liberian daily observer 11/27/2011

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EDITORIALAnother Great

Opportunity to End Illiteracy in Liberia

LOCAL NEWSTeachers’ Strike Paralyses MOE’s

Activities

WOMEN & FAMILYHope for Fistula

Survivors

BUSINESS Liberia Targets

Single Currency in 3 Years

COMMENTARYFour Fallacies of

the Second Great Depression

SPORTSSenior Pros, Asia

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‘George Weah Will Come Second to Me’Ali Syllah Predicts 2014 Senatorial Election,

But Weah Plays Down Ali’s Prediction

Montserrado Senatorial hopefuls Ali Syllah (left) and George Manneh Weah

By J. Burgess Carter

Based on his track record in recent politics, a prospective candidate for

Montserrado County in the

October 14, 2014 Special Sen-atorial Election, has vowed to beat Congress for Demo-cratic Change political leader, George Weah, into second place if George dares go to the

Cont’d on pg. 18

Energy Expansion Project Launched Duport Road, Fendell and

Kakata to Benefit

Ms. Torres of the World Bank

By Joaquin Sendolo

The Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy, and the Libe-ria Electricity Corpo ra t ion

(LEC) have launched the Li-beria Accelerated Electricity Expansion Project (LAEEP).

The US$35 million expan-sion project was launched on November 25 at the Lands, Mines & Energy Ministry,

and it is to begin from Duport Road, extending to the Fend-ell area and then to Kakata in Margibi County.

The project, signed July 3, this year and funded by the World Bank, has other com-ponents which the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy, and LEC are responsible for.

LEC is responsible for the transmission and distribution component while LME takes on the building of Heavy Fuel

Cont’d on pg. 18 See story on pg. 18

Simeon Freeman’s Accusers Charged for ‘Stealing’ US$6,795

By Abednego Davis

One of the four Indian nationals in the em-ploy of Mr. Simeon

Freeman, who had accused

him of holding their salaries and passports, was on Mon-day, November 25 charged for stealing US$6,795 by the Monrovia City Court.

The allegation against de-

fendant Jayakay Selvaran, was presented to the Court by one Peter Wisdom Fayiah, believed to be the assistant

Cont’d on pg. 18

UL Student

Violence Annoys

NCHE

Dr. Slawon: “NCHE is not in support of violent

behaviors”

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, VOL, No.26.indd 2 11/27/13 12:38 AM

Daily Observer Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Foreign Briefs

World News Central African Republic

‘Descending Into Chaos’ - UN(BBC) - The Central African

Republic (CAR) is descending into “complete chaos”, the UN deputy secretary general has warned, calling for urgent action.

Jan Eliasson urged the Security Council to strengthen the African Union-led force in the country, and to turn it into a UN peacekeeping operation.

The CAR has been in turmoil since rebels seized power in March, with warnings of a possible genocide.

France has said it would contribute about 1,000 troops to the force.

Senior UN and French officials have warned that a cycle of violence between the Muslim minority, now in power, and the Christian majority could become a genocide.

It is not known how many people have been killed in the conflict this year because it is too dangerous to access the rural areas where most killings occur, a UN spokeswoman told the BBC.

However, she said that in the Bossangoa area alone, one of the worst-hit areas about 300km (185 miles) north of the capital, Bangui, several hundred people had been killed in the first two weeks of September.

Some 460,000 people - 10% of the population of 4.6 million - have fled their homes, while more than a million need food aid, according to the United Nations.

Tens of thousands have sought refuge at the Catholic

mission in Bossangoa.The priest in charge, Frederic

Tonfio, told the BBC: “The tension here is palpable. People are absolutely terrified.”

Mr Eliasson said there had been an surge in sexual violence, torture, summary executions and sectarian violence.

“The CAR is becoming a breeding ground for extremists and armed groups in a region that is already suffering from conflict and instability,” he said.

“If this situation is left to fester, it may develop into a religious and ethnic conflict with long-standing consequences, even a civil war that could spread into neighbouring countries.”

Some of CAR’s neighbours such as South Sudan, the Sudanese region of Darfur, Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo are trying to emerge from years of conflict and remain extremely unstable.

France, the former colonial power, currently has about 400

soldiers stationed in Bangui. Their mission is to protect French nationals.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced that France would send another 1,000 troops to the CAR.

UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson: “Children and women are at the greatest risk”

“We cannot have a country fall apart like that,” he told Europe 1 radio: “There is the violence, massacres and humanitarian chaos that follow a collapse.”

He added that - as was the case of France’s intervention in Mali earlier this year- the troops would be deployed for “a short period, in the range of six months”.

The UN Security Council is expected next week to adopt a resolution authorising the deployment of African Union troops with French support in the impoverished nation.

There are currently some 2,500 African troops in CAR, due to be increased to 3,600 by

January 2014.“A country in the heart of

Africa is descending into complete chaos before our eyes,” Mr Eliasson told the 15-member council on Monday.

“The situation requires prompt and decisive action.”

Earlier this month, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said communal violence in the CAR risked spiralling out of control.

Mr Ban backed the establishment of a UN peacekeeping force before the crisis leads to widespread atrocities.

The rebels - known as the Seleka - have replaced President Bozize with their own commander, Michel Djotodia.

Armed gangs, mainly former Seleka rebels, who are mostly Muslim, now control most of the landlocked country.

Some are mercenaries from neighbouring countries, such as Chad and the Darfur region of Sudan.

Mr Djotodia, the country’s first Muslim leader, has formally disbanded the rebels and integrated many fighters into the national army.

But former rebels linked to Seleka have continued to launch attacks on scores of villages, prompting the emergence of local civilian protection groups.

The government in Bangui denies targeting any group, but recognises the rise in inter-community violence.

The bbC’s laeila adjovi reports from bossangoa, where Christians have fled their homes

South Africa Child Support Grants ‘Protect from HIV’

(BBC) - Government grants in South Africa are helping poor children resist the advances of older men, reducing the risk of getting HIV, a study says.

The Oxford University study found that girls from homes which received child support grants were two-thirds less likely to date older men for money.

Young girls are up to three times more likely to become infected with HIV than boys in South Africa, experts say.

Local officials see “sugar daddies” as a major factor in the spread of Aids.

South Africa has more people living with HIV than any other country.

A team of researchers from universities including UK’s Oxford University and South Africa’s Witwatersrand University interviewed more than 3,500 teenagers from two provinces in the country over a period of three years.

According to the study, teenage girls from households which received child support grants are less likely to sleep with an older man in exchange

for money, food or school fees than those from homes which did not receive the benefit.

“This study shows that as long as they are given enough money to survive, girls will choose not to have a sugar daddy,” said Lucie Cluver of the University of Oxford.

The study, published in the medical journal, Lancet Health Global Health, found that around 15% of teenagers were engaging in risky sexual behaviour such as unprotected sex, multiple partners or sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Child support grants do not make teenagers more sensible when it comes to safer sex,” said Mark Orkin from the University of the Witwatersrand, in a statement.

“But what they can do is to provide enough financial security for girls that they do not have to choose their sexual partners through economic necessity,” he said.

Granting a better future? Health Minister Aaron

Motsoaledi recently identified “sugar daddies” as one of the biggest threats to the country’s

attempts to curb the spread of Aids.

Because of the skewed balance of power in many of these relationships, girls are often pressured to have sex without a condom, says the BBC’s Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg.

