government in collaboration with the Millennium Chal-lenge Corporation, has identi-fied electricity and roads as the two binding constraints to economic growth and private investment.

Reform of the fiscal system which started in 2006 is still a long way away from the ef-

ficiency level required to fully support our economic aspira-tions. The budget has increased significantly since FY2006/7, allowing service provision and investment to expand. Core revenue (tax revenue, non-tax revenue and grants) increased by an average of 29 percent each year, and total revenues, including contingent revenue and on-budget borrowing, rose from US$148 million in FY2006/7 to US$559 mil-lion in FY2012/13. Continued sluggishness in core revenue, increasing by only 17 percent over the previous year, and an average 27 percent over the seven years, suggests more ef-fort to strengthen the Ministry of Finance which needs to take bolder steps, including pro-posed legislation to broaden the tax base.

Even though good partner-ship relations through grant support and one-off payments from sign-on bonuses have covered revenue gaps over the past years, this practice is not sustainable and could become a disincentive to ef-ficiency in tax collection and tax consciousness. A vigorous tax enforcement plan is being finalized by the Ministry of Fi-nance, to be implemented by a Special Task Force as we move to make the Revenue Author-ity operational at a much faster pace. The activities of this Task Force may cause discomfort and embarrassment for some public officials and prominent individuals and businesses that are yet to pay their fair share of taxes. We encourage each of us to check our records and move quickly into full compli-ance. It is only by paying our fair share of taxes that we can boast of truly contributing to our national reconstruction and development.

Expenditure for budget year 2012/13 totaled US$593 mil-lion, an increase of 22 percent over the previous year and annual average growth of 28 percent over the seven-year period. Recurrent expenditure, especially wages and salaries and goods and services, con-tinue to dominate the budget, crowding out the capital ex-penditure required for a grow-ing economy. In 2012/13, this amounted to US$326 million out of a total expenditure of US$593 million.

Capital expenditure in the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP) increased to US$138 million in FY2012/13 from the US$51.9 million allocated in the previous year. This in-cluded off-budget lending of US$14.4 million through con-cessional loans and credits. Additional off-budget financ-ing through grants and loans to support programs and proj-ects amounted to a disbursed amount of US$499 million, representing about 83 per-cent of the aid projection of US$567 million.

Loans contracted from ex-ternal sources to date total ap-proximately US$757 million. In support of a wide range of development activities, Acts covering US$456 million have been ratified while Acts for US$300 million are currently before you pending ratifica-tion.

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Domestic debt service dur-ing the period totaled approxi-mately US$40 million, repre-senting settlement of Central Bank of Liberia’s US$7.5 mil-lion bridge and US$21.2 mil-lion overdraft facilities. An ad-ditional US$11.8 million was paid to settle other domestic debts, and US$7.09 million to external debts.

Having complied with the requirements of the HIPC pro-gram, which led to the waiver of a significant portion of our external debt, Liberia is able to access financial markets once again to increase public sector investment with fiscally pru-dent borrowings aimed solely at addressing the infrastructure deficit.

For the first time, the FY2012/13 budget was pre-pared using a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a process that pro-grams revenues and expendi-ture over a three-year period, thus aligning with the Agenda for Transformation.

Many challenges remain in improving financial manage-ment, a situation exacerbated by unduly long procurement processes which must be cor-rected. We are addressing these shortcomings by strengthening the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework budget process; strengthening the technical ca-pacity of the Project Manage-ment Office in the Department of Budget; and reviewing the laws, provisions and organiza-tional arrangements in the pro-curement process. We will also implement stringent guidelines relating to the State-Owned Enterprises which will no lon-ger be allowed to make dis-cretionary disbursements, ap-proved by self-serving Boards that are not in conformity with our priorities and goals.

Honorable Legislators: If we are to achieve our development goals and respond to the calls of our citizens for better roads, more lights, available and af-fordable power, more water, more schools and more hospi-tals, we must reduce the waste in recurrent expenditure, and increase public sector invest-ments to the level of minimum annual US$150 million, as re-quired to achieve our growth targets.

We therefore ask, in the inter-est of a smooth budget process in this political year, that you exercise caution and consulta-tion in your review and action on the budget submitted by the Executive. We too want more development in the rural areas, but this can only be achieved through a realistic budgetary process and a collaborative ef-fort that recognizes respective constitutional mandates.

The financial system has continued to expand under the guidance of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) – in branch networks, foreign exchange bureaux and credit unions. This resulted in significant expansion in credit which was buoyed by policy measures relating to more stringent ac-tion by the CBL and the Com-mercial Court, resulting in a decrease in non-performing loans. Credit expansion will

also be positively impacted once delayed implementation of the decision to reduce the reserve requirement of com-mercial banks is made, thus bringing the CBL in harmony with similar institutions in the region. Credit expansion will also have greater potential and maximum impact when citizens demonstrate their re-sponsibility by repaying their loans, a factor which continues to weaken access to credit for local companies.

Relatively stable since 2010, the Liberian dollar came un-der enormous pressure during the year, resulting in a depre-ciation of 15 percent. This was due in part to deteriorating terms of trade caused by ris-ing demand for imports and decline in exports from rub-ber which, along with iron ore, represents 95 percent of total exports. The UNMIL draw-down has also impacted the injection of foreign exchange into our market. The deprecia-tion was also due to specula-tive capital flight which was addressed by CBL intervention in the foreign exchange mar-ket, which mopped up excess Liberian dollar liquidity that contributes to exchange rate volatility. At the same time, in-ternational reserves fell US$14 million below the target level required under our program with the International Mon-etary Fund, implying less than three-month import cover. A CBL decision placed US$22 million in commercial banks as economic stimulus lending to the agricultural and construc-tion sectors and to Liberian businesses. The beneficial re-sults of this action can only be assured through better coordi-nation and cooperation by the leadership of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance.

Nevertheless, the high level of dollarization moderated the effect of the depreciation, keeping inflation at a single-digit 7.5 percent, which com-pares favorably with other countries in the region. The re-serve target under our program with the International Mon-etary Fund was also met at the end of December.

The CBL remains a strong institution with potential to do more in support of growth in the economy. Significant progress has been made in regulating the activities of the insurance sector, modernizing the payments system and es-tablishing a collateral registry. The issuance of 90-day Trea-sury bill denominated in Libe-rian dollar commenced in the fourth quarter of FY2012/13, primarily to facilitate revenue smoothing and as an initial step towards the creation of a domestic money market.

A four-year roadmap was formulated to address the dual currency issue through a ra-tional and gradual transition process of de-dollarization through the removal of bar-riers to increase demand for transaction in Liberian dollars. A more effective cooperative role by the monetary and fiscal authorities will ensure that the economy performs as planned and the roadmap is implement-

ed as envisioned.Agriculture remains the key

sector of the economy for local employment creation, poverty reduction, food security and income generation, as over 60 percent of the population de-pends on this sector for live-lihood. Food security is listed as a national priority, but we must admit that there has been under-investment by both the public and private sectors. Only massive investment can fix this under-performing sec-tor so that it can play the vital role of delivering inclusive economic growth, environ-mental sustainability and long-term poverty reduction. Our scarce budget resources cannot do this, given the many other priorities, so we will need to attract investment from the pri-vate sector. At the same time, the private sector will not re-spond if there is continued ha-rassment, extortion and unrea-sonable community demands.

Consistent with national priority, the Ministry of Agri-culture has mobilized support for smallholders with produc-tion potential in rubber, coffee and cocoa, as they will have positive impact on exports and employment. More needs to be done for smallholders in food crop and animal produc-tion who continue to produce at subsistence level in the in-formal sector. Support will require more than tools and seeds, as the lack of roads, storage and markets also serve as major constraints.

Bold action may be required by shifting from the existing low funding level to one that will build a solid foundation for a highly productive, in-ternationally competitive and diversified agricultural sector. The 2014/15 budget submis-sion will thus include: support for access to credit for farm-ers at an initial funding level of US$9.3 million; addressing the serious health concerns of small farmers – especially those producing rice in the more productive lowlands fields – with a three-year annu-al investment of US$ 1.7 mil-lion; and a three-year agricul-tural mechanization proposal with an annual investment of US$2.3 million.

Progress was made in de-veloping the poultry industry. With direct support from the former President of Nigeria, the Obasanjo Farms, Libe-ria (OBL) was established in Grand Cape Mount County, and the first part of the opera-tion – the production and sale of fresh eggs – was formally opened for business in July. A hatchery for the supply of day-old chicks will become op-erational in early March, and a Feed Mill will become fully operational thereafter.

Project New Outlook (PNO), an agricultural-based NGO established in 1998, is headed by its founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Beatrice Togba Wuo, with their head office at Barnard Farm, Paynesville, and two production sites in Zoe Dahn Clan. With fund-ing from the Finnish Refugee Council, PMO launched a community-based program in 1999 with vulnerable women – widows, single parents and young girls that have dropped

out of school, are unemployed, and yet bearing children – from the Forzohn Community, Mambahn District, and lower Margibi County. Between 2003-2006, PNO worked in 30 communities in Margibi County, in partnership with Mercy Corps, and provided training and support for im-proved farming methods. Mrs. Togba Wuo and her team are currently partnering with Finn Church Aid to implement two agricultural projects in which they support 96 vulnerable women farmers that have been trained to produce and market eggs and assorted vegetables in rural and urban areas of Mont-serrado County. We commend them and recognize Mrs. Tog-ba Wuo’s presence here today.

Important action has been taken to stimulate the fish-ing industry, which has the potential to supply the local and export markets, increase revenue and create jobs. Tuna fish licensing will commence in February; and two fish land-ing clusters – a one-stop center where caught fish are stored, processed and distributed for the local market or for export – will be constructed in Grand Bassa and Grand Cape Mount Counties. A coastal station will be built in Harper, Maryland County; and industrial fish offloading and export jetties will be constructed at the Free-port of Monrovia. The head of-fice of the Bureau of National Fisheries will be constructed at the Omega Village, in Paynes-ville, to monitor the implemen-tation of the National Fisheries Policy. Legislation, as re-quired, is near completion for submission to you.

Land is the critical asset of a natural resource rich country. Liberia has a total land area of 111,370 square kilometers, in-cluding 96,320 square kilome-ters of land and 15,050 square kilometers of water. Agricul-ture land constitutes about 27 percent of the total land area, but only about 5 percent of the land mass is under cultiva-tion, making land utilization extremely low and lagging behind other countries in the region.

Access to land and security of tenure have been major con-straints to increased produc-tion and productivity in the concession agriculture sector. This is due to competing and conflicting rights of tenure among mining, agriculture and forestry operators, creating tensions exacerbated by the historical claims to land in af-fected rural communities.

The Government has re-sponded robustly to the issue. The Land Rights Policy pro-mulgated in May is the clear-est and most comprehensive categorization of land rights ever articulated in public policy in Liberia. Categories of land rights include: Pri-vate Land Rights, Custom-ary Land Rights, Govern-ment Land Rights, and Public Land Rights. The Land Rights Policy represents a paradigm shift away from the unwrit-ten but widely accepted policy of the past that gave govern-ment ownership rights over all lands. This is consistent with our decentralization program, and will provide opportunities

for empowering rural com-munities by allowing them to manage their land and land-based resources so as to ad-vance their economic growth and development. To ensure implementation of the new Policy, a draft Land Rights Law has been completed and is undergoing public validation for subsequent submission to you.

The Land Commission has also tackled other areas in the land sector. Land disputes con-tinue to be a dominant feature of community life throughout the country. Land Coordina-tion Centers have been estab-lished and are fully operational in Lofa, Margibi, Bong, Nimba and Maryland Counties. They serve as pilots in coordinating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for dealing with land disputes in these five counties.

Passage of the Criminal Con-veyance of Land Bill is await-ing House concurrence. This bill which addresses criminal activities in the land sector, such as fraudulent sales, will enhance access to land and im-prove tenure security.

There is urgent need to cre-ate a new land agency, which would consolidate the land sector and improve efficiency and transparency of land ad-ministration and management. A draft creating the new agen-cy is under review and will subsequently be forwarded to you.

Liberia is rich in natural resources: virgin forests ac-counting for 43 percent of the biodiversity in West Africa; mountains filled with iron ore, gold and other minerals; fertile land, with plentiful rain for ag-riculture; and our share of the Atlantic Ocean filled with va-rieties of fish and the potential for hydrocarbon.

The exploitation of these resources must be done in an appropriate governance framework that will protect the national interest but con-tinue to create a conducive environment for investment. The management of our natu-ral resources calls for an open and transparent environment which guarantees investors a fair return on their investment, while maximizing benefits for Liberian citizens and Liberian businesses.

New forest laws stress the integration of community, con-servation, and commercial for-est management, while a Com-munity Rights Law empowers communities to fully engage in the management of forest resources.

The National Forestry Re-form Law of 2006 makes pro-vision for the issuance of five categories of forest resource licenses to access forest con-tracts: Forest Management Contract (FMC), Timber Sales Contract (TSC); Private Use Permit (PUP); Forest Use Per-mit (FUP); and Community Forestry. Poor management of the implementation of those laws resulted in a setback in attracting quality investors to the sector and in a major loss in revenue.

The issuance of 63 PUPs prior to the formulation of rel-evant regulations to guide the process raised national and international concerns. A Spe-

cial Independent Investigating Body (SIIB) we constituted to probe the matter made recom-mendations that led to a mora-torium on the issuance and operations of all PUPs pending the validation of the draft regu-lation. Meanwhile, 29 of the 63 PUPs issued have been re-voked, while the remaining 34 are being reviewed for further action and possible cancella-tion. It should be noted, how-ever, that this has no effect on forest operations which contin-ue for entities with valid Forest Management Contracts.

Full revival of the sector, including contributions to rev-enue, is expected with passage of the legislation relating to bid premiums. The Board of Direc-tors has been reconstituted and new management has taken bold steps toward compliance with all laws and regulations. The Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union should attract quality investors committed to value addition to the sector.

The National Bureau of Con-cessions began work, with stakeholders, to develop a uniform national template to monitor and evaluate the com-pliance of concessionaires in the country, in order to reduce the many and often confusing reportorial lines. A National Concessions Cadastre is to be established for the administra-tion and operation of a unified National Concessions Data-base System that will integrate and consolidate a repository of concession information. The Bureau is to make certain that concessionaires remain in full compliance with the terms and conditions of their respective concession agreements, and ensures that Liberian citizens and firms get the anticipated employment and business op-portunities from these conces-sion contracts.

The Bureau faces challenges, including the lack of human capacity, logistics and insuf-ficient budget allocation. The new management is expected to address these challenges to meet the purpose for which the Bureau was created.

The Liberia Maritime Au-thority, despite the current global economic crisis was able to conduct its planned ac-tivities, contributing approxi-mately US$19 million to the National Budget.

The Liberia Marine Training Institute, opened in October 2011 after closure since 1989, graduated 80, bringing to over 500 the number of trained and certified Liberians who are now prepared for employ-ment in the Maritime sector. This is most inadequate when we consider that 4,000 vessels are registered under our Flag. Plans are under way to expand opportunities and train more Liberians for employment in maritime work.

The Authority initiated the innovative Beaches and Wa-terways project which, in its fifth year of operation, con-tinued to employ over 1,900 beach community dwellers. This adds value, as many citi-zens can now walk and play on the beach without risk to safety and unsanitary conditions.

ANNUAL MESSAGE

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ANNUAL MESSAGEIn 2013, Liberia was one

of three sub-Saharan African States re-elected, for the 2014-2015 biennium, to the Interna-tional Maritime Organization Assembly’s 40-Member Coun-cil, a notable achievement of the Authority.

The Ministry of Commerce is exploring ways to address the growing trade deficit and the difficult situation faced by consumers who are experienc-ing the negative consequences of the exchange rate deprecia-tion. This highlights the urgent need to expand the export sec-tor and diversify our economy away from traditional exports to new value-added sectors.

The fastest growing sectors are dominated by micro, small and medium-sized businesses, located in the service and in-dustrial sectors that are pro-ducing beverages, vegetable oils, flour, plastic products, agricultural goods and cement. New firms established in 2013 are developing value-added sectors such as biscuit manu-facturing and furniture.

One such company, the TIBA Industrial Group, is a local manufacturer of a variety of biscuit products – Marie, Nice, Ginger, Digestive, Glucose, and Cream Cracker – all of them very familiar to Liberi-ans. TIBA biscuits are 100 per-cent manufactured and pack-aged here, with plans to export “Made in Liberia” products. TIBA currently employs 90 Li-berians operating one shift – 90 percent of whom are women. At full capacity, the plant will operate three eight-hour shifts seven days a week, thereby increasing its workforce to 270 Liberians. This is an ex-cellent example of the private sector creating industrial jobs for Liberians, and we want to recognize here and applaud the proprietors of the TIBA Group: Mackel Gharib, his father Riz-kallah Gharib, and Cousin Atta Gharib.

We applaud another suc-cessful Liberian businessman who CNN has recognized as the street vendor who turned US$200 into a potential multi-million-dollar business. He is Mr. Fomba Trawally, founder and owner of National Toilet-ries Inc. (NTI). Under the label of Kumba, Bendu & Sons, NTI manufactures paper towels, napkins, toilet paper and baby diapers, as well as cleaning products. The company, which started production a little over a year ago, has 45 employees -- 32 of them women -- and is located in Whein Town, in Montserrado County. Let us recognize and appreciate this enterprising Liberian.

The Ministry ensured that MSMEs are assisted with a supportive business climate, by eliminating the L$4,200 business license fee and sim-plifying the procedures so that the entire registration process takes an average 48 hours. Liberia is thus rated the third easiest place to register a busi-ness in sub-Saharan Africa. This was highlighted during the first MSME Conference which brought together 800 participants comprising bank-ing institutions, service pro-

viders and international equity investors, while equally high-lighting the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.

As a partial response to this challenge, we are preparing the guidelines for scrupulous im-plementation of Government’s decision to direct 25 percent of public procurement of goods and services to Liberian busi-nesses, which amounts to ac-cess to millions of dollars in public procurement opportuni-ties.

These businesses will also be helped by the Liberia Innova-tion Fund for Entrepreneurs (LIFE), in joint support from budget resources and the Libe-ria Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI). Efforts are under way to formulate policies and systems to protect consumers from arbitrary price increase and from poor quality goods. Without prejudice to our commitment to competi-tive open markets, we are con-sidering ways to help private investment in local industries, which need protection from the influx of competing imports. Another measure under con-sideration is to impose a one-year transitional period after which non-Liberians will be restricted to wholesaling, pro-viding retailing opportunities for Liberians.

The government has pro-vided multiple opportunities to bring business to local SMEs, totaling over US$400,000 in the last year. Additionally these businesses have access to assistance in business planning and development. More help to local businesses translates into more jobs for the Liberian peo-ple. Tax waivers, the first SME Directory and an entrepre-neurial exchange with Forbes Magazine were some of the initiatives undertaken during the year on behalf of SMEs.