But this study seems to suggest that these government a slowly empowering teenagers in poor communities, who are most at risk.

“It also shows how valuable it is to give [grants] not only to younger children but also to teenagers, who are most at risk of HIV infections,” said Ms Cluver.

South Africa has one of the

world’s highest HIV infection rates and currently runs the world’s largest antiretroviral program.

Local experts say new infections have decreased in recent years, which could indicate that young people are changing their sexual behaviour.

About 11 million children are currently receiving a child support grant, which is given to poor families who have shown that they are struggling to survive.

Each eligible child receives a monthly grant of 300 rand ($30; £19) and a foster child grant of 800 rand.

Half of new Hiv infections in sub-saharan africa are among young people

US Planes Challenge China Air

Zone

(BBC) - The US has flown B-52 military aircraft over disputed islands in the East China Sea in defiance of new Chinese air defence rules, officials say.

China set up its “air defence identification zone” on Saturday.

A US colonel said the two planes had followed “normal procedures, which include not filing flight plans, not radioing ahead”.

The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, are a source of rising tension between the two nations.

China is insisting that aircraft entering its air defence zone must obey its rules or face “emergency defensive measures”.

“We have conducted operations in the area of the Senkakus,” said US Colonel Steve Warren, adding that so far there had been no response from China.

The aircraft, which were unarmed, had taken off from Guam on Monday and the flight was part of a regular exercise in the area, a US defence official said.

Us airforce plane

Pope Francis Calls for Power to Move away from Vatican

(BBC) - Pope Francis has called for power in the Catholic Church to be devolved away from the Vatican, in the first major work he has written in the role. In the document, he says he is open to suggestions to changes in the power of the papacy.

He also warns that rising global economic inequality is bound to explode in conflict.

Since becoming Pope in March, Francis has struck a markedly different tone to his predecessor on several issues.

The new document did not address some of the key ethical reforms called for by Catholic progressives and ruled out any change in the Church’s teaching on abortion or the exclusion of women from the priesthood.

Pope Francis has pio-neered a more informal

style as pontiff

(BBC) - Russia had urged Kiev to delay signing a key deal with the EU, Ukraine’s prime minister has admitted, as mass protest rallies continue across the country.

Mykola Azarov said Moscow had offered to hold trilateral talks on the issue, without giving “any ultimatums”.

Kiev last week put on hold the association and free trade deal with the EU, prompting Brussels to accuse Moscow of exerting pressure on Ukraine.

Russia

(BBC) - The leader of the Western-backed rebel Free Syrian Army has said that forces aligned to him will not join the peace conference in Geneva in January.

Gen Salim Idris, head of the FSA’s Supreme Military Council, told al-Jazeera that they would continue to try to topple President Bashar al-Assad.

He warned Mr Assad would use the talks to buy time and continue to wage war.Iran, which is closely allied to the Syrian government, said it would attend if it was invited.

Syria

(BBC) Gunmen have killed 37 people in a pre-dawn raid in Nigeria’s central Plateau state, the military has said.

Herdsmen from the Fulani ethnic group carried out the attack on villages inhabited mostly by the Berom community, a local organisation said.

Plateau state has been hit for years by inter-ethnic and religious violence, which has killed thousands.

Nigeria

(BBC) A rescue operation is under way in the Bahamas, after a 12m (40ft) vessel carrying Haitian migrants ran aground and capsized.

The US Coast Guard said about 100 migrants were clinging to the hull of the overturned boat.

At least 10 people are reported to have died in the accident, which took place on Monday near Staniel Cay. Haitian migrants often head to the Bahamas or pass by on their way to the United States.

Haitian

(BBC) A Zimbabwe magistrate has freed top human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, who was charged with obstructing justice and being unruly to the police.

The charges refer to a raid in March at the offices of former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa ruled that there was “no evidence” that Ms Mtetwa had interfered with police duties. Ms Mtetwa, a strong critic of Mr Mugabe, had pleaded not guilty.

Zimbabwe

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Wednesday, November 27, 2013

‘Teachers’ Strike Paralyses MOE’s Activitiesby C.y. Kwanue

Normal activities at the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Monrovia were

on Monday disrupted when over 200 striking “teachers,” besieged the Ministry’s only entrance, preventing any of the officials from leaving or entering the building.

Many of the protesting teachers became disgruntled and vowed to take their grievances to the homes of some of the Ministry’s officials, including the home of Education Minister Etmonia David Tarpeh.

According to Pastor Emmanuel Zobweh, authorities at the MOE allegedly deleted the names of most of the teachers last year.

“Since that time,” he claimed, “nothing has happened to address the issues concerning their reinstatement and the settlement of their arrears.”

“I have not been paid for nearly eight months, this has exposed my family and I to extreme hardship,” Pastor Zobweh exclaimed.

He said some of his colleagues have not been paid since their names were recorded by the MOE for subsequent employment several months ago. In spite of this fact, they have reportedly been assigned in the leeward counties as “teachers without pay.”

Another teacher, Rancy Kenneh, told the Daily Observer that they represented a group under the banner of what they referred to as

“Cohorts 4 Teachers.” This group of teachers graduated from the various rural teacher-training institutes (RTTIs) across the country in 2012.

According to Kenneh, since they were assigned throughout the 15 counties, they are yet to receive their salaries and other benefits from the MOE authorities.

“Some of the names of the affected teachers were deleted in the past six to 11 months,” Mr. Kenneh disclosed.

He said some of them were in the classrooms at their assigned areas when the MOE deleted their names.

Therefore, there was the need for the MOE to pay them and re-assign them to the various posts at their previous school in the counties.

The chairman/spokesman for the aggrieved teachers, Gongben Odysseus Depah, told the Daily Observer that the teachers deleted from the payroll totaled over 2,000

from across the country. Depah said, “The teachers

are being negatively affected by the MOE’s decision to delete their names from the payroll.”

Moses Parwon and another unnamed teacher were among those who reportedly sustained injuries in the stampede that ensued following Monday’s strike action.

Mr. Parwon, like Pastor Zobweh, was reportedly assigned at the Tappita School District #1.

They vowed to continue with their strike until their names are placed back on the payroll at the MOE; especially since their respective documents have been vetted and proven correct.

Monday’s strike was divided into three, with some of the protesters under the banner of the Movement for the Reinstatement of Deleted Teachers across Liberia (MORDTAL).

MORDTAL is an auxiliary of the 15 counties’ Teachers Welfare Council (TWC), another assemblage of teachers that has been advocating for the three groups consisting of

replaced, deleted, and vendor teachers all represented in Cohorts 4 Teachers.

On Wednesday, November 13, aggrieved teachers also overwhelmed the vicinity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) calling for the intervention of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to resolve the impasse.

Unlike that recent protest, the teachers on Monday became violent and threatened to remain standing at the door of the MOE until their demands were properly addressed.

Thank God for the quick intervention of the Liberia National Police Emergency Response Unit (ERU) for restoring calm to the disruption.

Meanwhile, the MOE through its Director of Communications, J. Maxim Bleetain, has confirmed the teachers concerns, but said, “The matter is being properly addressed.”

“We have held an emergency meeting under a cordial atmosphere with the leadership of the teachers to remedy the situation in two weeks time,” Mr. Bleetain assured.

One of the aggrieved teachers display ‘bruises’ he allegedly sustained during Monday’s action

Bassa Students Ask Sen. Findley for WAEC Fees

by J. burgess Carter

The recent war of words among p o l i t i c i a n s r e p r e s e n t i n g

Grand Bassa County in the Legislature has done little to curb the educational desire of thousands of students, who could possibly serve as their successors in future.

This enthusiasm for education was demonstrated over the weekend by thousands of graduating students from several junior and senior high schools in Grand Bassa. The students approached Senator Gbehzohngar Findley in Buchanan City, and presented

him with a one-page statement appealing for financial assistance to help them write the 2013/2014 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

A student representative, Emmanuel Bonsu, who read the one-page document to Senate Pro Tempore Findley, said their desire to write the 2013/2014 national exams is being seriously threatened by the inability of their parents to pay the fees.

They made their appeal because they believed the Pro-temp was always willing to support education in the county. “You never fail people when it comes to education;

you did it for our brothers and sisters in 2013, and we believe you can do the same for us with God above,” the students’ statement read.

According to the students’ letter, the deadline for payment of the WAEC fees is Saturday, November 30, and they have therefore expressed the hope that Pro-Temp Findley will respond in a timely manner to ensure that their fees are cleared.

The students, however, individually and collectively refused to be drawn into the recent exchanges of verbal assaults among their Legislators.

Responding to the

students’ request, Pro-Temp Findley, who made a similar intervention in 2013 by paying the WAEC fees for all schools in Grand Bassa County, said he was thrilled by the huge turnout of students.

He gave his word to them that he would review the letter and make a timely decision even though the deadline for payment was short.

Senator Findley promised to respond to their letter in one week. “I will respond in any way I can; what I can give to you is a guarantee that you

sen Findley surrounded by students in buchanan City

will get some relief, even if it is not all, you will get some”, Pro-Temp Findley assured the students.

The Pro-Temp then made US$2,000 available to the students for their refreshments after they had marched through the streets on a sunny day in Buchanan.

It may be recalled that Pro Tempore Findley had recently came under attack from his fellow legislators from the county. They accused him of failing to unite citizens of Grand Bassa, especially the

Legislative Caucus of the county.

Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence in particular predicted a rough and uncertain political road for the Pro Tempore in the October 14, 2014 Special Senatorial election, accusing him of failing to pay attention to the county’s rural dwellers.

Sen. Findley, however, countered those accusations by boasting that he has nothing to worry about as he claimed to have completed his 2005 election platform 100 percent.

Tetra Tech Program Yields ‘Results’

by ishmael F. Menkor

Tetra Tech DPK has made a breakthrough in Nimba County after reportedly

resolving a long standing land dispute between citizens of Manzoeplay and the family of former Special Security Services Director, Gen. Benjamin Yeaten.

On the 16th of November, the citizens of Manzoeplay and the Yeaten family reached an agreement to end the longstanding land dispute, which most likely began few

years into the civil conflict in Liberia.

During the dispute resolution, the Yeaten Family agreed to relinquish the land they had occupied including

The chiefs at the signing ceremony in Payglay

every crop planted on the land.The head of the Yeaten

family, Mr. James Yeaten, signed on behalf of his family, while Dahn Nutuah signed for the citizens of Manzoeplay.

The Yeaten Family unlawfully occupied the land and began planting cocoa in early 1990 when their son, Gen. Benjamin Yeaten, was in power as one of former President Charles Taylor’s senior generals.

The breakthrough came after the intervention of Community Forum organized by Tetra Tech DPK some months ago.

The Community Forum is charged with the responsibility to intervene and settle any situation that has the propensity to cause chao or insecurity in the community.

The Gblorlay Community Forum is comprised of over 50 towns within the Buu-Yoa

Administrative District, it extends to the bordering towns where the Yeaten and the other families who were in the land dispute are located.

On the same day of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, in Payglay, a nearby town, other long standing land disputes were reviewed and settled.

Tetra Tech DPK is working in two counties in Liberia; Lofa and Nimba, under the program called mitigating land dispute in Liberia.

It is sponsored by Narcotic Law Enforcement/INL (a unit) in the US Department of State.

Early this year another historic land dispute between Yehbo and Mongbein in the Bain Garr District in Nimba was settled after Tetra Tech DPK’s MLDL program.

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Tuesday, November 5, 2013

OBSERVER CARTOON WITH A. Leslie Lumeh E-mail: [email protected] www.leslielumeh.com

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

Liberia’s First Independent Daily

0886812888, 0886472772www.liberianobserver.com

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Another Great Opportunity to End Illiteracy in Liberia

The first opportunity Liberia had to end illiteracy came in 1948, with the advent of Frank Laubach, the renowned international literacy expert, who first initiated the program on a national scale. That was 65 years ago.

Oh! how Liberians have, in so many ways, wasted time in their country! Today, over 65% of Liberians remain illiterate!

The literacy program was established in the Department of Education, then headed by President Tubman’s first Education Secretary, J.W. Pearson. Several Liberians, including Lutheran pastor Byron Z. Traub and his wife Margaret, were trained as adult literacy teachers. The Lutheran Church in Liberia produced literacy books in Kpelle, Lorma and other Liberian languages.

In the 1960s Mrs. Traub became the founding editor of New Day, a monthly magazine for new literates. It became the largest circulating periodical in Liberia, 25,000 copies. The literacy program continued into the late 1960s, but apparently lacked the government’s commitment and support. So we lost an opportunity to achieve 100% literacy.

Another great opportunity has come through a Cuban American named Joseph Milton, whose father, Jose Milton, fled Cuba for Florida, United States of America in the early 1960s following Fidel Castro’s coup d’etat and the establishment of communism in Cuba.

Joe’s father started a new business in Florida and made money there, too, especially in real estate. He decided to give back by investing heavily in adult literacy throughout Latin America, including his native Cuba.

In early 2006, through the initiative of Methodist Bishop John Innis, that literacy program, named ALFALIT, came to Liberia, with Rev. Emmanuel Giddings, a Methodist pastor, as executive director.

Thanks to Rev. Giddings and his team, the program is now in all 15 counties.

In the past week Joe Milton, now ALFALIT International vice president, has been visiting Liberia. He met with Pastor Giddings and the ALFALIT Board of Directors, which includes several Liberians who care about promoting adult literacy here. These include Vulate Hage, Helen Evans, Willymae King, Messrs. George Gooding, Rudolph Murab, Mamadee Dorbor, Jonathan Enders, Michael Weah and Kenneth Y. Best, chairman.

Joe Milton visited several ALFALIT teaching points and was highly impressed with the work. About two years ago he used his friendship with some key Americans in Washington, D.C. to win a grant from the US Agency for International Development for the Liberian ALFALIT program.

His visit last week rekindled his interest in the Liberia program. A small committee of the Board led him on a visit with Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, and Joe came away highly impressed with the Liberian leader’s passion for promoting adult literacy and his willingness to help in any way to help the program succeed. The Vice President on the spot donated five generators to the program, especially for its teaching points upcountry.

Joe also met with Education Minister Etmonia Tarpeh, who pledged to work with ALFALIT to expand the program throughout the country. Her Senior Policy Advisor, Dr. Albert Coleman, pledged his personal commitment to ensure that the Education Ministry THIS TIME will work relentlessly with ALFALIT toward the program’s success.