Among initiatives for job-placement opportunities is the WELD program, which recently graduated over 300 students in the areas of weld-ing, carpentry, and heavy-duty machinery. This program will be continued through the Booker Washington Institute, which has already provided the land for constructing a training facility through the UNIDO/Komatsu project.

Having been classified in 2013 by the World Bank Do-ing Business Survey as the third easiest place to register a business in sub-Saharan Af-rica, Liberia is now poised for more progress in achieving ac-cession to the World Trade Or-ganization.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Honorable Members of the Legislature: Consistent with our national interest, the Ex-ecutive continues to engage positively with all friendly countries and peoples around the world.

We play an active and lead-ership role in the Mano River Union (MRU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Af-rican Union, upholding the ide-als of peace and security, and the advancement of regional

integration and cooperation. Overall peace and stability in

West Africa has remained sta-ble through the individual and collective efforts of ECOWAS Member States. Notwithstand-ing, the region faces multiple political and security chal-lenges, mainly linked to trans-national organized crimes, piracy and terrorist activities. Liberia was proud to contrib-ute an infantry platoon-size unit of the Armed Forces of Li-beria (AFL) to join the Africa International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) – the first time that our country is partici-pating in peacekeeping opera-tions in 52 years.

Liberia successfully partici-pated in the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union (OAU/AU) and, as a founding Mem-ber State, planned and execut-ed several nationwide activi-ties in commemoration of the historic event. We also par-ticipated in the AU’s Extraor-dinary Session, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in May, also marking the celebration of the Anniversary.

We continue to serve Africa in leadership positions under the African Union Commis-sion mandate: the African Peer Review Mechanism, aimed to improve governance pro-cesses; and the High-Level Committee of African Heads of State to ensure inclusion of Africa’s Common Position in the Post-2015 Global De-velopment Agenda. We also chaired the High-Level Panel on Fragile States, under the aegis of the African Devel-opment Bank, which aims to mitigate the vulnerability of fragile States to new political and economic shocks.

Honorable Members of the Legislature: As a result of in-tense diplomacy and concrete confidence-building measures, our administration has deep-ened friendly relations with the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire, forging positive cooperation to address border-line tensions such as that which occurred in 2012.

Our two governments, with support from the UN Missions in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, made good our respective commitments to stabilize and restore calm along our border through measures intended to bolster security and build con-fidence. Meetings in Monro-via in September and October among our two governments and the UN peacekeeping mis-sions, led to the establishment of a Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders to encourage border safety and continual promotion of confidence-building.

Our administration continues to pursue a robust development diplomacy agenda through the conclusion of cooperation agreements and joint commis-sions with friendly govern-ments, including the People’s Republic of China, Japan, In-dia, Indonesia, Guinea, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea, Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire. Memoranda of Understanding and State-ments of Intent were also con-cluded with the United States of America and the European Union, establishing political consultation mechanisms for the promotion of bilateral co-

operation. A bilateral forum with the European Commis-sion was held during the year, and similar fora are planned in the United States and Japan in the next few months.

Liberia, as one of three co-chairs, hosted, last January, the Third Meeting of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Per-sons established by the United Nations Secretary-General to craft a global development framework to replace the Mil-lennium Development Goals when they expire at the end of 2015. We recommend your reading of the report of the Panel, titled “A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Pov-erty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Devel-opment,” which has received global acclaim.

The Ministry of Foreign Af-fairs notes with satisfaction the increased foreign diplo-matic presence in Liberia as a result of effective diplomacy, and a vote of confidence in the country’s future. These include the reopening of the British Embassy in Monrovia, with a Resident Ambassador, after more than 20 years of non-resident diplomatic presence; and opening of Embassies of Brazil, Sweden and the State of Qatar in Monrovia, at the level of Resident Ambassadors.

There are about 38 facili-ties housing our Chanceries and the residences of our dip-lomatic staff abroad. Fifteen of these properties are owned by Government. The proper-ties in Washington D.C., Paris and Abuja are in relative good shape; the rest are in serious disrepair and have suffered from neglect over the last quar-ter century of our civil crisis.

Most of these properties are located in prime areas around the world and, with enough funding to give them a face-lift, Government could find it-self owning properties of great value.

Most of the Embassies are understaffed. Staff accommo-dation is less than desirable, and because of inadequate rental allowances, many of the officers are forced to live in ar-eas that are not representative of their status as diplomats of the Republic.

Additionally, there is no pro-vision in the budget for edu-cation allowance or medical insurance coverage for staff and, in many instances, Gov-ernment is in breach of laws of the host countries regarding benefits of local employees.

In the MRU region, we own prime properties for Chancer-ies in Abidjan, Conakry and Freetown, which are in urgent need of repair and renovation. The residence of the current Vice President of Ghana is a neighbor to the premises of our Embassy, and our Chancery is occupying land in the heart of Accra that is a few feet of the Foreign Ministry of Ghana. If immediate action is not taken to erect decent structures in these two locations, Govern-ment could lose them.

The same goes for the prop-erty in Addis Ababa. Because Liberia was among the first to acquire property in that coun-try, our Embassy is within a stone’s throw of the new multi-

million-dollar AU Commis-sion Headquarters. The Ethio-pian Government has been patient with us, but we could lose the property unless we meet the standards for proper-ties within that vicinity.

In all, Government may need an allotment of at least US$20 million in order to bring all of our properties to a minimum standard so that they do not stand out among glittering buildings around the world. Such an allotment would also enable us to improve salaries and other benefits for our staff, and would make it easier to rotate, retire and clean up the Foreign Service.

SECURITY, PEACE, JUSTICE, AND RULE OF

LAW

The celebration of a Decade of Peace in 2013 was a mile-stone achievement for us as a nation, regardless of our indi-vidual status, ethnicity, politi-cal and religious affiliations. We are all proud of this collec-tive achievement, recognizing that violence, which knows no boundaries or differences, shatters and destroys; while peace pools the resources of a people, leading them to greater development.

With the support of the inter-national community, especially the United States and United Nations peacekeeping and peace-building efforts, Liberia has rebuilt a new, ethnically balanced and professional army; and has embarked upon a process to enhance the pro-fessional capacity of the Libe-ria National Police, immigra-tion and intelligence agencies in line with their responsibility for security within our borders. However, much work remains to be done, and so we wel-come the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2116 that extends the mandate of UN peacekeepers to September 30, 2014.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, a 1,980-person-strong Armed Forces of Liberia continues to position itself to support a democratic environment through tactical and technical proficiencies and the develop-ment of a robust capacity to defend our territorial integrity.

The Armed Forces Training Command, now headquartered at the newly renovated Todee Camp, assumed responsibil-ity for tactical and proficiency training locally, and is present-ly training 140 new army re-cruits, which will be increased by some 400 recruits who were vetted and endorsed by the Joint Personnel Board.

The AFL is also expanding its Engineering and Medical Units to assist in reconstruc-tion projects and social ser-vice delivery. Similarly, the Coast Guard, of 82 persons, is expanding and strengthening its capabilities to patrol and protect our maritime domain, as evidenced by the arrests of several illegal fishing vessels in our waters.

The UNMIL transition plan, which transfers security man-agement of the state to the Government of Liberia, has entered its second phase, hav-ing completed phase one in the

following strategic locations: Robertsport, Foya District, and the Loguatou Border, Nimba County. Plans are well under way for trained security units to fill security personnel gaps created by the UNMIL draw-down.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore: In my last year’s An-nual Message, I indicated that we would, at the 2014 Armed Forces Day Celebration, in-stall a Liberian Army Chief of Staff. Having consulted the relevant committees and your good selves, we have officially nominated, for confirmation by the Honorable Senate, the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Brigade Commander, all of whom, if confirmed, would be installed in these positions on February 11, Armed Forces Day. We will then bid farewell to General Suraj Abdurrahman who has served us so well as the Com-mand Officer-in-Charge.

In collaboration with the United Nations Peacekeep-ing Department, the Ministry of Justice managed the estab-lishment of a regional justice and security facility, called the Hub, to decentralize and strengthen the Criminal Jus-tice System. The first Hub, es-tablished in Gbarnga to serve Bong, Lofa and Nimba, was inaugurated in February 2013 and is currently at 95 percent completion. This has facilitat-ed a successful management of disruptions in the three coun-ties in the Gbarnga Region over the past year. The new Circuit Courthouses which will open within a month, but-tressed by construction of three Magisterial Courts, in each of the other two Hub counties, will further strengthen and make the justice system more accessible to our citizens in the leeward counties. The inclu-sion of immigration services, starting in the Gbarnga Hub Region, will pre-empt the need to travel to Monrovia to regu-larize immigration status.

The construction of Hubs 2 and 3, in Zwedru and Harper, respectively, will commence soon. Similar facilities should follow, within the next year, for Buchanan and Tubman-burg, thus covering the entire country on a regional basis.

As mentioned earlier, an Al-ternative Dispute Resolution program has been established to enhance citizens’ access to justice. Activities under this action will include a scoping study to map and evaluate ex-isting approaches; and a pilot project to explore and support innovative approaches at the local level.

Probation services that now cover only Montserrado, Bong, Nimba and Lofa will be ex-panded this year to include the entire country so that criminal defendants who deserve a sec-ond chance will have the op-portunity to avail themselves of that right.

The prosecutorial capacity of the Ministry of Justice remains weak, although greatly en-hanced by the appointment of a new Solicitor General. Prog-ress is noted in the prosecution of gender-based violence, bank

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Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014

ANNUAL MESSAGEfraud, murder, armed robbery and corruption. A total of 172 cases were tried, with the gov-ernment winning guilty ver-dicts in 144 of them.

During the year, a compre-hensive nationwide baseline assessment of the Liberia Na-tional Police (LNP) was con-ducted to identify issues and develop a strategic framework for promoting effectiveness and advancement within the service. This is in recognition of the need to address difficul-ties faced by the LNP in terms of compensation, barracks, and logistics. A forthcoming reor-ganization and restructuring of the LNP will address these issues and ensure proper treat-ment for long-tenured officers who have served us well and kept our nation safe.

Training of police at the Police Academy to increase the current strength is ongo-ing. It is projected that, annu-ally, 600 new graduates from the Academy will enter the LNP. This number will have to be substantially increased to meet the UNMIL draw-down target. We are pleased that the last graduating class included 97 university gradu-ates, who are expected to help enhance the professionalism of the police. Concerns continue about reported corruption and disorderly conduct by police officers that undermine the reputation of the hundreds who continue to serve honorably despite the difficulties. The LNP must continue to enhance the capacity of its Professional Standards Division to investi-gate unethical conduct. We ask citizens to continue submitting complaints on unethical con-duct for investigation.

In light of the substantial in-crease in vehicles and the lack of alternative roads, the record showed significant increases in the rate of injuries, deaths and property damage result-ing from accidents caused by motorcyclists, particularly on the main arteries. It thus be-came necessary, as a public safety measure, to regulate and enforce the movement of mo-torcyclists in and around Mon-rovia, particularly on Tubman Boulevard. The sharp decline in the number of motor vehicle accidents indicates that this was the right decision.

The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), as another safety-promoting measure, undertook a massive Fire Pre-vention and Safety Awareness campaign in six major com-munities in Monrovia and its environs. It is planned to extend this to certain at-risk communities in other counties. The government has expressed special gratitude to the Fire Rescue Alliance of Minnesota, USA, for its support in procur-ing new fire service equipment and in-service training for LNFS officers.

The fight against trafficking in persons (TIP) is gaining momentum. Amendment to the 2005 Act on Trafficking in Per-sons to include Migrant Smug-gling, resulted in a number of offenders being investigated and prosecuted for human trafficking. Endorsement of

the five-year National Action Plan and early prosecution of offenders will add to this mo-mentum and give evidence of progress to reverse the nega-tive reporting which the coun-try faces.

Drug usage and drug-related offenses remain one of the greatest security challenges, as our small country is plagued by an alarming rate of drug abuse and drug trafficking. Major ef-fort is under way by the Drug Enforcement Agency, in co-ordination with other security agencies, to enforce vigilance and aggressive response in investigating and dismantling domestic illicit drug activities. Two major cases involving in-ternational offenses were pre-vented by the Drug Enforce-ment Agency and the National Security Agency, resulting in indictment in U.S. courts.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Honorable Members of the Legislature, My Fellow Libe-rians: The absence of reliable and affordable electricity, and the poor condition of a sig-nificant portion of our primary road network, represents ma-jor constraints to private sec-tor value addition, investment and overall national develop-ment. If we are to achieve the economic transformation of our country, which guaran-tees a future of prosperity and employment for our youthful population, it is paramount that we invest, among other things, in infrastructure, giving prior-ity to power, roads and ports, as well as to agriculture and forestry which have the po-tential to expand the economy for rural participation and food security.

Our Energy Program, under the leadership of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, is guided by a comprehensive electricity master plan which covers the development of electricity infrastructure and expansion of access to quality and affordable electricity ser-vices in the short, medium and long term.

In the short term, the focus is to expand the transmission and distribution infrastructure and to respond to the demand of residential and commercial customers. The medium term of one to three years will see major expansion in generation capacity.

In this regard, rehabilita-tion of the Mount Coffee hy-droelectric power plant, our flagship program, is well on course. Manufacturing of the turbines, the most critical com-ponent of the project, is al-ready under way, and physical work on the powerhouse and dam has already commenced.

Two days ago, on January 25, to the rousing reception and delight of the people of Loui-siana, a few of you joined me and several of our partners in groundbreaking for the civil works phase of the project.

Even as Mount Coffee pro-gresses, plans formulated by the Liberia Electricity Cor-poration (LEC) call for con-tinually increasing our pow-er-generation capacity by

constructing three heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plants at the Bushrod Island facility. A total capacity of 38 megawatts will more than double the existing generation capacity, enabling us to connect more customers and offer electricity services at more affordable prices.

In order to upgrade the grid to absorb the power generated from Mount Coffee and the HFO power plants, the grid will be extended to new areas in the city, including the City Center, Sinkor, and communi-ties along Duport Road, Rehab Road, Zuba Town Road and ELWA Road.

The Cross-Border Project, through which electricity will be provided to Maryland, Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties from Côte d’Ivoire, progressed significantly, there-by expanding electricity access outside of Monrovia. Citizens are today rejoicing in Ganta, Saclepea and Sanniquellie as grid lights reach cities in Nimba, with Grand Gedeh and Maryland to benefit similarly within the next few weeks.

The commissioned Yande-houn micro-hydro power plant, in Lofa County, is already sup-plying power to Yandehoun and surrounding towns, ben-efitting close to 1,000 persons. Plans are under way to secure a US$50 million facility to repli-cate this success, constructing up to ten mini- and micro-hydro power plants in rural ar-eas across the country.

The Three Corridors Project – to construct a transmission line from Monrovia to Kakata, Monrovia to Klay, and Mon-rovia to Harbel – is well ad-vanced. A US$144 million line of credit from the Republic of India for the construction of high-voltage 225 kV transmis-sion lines across the country will facilitate the delivery of power services in these cor-ridors.

Liberia was among six Afri-can countries included in U.S. President Barack Obama’s Power Africa initiative, which aims to double electricity ac-cess in sub-Saharan Africa by building on the continent’s po-tential in gas and oil as well as its huge potential to develop clean energy. Power Africa will mobilize the U.S. private sector to add 10,000 mega-watts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity, while also increasing electric-ity access by at least 20 million new households and business-es. We are actively engaged in identifying a U.S. private sec-tor partner, as required by the program, to ensure that Liberia succeeds in benefitting from this important initiative.

Deteriorated and inadequate road networks throughout Li-beria have had adverse effects on the costs and transport of goods and services, vehicle operation costs, safe move-ment of citizens and residents within our borders, regional investments and trade oppor-tunities, and the delivery of development and humanitarian assistance for our citizens.

In order to address this situa-tion, we have, under the direc-tion of the Ministry of Public Works, invested huge sums in the construction of roads and bridges. These investments fo-

cus principally on primary road networks that connect produc-tion areas to markets, connect county capitals, and enhance national and sub-regional se-curity, trade and commerce.

Pavement of the Diahn-Blae Gbehzohn Highway, in Grand Bassa County, is completed. Construction is now accelerat-ing on two major corridors: the Red-light to Gbarnga to Ganta (Guinea Border) Highway and the Kakata to Bong Mines Road. In order to address the delay, and in conformity with financial requirements, the Government had to pay over US$22 million to resettle indi-viduals with properties in the right of way – many of whom lacked title and built illegally, knowing the road construc-tion was coming. By the end of 2014, our people will begin to feel the immediate impact of these major developments in their lives – reduced travel time and costs of vehicle oper-ation and maintenance, better access to and reduction in costs of basic goods and services, and enhanced development in affected communities.

Efforts and negotiations are under way, in fulfillment of our commitment to connect county capitals with paved roads. Fea-sibility studies and detailed en-gineering design for the Kornia to Voinjama and Mendekorma Corridors are completed, and a similar study for the Gbarnga to Kornia Corridor is nearing completion. A special donor conference, in Monrovia, is planned for this year, to mobi-lize support for the construc-tion of these vital roads which have high economic potential. The importance of this road is sufficiently high, requiring, if necessary, the allocation of budget resources to achieve this objective. We are unlikely to be able to meet our commit-ment to pave the Buchanan to Cestos to Greenville Corridor in time for the July 26 celebra-tion, but an upgrade will take place as we seek financing for the full pavement.

The first phase of the asphalt pavement of at least 50 kilo-meters of road that will link Harper to Karloken is sched-uled to commence this year – a significant milestone that signifies Government’s com-mitment, making the southeast section of the country more ac-cessible. The Ganta to Harper road has been divided into seg-ments to allow for phased de-velopment: Ganta to Tappita, Tappita to Zwedru, Zwedru to Fish Town and Fish Town to Harper. Feasibility studies for the segment between Zwedru and Fish Town are under way, as we seek financing for the feasibility and pavement of all segments.

In partnership with the Gov-ernment of Sweden, the de-velopment of our feeder road networks continues. More than 100 kilometers of feeder roads have been rehabilitated in Nimba and Lofa Counties, thereby increasing communi-ty-level farm to market access and connectivity to secondary and primary roads.

Plans for the pavement up-grade of the 70-kilometer road between Ganta and Yekepa are concluded, with work expected to commence this year. The

pavement was upgraded from double surface treatment “chip seal” to full asphalt pavement in consideration of the antici-pated typical traffic load. As a means of accelerating our road construction program, we will require all concessionaires to deliver on their commitments for road infrastructure devel-opment as agreed in their indi-vidual concession agreements. This includes pavement of the Zwedru to Greenville and Tub-manburg to Kongo Corridors.

Maintaining laterite roads remains one of the biggest challenges, a situation largely necessitated by budgetary and capacity limitations. This is not helped by an extended rainy season, and the continued abuse and misuse of our roads by road users, particularly with overloaded, multi-axle trucks.

Investment in the upgrad-ing of urban roads is part of an initiative to be felt not only in Monrovia and its environs, but throughout the country. An overall Urban Renewal Initia-tive aims at upgrading criti-cal community/neighborhood roads to asphalt paved roads. Investments in this initiative include complete upgrade of the SKD Boulevard to a four-lane road corridor; and link-ing the Monrovia-Paynesville Highway to Somalia Drive. Asphalt overlay works are on-going on over 10 kilometers of Sinkor streets and avenues, and asphalt upgrades are in progress on the Jamaica, Clara Town, AB Tolbert, Duport, Soul Clinic and Police Acad-emy Road Corridors. Con-struction of a new double-lane Caldwell Bridge will be com-pleted before the end of 2014, completing the first phase of intervention in the rehabilita-tion of the Caldwell to Louisi-ana Road Corridor. A new pol-icy initiative will require that all major road infrastructure projects passing through major cities and county capitals must ensure that primary streets in these cities are also paved.

Reconstruction and upgrade of Somalia Drive will begin within the next month. With support from the Government of Japan, we have commenced an investigatory survey within communities to identify and lay out the auxiliary alleys and roads along the ELWA to RIA Corridor, to ensure proper zon-ing, planning and laying out of communities. This initiative shall provide a model action plan template for developing communities, designing and constructing road corridors, thus minimizing the potential for citizens to continue build-ing within the rights-of-ways (ROWs). The success of this program will afford Govern-ment the opportunity to rep-licate these activities in other major urban communities throughout the country.

There has been less than sat-isfactory progress on the en-forcement of our Zoning Laws and land-use planning regu-lations. Although hundreds of Stop Work and Removal Orders in Monrovia were is-sued, developers and builders continue to ignore the rules of engagement, by construct-ing without the approval and permitting required by the Government. In order to en-

force our zoning ordinances and laws, all illegal structures built within the rights-of-ways of existing and future road cor-ridors will be removed. I have also instructed the Ministry of Public Works to demolish all structures on Tubman Bou-levard that violate pedestrian pavement safety and the Zon-ing Laws. Those who, for per-sonal gain, have allowed the defacing of our prime corridor will face the brunt of their ille-gal and corrupt practices.

We recognize the challenges throughout the country for af-fordable housing, and in this regard, are pleased to report that plans are near completion for a 500-unit housing complex near the University of Liberia Fendell Campus, with support from the Government of Equa-torial Guinea as a show of soli-darity among African nations. The housing situation at West Point, which accommodates 31,000 citizens, demands a long-delayed response. Archi-tectural design is under way to address this problem for which your approval will be sought through budgetary allocation in the next fiscal year.

Construction or rehabilitation of new facilities at the Monro-via Vocational Training Cen-ter in Paynesville is nearing completion, but we have expe-rienced delays in rehabilitation or construction of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, a new Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, and expansion of facilities at the Capitol Build-ing Complex.

These delays, which include land ownership and long-stand-ing contractual arrangements and depositor rights, have also delayed reconstruction of important public facilities, including Ducor Hotel, Hotel Africa, the National Housing & Savings Bank Building, and the E.J. Roye Building. We can no longer accept these claims and delays, and will move, with court action or otherwise, as required, to complete these works. Large holdings of ur-ban land have also delayed the development of our cities, a situation that must be ad-dressed through the draft Act that provides the process for implementing the constitution-al right of eminent domain.

The transport sector is begin-ning to feel the effect of the reform under the Transforma-tion Agenda and management by the Ministry of Transport. A Sector Master Plan was concluded which includes the rehabilitation and moderniza-tion of three of the country’s four seaports and the one inter-national airport. Plans are un-der way to rehabilitate several county airstrips, the first one already operational in Foya through support of the NGO, Samaritan’s Purse. Surveys, policies and strategic plans aimed at improving travel ef-ficiency and road safety for the road system are well advanced, awaiting detailed project plan-ning for implementation.

The National Port Authority has performed well to counter the situation in which the lack of maintenance over decades left our seaports in dire straits. A 25-year Port Master Plan,

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Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014

ANNUAL MESSAGEwhich includes investment in human capacity development, was completed during the year. Under a public-private partner-ship arrangement, the 600-me-ter Marginal Wharf and the mining pier at the Freeport of Monrovia were completed. Dredging and development at the Sinoe and Buchanan Ports have improved efficiency, with Buchanan judged ready for 24-hour operations. Discus-sions are under way to secure third-party user rights at the Buchanan Port to facilitate ex-port of iron ore from Guinea. This will result in significant financial and economic benefit to Liberia.

Discussions are also well advanced to meet the require-ment for access to port facili-ties for exports of iron ore from the Bong and Bomi deposits and exports of agricultural produce from Sinoe and Grand Cape Mount. The Port Author-ity faces challenges of insuf-ficient space, requiring action by Government to acquire seafront property from county or individuals by purchase or exercise of eminent domain. Another challenge relates to requests from several investors to construct new ports for the export of their products. This must be handled with caution so as not to exacerbate the se-rious erosion along the entire coastline.

Far from the early days when only one or two airlines flew into Roberts International Air-port (RIA), the Airport now services 11 regular internation-al airlines. Passenger numbers have increased on an average of 25,000 a year. With numer-ous airlines providing services to regional capitals and desti-nations in Asia, North America and Africa, ticket prices have become so competitive that it is possible to fly round-trip to Accra for less than US$300 – more than a 100 percent de-crease in airfare from as little as four years ago. We are cur-rently negotiating financing with the European Investment Bank, the Saudi Fund for De-velopment and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to begin the first phase of rehabilitation of the Airport this calendar year.

A major setback in efforts for the development of the airport resulted from an unscrupulous and conspiring newly recruited Managing Director, who re-turned kindness and deference with entrapment and intrigu-ing accusations to damage the credibility of several individu-als and the image of the coun-try. This matter is under review by counsel in the United States for legal redress, including ex-tradition.

An informal perception sur-vey undertaken by the Minis-try of Transport indicates that although power is considered a number one priority due to the implication for business and investment in industry, the Liberian people consider good roads as a major condi-tion for improvement in their welfare. The ongoing work for improvement in road condition throughout the country is a re-sponse to this call, which will

also reduce the high level of road traffic deaths and injuries, and as means of reducing the cost of transportation to facili-tate better flow of goods and services.

The same results are ex-pected from the installation of weighbridges, the first cur-rently under construction on the Diahn-Blah Gbehzhohn Highway. Additionally, a re-quirement for Third Party Mo-tor Vehicle Liability Insurance will be enforced beginning next month by 18 insurance companies recently certified by the Central Bank of Liberia. This action will be enhanced by the established One Day One Stop Shop Platform for vehicle registration and driver license issuance.

Useful transport services are provided throughout the coun-try by motorcyclists operating over 70,000 motorcycles. A few months ago, as a means of reducing the alarming traffic congestion and level of deaths and injuries, it became neces-sary to restrict motorcycling traffic on the primary artery, Tubman Boulevard. The Min-istry of Transport continues to work with the Motorcyclist Union to identify means to as-sist them.

The National Transit Author-ity continues to provide reli-able and safe road transport services on all existing roads in Montserrado County, with expansion to Bo Waterside, Buchanan, Gbarnga, Harbel, Schieffelin, Kakata and Zwe-dru. Special transport service, with Government subsidy, is provided to students who com-mute from Monrovia and envi-rons to the University of Libe-ria Fendell Campus. The NTA completed a total of 644,389 passenger trips between March and December 2013 in favor of UL students.

Further expansion of NTA service is hampered by limited fleet. The conclusion of local purchase of nine buses will relieve transport difficulties on Tubman Boulevard, and suc-cessful conclusion of ongoing negotiation with the Govern-ment of India for 15 additional buses will expand national ser-vice to commuters, including those in Gbarnga, Kakata and Bo Waterside who will benefit from the construction of mod-ern bus stations.

The General Services Agen-cy (GSA) is the custodian of Government of Liberia proper-ties and physical assets. This gives it the authority to execute leases, to enforce proper use of vehicles and other assets; to monitor the use and cost of assets purchased through public resources. New leader-ship at GSA is, perhaps for the first time in decades, trying to carry out these responsibili-ties successfully. To enable the GSA to accurately record and track all Government assets, and ensure their effective and efficient management for the next generation, urgent fund-ing is required to purchase the Inventory Registry and Assets Management Systems, and implement the Fleet Manage-ment System. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to

respond to this need, without further delay.

The telecommunications sector continues to expand. Landing of the Africa Coast & Europe (ACE) fiber cable in Liberia on November 3, 2011, represents a milestone for which the Managing Direc-tor of the Liberia Telecommu-nications Corporation must be applauded for his tireless effort in this achievement. Today, approximately 193,912 Inter-net subscribers benefit from fast-speed Internet connectiv-ity, with positive impact on income, competition, employ-ment and potential direct for-eign investment. The absence of a terrestrial network as a national backbone has con-strained growth in this service – a situation to be addressed once the ongoing study on design and cost is concluded. This will also facilitate con-nectivity in the Mano River countries, thereby promoting regional integration.

As a result of the conclusion of an agreement which failed to meet our legal requirement, the entire LIBTELCO Board of Directors and Managing Director have been suspended until an ongoing investigation is concluded. A reconstitution of the Board and a restructur-ing of management will follow.

The Liberia Telecommuni-cations Authority (LTA) had a successful and active year of regulatory oversight in the exe-cution of its statutory function. A major contribution was made to the establishment of the Ca-ble Consortium and Liberia’s launch, in January 2013, of the ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) fiber optic cable. Consumers are thus able to access true high-speed broadband connec-tivity through their service pro-viders, the majority of whom are connected to the landing terminal station. This massive operational initiative, funded by a loan with support from the World Bank through the West Africa Regional Communica-tions Infrastructure Program (WARCIP) Liberia Project, will be beneficial for a national capital intensive effort to con-nect the nation to fast, low-cost, broadband services.

The LTA’s new Interna-tional Gateway Monitoring (IGM) program monitors the performance of incoming in-ternational calls to Liberia, providing accurate revenue assurance, quality of service and anti-fraud management. Since its official launch in April 2013, the IGM program has made significant contribu-tion to Government’s revenue. This amount could have been significantly more, were it not for losses attributable to fraudsters’ use of illegal SIM Boxes to avoid paying regula-tory fees for incoming interna-tional calls through the IGM system. The LTA has given as-surance that it will continue to vigilantly go after entities and individuals who try to deprive Government of its revenue in the telecommunication sector.

A long-tenure licensed op-erator, Libercell, was forced to close for lack of resources, and is likely to face auction of its assets to settle outstanding debts to the Government.

In adherence to the mandate

of ECOWAS Member States to enact national laws that will develop, modernize and co-ordinate telecommunications networks throughout the re-gion, the LTA led the process in Liberia to transpose nine legal instruments into national laws that are intended to protect the public’s use of telecommuni-cation services and to mobi-lize national and international financial resources aimed at attracting private sector par-ticipation in the provision of telecommunication services in the sub-region.

The LTA and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommuni-cations are working towards ensuring compliance with the ITU’s June 17, 2015, digital migration deadline. Desig-nated frequencies are assigned for Liberia in the re-planning process, and public and con-sumer awareness campaigns on migration issues have been planned.

The Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) has broadened its coverage and has extended its services through the na-tional television to five coun-ties – Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount. The introduc-tion of television services has expanded the scope of service. Nevertheless, cost-efficient and reliable service is likely to be constrained unless there is success in ongoing efforts to mobilize the resources and support to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting by 2015 as inter-nationally required. The cost of the installation is estimated at over US$50 million. Until that time, both technologies known as “dual illumination,” will be used, but we must move quickly to find the means to bring Liberia into the modern technological era.

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has been able to expand and modernize postal services despite limited budgetary and financial sup-port. Twelve of the 15 counties now have functioning post of-fices, with plans to construct similar facilities in the remain-ing three.

Services at the main Monro-via Post Office are exemplary, having improved to the level of efficiency which enables them to provide mail and pack-age service to citizens at home and abroad and to resident international citizens and in-stitutions. A pilot program to number structures under a Na-tional Postal Address System will further enhance the ser-vice. Plans for a future regime which consists of a modern financial electronic transac-tion processing platform will facilitate the capacity to pro-vide postal financial services such as Local and Regional Electronic Money Order, and Wage/Salary Payments to pen-sioned government employees, as required by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) protocol.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Human development is cen-tral to our transformation agen-da, and our goal is to improve the quality of life of Liberians by investing in more accessible

and higher quality education; affordable and accessible qual-ity healthcare; social protec-tion for vulnerable citizens; and expanded access to healthy and environmentally friendly water and sanitation services.

Education is the most criti-cal element of a development agenda. It is not cheap and it requires sacrifices by parents, students, teachers, leaders, and the entire nation. Our situation is made more difficult by the damage, displacement and cul-tural mutation of the past, by the spacial nature of our habi-tation, by the listless attitude of beneficiaries, by the institu-tional aversion to change.

According to the 2010 Cen-sus the system, as currently ex-ists, consists of 2,849 schools – 2103 of which are public, 343 private, 226 religious and mission schools, and 177 community schools. There are five community colleges existing or in pre-operational status – Grand Bassa, Bomi, Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba; nine four-year degree-granting institutions, including the University of Liberia and Tubman University which are public; two vocational training institutes – Booker Washington Institute, which plans to move from high school to junior col-lege; and the Monrovia Voca-tional Training Center, which should move this year into new modern and well-equipped fa-cilities.

The University of Liberia has a current enrollment of 34,000 students in facilities, at both the Capitol Hill and Fendell campuses, that are most inad-equate for the numbers. It is time that we create a more con-ducive atmosphere for learning consistent with what pertains in other countries by complet-ing the Fendell Campus with all the boarding, housing, aca-demic and sporting facilities that are required. A survey of the land is nearing comple-tion after which we will start the process of demolishing the structures, most of them ille-gal, which have prevented the building of a proper university. Proposals will be made in the next budget to start this pro-cess of full relocation from the politics of Capitol Hill to the knowledge center of Fendell.

Tubman University, a proper learning environment, with enrollment of 838 for the first semester of the academic year 2013-2014, is gaining the repu-tation of a quality technical in-stitution, under a no-nonsense administration. The University will hold its first Commence-ment program in June 2014. More financial support will en-able us to train the profession-als needed to enhance national capacity. This will be reflected in our next fiscal budget sub-mission.

While we initiated and pro-moted the establishment of community colleges, it is clear that we must now limit further expansion due to the lack of teachers and education mate-rials that will result in quality education. A shifting to region-al community colleges is now under consideration.

Honorable Legislators and Fellow Liberians: Several months ago, I used rather un-savory terms to describe the

education system. I did so as a reality check and a call to ac-tion. The Constraints Analysis puts the case: “Though overall school enrolment and educa-tional attainment rates have seen improvements in recent years, it is also important to note that a large percentage of Liberia’s current workforce is made up of unskilled labor, particularly in the rural areas and among women. Forty-five percent of Liberian males age 15 and over have no educa-tion or did not complete pri-mary school, and 67 percent of females have no or did not complete primary school. The literacy rate is 57 percent.

“The quality of education will also remain a major chal-lenge in the medium term as most educational institutions lack the necessary laboratory and training materials, and are in need of reconstruction. The performance of the students who have taken nationally ad-ministered secondary school examinations tend to be be-low standard, although there is slow gradual improvement.

“A large number of primary school students are consid-ered inadequately prepared for school. For example, early grade reading results from the 2010 Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) show an average score well below the average for the region. This poor foundation makes it dif-ficult for students that move on to junior and secondary high school and into the workplace.

“The quality of technical/vo-cational training system also is extremely poor and limited in scope. A 2008 ILO Technical and Vocational Education and Training Tracer Study found that 93% of TVET institutions in Liberia had poor quality ed-ucation; 69% provided training not relevant to marketplace; and only 19% of graduates were able to find full employ-ment.”

Following a Sector Review, an Education Task Force was established to formulate a four-year plan to respond to the crisis in education. The Operational Plan 2014-2016 focuses on three key areas: increased learning achieve-ment by improving the qual-ity and conditions of teaching and learning; improvement in student performance and completion through increased access, enrolment, transition and retention; transformation of systems through improved education governance and management within the con-text of decentralization for ef-fective delivery of education services.

Admittedly, the implementa-tion of the Plan is a tall order with huge financial implica-tions. But we must start the process as there is no better way to ensure a better future for our children. I will revert to you once the financial impli-cations of the Plan have been determined.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports continues it response to the growing number of youth through efforts to increase em-ployment and employability by providing short-term jobs, technical and vocational train-ing, and sports development.

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Page Page Page 10c

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Tuesday, January 28, 2014

ANNUAL MESSAGETo address youth unemploy-

ment in particular, the Liberia Youth Employment Program (LYEP), in which the govern-ment will invest US$75 mil-lion over the next five years, was launched. It has provided one-year employment for over 3,000 youths who are currently supporting various city corpo-rations in improving waste and sanitation in 26 cities in the 15 counties. As part of a scaling up of the LYEP, plans are under way to fund the technical and vocational training component of the LYEP in next year’s bud-get. This will ensure that many of the youths who are currently working will have the opportu-nity to acquire technical skills for more gainful employment. To prepare youth to seek em-ployment opportunities outside the LYEP, 200 youths were trained in satellite mainte-nance and installation to meet the growing needs for digital satellite TV connection in the country, and many are already serving as contractors for sat-ellite service providers. This year, other components of the program aimed at providing skills and entrepreneurship op-portunities for the empower-ment of youth are expected to be launched.

This will include: vacations jobs for 5,000 young people under the Special Presidential Back to School Clean up Ini-tiative; the National Youth Vol-unteer Service Program, which complements the work of key government agencies provid-ing basic services in the areas of education, health, and agri-culture and community devel-opment in rural parts of Libe-ria; job readiness training for 100 senior high school female students in information and communication technology; the National Cadet Program, to train scholarly university stu-dents at varying ministries and the public sector and develop a new breed of professionals in government.

The Youth, Employment, Skills Training (YES) Pro-gram, which in 2013 trained 2,088 youths (689 female and 1,399 male) in various cat-egories of skills and vocational education, including agricul-ture, general hospitality, food preservation, tailoring, fashion design and road maintenance, was successful in placing 580 of them in jobs, while efforts continue to place the remain-ing 1,508 over the next ten months.

A Task Force on Techni-cal and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was es-tablished to coordinate and help implement strategies that would close the skills gap, and provide high-quality, demand-driven skills training programs that align with private sector needs. These programs are cru-cial in helping Liberia’s youth obtain jobs until the private sector is fully developed and a diversified economy is fully operational to absorb a larger proportion of the labor force.

Sports have proved to be a major catalyst for peace, rec-onciliation and development. The 2012/2013 National Coun-ty Meet, won by Grand Cape

Mount, was held under the theme of “Peace and Unity”; that of the 2013/2014 Games is “Celebrating Ten Years of Peace through Sports.” The Games provided short-term employment opportunities for 1,365 youth athletes partici-pating in sporting disciplines. We congratulate Grand Bassa County for winning this year’s Football Trophy.