We consider all these developments, enhanced by Joe Milton’s visit and the expressed commitment of Liberian officials, as a very good sign that this time adult literacy will touch all Liberians and empower them with the ability to read and write.

Joe Milton has pledged his unflinching commitment to use his contacts in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere to continue garnering financial support for the Liberia program. He has underscored the need for Liberian officials, at the highest level, to lend their voices to international fundraising for the Liberian dream of 100 percent literacy within the next five to 1 0 years.

We strongly believe that this goal is definitely achievable and MUST be embraced by all Liberians, officials and ordinary citizens alike. Let our students at the elementary, secondary and college levels get involved and let all schools, public and private, lend their classroom spaces at night to the cause of teaching adult literacy in every village, town and city throughout Liberia.

Let us THIS TIME SEIZE the opportunity make Liberia, within a few years, 100% LITERATE!

Four Fallacies of the Second Great Depressionby robert skidelsky (Courtesy of

project-syndicate.org)

The period since 2008 has produced a plentiful crop of recycled economic falla-cies, mostly falling from the lips of politi-cal leaders. Here are my four favorites.

The Swabian Housewife. “One should simply have asked the Swabian house-wife,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. “She would have told us that you cannot live beyond your means.”

This sensible-sounding logic currently underpins austerity. The problem is that it ignores the effect of the housewife’s thrift on total demand. If all households curbed their expenditures, total consumption would fall, and so, too, would demand for labor. If the housewife’s husband loses his job, the household will be worse off than before.

The general case of this fallacy is the “fallacy of composition”: what makes sense for each household or company in-dividually does not necessarily add up to the good of the whole. The particular case that John Maynard Keynes identified was the “paradox of thrift”: if everyone tries to save more in bad times, aggregate demand will fall, lowering total savings, because of the decrease in consumption and eco-nomic growth.

If the government tries to cut its deficit, households and firms will have to tighten their purse strings, resulting in less total spending. As a result, however much the government cuts its spending, its deficit will barely shrink. And if all countries pursue austerity simultaneously, lower de-mand for each country’s goods will lead to lower domestic and foreign consumption, leaving all worse off.

The government cannot spend money it does not have. This fallacy – often repeat-ed by British Prime Minister David Cam-eron – treats governments as if they faced the same budget constraints as households or companies. But governments are not like households or companies. They can always get the money they need by issu-ing bonds.

But won’t an increasingly indebted gov-ernment have to pay ever-higher interest rates, so that debt-service costs eventually consume its entire revenue? The answer is no: the central bank can print enough extra money to hold down the cost of government debt. This is what so-called quantitative easing does. With near-zero

interest rates, most Western governments cannot afford not to borrow.

This argument does not hold for a gov-ernment without its own central bank, in which case it faces exactly the same bud-get constraint as the oft-cited Swabian housewife. That is why some eurozone member states got into so much trouble until the European Central Bank rescued them.

The national debt is deferred taxation. According to this oft-repeated fallacy, governments can raise money by issuing bonds, but, because bonds are loans, they will eventually have to be repaid, which can be done only by raising taxes. And, because taxpayers expect this, they will save now to pay their future tax bills. The more the government borrows to pay for its spending today, the more the public saves to pay future taxes, canceling out any stimulatory effect of the extra bor-rowing.

The problem with this argument is that governments are rarely faced with hav-ing to “pay off” their debts. They might choose to do so, but mostly they just roll them over by issuing new bonds. The longer the bonds’ maturities, the less fre-quently governments have to come to the market for new loans.

More important, when there are idle resources (for example, when unemploy-ment is much higher than normal), the spending that results from the govern-ment’s borrowing brings these resources into use. The increased government reve-nue that this generates (plus the decreased spending on the unemployed) pays for the extra borrowing without having to raise taxes.

The national debt is a burden on future generations. This fallacy is repeated so often that it has entered the collective un-conscious. The argument is that if the cur-rent generation spends more than it earns, the next generation will be forced to earn more than it spends to pay for it.

But this ignores the fact that holders of the very same debt will be among the sup-posedly burdened future generations. Sup-pose my children have to pay off the debt to you that I incurred. They will be worse off. But you will be better off. This may be bad for the distribution of wealth and income, because it will enrich the creditor at the expense of the debtor, but there will be no net burden on future generations.

The principle is exactly the same when the holders of the national debt are for-

eigners (as with Greece), though the po-litical opposition to repayment will be much greater.

Economics is luxuriant with fallacies, because it is not a natural science like physics or chemistry. Propositions in eco-nomics are rarely absolutely true or false. What is true in some circumstances may be false in others. Above all, the truth of many propositions depends on people’s expectations.

Consider the belief that the more the government borrows, the higher the future tax burden will be. If people act on this belief by saving every extra pound, dollar, or euro that the government puts in their pockets, the extra government spending will have no effect on economic activ-ity, regardless of how many resources are idle. The government must then raise taxes – and the fallacy becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So how are we to distinguish between true and false propositions in econom-ics? Perhaps the dividing line should be drawn between propositions that hold only if people expect them to be true and those that are true irrespective of beliefs. The statement, “If we all saved more in a slump, we would all be better off,” is absolutely false. We would all be worse off. But the statement, “The more the gov-ernment borrows, the more it has to pay for its borrowing,” is sometimes true and sometimes false.

Or perhaps the dividing line should be between propositions that depend on rea-sonable behavioral assumptions and those that depend on ludicrous ones. If people saved every extra penny of borrowed money that the government spent, the spending would have no stimulating ef-fect. True. But such people exist only in economists’ models

about the authorrobert skidelsky, Professor emeritus

of Political economy at Warwick Univer-sity and a fellow of the british academy in history and economics, is a member of the british House of lords. The author of a three-volume biography of John Maynard Keynes, he began his politi-cal career in the labour party, became the Conservative Party’s spokesman for Treasury affairs in the House of lords, and was eventually forced out of the Conservative Party for his opposition to NaTO’s intervention in Kosovo in 1999.

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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sida Praised for ‘Core support’ to land Commissionby alaskai Moore

Johnson

The Chairman of the Land Com-mission (LC), Dr. Cecil T. O. Bran-

dy, has praised the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) for provid-ing “core support” to the Commission.

By core support, according to Dr. Brandy: “It is very es-sential. That core support enables us to hire and pay the salaries of our techni-cal secretariat staff, which are our highly professional staff that do the very impor-tant works here at the Land Commission.”

Dr. Brandy spoke with the Daily Observer in an ex-clusive interview recently following a courtesy visit of the new Swedish Ambas-sador to Liberia to his Com-mission.

He further stated that SIDA, which gave them two million US$ for the last two years, also provides funding which enables them to pilot most of their programs, be-fore they (pilots) are rolled out.

The two-year duration ends December 2013. But Sweden has further given an

additional two million for the next two years, begin-ning January 2014.

Dr. Brandy said one of such pilots is the Urban Land Inventory, adding: “The Urban Land Inventory (ULI) is a special tool that is perfect. It allows you to get a full inventory of land

use within urban setting. It also provides an imagery for identification of every struc-ture in a given place.”

The Land Commission head stated that in Gbarnga, Bong County where the pilot was conducted, they were able to identify “every single structure”. According

to Dr. Brandy, the ULI will help the Commission do a profile and information on land used.

“We are going to be able to identify the alleys, corri-dors for electricity and what areas are the wet lands,” he stated.