We are proud of and applaud our National Amputee Foot-ball Team which has won, for the third consecutive time, the championship of the Cup of African Nations on Amputee Football, winning the 4th Cup of African Nations on Amputee Football (CANAF) in Nairobi a month ago. I was proud to ac-cept/receive their trophy at the finals of the National County Meet a week ago.

With support from the Office of the Senior Advisor (OSA), and with a focus on youth empowerment and enterprise development, a modernized car wash center, the first of its kind, called the Executive Car Wash, located at the Old Road Junction in Congo Town was established. The construc-tion work, on land donated by the Von Ballmoos family, took three months, at a cost of US$87,000, privately donated.

A 30-day training period in-cluding courses in financial management and business registration was undertaken, responding to the commitment to our youth.

Today, 54 young lives, re-moved from the streets, have forever changed; 22 of them have returned to school by fi-nancing their own education giving hope via empower-ment. They now generate over US$5,000 monthly from the car wash and other services.

I am pleased to present to you representatives of these successful young entrepre-neurs, whose example will be replicated by the construction of three such facilities with the support of NOCAL.

Labor and employment are sides of the same coin. Creat-ing enough jobs so that our people are gainfully employed is essential if they are to work their way out of poverty, thereby enabling our country to reach middle-income sta-tus by the year 2030. For this to occur, it is the private sec-tor, rather than government, that must drive the economy and generate more and better employment. Agricultural and mining concessions are expect-ed to generate over 100,000 jobs over their multi-year term, but this is insufficient to absorb the 50,000 youth that are enter-ing the labor force each year. At the same time, with clear policy on linkages and local content, concessions will pro-vide a major opportunity for Liberian businesses to supply goods and services, leading to additional job creation.

Despite the country’s robust growth since 2006, unemploy-ment, especially youth unem-ployment, remains high and a major challenge. According to the Labor Force Survey 2010, vulnerable employment ac-counted for 77.9 percent of

total employment, while infor-mal employment was a stag-gering 68 percent. Such high levels of vulnerable and infor-mal sector employment sector mean the Government would have to strengthen efforts to build skills of workers and provide incentives for informal sector businesses to formalize.

A Rapid Assessment on Job Creation was conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour with the objective of (i) determining the socio-demogaphic characteristics of new entrants into the formal sector; (ii) establishing well-acceptable indicators on the additional jobs created in the economy; and (iii) furnishing policy makers with the re-quired tool for decision-mak-ing on the labour market.

In the light of surveys under-taken, the Labour Ministry has formulated policies and strate-gies to guide the activities of the sector. These include the National Employment Policy Action Plan, along with its monitoring and evaluation secretariat; the 2010 National Child Labour Survey Results – the first report of its kind on child labor activities in the country; and a five-year Na-tional Action Plan to fight hu-man trafficking.

The welfare of workers im-proved considerably under Collective Bargaining Agree-ments, nine of which were signed between the manage-ment of several companies and their respective workers’ unions, with significant im-provements in the living and working conditions of work-ers. Unskilled workers at these companies now receive US$5 or above as daily wages.

The Ministry also docketed 1,515 labor cases from ag-grieved employers and em-ployees in the workplace. This high number of cases, an indication that Liberians now have greater confidence in the system and know that cases re-ported to the Ministry will be speedily adjudicated.

Honorable Ladies and Gen-tlemen: A great human capital resource for the development of this country lies in the Libe-rian Diaspora. We trust that as you move forward during this session, and in your delibera-tions, you will give adequate consideration to the recogni-tion of citizens’ rights for those persons born as Liberians, and those born of Liberian parent-age who wish to contribute fully to the development of this country as citizens. The grant of Liberian citizenship would enable us to draw on the wealth of financial, technical and other resources available to that category of persons that could be deployed nationally.

The health sector, under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, continues to perform well, maintaining the support and confidence from partners who contribute to a pool fund in which priorities are collec-tively agreed and implement-ed.

As a major decentralization effort, health service centers have been established in all 15 counties, with aggregate staff of almost 9,000. The training of doctors and other health practitioners, locally

and abroad, has enabled the placement of doctors in all 15 county hospitals. Similarly, a post-graduate residency pro-gram will deploy specialists in all county hospitals. The coun-try can boast of over 173 Libe-rian and 83 foreign doctors, up from a total of 90 doctors in 2006, and almost 9,000 health workers, including 699 trained midwives. The construction of five microscopic laboratories in five counties, the installa-tion of solar panels at health facilities in six counties, and the construction of eight incin-erators to improve waste man-agement and sanitation in eight counties will enhance the qual-ity of health service delivery.

The launch of the “Promise Renewed” Program, in line with the international “Child Survival Call to Action,” will further accelerate the reduc-tion of childhood mortality and improve child health. The Ministry, in an effort to ad-dress the plight of vulnerable children provided support to 83 orphanages that cater to 3,357 orphans throughout the country. A National Health Insurance Scheme, now under consideration and planning, is essential to expand citizens’ access to health service, and will be presented to you for possible commencement in the next fiscal year.

Despite progress in the sec-tor, major challenges remain. Additional resources will be required to absorb and incen-tivize the increasing number of doctors and health workers that are trained annually. County hospitals need renovation and equipment enhancement, with Phebe and Redemption Hos-pitals requiring special alloca-tion. The JFK Medical Center performs the role of country and national referral facility. In the past year, the number of patients receiving service increased significantly to a monthly count of 9,700, up from almost 8,700 in 2012. Lack of a full range of sophis-ticated equipment limits the quality of care that JFK ren-ders, but this lack is fulfilled in large measure at the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Re-ferral Hospital, which serves monthly patients totaling 1,242 from the country and from re-gional countries as well.

In order to provide ready ac-cess for minor health cases, more clinics and health centers would need to be constructed at district and community lev-els. Availability and afford-ability of drugs throughout the country is also an area to be addressed by change in the mandate and structure of the National Drug Service. Gov-ernment’s commitment to free health services for children un-der five must remain resolute.

There is good news in the sector. The number of chil-dren receiving basic vaccines has increased significantly, with Liberia having already achieved the target set for the year 2021 – 90 percent of chil-dren under one year are receiv-ing the DPT3/pentavalent 3 vaccination.

The distribution of 100,000 long-lasting mosquito nets to pregnant women receiving antenatal care, contributed to the reduction in the prevalence

of malaria from 66 percent in 2005 to 28 percent in 2013; there has been no outbreak of infectious diseases since 2006; and the population living with-in 5 kilometers, or one hour’s walk from the nearest health facility increased from 69 to 72 percent the previous year, making us well on track for the 2021 target at 85 percent.

The maternal mortality rate, although still unacceptably high, has reduced considerably, from 994 in 2007 to 770 per 100,000 live births, with the target at 497 by the year 2021. The under-five mortality rate has declined significantly that Liberia is joining the countries in Africa that are considered to be on-track to achieve Millen-nium Development Goal 4 by the 2015 deadline. This makes us likely to achieve two of the eight goals – a remarkable achievement since Liberia’s ef-fort on these Goals started six years after the kick-off of the MDGs in the year 2000.

This Government remains committed to improving over-all health and the quality of life of our people, and increasing access to safe drinking wa-ter is at the core of our plan. By reducing the incidence of water-related diseases in our urban centers and rural com-munities across the country, we will be able to further reduce under-five mortality. We have continued our expansion of pipe-borne water to thousands of customers in and around Monrovia, and in places where it is as yet cost prohibitive to introduce pipe-borne water, we have increased the number of boreholes and sanitation facili-ties.

Ongoing improvement at the White Plains water treatment plant will increase the daily output of water from 6 million to 10 million gallons by year’s end. Even though we now sup-ply as much water to Monro-via as was available before the war, the increase in popula-tion means that we have to do more. Efforts are under way to bring online two high-lift elec-tric pumps of 12 million-gallon capacity, allowing us to deliver up to 24 million gallons daily. As a result of these efforts, the water supply to Monrovia and its environs has increased by 30 percent over the past year. Some 175 water kiosks have been activated, reflecting a 60 percent increase in pro-poor water access.

As most Liberians will be quick to point out, Liberia is not Monrovia. In partnership with the African Development Bank, we have succeeded in supplying water either full time or on a partial basis in Buchanan, Kakata, Zwedru and Robertsport. With support from USAID, the Liberia Wa-ter and Sewer Corporation is completing a situational analy-sis in Voinjama, Sanniquellie and Robertsport, the result of which will form the basis of civil works in these cities. Sur-veys are also being concluded on water facilities in Green-ville, Gbarnga, Ganta and Harper, in order to determine the scale of the required works and funding sources for imple-mentation. Crozierville, Ben-sonville and the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus will

be served this year, once the second set of high-lift pumps has been installed.

The development of a Rural Water Program, to include an operational plan, a program implementation manual, moni-toring and evaluation, and operation and maintenance frameworks, is under way. An updated assessment is required for rehabilitating and improv-ing the Fiamah Treatment Plant for the Monrovia sewage system.

The scale of the devastation of infrastructure in and around Monrovia is evident for all to see. However, we still needed an objective evaluation of the facilities and the projected cost to restore and expand the city’s infrastructure. We therefore worked with the Japanese In-ternational Cooperation Agen-cy (JICA) who has produced a Master Plan for the restora-tion and improvement of urban facilities in Monrovia. That plan covers everything: roads, water supply, sewage and sani-tation and drainage systems. At a projected cost of approxi-mately US$594 million, it is impossible to implement the entire plan at one go. How-ever, we must tackle some of its more urgent components, such as the drainage system in central Monrovia, Bushrod Island and Sinkor. The US$10 million projected cost of this urgent work will be included in the next fiscal year’s budget submission.

GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Honorable Mem-bers of the 53rd Legislature: Our economic transformation for growth and development would be unsustainable with-out reforms to governance and public institutions. It remains the goal of this administration, in partnership with citizens, to create transparent, accountable and responsible public institu-tions that contribute to eco-nomic and social development as well as inclusive and partici-patory governance systems.

Our governance reform pro-gram receives praises both in Africa and beyond. The 2013 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Liberia 9th in Africa in terms of the par-ticipation of its people in the political life of the nation.

The Governance Commis-sion has developed a plan of action for the deconcentration and devolution of functions to sub-national units. A draft Lo-cal Government Act, if passed into law, will provide the legal basis for implementing the National Policy on Decen-tralization and Local Gover-nance, aimed essentially at the delegation of political, fiscal and administrative powers to sub-national units, to promote efficient service delivery. The expansion of public services to local government jurisdictions is a very important phase of the decentralization program, especially as we implement the UMIL transition.

Our Vision 2030 includes the five-year Liberia National His-

Cont’d on page 11

Daily Observer Page 6Tuesday, January 28, 2014 10e

by edwin M. Fayia iii

Mo n r o v i a ’ s transport men-ace needs an urgent and

practical over-haul for the services to commuters to be-come responsive and remain sustainable in the country.

The warning was recently registered by an urban com-muter, Wellington G. Philib-ert, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer in Monrovia.

Philibert also suggested to the Liberian Government and stakeholders in the transport sector that constant interac-tions amongst Liberians and the greater business commu-nity are critical to economic

prosperity, peace, and stabil-ity.

Mr. Philibert regretted that Liberians, business people and foreign residents are en-during so much hardship at the hands of unscrupulous

commercial drivers and other public service transport pro-viders in Monrovia and other parts of the country.

He pointed out that on a daily basis Liberians, ordi-nary commuters especially, are seen at various street corners in ubiquitous (seen everywhere) scrambles for commercial vehicles to take them to their homes in Mon-rovia and its environs.

Mr. Philibert also claimed that over the years the Min-istry of Transport (MOT) has not been able to formu-late strategies that would be responsive to the desperate needs of Liberians in urban and rural parts of the nation.

Asked what could be the alternative, Mr. Philibert said

that the MOT and other key stakeholders in the transport sector must craft policies that would attract the attention of development support part-ners in the country.

He added that the MOT, as a matter of policy, must pro-cure inexpensive vehicles in order to meet the growing de-mands of commuters and the greater business community in Monrovia and other rural cities.

Shedding light on recent moves by the MOT to secure more commercial vehicles for the commuting public, Mr. Philibert noted that those actions must be translated into practical instruments.

Philibert expressed the hope that those policy state-

‘Monrovia’s Transport System Needs Urgent Overhaul’

Mr. Wellington G. Philibert

President Sirleaf Receives Major Award from Africa’s YouthLiberian President

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been awarded the “Pro-

tect the Goal Leadership Award” presented at the 4th Pan-African Youth Leader-ship Summit in Dakar. The conference, which was or-ganized by the Pan-African Network of Youth Leaders to the United Nations in col-laboration with UNAIDS and UNFPA brought together more than 500 young Afri-cans to the Senegalese capital of Dakar from 13-17 January 2014.

Acclaimed Liberian youth activist and Executive Direc-tor of Youth Action Interna-tional, Dr. Kimmie Weeks, who represented President Sirleaf at the event and re-ceived the award on the President’s behalf referred to the award as a “milestone for Liberia and a challenge to do more to address issues affecting Liberia’s youth.” Weeks noted: “this award from the youth of Africa is a

recognition of the work the President has already done, a realization of the importance of her role on as co-chair of eminent persons addressing the post 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and also the major and impor-tant task of addressing youth unemployment issues in Li-beria.”

A letter from UNAIDS to President Sirleaf noted fur-ther that the award was being presented to her for her role in “supporting young people and bridging gender gaps, and for dedication to fighting HIV/AIDS that encompasses the spirit of UNAIDS’ Pro-tect the Goal campaign.”

Held under the theme: “Youth unemployment in the post-2015 development agenda,” the conference fo-cused on major issues affect-ing Africa’s youth population including unemployment, HIV/AIDS and youth par-ticipation in the advancement of the Millennium Develop-ment Goals. At the close of

the summit, African youth leaders called on govern-ments across the continent to set up a ‘Dakar Appeal’ fund for tackling youth unemploy-ment as they wrapped up the five-day conference. Reit-erating the key outcome of the conference, Mr. Djibril Diallo, Special Adviser to the Executive Director of UN-AIDS said: “young people have called for the heads of state and government to sort

out the problem of unem-ployment.”

The Network of Youth Leaders of Africa and the Diaspora (NYLAD), which organized the event with the United Nations, is to make a formal request for the fund through Senegalese President Macky Sall and his Malian counterpart Ibrahim Bouba-car Keita to the United Na-tions and African Union.

Weeks, left, took the award on behalf of President sirleaf

by Keith Morris

A New report from the non-governmental sector shows that Civil Society Or-

ganizations (CSOs) solely depend on foreign donors for funding in order to support their respective projects.

Subah-Belleh Associates in collaborated with Management Systems International (MSI) at the weekend launched the CSO Sustainability Index for Sub-Saharan Africa, a model instituted by USAID to study the strength and overall viabil-ity of CSO sectors in each West

African country. This exercise is a USAID-

sponsored project, which is contracted to MSI and the In-ternational Centre for Non-for-Profit Law (ICNL), who man-ages the process.

During the launch of the in-dex, Mr. Guzeh P. Subah, a consultant at Subah-Belleh Associate indicated that most CSOs in Liberia survive on grant from international do-nors, and as such, have no financial independence in per-forming their duties as CSOs.

The report described said condition as the “worst sce-nario recorded in the areas of financial viability with a rating of 5.8 which indicate that sus-tainability is impeded.”

The report covers 2012/2013 period and captures many is-sues facing CSOs and NGOs across the Western region.

This rating indicates that most CSOs survive from grant or depend financially on one or more foreign sponsors, Mr. Subah told a gathering of CSOs.

It highlights that many CSOs are created in the hopes of re-

ceiving funding and become largely inactive after attempts to win foreign donor funding fail,” Mr. Subah added.

“Sourcing local funding is virtually nil due to our de-pressed economy and these NGOS lack good financial management system. Trans-parency and accountability is a challenge for most of our NGOS.

In nutshell, most of our NGOS are not financially po-tent in terms of sustaining their programs after donor funding phase out.

The report contains the over-all rating of CSO Sustainability

in terms of seven dimensions including legal environment, organizational capacity, finan-cial viability, advocacy, service provision, infrastructure and public Image.

Each of the dimensions is rated in terms of sustainability enhanced, sustainability evolv-ing and sustainability impeded.

The significant of the report shows that CSO leaders and activists have found the Index process and final product to be a useful opportunity to look at the larger picture and reflect on sectors advancements and re-maining challenges.

According to Mr. Subah, the report is evidence based. Its findings are not the result of an empirical research. Findings are obtained largely from local panel of experts and CSO prac-titioners who are versed on the activities of CSOs. Their views are not considered final but are taken in comparison with the findings of others. In effect, cross references are made be-fore findings are published, he said.

CSOs Lack Financial IndependenceNGO report shows

Cross section of participants at the launch

by: Conscience N. Tequah

Voinjama Mul-tilateral High School Princi-pal, Mr. Ericson

Boakai, has said that there is no competition amongst Li-berian students.

Mr. Boakai made the state-ment on Friday when he spoke to a team of journal-ist on the school campus in Voinjama City, Lofa County.

The principal said students have taken more interest in social activities than study-ing their regular lessons after schooling hours.

He said this is because 90% percent of Liberian students are parents and therefore, they all have their families

and responsibilities to cater to.

“Despite majority of stu-dents being parents, they must be given due respect. But with that respect they are tasked with the responsibil-ity of studying their lessons. If our students are studying well, they will have the kind of competition that once ex-isted amongst Liberian stu-dents years ago”, he asserted.

He said his institution as its own way of keeping the students focused, sizes the tie of any senior student who fails two or more subject and gives red shirt to any junior student who fails three sub-jects and above.

The principal noted that the removing of tie from senior students serves as motivation to continue studying their

lessons.He, however, said the

school still lacks some basic materials needed to smooth-en the learning environment for the students.

‘During the civil crisis, this institution was badly dam-aged by rebels at the time. In the process, we lost so many things that would have con-tributed greatly to our learn-ing process now.

If we had a laboratory, li-brary, computer room and enough reading books, stu-dents wouldn’t spend time watching champions league and going to video clubs because these activities will keep them busy after school-ing hours.

Students spend the whole day looking for money, rid-ding pen pen and it’s really

‘No Competition amongst Liberian Students’voinjama Multilateral school Principal Opines affecting the learning process

greatly”, he explained.The principal said with over

1200 students last semester, the institution has been able to maintain it good records at the West African Examina-tion Council (WAEC).

“We have also put polices into place to make sure that there will be no room for teacher and student relation-ship. If a teacher is cut in the act, he or she loses their job on the spot. As for the stu-dent, he/she will be expelled immediately.

The school has also en-gaged in other extra cur-riculum activities like quiz-zing, debates and sports to keep the students equip and ready to compete with other schools around the Country”, he noted.

ments do not turn out mere rhetoric and sugar-coated ut-terances intended to please the suffering, commuting Li-berian public.

“When citizens and busi-ness people commute freely, a lot of things are achieved along the socio-economic and political fronts in the country,” Mr. Philibert as-serted.

“I want the Liberian Gov-ernment, policy makers and key transport stakeholders to prioritize the provision of sustained transport services for Liberians, business peo-ple and foreign residents in 2014 and beyond,” Mr. Phi-libert emphasized.

“If the transport menace continues to haunt Liberians and business people in their own country, the dream of a new Liberia would remain an illusion,” he declared.

Mr. Philibert also under-scored the need for the top leadership of the nation to get involved in finding an amicable resolution to the transportation crisis that per-meates the nation in every shape and form.

In closing, Mr. Philibert sounded a clarion call on the leaders of the nation to con-sider the interest and love of their countrymen and women as well as human rights is-sues, as paramount.

Daily Observer Page 7Tuesday, January 28, 2014 10f

Delaware Corrections’ Minor Wins Major Award

by Craig anderson, Delaware state News

SMYRNA — You’ve likely interacted with or at least been near the finished prod-

uct of 2012 Delaware Social Worker of the Year’s efforts several times and never even noticed.

That’s because Dover resi-dent Leona G. Minor is really good at her craft — changing behaviors of prison inmates who are 97 percent likely to be released into the everyday world at some point after in-carceration.

Thanks to the effectiveness of her self-designed Options Program that’s focused on helping convicts understand the root of their issues and then control their thoughts be-fore trouble arrives, hundreds of men have left the penal sys-tem with the ability to get a job, live within a community, interact with family and gener-ally keep their lives on track.

Working as a Master Cor-rectional Counselor with the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, Ms. Minor was shown that not all offenders are incor-rigible or incapable of existing in a society of law and bound-aries.

“Most people believe when individuals are incarcerated that it’s the end for them,” said Ms. Minor, who has adminis-tered the nine-month program for approximately five years at clips of two hours per week.

“However, there’s so much they can learn and be exposed to during a time when they

can potentially slow down their lives and analyze what has caused their problems. With a better understanding of the ‘why’ part of it, they can then address the opportunity of ‘how’ to make changes to avoid future mistakes.”

The Delaware chapter of the National Association of Social Workers saluted her work by making Ms. Minor the first from a state agency to capture top honors.

“Knowing that 97 percent of the individuals incarcerated in Delaware are going to be released truly shows the sig-nificance and importance of the work being done by Leona and all of the Department’s counselors and treatment ser-vices staff,” Department of Correction spokesman John R. Painter said.

DOC officials, who already awarded the 54-year-old with prestigious Golden Key nods in 2008 and 2011, were effu-sive in their praise when citing a wide range of contributions that Ms. Minor provides.

“Leona is an outstanding employee who understands

the social part of social work,” JTVCC Warden Perry Phelps said. “The average citizen may not identify or recognize that correctional counselors are the social workers for those who have reached the deepest end of the treatment services spec-trum.

“Ms. Minor often exceeds the established standards for her position.”

Both Warden Phelps and JT-VCC Treatment Administrator Ron Hosterman pointed to Ms. Minor’s work with fledgling social workers through on-site supervisor duties during field training as benefiting genera-tions to come.

“Leona has been appreci-ated not only for her counsel-ing role, but also as someone who for years has been the on-site supervisor for Masters in Social Work interns from Delaware State University, an investment in the future that has helped to bring highly qualified candidates to even-tual employment in Treatment Services at (JTVCC),” Mr. Hosterman said.

She returned the credit back

to JTVCC administration, say-ing that none of the programs and initiatives could succeed without structural support from the DOC decision-mak-ers.

“I’m always excited to come to work and work with good people,” said Ms. Minor, who also serves as an administrator for the Alcoholics Anonymous program. “I love my job. If I can help somebody who is not cognizant of what is wrong with him understand more, then I’ve had a fruitful day.

“My goal is to let them know that even though they find themselves in a bad current situation, it’s not the end for them.”

Originally from Liberia, Ms. Minor migrated to the United States due to her country’s civil war. While in West Af-rica, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Management from the Univer-sity of Liberia.

At Delaware State Univer-sity, Ms. Minor earned a Mas-ter’s in Social Work degree. She studied and earned cer-tificates from the Royal Insti-tute of Public Administration

in London, England, and the National Institute of Public Administration in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Mrs. Minor is married to the Rev. Dr. S. Alexander Minor and they have four children.

Vaughn workers honoredOn March 21, JTVCC facil-

ity staff was presented with the Social Work Agency of the Year by the NASW’s Dela-ware chapter.

“The NASW Agency of the Year accolade is the chapter’s highest honor and it recognizes a human services organization that exhibits the values, ethics and principles of the NASW and the social work profes-sion,” a press release said.

“Vaughn staff attains these standards through their over-all support to the clients they serve with incarceration and rehabilitation programs that address societal and offender’s needs.”

JTVCC employees hon-ored included Mr. Phelps, Mr. Hosterman, Ms. Minor, Cindy Atallian, Jessica Bar-ton, Maleek Brown, Catherine Daramola, Daina Davis, Lo-retta Edwards, Kevin Fletcher,

leona Minor of Dover sits inside James T. vaughn Correctional Center near smyrna

April Hall, Linwood Hancock, Stacey Hollis, Jayme Jackson, Linda Kemp, Natasha Knight, Patricia May, Michael Mc-Mahon, Claudette Pettyjohn, Ricky Porter Sr., Megan Rad-cliffe, Larry Savage, James Simms, Evelyn Stevenson, Stefanie Streets, LaTangia Sut-ton, Angela Williams and Tom Zanda.

The staff was also lauded for interacting with outside agen-cies such as the Department of Labor, Education, Health and Social Services, Delaware State Housing Authority, Con-nections and Delaware Center for Justice to assist in transi-tioning into re-entry into the community.

“Facility treatment staff em-powers their clients by pre-senting treatment programs that prepare the clients to live well in the institution and in the community upon release,” said a NASW announcement of the award.

“These programs provide mental health treatment through psychotherapy, educa-tional opportunities, vocation-al training, work assignments, spiritual/religious programs and a variety of other classes and programming.”

RYHF Promises More Scholarships

by David a. yates

The hopes of many u n d e r p r i v i l e g e d students to attain a university education

may be realized thanks to a lo-cal non-governmental organi-zation (NGO) making efforts for that to happen.

The NGO, Raise Your Hand Foundation (RYHF), has

promised to provide more scholarships for Liberian stu-dents who want to study Agri-culture, Nursing, Social Work and General Sciences just to name a few.

At a recent press conference in Monrovia, the Country Di-rector of RYHF, Alexander Ireland, said the objective of the scholarship program is to provide educational opportu-nities for students without the means to enrol in any of the country’s institutions of higher learning.

Mr. Ireland indicated that scholarship fees from his or-ganization would be paid di-rectly into the account of any of the successful applicants. He also pointed out that the scholarship program would be fair and transparent as it would be applied online.

Mr. Ireland detailed, “All we need from the students is a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, which automatically qualifies any student for our program.”

“Currently,” he said, “the RYHF has 75 students attend-ing various universities ben-efitting from the scholarship

program.” Mr. Ireland furthered that

the program would be widen-ing to cater to more students across the country regardless of their social standing or lo-cation; falling in line with his organizations’ belief in build-ing the capacity of all young Liberian’s.

“RYHF is meeting students in their respective communi-ties and sharing ideas with them regarding their academic and emotional situations. We are doing this through the de-velopment of peer and profes-sional tutoring programs for all ages,” he explained.

Mr. Ireland also took the op-portunity to acknowledge the recent honor bestowed upon him and his organization by the management of the Daily Observer as the “People’s Choice Person of the Year for 2013.”

The RYHF’s recommenda-tion for the Daily Observer newspaper’s prestigious 2013 Award was made by members of the public that followed its activities over the years.

alexander ireland, coun-try director of raise your

Hand Foundation

Finnish Delegation Meets President Sirleaf

Finn Church Aid (FCA) hosted a high level delegation from Finland last week,

including two former minis-ters Ms. Elisabeth Rehn (De-fense) and Ms. Heidi Hautala (International Development & Ownership Steering Issues). The visiting delegation repre-sented FCA-run networks of experts in education and wom-en’s entrepreneurship.

Culmination of the visit in Liberia took place on Satur-day, when the delegation met with President Ellen John-son Sirleaf. Discussion with President Sirleaf brought up various topics of the state of Liberia and how international NGO’s like Finn Church Aid can contribute to its develop-ment.

Teachers from FinlandPresident Sirleaf shared her

concern about inadequate re-sources in education sector and lack of qualified teachers in Liberia. At the same time, Finland is internationally known for its equitable and high quality education system and outstanding teacher train-ing.

Executive Director of Finn Church Aid (FCA) Mr. Antti Pentikäinen confirmed FCA’s commitment to support devel-opment of education in Libe-ria.

“In Finland we have cre-ated a network called Teachers without Borders. The network consists of hundreds of teach-ers who are willing to help in developing countries. FCA is planning to bring the first voluntary teachers from Fin-land to Liberia this year“, Pen-

tikäinen explained. Finn Church Aid supports

the strong entrepreneurial spirit of Liberian women

This was not the first time for an FCA-run delegation to meet with President Sirleaf. In 2007 Finn Church Aid invited Finnish women in leading po-sitions to visit Liberia. Being impressed by the resilience of Liberian women they decided to establish a fundraising net-work – Women’s Bank – for supporting FCA’s work for empowering women in devel-oping countries.

“The entrepreneurial spirit in Liberia is strong. The govern-ment is aiming to strengthen business capacities of women and create an entrepreneur friendly environment”, Presi-dent Sirleaf stated. She said that international NGOs like Finn Church Aid have a cru-cial role in the economic em-powerment of women.

So far Women’s Bank vol-unteers in Finland have raised approximately USD 10 million to support the livelihoods and entrepreneurship of the most vulnerable women in differ-ent parts of the world. Funds are channeled through Finn

Church Aid to local partners.One of the success stories

of Finn Church Aid in Liberia is a poultry farm in Margibi County, run by a local NGO, Project New Outlook (PNO). Small-scale egg production creates livelihood and small business to rural women ben-efiting their communities.

President Sirleaf acknowl-edged the importance and potential of FCA’s poultry projects. Currently Liberia is highly dependent on im-ported eggs. Supporting rural women’s livelihood not only contributes to their empower-ment but also helps Liberia to become less dependent on imports.

“I am well aware of FCA’s work for the most vulnerable women. My Vice President visited one of the chicken farms supported by Finn Church Aid and brought me eggs!” President Sirleaf told the delegation.

Finn Church Aid delegation met also with SRSG Karin Landgren at UNMIL as well as the Minister of Education Etmonia David Tarpeh.

President meeting with the Finnish delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Ministry

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Tuesday, January 28, 2014

ANNUAL MESSAGEtory Project which aims to pro-vide guidelines for devising a history curriculum for Liberian schools, and has the potential to contribute to national rec-onciliation, unity and social cohesion. Other important ini-tiatives include the work of the Constitution Review Commit-tee and the National Symbols Project.

After due consultation, we have endorsed the recommen-dation of the GC to move ahead on a stakeholders consultation regarding the need for change in the National Symbols – the Flag, Motto and Decorations, as proposed in the develop-ment agenda, Vision 2030.

Work on public sector reform aims to make governance more responsive, effective and ef-ficient, thereby improving liv-ing standards – resulted in the restructuring of 13 govern-ment agencies, including the restructuring and re-naming of the Ministries of Gender and Development, Internal Affairs, and Health and Social Welfare, as well as the establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority. The reform agenda also calls for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission to make it more autonomous, so as to enhance merit-based appointments and strengthen professionalism. The establish-ment of the position of Princi-pal Administrative Officer, to ensure continuity and build institutional memory, is far be-hind schedule, requiring early action by both the Executive and Legislature.

The GC has also promoted, through the National Integ-rity Forum, the National Code of Conduct; the Legislative Monitoring, Transparency & Accountability Project; and the Integrity Barometer, which contains an assessment of the public experience of corrupt practices.

We congratulate the Honor-able Liberian Senate, with spe-cial thanks to the sponsoring Senators, in passing the Code of Conduct Bill, and we urge you, distinguished Members of the House, to join your coun-terparts in doing so.

Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature: The new leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, building upon the progress of the past, has initiated a dynam-ic program of re-engagement with our 15 counties. In a part-nership of local government authorities and citizens, the Ministry successfully led the first ever effort to co-host, si-multaneously, our 165th Inde-pendence Celebrations in the three western counties: Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Bomi.

In October, in furtherance of consolidating trans-border peace, security, and stability between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and our country, the Government hosted the First Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders Meeting in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh. President Al-assane Ouattara and I partici-pated in the closing program of the meeting which was at-tended by Chiefs, Elders, and

eminent political and com-munity leaders from our two countries. A follow-up meeting is planned for March in Guig-lo, Côte d’Ivoire.

In the spirit of the Zwedru meeting, future peace promo-tion meetings will include our other sisterly Republics of the Mano River region, Sierra Le-one and Guinea.

Other programs aimed at trans-border peace, to be un-dertaken during the first half of this year, will focus on youth and women. A further con-solidation of domestic peace and reconciliation involved the final payment of more than L$43 million, or US$577,288 equivalent to 244 respondents to settle land and property claims in Nimba County.

Several key partners continue to strongly support our peace building, reconciliation and decentralization programs. The United Nations, through the Peace Building Support Office and the Liberia Configuration in New York, provided US$15 million to support various as-pects of the programs in secu-rity, youth development, con-stitution review, governance, law reform, Palava Hut Talk, as well as community and faith-based peace and reconciliation initiatives. Other reconciliation and conflict-resolution efforts were undertaken between the affected communities and con-cessionaires in Sinoe, Bong, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount.

Together, we took a major step aimed at decentralizing financial management and ac-countability by the appoint-ment of Assistant Superin-tendents for Fiscal Affairs. In making these appointments we were guided by experience and competence, not regionalism, ensuring focus on develop-ment of our country rather than distraction by local politics.

During the reporting period, the Liberia Decentralization Implementation Plan (LDIP), the guiding document for im-plementation of the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance, was formu-lated and signed. We are com-mitted, under this partnership program, to provide US$24 million which will be included in the next fiscal year budget submission.

We are pleased to report that the Millennium Village project in Korkoya District has been revived with funding from the Government of Norway, and we can now ensure completion of the villages with modern fa-cilities, as envisioned.

Honorable Legislators: In advancing our flagship pro-grams – Peace Building and National Reconciliation and Decentralization – the Na-tional Reconciliation Roadmap was launched, in June, with the participation of Liberia’s Peace Ambassador, George M. Weah. The Roadmap, under direction of our Ministry of Internal Af-fairs, noted our nation’s his-tory of cleavage, disunity and confrontation, but also a his-tory of a resilient people who have, time and time again, risen above the odds, able to stand tall in the midst of adver-

sity to reach across the divide and promote a united country. We urge Liberians to muster the courage to let bygones be bygones, and embrace one an-other with a new mind, a new spirit and a new attitude.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the Liberian civil conflict called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and an In-dependent National Commis-sion on Human Rights, thought to be essential for lasting peace in Liberia. In its final report, in June 2009, the TRC recom-mended the creation of a Na-tional “Palava Hut” Program as a traditional and cultural conflict resolution mechanism common in rural Liberia, and that the INCHR should over-see the Palava Hut process and coordinate its activities.

In the lead-up to the launch of the National Palava Hut Pro-gram, in Zwedru, on October 19, the INCHR held consulta-tive meetings in 13 counties, in which about 1,000 citizens, representing all groups, partici-pated. The official launch took place in the presence of other stakeholders and international partners. We used the occasion to challenge the INCHR, tradi-tional and religious leaders, the Liberia Council of Churches, the Muslim Council, political parties, civil society and all Liberians to fully participate and support the National Pa-lava Hut Program, in order to ensure lasting peace and har-mony.

A National Palava Hut Tech-nical Forum was held in No-vember to determine the com-monalities and differences of the Palava Hut Practice among the four linguistic groups in Liberia, in order to design pre-liminary guidelines and meth-odologies for a system which is uniformly applicable through-out the country.

The next steps in this process, which must conclude within the next two years, will be to conduct a comprehensive eth-nographic study of Liberia’s Palava Hut System; create nationwide awareness on the process, safety and benefits of the Palava Hut System; and conduct the Palava Hut Talks, in the form of community-based truth-telling, atonement and psychosocial recovery. Pa-lava Hut dialogues and discus-sions will take place in towns, villages and cities across the country, and will provide vic-tims and perpetrators a safe space to tell their stories and seek the means of fostering na-tional peace and reconciliation. I urge the new leadership of the Independent Human Rights Commission to accelerate this process, and I appeal to all Li-berians to endorse and partici-pate in its implementation.

The Civil Service is the back-bone of the government, yet it continually underserves the Liberian people due to low performance and a runaway wage bill. When a large por-tion of civil servants have little motivation or capacity to do the work they are charged to do, this undermines the ability of government to provide even the most basic of services. Our people deserve, and expect, better.

Unfortunately, the current system simply does not at-tract or retain talent, nor does it reward performance. The Civil Service examinations are outdated, which makes them a poor judge of ability and char-acter. Civil servants continue to be paid unequally, lack es-sential tools such as computers and printers, and have few in-centives to excel due to weak Human Resources manage-ment processes such as poor oversight and performance evaluation.

As a result of measures un-dertaken to clean up the civil service payroll through the implementation of the biomet-rics system, we have begun to see a slight decrease in the total numbers. While in 2013 there were 35,664 regular and 8,580 supplementary employees, in January 2014 the number stood at 35,445 regular and 8,512 supplementary employees. The Civil Service’s wage bill, which includes thousands of ghosts, is still bloated, nearing one-third of the total national budget. Every day we waste precious resources to maintain a broken system that, instead, could be used to fund impor-tant activities such as expand-ing our power grid, purchasing chalkboards for our schools, and stocking our health facili-ties with medicine.

To make sure that the next generation of civil servants can meet the challenges and the needs of the future, each year the Government funds a number of Liberians, number-ing over 380 today, to pursue degrees in five strategic fields – Health, Education, Engineer-ing, Agriculture, and Public Administration – in more than ten countries, including Aus-tralia, Botswana, China, In-dia, Morocco, and the United States.

The reform of our Civil Ser-vice rests on three key legs: to optimize the size of the Civil Service, so that it can perform its mandates sustainably and cost-effectively; to reform the pay structure to attract and retain talent; and to remove favoritism, bias, and replace them with merit-based and performance-driven principles.

It has not been an easy task, but we have made good progress and have ongoing dialogue with partners for sup-port. We expect to submit the details and costing of this very important initiative for start of implementation in the next fis-cal year budget.