Dr. Brandy furthered that this SIDA-funded pilot project can also be used for revenue generation and other important purposes because every structure and land can now be seen and identified in a given area.

He disclosed that this will lead to the development of an Urban Land Policy (ULP), which Liberia is yet to have.

“You see how Monrovia is developing without plan? We need to now quickly formulate an Urban Land Policy and Planning docu-ment. You will notice that in countries that have this document, when a land has been designated for farming or recreational area, it does

not matter how develop the city becomes, that particular plot remains there for that purpose,” he stressed.

The LC Chairman further told the Daily Observer that SIDA has also given Libe-ria more money to continue with the pilot project in Bu-chanan and Ganta, in Grand Bassa and Nimba Counties respectively.

Dr. Brandy said they were doing this exercise in those cities because they are among the fastest growing cities in Liberia.

“Very quickly as a result of the pieces of informa-tion that we are getting to develop a National Urban Land Policy,” which he said SIDA fully supports.

So, according to him, Sweden Ambassador Sofia Strand’s visit to the Com-mission was an assurance that her country’s govern-ment is supporting Liberia in its reconstruction drive.

“The Swedish Govern-ment has renewed its sup-

port to us. They have given us an additional 2 million for the next 18 months to carry out the two cities’ ur-ban inventory and to begin doing tribal certificate col-lection and vetting exercise in at least four counties,” he added.

Dr. Brandy said over the years many of Liberia’s tra-dition people could not get their deeds processed be-cause every deed has to be signed by the President so most resulted to tribal cer-tificate as a means of pro-tecting their lands.

“During this exercise, we will take the certificates, validate them and process the real one into full deeds and the rest the lands now, we are going to have the time to begin delineating customary lands.”

He told the Observer that there will be a lot of conflict situations along the way, but the Commission had long since prepared itself.

Gvl rehabilitates damaged Greenville-Butaw HighwayGolden Veroleum

Liberia said it has begun re-habilitating the

most damaged portions of 19-kilometer Butaw-Green-ville Highway in Sinoe ahead of the festive season, in an effort to provide free movement of goods and services for residents of the county.

According to the Sr. Re-gional Controller of Golden Veroleum Liberia, Jeffery Benzin, the effort is GVL’s own way of wishing Sinoe-an and Liberians happy and Merry Christmas.

We want to see that the lives of people in our opera-tional areas are improved. So we will always help them grow,” said Benzin.

Mr. Benzin said full reha-bilitation of the road would be concluded after sev-eral days of sunshine in the county. Currently, rain is still falling in Sinoe while citizens in other parts of Li-

beria are enjoying the dry season.

The road during the rainyseason obstructed the movement of goods and services to and from Green-ville and to other parts of the country.The Butaw-Green-ville Highway had double the already high cost of commodities in Greenville

and tripled the cost of trans-port to more commercial areas.

In the midst of situation, GVL continued to recondi-tion several locations, in-cluding providing tractors to pull cars stuck in the mud.The damaged spot is twenty minutes’ drive from Green-ville.

Greenville-butaw highway under rehabilitation by Gvl-photo by leroy N. s. Kanmoh

Sweden Ambassador Sofia Strand in handshake with Dr. brandy following the meeting

ambassador strand and delegation in photo with Dr. brandy and staff of the land Commission

Daily Observer Page 14 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 6

(Continued on page 15

BANLAW AFRICA LIBERIA LIMITED

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESBanlaw Africa Liberia Limited (BAL) a company registered under the laws of Liberia, has been awarded a contract for the construction of Tailings Management Facility, Stormwater Management Dams and Roads on the ArcelorMittal Liberia Concession at Tokadeh Mine, Tokadeh/Yekepa County of Nimba in the North Central region of Liberia.

BAL seeks to employ highly skilled and suitably qualified professionals for the follow-ing positions. All the positions are based at the Tokadeh Mine site.

1. PROJECT MANAGER (Job Ref: WRIOP 001)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Ensure that budgeted percentage return on costs is achieved through effective

management of resources• Assesses and reviews project Key Performance Indicators to determine project

status• Manage site operations safely by providing appropriate direction in aspects of

Safety, Health and Environment, Training, Production, Engineering, Adminis-tration, Human Resources and Labour Relations

CRITERIA• Tertiary qualification in Mining, Civil, Mechanical Engineering or Geology or

related discipline• Minimum Twelve (12) years’ experience in the mining industry. At least

five (5) years ofwhich shouldhavebeenat the operationsmanagementlevel (Superintendent or above).

• Experience in managing a multi-million dollar projectOR

• Polytechnic Diploma/Certificate or its equivalent in the mining or related industry

• MinimumFifteen(15)years’experienceintheminingorrelatedindustry• Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project• In-depth knowledge of the mining industry

2. SENIOR SITE ENGINEER (Job Ref: WRIOP 002)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Coordination of project activities• Maintenance of project database• Control project plan by reviewing design, specifications, and schedule changes

CRITERIA• Tertiary qualification in mining & Civil or related discipline• Minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience • Knowledge of construction Methods and Procedures, Process Improvement

and Documentation Skills• Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project

OR• Polytechnic Diploma/Certificate or its equivalent in the mining or related in-

dustry• Minimum twelve (12) years’ relevant experience in continuous employment• In-depth knowledge of the mining or related industry• Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project

3. SURVEYORS (2 POSITIONS) (Job ref: WRIOP 003-4)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Responsible for mine surveying and associated calculations, maps and plans

generated by those activities. • Sets out drill & blast, pre-split and exploration drill holes and pick-ups and sets

out grade control drilling positions • Supervises the training of Assistant Surveyor in proper survey procedures,

delegates work as appropriate and provides suitable quality control checks for errors

CRITERIA• Must have a formal tertiary qualification in Surveying or a related discipline.• A minimum of 10 years’ experience • Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project • Computer literacy (Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Database programs).• Good understanding of modern survey equipment and associated software

4. CIVILWORKSSUPERINTENDENT(JobRef:WRIOP005)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for Civil Crew Management and man hours reporting• Provide technical and practical input on planning works• Report on equipment hours for costing purposes

CRITERIA• Minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant working experience• Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company

operations• Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project

5. CIVILWORKSSUPERVISORS(2POSITIONS)(JobRef:WRIOP006-7)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Supervision of all Civil Works• Preparation of daily diaries and weekly civil production reports• Report on all equipment hours and other time sheets

CRITERIA• Atleastfive(5)yearsrelevantworkexperience• Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company

operations• Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project

6. QUANTITYSURVEYORS(2POSITIONS)(JobRef:WRIOP008-9)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Participate in Tender, Pre-Construction and Post Construction phases of project• Responsibility for the financial and contractual control of the project• Liaises with the Consultants / Client, prepares and agrees valuations, value

variations and prepares the final account • Establishes cost control methods with the Project Manager, monitors project

costs and maximises its profitability.