The recent Constraints Anal-ysis reports that corruption remains endemic, although the country has improved on key corruption indicators. Enhanc-ing integrity in public life has to remain a preoccupation of all of us. Reforms in the Civil Service, establishment of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Com-mission, the Public Procure-ment and Concessions Com-mission, the Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initia-tive, the Commercial Court, the Freedom of Information Act, the Code of Conduct when enacted into law are all measures that will make a dif-ference only if we respect and make them work. We have made significant progress on the preventive side in combat-

ing the scourge of corruption, and acknowledge the reforms ongoing in the Judiciary that will enhance our efforts on the punishment side of our fight.

A reorganized General Audit-ing Commission (GAC) has initiated 57 audits for 2013, giving us an opportunity to break from the lethargy of in-action on past reports that were challenged. Our Constitution and laws are clear on account-ability in the use of public resources. We will therefore require that work plans of the GAC go beyond the Execu-tive to include the other two branches of government.

We look forward to a reorga-nized and re-energized GAC that is media shy and commit-ted to a good governance pro-cess which ensures the highest level of integrity and a com-mitment to uphold the public trust. We also commend the work of your Joint Public Ac-counts Committee which has initiated public hearings on the reports. A new draft GAC Bill will be submitted to you and, if enacted into law, will meet our commitment to place GAC operations on par with other Supreme Audit institutions by ensuring full financial and op-erational independence.

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) investi-gated and prosecuted corrup-tion cases; created awareness about the ills of corruption through education and preven-tion activities; and executed the Income, Assets and Liabili-ties Disclosure Regime and the Assets Verification Exercise.

Of 18 cases reported to the Commission, six were inves-tigated and concluded, and a guilty verdict, under appeal, was handed down in the case involving the purchase of uniforms for the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberia National Police.

Public officials filed 42 dec-larations, after which a five-person committee was estab-lished to ascertain which assets have been declared; whether assets have been truthfully de-clared; how those assets were acquired, and whether they are commensurate with income. Renewed declaration of assets and a verification exercise will be required by all officials of the Executive, consistent with the example I have set by my own filing on the second anni-versary of the first filing, as re-quired by the Code of Conduct.

Among the challenges faced by LACC are: insufficient in-house prosecutors to investi-gate and prosecute corruption cases; the absence of critical complementary legal instru-ments to enhance its work, such as a Whistleblower Act, a Code of Conduct for Liberian Public Servants, and Corrupt Offenses and Illicit Enrich-ment Acts; difficulty in ob-taining documents from some ministries and agencies, which is hindering ongoing investi-gations; the lack of subpoena power; and the lack of a Fast Track Court to deal exclusively with corruption cases.

We intend to work with the Commission to draft and submit to the Legislature for enactment these critical anti-corruption instruments, which are also recommended by the

United Nations Convention against Corruption. At the same time, we intend to resub-mit an amendment for greater prosecutorial powers for LACC, so that it can prosecute as soon as an investigation es-tablishes cause.

Under its mandate, the Na-tional Elections Commission (NEC) conducts free, fair, transparent and credible elec-tions. The tenure of mem-bership of the NEC having expired, a new corps of Com-missioners, with the consent of the Senate, was appointed. With renewed vigor, the NEC has begun work on voter regis-tration preparatory to the 2014 Special Senatorial Election. In 2013, the Commission suc-cessfully conducted one Sena-torial By-election in Grand Bassa County, to fill the vacant seat created by the unfortunate death of Senator John Francis Whitfield.

Other activities included in-teractions with the 31 regis-tered political parties directly and/or through the Inter-Party Consultative Committee; and providing appropriate forums for voters’ education.

More financial support is required to enable the Com-mission to conduct this year’s Election.

OPEN SOCIETY: THE MEDIA

From where we were just ten years ago, the media market has evolved remarkably. Today there are more than 30 news-papers and online services, 19 radio stations and 45 commu-nity radio stations – all inde-pendently owned and operated. This is a positive development which needs to be commended.

A free media is an indispens-able tool to the preservation, promotion and protection of a free, democratic society. It can be an effective mirror for soci-ety. It is an industry that trades in news and has great impact on public opinion. It therefore has a grave responsibility to make sure information is dis-seminated; and that the infor-mation so disseminated, most importantly, is accurate.

This is a political year, and elections are around the corner. Great interests will be at stake. People will speak loudly to be heard and will want the media as their echo chambers. The media will play a major role in this year’s elections. The worse that could happen, and which we do not expect and do not want, is a media that transforms itself into political weaponry of selfish individu-als. The media can impact our electoral process, and we hope it will do so by orienting the political debate, bringing the issues to the people and to the candidates, and by playing the responsible role expected of it.

The nation of freedom and peace we want is the personal responsibility of each of us. During the years, we have tak-en steps to create an enabling environment: we created the office of an Independent Free-dom of Information Commis-sioner; engaged civil society on issues of transparency and accountability within the

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Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014

framework of the Open Gov-ernance Partnership; began implementing the Freedom of Information Law; signed the Table Mountain Declaration, thus becoming only the second African State to do so. All these are clear indications of our inalienable attachment to the values of free speech, free thinking and unfettered access to information.

But freedom is not free, and the price is oftentimes not measured in monetary value. The price the nation and many innocent victims pay from ir-responsible reporting damages the image of our country, dam-ages to hard-won reputations, and adversely affect national growth and development op-portunities. As we maintain our values, supporting the right of free expression, we must do so conscious that the purpose of that value is the collective en-hancement of our society. We must therefore rebuff abuse of that right and recognize that the Constitution requires that we are responsible for the abuse of that right. The chil-dren of Liberia deserve to in-herit a better society a stronger, united Nation. Let us in unison strive to achieve and bequeath that to them.

NGO ACTIVITIES IN LIBERIA

Since the restoration of peace and democratic governance in Liberia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – both national and international – continue to contribute to the reconstruction process of our country.

To date, Liberia has a total of 997 NGOs – 874 National and 123 International – operating in the 15 counties of Liberia. These NGOs had traditionally provided services in wide areas of humanitarian assistance and development. More recently the emphasis has been on de-mocracy and governance; hu-man rights; environment and natural resources. In these latter functions, some NGOs have sought to become super-national bodies challenging na-tional sovereignty even as they themselves lack national and international governance status and rules in transparency and accessibility.

As we strive to speed up our post-conflict development, we must ensure efficiency, transparency and accountabil-ity by NGOs in their delivery of services to our people. We must guarantee a strong inter-sectoral framework and infor-mation-sharing mechanisms between the institutions of government and non-govern-mental organizations.

To ensure that we achieve this partnership, the Govern-ment will require national and international NGOs to submit a report of their annual activi-ties, and register with the rele-vant government agency every year; that NGOs disclose to the Government of Liberia the details of the funds pledged by donors for project implementa-tion in the country; that funds secured for capacity building are utilized, in collaboration

with the relevant Ministries or Agencies of Government; that all funds released to NGOs by a donor should be transferred from the donor to the NGOs through an account in a com-mercial bank in Liberia; that all vehicles owned by NGOs should be registered in the name of the organization and be clearly marked with the name and logo of the organiza-tion or face impoundment; and that all assets owned by inter-national non-governmental organizations purchased or ac-quired with donor funds are the property of the Liberian people who are the direct beneficia-ries. In an instance where an organization decides to close down its operations, the orga-nization shall surrender such assets to the sector Ministries or Agencies of Government in which such NGO operated.

CROSS-CUTTING ISSUESHonorable Legislators: The

Agenda for Transformation identifies a number of cross-cutting issues – gender, child protection, disabilities, youth empowerment, the environ-ment, HIV/AIDS, human rights, and labor and employ-ment.

The Ministry of Gender and Development is successfully leading us to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal number 3 on gender equality and the empower-ment of women. One of the biggest challenges is sexual violence, a growing concern in our country, especially the rape of young children. Of all the rape cases reported from the 15 counties, over 65 percent were children below 14 years.

Last year, ten children be-tween the ages of 3 and 14 years died as a result of rape. It is shameful that this continues to mar the image of our coun-try. The law which makes rape a non-bailable offense has had limited effect because of fami-lies of victims who are easily compromised, by the lack of evidence, and by sympathetic judges.

I chaired a meeting of wom-en leaders and representatives of women organizations who are working on a program that will call on religious, tradi-tional and community lead-ers, parents, teachers, women and youth groups to become agents of change and commit to take action to prevent sexual violence, as this is everyone’s responsibility. We need your support also, to ensure that our children and our women are safe.

While we have done well in the enrollment of girls in primary schools, retention is a problem. In response, the Ministry renovated a dormi-tory, and recruited and enrolled 60 vulnerable and underprivi-leged girls from Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bomi and rural Montserrado at Ricks In-stitute and Bromley Mission to complete their secondary education. A further 125 girls, recruited from Nimba, Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa, are en-rolled at the newly renovated Victoria A. Tolbert Girls Hos-tel in Gbalatuah, Bong County.

The Economic Empower-ment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (EPAG) proj-ect has, since 2009, increased employment and incomes among 2,500 adolescent girls and young women between ages 16-27 years in business development skills, job skills, and life skills, in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. A third round of training, targeting an additional 1,000 adolescent girls and young women, is un-der way in Montserrado, Marg-ibi, and Grand Bassa.

The Social Cash Transfer program, under the Social Protection component, pro-vided monthly cash transfers to 3,448 households – 60 percent of them headed by females – which translate into 14,083 individuals in Bomi and Mary-land Counties. Some 5,162 children are benefiting from education grants or schools bo-nuses under the program.

Eight rural women who ob-tained solar engineering train-ing have used their skills to electrify 171 houses in com-munities in Grand Bassa, rural Montserrado, Lofa and Grand Cape Mount.

In partnership with Liberia, the Foundation for Women (FFW) – a pet program of our Vice President – has, since 2007, provided microloans to more than 10,000 women in 14 of the 15 counties. An excellent example of the entrepreneurial spirit of women is the story of Madam Ducas Guannu and Madam Wehyee Paikao, both of Peace Island, Congo Town. The two market women, both in their mid-sixties, have for several years benefited from microloans offered by FFW-Liberia. They received their first loans of L$6,000 each in 2009. Having successfully paid back all subsequent loans, they received their fourth loans of L$15,000 each in 2011. They then decided on something unique; they formed a partner-ship whereby they pooled their finances and opened their own business, a mini-store to sell building materials.

In October 2013, when they paid off their sixth loan of L$25,000 each, and were ex-pected to request additional funding, Ducas and Wehyee surprised the Foundation, by telling them, “We now run our own business; we will man-age it without the loan.” Their mini-store, whose daily sales cover their family needs and business expansion, cannot compare with bigger stores doing similar business, but we applaud this entrepreneurial spirit, and ask you to patron-ize them by buying from their store. Please recognize them in our audience today.

Environmental quality is particularly important for economic output, sustainable livelihood, and poverty reduc-tion. Liberia is richly endowed with natural capital and has a climate favorable to agricul-ture and environmental quality for the survival of our people. However, the current adverse effects of pollution and climate change will negatively impact the health of communities and the economy unless measures are taken to address environ-mental challenges. Sustainable environment management is

the third dimension of sustain-able economic development, requiring a concerted effort to protect the environment as the underpinning of the livelihood of our people.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the national focal agency mandated to protect the environment and support the government in the sustainable use of our natural resources, faces many chal-lenges in fulfilling its mandate. The Agency needs to be fully modernized to tackle the many global environmental problems affecting the country.

The Agency has been suc-cessful in securing funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to carry out pilot projects to enhance re-silience of vulnerable coastal areas to climate change risk in three of our coastal cities that are badly threatened by coastal erosion, namely Monrovia, Buchanan and Robertsport. Presently, construction work is ongoing in Buchanan, and work there and at the other two pilot sites will help us find solutions to apply to threats along our 597,000 kilometer coastline.

NECROLOGY

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Members of the Legislature, Ladies and Gen-tlemen: Nothing replaces the memories and roles that de-parted officials and loved ones played in the life of our nation. During this reporting period, with a heavy heart we bade farewell to Archbishop Mi-chael Kpakala Francis, of the Catholic Diocese of Monrovia; and His Excellency Moses Zeh Blah, former President of the Republic of Liberia.

Several government offi-cials and prominent citizens were also called home to rest. Among them are: Hon. John F. Whitfield, Senator, Grand Bas-sa County; Hon. Robert Benja-min Freeman, former Member of the House of Representa-tives, Montserrado County; Hon. Isaac Tozay Dahn, former Member of the House of Rep-resentatives, Nimba County; Hon. Francis K. Garbo, former Representative of Zorzor Dis-trict, Lofa County; Hon. Leroy E. Francis, former Mayor, City of Marshall and Representative of Margibi County;

We bade farewell to: Coun-sellor R. Leroy Urey, former Chairman of the Independent National Commission on Hu-man Rights and former Deputy Minister/Legal Affairs, Min-istry of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Charles A. Greene, former Executive Governor, CBL; Hon. Edwin J. Williams, for-mer Minister of Finance; Hon. Louis Alford Ross Sr., former Minister of Agriculture; Hon. M. Tarnue Mawolo, former Minister of State without Port-folio; Hon. Harold J. Monger, Director General, Liberia Insti-tute of Public Administration; Hon. Theophilus Totee Bet-tie, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Liberia; Hon. Gedeon Kofi Michael Gadegbeku, for-mer Auditor General, Republic of Liberia; Hon. Malchaiah Walter Goda Baker Sr., former Deputy Minister, Ministry of

Lands, Mines and Energy; Hon Samuel T. Hooke, Sr. former Deputy Minister for Admin-istration, Ministry of Agricul-ture; and Hon. Samuel Othello Coleman, Sr., Ambassador ac-credited to the Benelux Coun-tries.

We also lost: Hon. Augustus Emery Major, Deputy Director for Operations, General Ser-vices Agency; Hon. Henry Y. Allison, former Director of Fi-nance, GSA; Hon. Jonathan H. Knuckles, former Tax Collec-tor, Treasury Department; and Hon. Jon Lancelot Macauley, former Director, Animal Mul-tiplication Division, Ministry of Agriculture.

Also departed were: Mother Irene Gbessay Jaleiba-Paas-ewe, former City Mayor, Rob-ertsport City; Mother Maryann Elizabeth Smith, former Head Matron, John F. Kennedy, Medical Center; Mother Ade-line Beatrice Weaver Neal, for-mer professional nurse; Rev. Judson Benedict Addy, Sr. First Precision Machinist of Liberia; Mr. Adolphus Bedell Smith, Sports Icon and Member of the Board of Tax Appeals.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Members of the Leg-islature, Fellow Liberians: By numerous objective accounts, over the difficult course of the last decade, ever so increas-ingly, the democratic character of the Republic continues to be strengthened; the indepen-dence of the three coordinate branches of the government sharpened; the foundational principles of separation of powers and checks and bal-ances entrenched; and the pre-viously narrowed participation of the people in national deci-sion-making broadened.

At the same time, from the Mano River Union to the Af-rican Union and the United Nations – from bilateral to multilateral interactions – the Liberian nation has been re-turned to respect and promi-nence around the family table of the world. As is expected of the oldest independent Af-rican Republic, we have con-tinued to bring the fullness of our capacities and the value of our experiences to enable the global search for international peace, regional integration and economic transformation.

Today, our Republic is stron-ger, safer, securer and steadier than it has been in many years. A stronger, safer, securer and steadier Republic has increas-ingly meant that peacekeepers will stand down and the Gov-ernment will stand up. It means that we can no longer only rely on development partners to fund our budget, build our schools, hospitals, roads and ports, and educate our people – the overdue tasks by which we expand the economy and increase opportunities for all Liberians.

Indeed, a stronger, safer, securer and steadier Repub-lic means that each year will be more challenging than the previous not because we will be expected to do less, but be-cause we will be expected to do more. There will be more Libe-rians to be empowered; more

electric power to be generated and distributed; more doctors and nurses and teachers and policemen to be trained and deployed; more quality educa-tion for our students not only to develop the skills they need to find a livelihood at home, but also to compete with their con-temporaries in the global mar-ketplace. There will be more jobs to be created; more op-portunities to be provided; and more Liberians to be uplifted. Each year, we will be expected to do more than the previous.

Admittedly, while we must collectively do more, the pub-lic fight against corruption, abuses of power and the mis-use of government resources is being emboldened and intensi-fied. With your help, through decided reforms and progres-sive practices of inclusion, openness and accountability, we will continue to exercise the maximum feasible partici-pation of Liberians in the man-agement of our economy, and advance the general welfare of all Liberians.

Honorable Legislators: As I said last year, in previous de-cades, we fought for political freedom and the right to vote and participate in a democrat-ic process. It is now time for economic freedom, which can only be achieved through in-creased citizens’ participation in our economy through the implementation of an aggres-sive Liberianization model.

But as we pursue the goals of Liberianization, our citizens must be guided by the princi-ples of business ethics, such as honesty, trust and creditworthi-ness. No country can improve the lot of its people, if business relationships are categorized by a lack of trust and refusal to pay legitimate debts. We urge our citizens to prepare them-selves to move into profitable areas of the economy through a process of learning, appren-ticeship and, above all, a burn-ing desire to make substantial contributions to our economic growth and development. Our citizens must be prepared to relinquish long-standing busi-ness relationships and forego vested interests, if our Liberi-anization is to be real and real-ized. Our citizens must go back to their counties of origin for the farms they make and the houses they build.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Ladies and Gentle-men: Much has already been done, but deep in my heart I know we can do more. Howev-er, to do this, we must demand more of each other – more ac-countability, more reforms, and importantly, more em-phasis on how we achieve the common good for our people as opposed to how we maneu-ver to bring each other down. We can disagree with each other’s ideas and yet, together, celebrate Liberia’s success and progress. We must look beyond narrow self-interests – beyond what is good for our political parties and see what is best for our country. The truth is clear: A better Liberia works well for all Liberians; a better Liberia is a credit to all Liberians.

May God bless our beloved Republic, our Liberia.

I thank you.

ANNUAL MESSAGEPage Page Page 12

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Tuesday, January 28, 2014

0886554882/0777544882

New Skills Training Program Launched

The official ground breaking ceremony for “The Purified Skills and Train-

ing Center,” was held over the weekend in Kpei Town, near Scheflin, Lower Margibi County under the theme, “The Purified King Legacy Lives On.”

The exercise is in memory

of the late Curtis Y. Tomah, son of the chief executive of-ficer (CEO) and president of the 21st Century Engineering and Construction Company, Cooper Y. Tomah and his wife, Georgia W. Tomah.

The ceremony, which was held by the Tomah family from Nimba County, was of-ficiated by Cllr. N. Oswald

Tweh of the Tuan and Tweh Law Firm.

The multi-million dollars proposed modern State-of-the Arts gymnasium situated on 10 acres of land, would also be comprised of other education and training facilities.

If completed, Mr. Tomah says the center would be named in honor of his late

son, Curtis Y. Tomah. Through the aid of the Curtis Y. Tomah Foundation the facility would help train youths in the host community and across the country in athletics and vari-ous disciplines.