CRITERIA• A degree in Quantity Surveying or Building Technology or equivalent trade/

technical professional qualification.• At least ten (10) years relevant experience in quantity surveying and con-

struction• Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project• Experience in measurement of building works, estimating and analysis of prices• Advanced skills with MS office modules (Word Processing, Spreadsheet and

Database programs)

7. HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL (HSSE) MANAGER (Job Ref: WRIOP 010)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Effective coordination of health, safety and environment systems and standards • Identification of hazard and effective implementation of controls to support a

safe working environment• Support and develop the HSE Program• Maintain safety statistics register; timely submission of all HSE reports; liaise

with client regarding HSE matters

CRITERIA• Tertiary qualification in Mining, Engineering or Health, Safety and Environ-

ment• Minimum(ten)10years’experienceinrelevantfield• Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project

8. ENVIRONMENTALSUPERINTENDANT(JobRef:WRIOP011)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Environmental compliance• Work towards a goal of zero accidents and injuries in the promotion of a healthy

and safe working environment• Familiarity with Client’s Environmental Policy• Ensures full compliance of the Client Environmental Management Plan

CRITERIA• A degree in Environmental Science or equivalent• Training qualifications• Membership of Professional Body- IEMA or equivalent• Minimumseven(7)yearsworkrelatedexperience


1. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing was established in 1921, A Referral Hospital located in Suakoko, Bong County (Central Liberia). Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing is providing both medical and Academic Services to Liberia and the region in particular. Phebe Hospital and School of NursAng is been subsidized by the Government of Liberia through allotment from the National Budget.

2. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing anticipate budgetary allotment from the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 to funds payment under the contract for the supply of Drugs and Medical Supply pending the passage of National Budget.

3. The institution now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of drugs and medical supply for the fiscal year 2013/2014.

4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding process as en-shrined in the PPCA.

5. Qualification requirements includei. Current Registrationii. Valid Tax Clearance Certificateiii. Current Bank Statement (Positive Balance)iv. Past performance report, and a bid security from a reputable bank. See Bid Data sheet in the document for additional information.

6. A complete set bidding document in English may be purchase by interested bidders for a nonrefundable fee of USD $50.00 from the Business Office and can be obtained from the procurement Unit of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing.

7. Bid must be delivered in a sealed envelope to the Procurement Unit of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing located in Suakoko, Bong County not later than 12:00 mid-day Mon-day December 9, 2013. Late bid will be rejected.Bids will be open in the presence of the bidders who choose to attend or their representatives on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 12:00 Noon in the conference room of the Medical Direc-tor’s office (Phebe Hospital, Suakoko, Bong County).Bids shall be valid for a period of 30 days after the deadline for bids submission.All bids must be accompany by a bid security from a reputable Bank worth USD$2,000.00. Please note that electronic Bid are not acceptable.

9. All bids must be addressed to: The Procurement Unit Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing Suakoko, Bong County

1. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing was established in 1921, and is a referral Hospital located in Suakoko, Bong County (Central Liberia). Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing is providing both medical and academic Services to Liberia and the region in particular. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing is been subsidized by the Government of Liberia through al-lotment from the National Budget.

2. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing anticipate budgetary allotment from the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 to funds payment under the contract for the supply statio-nery items pending the passage of National Budget.

3. The institution now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of stationery materials for the fiscal year 2013/2014.

4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding process as enshrined in the PPCA.

5. The Specification and Quantity of the stationery are detailed listed in the schedule of re-quirements and Technical specification sections of the bidding document.

6. Qualification requirements includei. Current Registrationii. Valid Tax Clearance Certificateiii. Current Bank Statement (Positive Balance)iv. Past performance report

7. A complete set bidding document in English may be purchase by interested bidders for a nonrefundable fee of USD $50.00 from the Business Office and can be obtained from the pro-curement Unit of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing in Suakoko, Bong County.

8. Bid must be delivered in a sealed envelope to the Procurement Unit of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing located in Suakoko, Bong County not later than 12:00 mid-day Wednesday December 11, 2013. Late bid will be rejected. Bids will be open in the presence of the bidders who choose to attend or their representatives on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 12:00 Noon in the conference room of the Medical Director’s office (Phebe Hospital, Suakoko, Bong County).Bids shall be valid for a period of 30 days after the deadline for bids submission.All bids must be accompany by a bid security from a reputable Bank worth USD$2,000.00. Please note that electronic Bid are not acceptable.

9. All bids must be addressed to: The Procurement Unit Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing Suakoko, Bong County

PHEBE HOSPITAL & SCHOOL OF NURSINGP. O. BOX 10-1046 1000 MONROVIA 10, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA

Cell #: 06744444 Email: [email protected]

Section I. Invitation for BidderINVITATION FOR BIDS

For the Procurement of GoodsSupply of Drugs & Medical Supply

IFB NO. PHSN/NCB/001/13/14


For the Provision of Stationery SuppliesIFB NO. PHSN/NCB/004/13/14

Name Description Quantity Delivery Schedule

Petroleum Products

Diesel 60,000 gals. 14 days


For the Procurement of GoodsPetroleum Products

IFB No. PHSN/NCB/002/13/141. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing was established in 1921, A referal Hospital lo-cated in Suakoko, Bong County (Central Liberia). Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing is providing both medical and Academic Services to Liberia and the region in particular. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing is been subsidiced by the Government of Liberia through allotment from the National Budget.2. Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing anticipate budgetary allotment from the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 to funds payment under the contract for the supply of Petroleum Product pending the passage of the National Budget.3. The institution now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of Petro-leum Products for the fiscal year 2013/2014.4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding process as enshrined in the PPCA.

5. Qualification requirements include:i. Current Registration ii. Valid Tax Clearance Certificateiii. Current Bank Statement (Positive Balance)iv. Past performance report, and a bid security from a reputable bank. See Bid Data sheet in the document for additional information.

6. A complete set bidding document in English may be purchase by interested bidders for a nonrefundable fee of USD $50.00 from the Business Office and can be obtained from the procurement Unit of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing.7. Bid must be delivered in a sealed envelope to the Procurement Unit of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing located in Suakoko, Bong County not later than 12:00 mid-day Tuesday December 10, 2013. Late bid will be rejected.

Bids will be open in the presence of the bidders who choose to attend or their representa-tives on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 12:00 mid-day in the conference room of the Medical Director’s office (Phebe Hospital, Suakoko, Bong County).Bids shall be valid for a period of 30 days after the deadline of bids submission. All bids must be accompany by a bid security from a reputable Bank worth USD $2,000.00. Please note that electronic Bid are not acceptable.8. All bids must be addressed to: The Procurement Unit Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing Suakoko, Bong County


On Wednesday, December 4, 2013, the Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) of Liberia will come together in Monrovia for a fair celebrating the theme: “liberia’s Transformation Through Partnerships”. The fair will be held at the Executive Pavilion from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The fair is hosted by The Liberian International Non-Governmental Organization (LINGO) Forum, a network of International NGOs in Liberia established in 1997. The mission of the network is to act as a focal point for NGO information dissemination in Liberia and to facilitate and enhance the work of its members.

The LINGO Forum has recognized that the perceptions and working environment of NGOs are changing in Liberia, as the role of NGOs in the development agenda is unclear to many citizens and stakeholders. Over the years, NGOs have worked towards reaching the needs of the Liberian people through various program interventions and regularly report to donors and partners on their progress and success. In the spirit of transparency, the LINGO Forum mem-bers are committed to publically hold themselves accountable to their beneficiaries and will report in a public fair. The fair will therefore provide NGOs a forum for reporting on accomplishments, cultivating relationships, showcas-ing program impact, and creating awareness among the public. The fair also aims to strengthen the partnerships and collaboration among NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the principal service providers and govern-ment bodies of Liberia. Over 60 national and international NGOs operating in Liberia will be represented at the fair. The daylong event will consist of an official program followed by an open public exhibition. The opening program will include speeches from key stakeholders and the presentation of a report on the impact of NGOs over the past ten years of peace in Liberia.