The late C.Y. Tomah, 24, according to his father, was a college student at the Mid-western State University in

   a groundbreaking of the proposed project above

Dallas, Texas, USA, where he earlier obtained a Bachelor of Business degree (BBA) in Ac-counting.

“He was left with a semes-ter to graduate and become a certified public accountant (CPA),” Mr. Tomah lamented.

Unfortunately, Curtis died last year June in America af-ter being reportedly hit by a drunk driver while he was sit-ting near the roadside reading over his notes.

According to the late Curtis’

father, the project is being un-dertaken with funding expect-ed to come from: the Tomah family, their many friends in and out of Liberia, various or-ganizations and departmental heads of the S.T. United Meth-odist Church.

The launch of the project was attended by several high profile individuals includ-ing the Managing Director of the Liberia Produce Market-ing Corporation, Nyan Man-tein, and the Director of the Regional Science graduate program at the University of Liberia, Francis N. Manwein, among others.

Most of those who attended the ceremony were touched by the emotions of the Tomah family, and as such, they made personal financial contribu-tions and pledges in kind with bags of cement and truck loads of sand to be picked up at a later date from their respective offices.

Mr. Tomah explains the objective of the project

British Ambassador Attaches Importance to Reading-aalG launches Children reading room Program

by Joaquin sendolo, Observer Diplomatic

Correspondent

British Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Fer-gus Cochrane-Dyet, has underscored the

need for parents to encour-age their children---especially their teenagers--- to engage in good reading habits.

Speaking January 27, at a brief ceremony marking the opening of children’s reading room established by the As-sociation for the Advancement of Liberian Girls (AALG), Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet stressed that in almost every part of the world today there are devices and activities di-verting children’s minds from reading.

He pointed out the emer-gence of digital technology as a key factor to modern chil-dren’s disregard for reading; as they often give preference to Facebook and video games amongst other distractions.

The British Diplomat--- who also contributed an unspeci-fied amount to this project--- indicated that he and his wife are also parents, and as such feel the need to contribute to anything that relates to chil-

dren’s welfare.He noted that reading opens

children to new ideas while broadening their vocabulary and that parents should do all in their power to make read-ing a central part of their chil-dren’s lives.

He urged parents to get their children take at least ten minutes to read a book every night before going to sleep; which according to him would strengthen their children’s foundation in reading.

Also speaking at the ceremo-ny was the Belgian Honorary Consul and Country Manager of Brussels Airlines to Liberia, Frederic Vloeberghs, who said reading is paramount (highly important) to the upbringing of successful and confident children; and that an emphasis on good reading habits at the preliminary stages of child-hood was a must for a stronger society.

He assured the AALG group that he would help them to at-tain suitable reading materials for their young beneficiaries. He said he would convince some of his friends to send him books after they have been replaced in their personal libraries.

In an exclusive interview

with the Daily Observer, the head of the Association for the Advancement of Liberian Girls (AALG), Stephanie Sal-amartu Duncan, said she came up with the idea to establish a reading room for children while she was in the United States. She explained her rea-son for this was because she grew up with a love of reading and wanted to help Liberian children develop a similar pas-sion for the written word.

She stressed that when she returned to Liberia, there was no children’s library to ori-entate them in reading; and therefore decided to start one. “This is free for the children; no one is going to pay money for coming here to read,” she asserted.

Acknowledging the absence of television and other learn-ing devices in many homes across Liberia, Ms Duncan said providing an opportu-nity for children to read would open them to another world.

Generally speaking, Ms. Duncan said the attitude to-ward reading in Liberia is very poor; however, she said the nation’s current generations of children are more interested in reading than those before them. She expressed hope they

would make use of the pro-gram to improve their reading skills.

She disclosed that AALG currently has two reading centers in Monrovia, one in Congo Town and the other re-cently launched in Sinkor near the National Investment Com-mission (NIC).

According to Ms. Duncan, other areas have been identi-fied in Gardnersville, Paynes-ville and Caldwell to establish reading rooms so children there can benefit.

She then called on Liberians willing to help volunteer their services to the program for the benefit of Liberian children.

The reading program covers preschool children up to sixth grade. AALG’s boss said they need people who would teach the children reading and how to phonetically pronounce words to the understanding of listeners.

Meanwhile, the establish-ment of reading rooms for children by AALG comple-ments an initiative undertaken by the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Educa-tion to launch a national read-ing program for students.

It can be recalled that in 2013 the Ministry of Education

 

 

Left: Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet and Ms Duncan chatting; Right: A beneficiary of the reading program cuts ribbon for the opening of the program.

Ann Sandell School Receives Int’l Help

Aid for Liberia is a group founded by Liberians living in Switzerland.

The organization is aimed at helping needy Liberians with non-interest loans; benefiting the likes of market women and other institutions.

Recently, Aid Liberia ren-dered help to the Ann Sandell Foundation and a self-sup-ported institution, the Sylvia Keller School. They gave the school an undisclosed amount of cash to buy instructional materials and to construct a playground.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer over the weekend, the founder and proprietor of the Ann Sandell

Foundation, Leabeh Gboko Gbowee, said Aid Liberia has been collaborating with the two locally-based institutions of learning since the early 2000s.

According to Mrs. Gbowee, last year the institution pro-vided money that helped pay the monthly salaries of some of the instructors at the Syl-via Keller School. Aid Liberia also purchased several reading books for over 325 students.

The organization also pro-vided adequate teaching mate-rials for the school’s Acceler-ated Learning Program (ALP) and a Christmas presentation including food and gift items for over 1000 kids.

launched a national reading program to allow schools to attach importance to student’s reading.

Already being described by the President as a “mess,” the

education system of Liberia is full of challenges; with many students graduating from high school and universities still unable to compose a simple sentence or read.

  student celebrate with their gift items

 

ann sandell students merry-make with their newly donated reading books

Page 13

Daily Observer Page 8 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

1 December 2013

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 Liberia’s 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: Bachelor’s 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 driver’s 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.

14

A PICTORIAL ON THE ECOBANK’S DEPOSIT MOBILIZATION CAMPAIGN FINAL DRAW HELD AT THE SINKOR BRANCH, 5TH STREET, ON JANUARY 23, 2014.

A customer selecting the ticket, while officials of Liberia National Lotteries observe the process

Giant Prize of Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Campaign promotion draw

Winner Cecelia Jolo and some family members pose for a photo Ecobank Board Chair, Mrs Clavenda Bright - Parker and MD, Kola Adeleke

Ecobank Head of Marketing & Communications, Ms. Ivy Fairley, Head of Domestic Bank, Mrs. Doreen Mcintosh, winner Cecelia Jolo & Area 1 Manager Mr. Gibson

Kollie pose for a photoEcobank ED welcomes Board Chair

Some of Ecobank Board Members seated at the raffle draw - left to right, Mr. Charles Annanaba, Mr. Sam Adjei, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Roberts and Mrs Willyemai King - Tolbert

Daily Observer Page 9 Tuesday, January 28, 2014 15

Pictorial by ishmael F. Menkor

Pictorial of the Welcoming Ceremony Held for Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen, Founders of the ABC University in Yekepa, Nimba County,

at the Chapel of the University on 25th January 2014.

Dr. Jack Chinchen Founder of abC University in yekepa with Dr. amos Miamen at the Chapel during the

ceremony marking his arrival

Choir of the Petencostal Church dancing at the ceremony

rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen

Pastor of Pentecostal Church giving the

benediction

Members of other churches that graced the occasion

abCU students warmly received their founders rev. and Mrs. Chinchen after many years of being away

Female students listening attentively during the welcoming ceremonyrev. Jack and Nell Chinchen (center) seated with Dr. Miamen (right)

rev. Jack and Nell Chinchen at their welcoming ceremony

The audience jubilating some of the female students in joyful mood at the occasion

students from other institutions pay their homage

Faculty members of abCU witnessing the ceremony.

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 16

 Halabi receiving certificate of appreciation from a Royal Communications official as

other Monroe Chicken staff look on

‘Ecobank Brings Innovation to Banking’-Raffle Draw Winner Asserts; As She Takes Delivery of Her Brand New Car

The giant prize win-ner of the 2013/2014 Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Cam-

paign (EDMC) raffle draw has taken delivery of her award in Monrovia. Mrs. Cecelia Har-ries Jolo arrived in Monrovia from Zwedru; Grand Gedeh County over the weekend to take delivery of her four-door Chevrolet valued US$15,000. The Airstrip supervisor and business woman, who sells ce-ment and petroleum products in Zwedru city, the provin-cial capital of Grand Gedeh County, told our reporter that she was ecstatic to have been selected lucky winner of the Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Campaign draw.

“I am very happy; she said “that I was selected winner of the giant prize of the EDMC raffle draw.” “I am glad to the extent that I don’t even know how to express my joy,” she said.

Accompanied to Monrovia by her family members in-cluding her brother and sisters, Mrs. Jolo observed that Eco-bank has added a new flavor to the banking industry in Libe-ria by awarding customers for saving money in their personal accounts.

The EDMC required cus-tomers to regularly deposit US$100 in their savings ac-counts in order to qualify them for the draw. But Mrs. Jolo said she was not aware of the

EDMC promo.“I didn’t know about this

promo,” Madam Jolo said as she beamed with smiles. On Thursday, January 23, Mrs. Jolo was phoned via mobile phone after her account num-ber was luckily chosen by a customer through a raffle draw at the Ecobank Sinkor Branch.

Her account number was picked from among over 31,000 other account numbers for other customers who also qualified for the grand prize draw.

The raffle draw was super-vised by the Liberia National Lotteries, the legal body re-sponsible for all raffle draws in Liberia.

Ecobank Managing Director

 

Mrs. Jolo, second from left, took delivery of this brand new vehicle Monday, January 27

Mr. Kola Adeleke, Monday, handed the keys over to Mrs. Jolo who was smartly dressed in orange skirt, a pair of black heel shoes, a black and white blouse and a pair of black jacket.

“I am going to take this car to Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County to ride it around the city cen-ter. This car will also take me

to job,” she stated.The EDMC grand prize win-

ner, who is also a student of the Grand Gedeh Community College, said she will drive her car to school so that other students can be encouraged to deposit and save their mon-ies with Ecobank Liberia. She told the public about the im-portance of saving their mon-

ey with the Bank.“I felt so glad when the Eco-

bank Managing Director hand-ed the keys over to me and asked me to sit in the car,” Jolo noted. Mrs. Jolo is a mother of four: two girls and two boys. She thanked Ecobank Man-agement for the promotion and for helping to change her life.

Businessman Promises More to Liberia

By Alvin Worzi

One of Liberia’s r e c o g n i z e d restaurants has promised bet-ter services to it

many customers in the wake of increased prices of commodi-ties on Liberia’s local market.

The Monroe Chicken restau-rant has expressed its commit-ment to meeting the needs of its customers in the country despite the increase in prices of commodities being experi-enced in Liberia.

The head of the Monroe Chicken, Mazen K. Halabi said the institution has over the years continued to give better services to it many customers in the country. He stated: “We will continue to improve even as Liberia changes from day to day.”

Mr. Halabi stressed the need for businesses to pro-mote changes in the economy

through the mains of services to the people of Liberia, add-ing that the country has im-proved over the years in terms of business and little in terms of development.

“I want to encourage other business people in the coun-try to help improve the life of Liberians as well as citizens in the country to stays a great place to live with a good busi-ness environment for every-one.”

Mr. Halabi spoke with jour-nalists at the honoring pro-gram of his institution yes-terday January 22, by the Cooperate Investigative Jour-nalist Network (CIJN) as the ‘Best Service Provider of the Year 2013.’

The Cooperate Investigative Journalist Network (CIJN) in their honoring program said, the Monroe Chicken has been serving the people of Liberia with best services, and could be awarded as the best service

provider base on the investi-gation conducted for the year under review.

“Mr. Konneh explained that, based on the investigation of institutions operating in the country by the network, es-pecially in Monrovia, we are pleased to honor the Monroe Chicken as the Best Service Provider of the year 2013.”

The manager for customer service at Monroe Chicken, Agnes T. Doe, said the in-stitution was grateful for the honor and urged the CIJN to continue being a watch dog in society, stating that Liberia needs youth involvement for progress and most especially the area of development.

“I want to express my grati-tude to the network for recog-nizing Monroe Chicken with this award. As a young leader of this business entity, I will continue to progress and do all that is necessary for our cus-tomers,” she concluded.

‘Forget Gov’t Jobs and Invest in Business’

-Mr.Saryon says business brings more employment opportunities for Youth

By Gloria T. Tamba

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a business Consortium has called on Liberi-

ans, especially those who see government jobs as the only means through which they can serve their country and its citizens, to resign their posi-tions and establish businesses that would employ Liberians, many of whom are young and vulnerably unemployed.

Mr. Sam Saryon who owns City Construction Inc, a con-struction company; Securitax Security, a security firm, and Sabanoh enterprises, a sta-tionery supplier and printing press; said that it would be prudent for privileged Libe-rians to become engaged in entrepreneurship that would give more Liberians employ-ment opportunities rather than only running after government jobs.

The head of City Construc-tion Inc. made these state-ments on Thursday January 23, when Royal Communica-tions Inc honored him as Busi-ness Executive of the year for 2012-2013.

Royal communication is a consortium of various media institutions that include Kings 88.5 FM, Clar Television and City FM, which are all owned

by football legend George Weah.

The Director of News and Programming at Royal Com-munication, Mr. Darlington Pelenah, said that the selec-tion of Mr. Saryon as Business Executive of the year is as a result of his outstanding con-tributions helping the govern-ment of Liberia to buttress its Poverty Reduction Strategy by providing jobs to vulnerable Liberians.

He said the result came fol-lowing detailed discussions held with editors and a survey of views among Liberian en-trepreneurs.

Mr. Saryon upon being awarded said, “Receiving this award has inspired me to work harder than ever to provide job

opportunities for the Liberian people.”

He said his companies have made hiring Liberians a prior-ity; already having employed 1,800 citizens. He described this as his contribution to-wards the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

Mr.Saryon also used the me-dium as an opportunity to call on the youth of Liberia to stop using violence as a means to get attention. He expressed the belief that using violence to solve problems only esca-lates into more unnecessary violence.

“It’s time for the youth of Liberia to rise up and put vio-lence behind them so they can focus on their future.”

Mr. Saryon making remark after receiving the award

Daily Observer Page 17Tuesday, January 28, 2014

ture at the Capitol Building, President Sirleaf reminded the lawmakers that Liberia was among the first African coun-tries to sign the Table Moun-tain Declaration calling for the decriminalization of the free-dom of expression.

“Any specific law that re-tards the promotion of our fledgling democracy should be abolished. Therefore, we will submit for your consideration a Bill to repeal all repressive laws that are found in statutes and decrees of the PRC.”

Another Bill announced by President Sirleaf that received an ovation from the lawmak-ers, is one for National Wild Life Conservation for the Management and Protection of Liberia’s forest, which she said is in keeping with the For-est Reform Law of 2006 that requires government to keep 1.5 million hectares of forest land under protection.

“We will submit a Bill to establish the Gola National Park,” she also proclaimed.

Other Bills announced by

President Sirleaf Monday for the Senate’s consideration in-clude: the Bill to Create Spe-cial Economic Zones in Libe-ria; the Bill to Establish the Energy Law to Govern the En-ergy Sector; the Bill to Ratify the Loan Agreement between the NPA and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Develop-ment for the Port of Greenville Rehabilitation Project: the Bill to Amend the Judiciary Law to Create Criminal Court F of the First Judicial Circuit in Mont-serrado County and a Special Division of the Circuit Courts in other counties to have ex-clusive original jurisdictions

over corruption and the ba-sic economic and financial crimes; the Bill to Ratify the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and other substances; the Bill to Amend the Execu-tive Law Chapter 22 on the Ministry of Justice Chapter F to establish the Drug Enforce-ment Agency, the new control, drug and substance Act; the Bill to Establish the Security Market in Liberia; the New Local Government Act in Har-mony with the National Policy Designed to more efficiently render services in a decentral-ized manner, an amendment

to the public health law to add another chapter on mental health; a Bill on the Charter of the University of Liberia, an amendment to the 1989 Act creating the National Commis-sion on Higher Education, and a Bill to Ratify the National Tourism Authority.

Other important Bills sent to the 53rd Senate during its third session are ones to revise the 1972 Act that created the John F. Kennedy Medical Center to respond to international best practices and development in the healthcare delivery system.

Meanwhile, President Sirleaf Monday thanked members of

the second session of the 53rd Legislature for their coopera-tion in passing into law several pieces of legislation, amount-ing to 46 Bills which she received, but urged them to consider the passage of other Bills that have been submit-ted, but remain under consid-eration in particular, the Bill to Amend the Penal Code by providing the Criminal Con-veyance of the Land; and the Bill Establishing the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission to provide direct prosecutorial power among others.

Repressive

Gov’tprove the sector is in the offing at the 53rd National Legisla-ture for enactment into law.

According to the President, if the bill is passed and enact-ed into law, the NCHE would have greater powers and the inclusion of additional com-missioners who would see to it that the educational sector of the country--- specifically at

the tertiary level--- is well co-ordinated and improved.

Since the creation of the NCHE through the Act of the National Legislature, the entity has been effectively manned by the director-gen-eral; Dr. Michael P. Slawon, with the assistance of Presi-dent Sirleaf’s newly appointed deputy without portfolio, Dr.

Kadiker Rex Dahn. However, being cognizant

of the need to improve the ed-ucational system, the Liberian leader, while delivering her Annual Message to the nation, at the National Legislature Monday, informed Liberians that an act to expand and im-prove the commission with the inclusion of other commis-sioners with various terms of references was well underway.

The exercise, according to the President, is to make the Commission more functional and proactive. It would have the full authority to regularly monitor the higher learning sector throughout the country; including its five community colleges.

In recent times, the Com-mission has busied itself with cracking down on persons and institutions of higher learning

suspected of operating in the country with fake academic credentials.

The exercise to uncover those individuals and institu-tions suspected of being fraud-ulent is headed by Dr. Dahn and being assisted by its direc-tor for monitoring and evaluat-ing, Reginald Mehnpeine.

Delivering her annual ad-dress, President Sirleaf also disclosed that due to the lim-

ited number of trained instruc-tors to meet the demands of the community colleges, all efforts being made by the gov-ernment to construct more col-leges at the community level are hereby suspended.

Community colleges are presently operational in five of the 15 counties. These in-clude the Nimba, Bomi, Brand Bassa, Lofa and Grand Gedeh community colleges.

by William Q. Harmon

Wo r l d l e a d -e r s , i n -c l u d -i n g

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her Korean coun-terpart, Park Geun-Hye, among others have expressed fear over the alarming un-employment rate of young people globally at the just-ended World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. This situation, they said, has the potential to destabilize countries that have high numbers of unemployed youths.

At the opening of the WEF on Wednesday January 22, the two female leaders told the au-dience that the world must, at this crucial time, be prepared to tackle head-on the issue of youth unemployment. Other-wise, the world risks imminent political instability and eco-nomic disruption.