NGO Fair Press Release

Daily Observer Page 6 Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) located in District #3, Grand Bassa County has vacancy for DIVISION TRAINEE SUPERVISOR at its Plantation.

REQUIRED COMPETENCE:1. Must have a B.Sc. Degree in any Science Discipline from a

recognized University. A B. Sc. Degree in Agriculture will be an added advantage.

2. Technical knowledge in Rubber Culture will be an added advan-tage.

3. Must have the ability to control, direct, check and correct daily work of Overseers and Headmen.

4. Must be computer literate.5. Must exhibit good human relations with employees and locals.

WORKING EXPERIENCE:Prior working experience in similar capacity will be considered as added advantage.

Application, Resume and Supporting Documents including contact cell phone numbers should be submitted to the:

HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT MANAGERLIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY (LAC)LAC HEAD OFFICE, COMPOUND #3, DISTRICT #3, GRAND BASSA COUNTY, LIBERIA

ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW OR OTHERWISE.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 6, 2013.

JOB VACANCY

HISTORY AND USDaily Observer’s New Weekly Column

All Invited to Contribute!

This Thursday, the eve of President William V. S. Tubman’s 118th birth anniversary, the Daily Observer newspaper will launch a new History Column called

“HISTORY AND US.”

In that column, we will portray old, historic photographs con-necting Liberia’s past with the present and today’s generation.

We appeal to all Liberians and friends of Liberia who have in their possession or have access to people who may have, old photographs of Liberia and Liberians that may be useful in telling the great story of our country to ourselves and to the world.

We invite the public in general to contribute to this History Column, which coincides with the Government’s own History Project aimed at rewriting the History of our country, to make it the most inclusive history of Liberia ever written.

Watch out Thursday ensuing first edition of this column and dig deep into your archives to find old pictures that will enrich this column for the good of our country and ourselves.

Thank you!

9


(Continued on page 11

The Government of Liberia in 2006 created via an Executive Order, the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms,consistent with relevant international protocols and treaties on arms control and in furtherance of its commitment to promote and consolidate peace and stability. The Commission later in August

2012 gained permanent legal status through a Legislative Act which established the full mandate and powers of the Commission to, among others, “provide, as required, policy guidance, research and monitoring of national efforts to control the flow of arms and prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade and proliferation of Small arms and light weapons (SALW) within and across the borders of Liberia”.

Pursuant to Article VI, Sections (2) & (3) of the Act establishing the Commission and which empowers the Commission through the Chairperson to set up a Technical Sec-retariat to run the day-to-day affairs of the Commission, including a Coordinator and other competent professional staff, through a recruitment process and on such terms and conditions as the Commission may establish;

The Commission hereby invites applications from suitably qualified Liberians to oc-cupy various positions (as described below) within the Technical Secretariat of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit application letters with detailed curriculum vitae (CV), including telephone and email contacts, copies of educational certificates and names and contact details of three references of high standing. All applications must be addressed to: James M. Fromayan Chairman Liberia National Commission on Small Arms Governance Commission Building 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia

Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, 02 December, 2013 at 16:00 hours. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend interviews .Previous title holders under the ‘Transitional Secretariat’ are encouraged to apply, if interested.

1. COORDINATORAs head of the Technical Secretariat and working under the supervision of the Chair-man of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms, the Coordinator will be re-sponsible for the day-to-day running of the Commission in such a manner to ensure consistent achievement of the Commission’s mission, goals and objectives.

Duties and responsibilitiesKey duties include:

• Ensure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mis-sion, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress;

• Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational and financial plans with theCommission and Technical Secretariat, and carry out plans and poli-cies authorized by the Commission;

• Promote active and broad participation of all stakeholders in all areas of the organization’s work, including relevant governmental actors, development partners, the security sector, and civil society;

• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with the Commission’s mandate, policies and all relevant regulations.

• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and the control thereof;

• Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals with ap-proval of the Commission through its Chairman.

• Facilitate the holding of regular and called meetings of the Commission through the preparation and circulation of citations, the preparation of agenda for the Chairman’s approval, and the preparation and distribution of minutes of the meeting to all members;

• Supervise the recruitment, employment and release of all personnel, both paid staff and temporary.

• Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evalua-tions are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.

• Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the Commission through its Chair-man.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills/KnowledgeEducation/Experience: An advanced University degree (Masters) in Management,

Public Administration, Peace and Security Studies or related field. As much as 7 years’ experience in a senior management position is desirable.

Skills/Knowledge: • Demonstrates strong leadership, interpersonal and team building skills, includ-

ing negotiation skills;• Knowledge and skill in applying the principles and practices of management;• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct the activities of staff;• Ability to develop and administer budgets and uphold good value for money

principles; • Understanding of the institution’s principles, practices and structure; • Ability to work effectively with stakeholders, staff and officials, and others

with whom the commission is directly or indirectly related;• Excellent writing and spoken communication skills, including presentations.

2. DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMSThe Director of Programs serves as the principal deputy to the Coordinator and shall assist the Coordinator in the day-to-day running of the Commission. He/She shall be responsible for and oversee all aspects relating to program planning and management functions, providing support for programs/projects designs and preparation of techni-cal proposals including preparation of project budgets, project implementation, moni-toring and evaluation and the development of technical reports and other documents for the Commission.

Dutiesand ResponsibilitiesKey duties include:

• Assist the Coordinator in providing leadership and strategic vision for the com-mission;

• Program planning and administration, including activities such as preparation of annual work plans and budgets, design of technical assistance programs/projects, national conferences, publications and research projects.

• Preparing and managing grants and contracts, including development of grant proposals and applications, project scheduling, project monitoring and evalu-ation, and supervision of budgets.

• Developing reports on the business and activities of the commission to include corporate reports, grant reports, research documents, and position papers.

• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of small arms and the control thereof;

• Perform other tasks as may be required and assigned by the Coordinator.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills/KnowledgeEducation/Experience: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in any of the social sciences. As much as 5years’ experience in similar position with similar broad and specific re-sponsibilities desirable. This should include experience of program development and contract management.

Skills/Knowledge: • Knowledge of program development and implementation, monitoring and

evaluation;• Ability to develop and administer budgets and uphold good value for money

principles; • Understanding of the corporation’s principles, practices and structure; • Demonstrated ability to effectively network with multi-stakeholders groups

including government, security sector agencies, civil society, community based organizations and international NGOs;

• Excellent writing and spoken communication skills, including presentations.