A report from the Interna-tional Labor Organization (ILO) in 2013, estimated the global youth unemployment rate at 12.6 percent, implying unemployment of 73.8 million young people. In developed economies, youth unemploy-ment increased by 24.9 per-cent since 2008. Some large economies, like Spain and Greece, registered unemploy-ment rates of over 50 percent.

During the same period last year, youth unemployment rates in developing economies were highest in the Middle East and North Africa, at 28.3 percent and 23.7 percent, re-spectively. In sub-Saharan Africa it stood at 11.8 percent.

According to global sta-tistics, young people consti-tute over fifty percent of the world’s population. This high level of unemployment does not bode well for the stability of the globe; especially in de-veloping countries where their

young people could become disenchanted at any given time.

President Sirleaf told world leaders at the forum that un-less the world finds a solution to youth unemployment, the consequences for society are likely to be civil upheaval, po-litical instability, and econom-ic disruption on a global scale.

The Liberian leader and some of her colleagues made several recommendations that they (world leaders) could consider collectively to tackle the menace of youth unem-ployment the world over.

President Sirleaf said that one of the solutions to this problem would be for large corporations that have ob-tained concessions in develop-ing countries to address the un-employment problem through training, social benefits to the communities’ whose resources they are profiting from.

She noted that there must also be urgent responses to the call for links between the activities of large corporations and the economy at large. She acknowledged that there is clear evidence that significant employment is not created by large concessions and corpora-tions, which are largely capital intensive in their operations. Rather, it is the small and me-dium-sized enterprises which lead to the development of a middle class, the most sustain-able driver of employment.

She attributed high rates of youth unemployment to a missing pool of skilled labor, as well as insufficient growth to absorb growing labor forces. Consequently, surplus workers face vulnerabilities as they are pushed into the in-formal sector where they lack regular income, benefits, job security, and pensions.

The Liberian President also pointed out that structural un-employment affects most vul-nerable young people. These youths comprise large num-bers of economic migrants-

The World

--particularly from Asia and Africa---who continue to seek refuge in Europe. They risk their lives in perilous voyages to pursue a livelihood and of-ten face racial tensions in host countries.

She quoted an African De-velopment Bank finding that in most countries in sub-Saha-ran Africa and in all of North Africa; it is easier for men to get jobs than it is for women. President Sirleaf emphasized

that the effects of unemploy-ment on women is similar to those faced by the world’s youth.

Besides being a tipping point for political instability, she observed, that pools of the

unemployed tend to migrate to the world’s cities, exacer-bating urbanization pressures through a growing concentra-tion of urban labor supply.

Also addressing the session was the first female President of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-Hye, who urged the world to join her country’s journey towards the develop-ment of a creative economy where more youths would be involved across the globe.

She also called upon partici-pants of the 2014 World Eco-nomic Forum to work towards an economic engine that takes the world beyond current con-straints---especially the youth unemployment problem.

President sirleaf chats with Prof. Klaus schwab, founder of the World economic Forum, in Davos, switzerland

ABC University Founders Return After 20 Yearsby ishmael F. Menkor

The founders of Af-rican Bible College University, Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell

Chinchen, were warmly re-ceived upon arrival on the ABCU campus in Yekepa on the 25th January 2014 by fac-ulty and students, as well as members of the Yekepa com-munity in general.

A well-attended ceremony in the University Chapel that brought together ABCU staff and students, students from other schools within Yekepa and some concerned citizens as well as churches and their members, the founders ex-pressed the happiness of be-ing back in Liberia after many years.

Sharing their deep love for Liberia, they expressed how sad it was when they were forced to leave Liberia during the civil war in 1990.

According to history the vi-sion for Bible Colleges across Africa began in the hearts of Dr. and Mrs. Chinchen after

they had spent seven years as missionaries in the interior of Liberia, training pastors and assisting in the operation the ENI Mission School in Sinoe.

During that time, they recog-nized the need for a college to meet the educational and spiri-tual needs of secondary school graduates.

As a result, the Chinchens designed a four – year course of university standard that would meet the highest aca-demic standards with the qual-ification to offer a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

In July, 1975, Dr. and Mrs. Chinchen were granted thirty acres of land in the midst of the beautiful Yekepa Commu-nity by the LAMCO Corpora-tion where today the institu-tion is situated.

The mission organization, African Bible Colleges Inc., was chartered in the State of Mississippi, USA and ground was broken in 1977.

The African Bible College, as it was called then, opened for classes in March of 1979 with an initial intake of 22 stu-

dents, but the population has grown up to 150 students with a radio station where commu-nication students go for practi-cal.

The college’s facilities suf-fered various degrees of war related damages, including, looting and de-roofing until it finally closed in 1994 leaving the beautiful academic com-munity encroached by forest.

With the help from Samari-tan’s Purse, the restoration of the campus began in 2003 and classes resumed in 2008. In October of the same year the college was granted a univer-sity status by the Liberia Com-mission on Higher Education.

The Chinchen’s dream of establishing African Colleges began in Liberia and is now

extending to other parts of Africa including Malawi and Uganda.

According to Mrs. Chinchen, the Malawi Branch has about 300 students with a modern television station while the Ugandan Branch has about 150 students.

Dr. Amos Miamen, a mem-ber of ABC’s first graduating class in 1983, obtained further studies in the United States and is the current President of the Liberian Campus.

Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen are expect-ed to spend about six months in Liberia before returning to Malawi, where they have lived since they departed Liberia over 20 years ago.

rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen at the welcoming cer-emony held in their honor in yekepa.

SudokuPlace a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so

that each row, each column and each 3x3 box con-taining all the numbers from 1 to 9. No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box. Do not guess you can work it out by process of elimination.

GOOD LUCK!

Last week’s results:

With Fumbah Kromah & BSG

Daily Observer Tuesday, January 28, 2013 The Other Page

WORD SEARCH

Circle the 10 differences between the two illustrations below: Last week’s results:

BRAIN GAME W

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POLITICALLY X-P-DIENT

With A. Leslie Lumeh

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FOULFREE THROWGAMEHALF-TIMEHOOP

JERSEYLAY-UPNETOUT OF BOUNDSOVERTIMEPASSINGPLAYERPOINT GUARDPOINTSPOWER FORWARDQUARTERREBOUNDREFEREERIM

SCOREBOARDSHOOTING GUARDSHOTSLAM DUNKSMALL FORWARDSNEAKERSSUBSTITUTIONSTEAMTHREE POINTERTIME-OUTTRAVELING

My man, it is your own people who don’t want to respect you. In my country, everyone

respects me.

Blessed are those that move with a sense of purpose and

determination, for they shall get closer to their dreams.

Daily Observer Monday, January 27, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013For

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Read more sports articles on the Daily Observer website @ www.liberianobserver.com/sports

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Read more sports articles on the Daily Observer website @ www.liberianobserver.com/sports

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 19

‘Dallas Cup Participation is to Develop Young Ambassadors,’ Doc Lawson

The President and Chief Executive Of-ficer of DonamiS-port, Doc Lawson

has said that his objective to ensure an U14 Liberian soc-cer team at this year’s Dallas Cup in Dallas, Texas, (April 13-20, 2014) is to make the players ‘ambassadors’ to tell the world that Liberian youths have moved on from war to re-building their nation.

He told the Daily Observer yesterday in an interview in Monrovia that his organization is pushing the effort to give the U14 players the opportunity to profile Liberia’s image to the world in a positive way and thirdly, to offer them a chance to attend higher institutions ei-ther in Liberia or abroad.

He said there will be a se-lection process, after a series of competitions to get a 25-man team of players that will eventually reduce to the final 18-man team and with two coaches for the Dr. Pepper

Dallas Cup tournament in the United States.

“The final 18-man team will be the nucleus to begin the DonamiSports Academy that may be the eventual culmina-tion of our agenda,” he said.

He explained that DonamiS-port’s initiative involves both sports and education aspects, which will provide a career path for young people in their

search for a better future.“The 18-man team of play-

ers will receive opportunities either in Liberia or abroad, specifically the United States and Canada, in both sports and college,” Doc Lawson, who arrived in the country, last Fri-day, after several months in the United States, said.

He noted that the primary objective of the program is

to develop positive charac-ter, and for the young people to provide role models for other young people, as Liberia strives to rebuilds its human capacity.

He urged the Government of Liberia to demonstrate maxi-mum interest in his organiza-tion’s initiative and pointed out that meetings are sched-uled with the Liberia Football Association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for further discussions on the forthcom-ing participation of Liberia in the historic Dallas Cup tourna-ment in Dallas, Texas, United States.

Meanwhile, he revealed that DonamiSport’s 2014 youth league, which begins in late March, will involve teams in Lofa, Grand Kru and locations in Monrovia, including G. W. Gibson, and PHP Community.

He explained that he is tar-geting nearly 6,000 kids, one thousand more than the pilot edition last year.

Donamisport’s CeO Doc lawson

Peterson Downs Jean to Retain IBF Title

American Lamont Peterson kept his International Box-ing Federation

light-welterweight title on last Saturday after a unanimous 12-round decision over previ-ously unbeaten Canadian Di-erry Jean.

Judges gave home-town hero Peterson the triumph by scores of 118-111, 116-112 and 115-113, improving his record to

32-2 with one draw before 5668 at the Washington Ar-mory.

A day after his 30th birthday, Peterson revived his career af-ter being stopped for the first time in May by Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse in the third round of a catch-weight bout, where his crown was not at risk.

“I had to go out there and show people I have still got it,”

Peterson said. “Every time I think I have it easy, there is an-other setback. I have showed I can get back up.

“That’s my purpose in life. I try to represent something to people trying to find a way out of their struggles and inspire them.”

Jean, in his first world-title bout, fell to 25-1 but took his first loss in stride.

“Maybe it was just a matter

american lamont Peterson keeps his light-welterweight title after a unanimous 12-round decision over Dierry Jean in Washington.

of experience,” Jean said. “I’m definitely leaving with my head held high. I fought a hard fight. Life goes on.”

For Peterson, the goal is a showdown with unbeaten American Danny Garcia, who holds the World Boxing As-sociation and World Boxing Council crowns, for an undis-puted title.

“I would like to be consid-ered the best 140-pounder in the world. If it’s Danny Garcia next, then that’s what it is,” Pe-terson said.

Jean, a 31-year-old born in Haiti but based in Montreal, exchanged tentative jabs with Peterson early on.

Peterson landed a right to the chin off a clinch in the second, but Jean used his speed edge to punch the champion into the ropes late in the round.

Peterson, who had the reach and height advantage, evaded Jean several times to escape trouble in the third and both fighters became more defen-sive.

The champion started the sixth round aggressively and pressed the attack, pounding Jean against the ropes with flurries of punches, opening a cut near Jean’s right eye.

Jean began to connect well with single blows in the sev-enth and eighth, but could not stop Peterson taking control of the fight in the later rounds. AP

8-day Coaching Seminar for CyclistsAn eight-day coach-

ing seminar for fif-teen coaches of the Liberia National

Cycling Association (LINCA) will begin on January 29 and end on February 5, 2014 in Monrovia.

The seminar is under the Liberia National Olympic Committee, LNOC, and be-ing sponsored by Olympic Solidarity of the International Olympic Committee. It is be-ing conducted with the support of the International Cycling Union.

The President of LINCA, Jerry Freeman in an interview yesterday said the seminar will be held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Paynes-

ville.Freeman said, “The tech-

niques of riding and maintain-ing a bicycle will be taught at the seminar.”

Former British cyclist Rich-ard Shepherd will serve as the trainer, he said. “At the end of the training they will be certifi-cated as cycling coaches.”

He added: “With the coach-es, we hope the government will increase its budgetary al-lotment to the LINCA to de-centralize the sport.”

Meanwhile, the LINCA boss extended appreciation to the LNOC for the first-ever tech-nical training and to the Min-istry of Youth and Sports for providing the facility to con-duct the training.

Adusei Goal Sends Ghana Through

A penalty goal by Kwabina Adusei has put Ghana into a highly-anticipated

African Nations Champion-ship semifinal against Nigeria as beaten opponents DR Con-go prepare to go home.

It was a tightly-contested match and DRC had a penalty appeal denied in the dying sec-onds of the game.

Ghana was the first to threat-en in the seventh minute when Mpong’s header went well wide after some early pressure on the DRC defence.

Then, six minutes later DRC had a good chance on goal when Mubele skinned his marker but sent his powerful effort from inside the area way over and into the crowd.

In the 27th minute Ghana went very close through Ano-baah - who scored the opening goal for Ghana in this year’s tournament – when he danced his way past a few DRC de-fenders before directing his effort onto the post from an acute angle.

Eight minutes later DRC got

into a good position to score but Simbas striker Mabidi bal-looned his effort way over the crossbar.

Two minutes before the halftime break Ghana had an-other chance when the ball fell nicely for Adusei, but he could not make it count for the Black Stars.

As the second half started there was a chance for DRC, but Lusadisu sliced his effort wide of goal from outside the area.

In the 54th minute, DRC nearly gifted Yahaya Moham-med a goal, but goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba reacted well to clear the ball from Yahaya’s feet following a horrible back pass.

In the 84th minute the im-pressive Yahaya Mohammed should have made it two for Ghana when he was right in front of the keeper and missed.

DRC had a penalty appeal denied in the dying moments of referee’s optional time, which lasted for as many as six minutes.

black star’s of Ghana

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Dr. Owl’s African Guest

Prez Sirleaf Assures Community of Paved Roads Project

By Alvin Worzi

President El-len Johnson Sirleaf Mon-day, January 27, assured citizens that

paved roads in all communi-ties were definitely be a part of her 2014 agenda for the transformation of Liberia’s

infrastructure.According to the President,

a number of communities in the country were suffering as a result of bad roads and rights-of-ways congested by illegal structures blocking the main streets.

“In order to enforce our zoning ordinances and laws, all illegal structures built within the rights-of-ways

of existing and future road corridors will be removed. I have also instructed the Min-istry of Public Works to de-molish all structures on Tub-man Boulevard that violate pedestrian pavement safety and the Zoning Laws. Those who, for personal gain, have allowed the defacing of our prime corridor will face the brunt of their illegal and

corrupt practices,” said the President.

According to President Sirleaf, the pavement of community roads and de-molitions preceding them are intended to create free links to all streets. She made it clear that viable options were in the works for those who would be evicted from their homes.

By Abednego Davis

A h e a r i n g for a writ (document) that landed M a d a m S u n a n d a

Kikla, a Canadian national behind bars at the Monro-via Central Prison, failed to take place on Monday, Janu-ary 27, at the Monrovia City Court.

The reason was that the state lawyer claimed he did not authorize the court clerk to prepare the document; nei-ther did he have any knowl-edge as to how it was pre-pared.

Madam Kikla is the presi-dent of Fraser Community College in British Columbia, a province of Canada.

She was jailed on Friday, January 25 following a “Writ of Arrest” issued on behalf of six (6) Liberian students by the court, alleging she received over US$4,000 to award scholarships to them to study at her college, unfor-tunately, that did not happen.

They were to study in vari-ous disciplines ranging from engineering, information technology, and agriculture

among others.She was later released af-

ter her lawyer secured a bail bond for her to appear at the Court on Monday.

Interestingly, when Madam Kikla and her lawyer ap-peared before Magistrate Nelson B. Chineh, it was reported that City Solici-tor Samuel T. Solomon (the State lawyer) dissociated his office from preparing that writ.

This dissociation occurred even though his signature and cell phone number were seen on a copy of the writ presently in the possession of the Daily Observer.

The meeting was held in Magistrate Chineh’s cham-ber.

Immediately, following the closed door conference, the government lawyer, in an interview with journalists, at the Temple of Justice insist-ed “I do not know about the writ. If had known about it, I wouldn’t have allowed the woman to go to jail.”

“The college definitely ex-ists and they applied for the scholarship. They lost the opportunity because we un-derstood that they provided fake documents,” the City

Solicitor indicated. He furthered “You can go

and ask the clerk of the court, he knows who requested for the writ.”

When the assistant clerk, Matthew Kpah, was con-tacted by the Observer, he admitted preparing the writ, claiming it was ordered by the City Solicitor.

“He can’t stand in front of me to say that he does not know about it. Whose signa-ture is this? It is his and he ordered me to prepare and give it to the bailiff to send her to jail,” Mr. Kpah said

But, one of the students who claimed to have paid the clerk to issue that writ told the Observer “My friends asked me to pay US$10 to facilitate the preparation of the document, and I did.”

John Don Toe said he re-gretted the action, blaming it on his colleague.

“I’m here to ask the court to withdraw my writ. I never wanted to file for the writ. It was my colleagues who mis-led us to do what we did,” Toe regrettably told the Ob-server.

Giving her side of the sto-ry to the Observer, Madam Kika said she was shocked

Court’s Writ Backfiresto have been detained only based on a verbal allegation.

“Is this how the court sys-tem works in Liberia? How could somebody be jailed based on a mere allegation?” she wondered.

“Do you mean I was jailed for only US$10? That is ri-diculous, I am going to take legal action,” she threatened.

She also admitted that the students applied for the scholarship online and were accepted.

Regrettably, she said the students presented fake doc-uments that caused Canadian immigration to deny them

“We recognize the chal-lenges throughout the coun-try for affordable housing, and in this regard, are pleased to report that plans are near completion for a 500-unit housing complex near the University of Liberia Fen-dell Campus, with support from the Government of Equatorial Guinea as a show of solidarity among African nations. The housing situa-tion at West Point, which ac-commodates 31,000 citizens, demands a long-delayed re-sponse. Architectural design is under way to address this problem for which your ap-

proval will be sought through budgetary allocation in the next fiscal year,” the Presi-dent explained.

She further stated that the demolitions by the Ministry of Public Work, would also affect rural areas including Ganta, Voinjama, Gbarnga, and other communities and residents in all parts of the nation to further the agenda for transformation.

The Ministry of Public Works is yet to be contacted concerning the demolitions exercises and the pavement of roads the President stated was set to begin this year.

entry visas. “They could not get the

scholarship because most of them provided fake docu-ments which caused the Citizenship and Immigration branch of Canada’s High Commission of Visas based in Accra, Ghana to deny them,” said Ms. Kikla sup-porting the City Solicitor’s statements.

According to Ms. Kikla, her trip to Liberia was to up-date the students about the status of their scholarships.

“Though, they were de-nied, we have filed an appli-cation to the Federal Court in Canada to look into the case. This is why I came back to encourage them. But they were not patient. If I wanted

to dupe them why would I decide to come back?” she wondered.

“I’m here because we went to help Liberians to study in Canada,” she said.

Delving into the scholar-ship issue and the legitimacy of the college, Ms. Kikla said, “the college does exist and we have an agreement with the students regarding the refund of their money. In this case you can’t blame the college. We provided them with the opportunity but they misused it. They decided to cheat, so you can hold us re-sponsible for their actions,” she concluded.

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2014, vol. 16, No.65indd 1 1/28/14 2:08 AM