3. FINANCE OFFICERWorking under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Financial Officer will generally ensure that the finance function of the Commission provides effective, transparent and legally appropriate support to the Commission’s programs in conformity with GOL financial management requirements, norms and international best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities • Work with the Coordinator on the strategic vision and developing a plan which

financially underpins this, and identifies appropriate funding streams;• Set up and oversee in cooperation with the Coordinator the operation of a fi-

Vacancies Announcement

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIALIBERIA NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SMALL ARMS (LiNCSA)

Ground Floor, Foreign Ministry BuildingMonrovia, Liberia

Mobile: 0886554450 / 0777029902Email: [email protected]

Daily Observer Page 16 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 10a

LIBERIA DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE (LDA) TERMS OF REFERENCE

Pillar Technical Advisor Pillar II: Economic Transformation Background: The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was launched in January 2013, as the successor to the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC). The LDA is the Government of Liberia’s most strategic forum for engaging the private sector, civil society, and development partners to address key issues affecting overall development in Liberia. The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was organized primarily for: 1) Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the national development plan, the Agenda for

Transformation (AFT) 2) Enhancing coordination with Government of Liberia, private sector, Civil Society and development

partners. The LDA Steering Committee is chaired by the President of Liberia and consists of cabinet ministers and representatives of the private sector, civil society and development partners at the highest level. The LDA is structured along five Pillars of the Agenda for Transformation in order to ensure that implementation is coordinated to achieve the national goals. The LDA Steering Committee is supported by the LDA Secretariat which is responsible for the day to day affairs of the LDA. The Minister of Finance serves as the National Coordinator of the LDA Secretariat. In order to successfully coordinate and monitor the implementation of current development agenda, Agenda for Transformation, the LDA Secretariat is looking to recruit a qualified Liberian professional to serve as Pillar Technical Advisor for Pillar II the Economic Transformation Pillar. The Technical Advisor will work closely with the Pillar Chair, members of the Pillar, the County Development Planning Officers, and the LDA National Program Specialist to ensure implementation of policy decisions agreed at LDA. The Technical Advisors will report directly to the Pillar Chair weekly and will be subject to quarterly and final evaluations by the LDA with input from the Pillar Chairs. Key duties________________________________________________________________________ Working closely with the Pillar Chair, and the LDA National Program Specialist, Pillar Technical Advisor will be responsible for the following within their Pillar:

Provide advice to ensure that Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs) are in fact working together and coordinating relevant policy projects. Work to improve collaboration on projects in which Ministries are not working together effectively. Identify areas where line Ministries and Agencies may need particular additional assistance and expertise.





















Provide objective evaluation of polices proposed by line Ministries and agencies. Analyze policy proposals by Ministries and Agencies to assess their consistency with government policy. Provide analytical support to the government’s strategic planning and approval process.

Monitor and guide policy development process from the Pillar level to ensure that MACs activities fit into a broader strategic context.

Support the development of appropriate legislation working together with relevant MACs following Cabinet endorsement of policies.

Ensure that AfT indicators are duly transmitted to all stakeholders and assist each Pillar MAC in drafting their respective results matrix from AfT goals and objectives.

Support the role of the Pillar Chair in reporting on monitoring the implementation process (in line with the M & E Framework) to the LDA Steering Committee;

Ensure that Sector Working Group give proper attention to all cross-cutting issues in the implementation of interventions;

Ensure that the Pillars are functional and holding regular meetings and maintain full records of the proceedings of the Sector Working Group Meetings, issue citations, serve as a clearing house on LDA Pillar information and inform all stakeholders on a regular basis;

Serve as Pillar Focal Point in providing aid information as it relates to the development agenda to the Pillar and to LDA when requested.

Liaise with the County Development Steering Committee through the Program Specialist to ensure the collection of information/data from implementing agencies, to ensure the timely preparation of relevant reports for the LDA;

Consolidate and distribute monthly and quarterly reports from the counties to the Pillar to ensure timely response and corrective action to project and program implementation at county level. Prepare a Pillar Feedback matrix detailing status of implementation challenges indicated at county level to be communicated to counties through LDA as required and quarterly.

Participate in the design and development of medium & long-term GOL strategic planning in close collaboration with the LDA Secretariat.

Qualifications Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in Industrial or Business

Management, Project Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, or other relevant field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area;

At least 5 years of work experience with capabilities in policy or strategy development, public sector reform, legal reform, conflict management, peace building, and monitoring and evaluation;

Understanding of the challenges in Liberia relating to respective pillar, the synergies that exist between the sectors which make up the assigned pillar, some of the various actors in the pillar and their respective roles and mandates;

Knowledge of the PRS/CDA and the AfT processes and the expected goals as they relate to the assigned pillar.

Full working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and presentation skills; Excellent computer skills (especially Microsoft office applications) and ability to use

information technology as a tool and resource.

Operational Skills Capacity to perform effectively under pressure and hardship conditions. Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in a

multicultural environment. Excellent writing skills to draft reports for submission to the LDA Secretariat. Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural and political sensitivity to effectively interact

with a cross section of government officials, members of donor organizations, international and national NGOs, civil society representatives, etc.

Excellent organizational and presentation skills. Strong inter-personal skills with ability to promote participation and teamwork. Ability to undertake field travel and local travel in order to achieve objectives. Active commitment to promoting the interest of marginalized people.

To Apply Please send CV and cover letter to Mr. Joseph Zangar Bright, Jr. National Program Specialist, Liberia Development Alliance, Ministry of Finance ([email protected]) by Friday, December 6, 2013.


Pillar Technical Advisor Pillar IV: Governance and Public Institutions Background: The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was launched in January 2013, as the successor to the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC). The LDA is the Government of Liberia’s most strategic forum for engaging the private sector, civil society, and development partners to address key issues affecting overall development in Liberia. The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was organized primarily for: 1) Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the national development plan, the Agenda for


partners. The LDA Steering Committee is chaired by the President of Liberia and consists of cabinet ministers and representatives of the private sector, civil society and development partners at the highest level. The LDA is structured along five Pillars of the Agenda for Transformation in order to ensure that implementation is coordinated to achieve the national goals. The LDA Steering Committee is supported by the LDA Secretariat which is responsible for the day to day affairs of the LDA. The Minister of Finance serves as the National Coordinator of the LDA Secretariat. In order to successfully coordinate and monitor the implementation of current development agenda, Agenda for Transformation, the LDA Secretariat is looking to recruit a qualified Liberian professional to serve as Pillar Technical Advisor for Pillar IV the Governance and Public Institutions Pillar. The Technical Advisor will work closely with the Pillar Chair, members of the Pillar, the County Development Planning Officers, and the LDA National Program Specialist to ensure implementation of policy decisions agreed at LDA. The Technical Advisors will report directly to the Pillar Chair weekly and will be subject to quarterly and final evaluations by the LDA with input from the Pillar Chairs. Key duties________________________________________________________________________ Working closely with the Pillar Chair, and the LDA National Program Specialist, Pillar Technical Advisor will be responsible for the following within their Pillar:


Provide objective evaluation of polices proposed by line Ministries and agencies. Analyze policy proposals by Ministries and Agencies to assess their consistency with government policy. Provide analytical support to the government’s strategic planning and approval process.

Monitor and guide policy development process from the Pillar level to ensure that MACs activities fit into a broader strategic context.

Support the development of appropriate legislation working together with relevant MACs following Cabinet endorsement of policies.

Ensure that AfT indicators are duly transmitted to all stakeholders and assist each Pillar MAC in drafting their respective results matrix from AfT goals and objectives.

Support the role of the Pillar Chair in reporting on monitoring the implementation process (in line with the M & E Framework) to the LDA Steering Committee;

Ensure that Sector Working Group give proper attention to all cross-cutting issues in the implementation of interventions;

Ensure that the Pillars are functional and holding regular meetings and maintain full records of the proceedings of the Sector Working Group Meetings, issue citations, serve as a clearing house on LDA Pillar information and inform all stakeholders on a regular basis;

Serve as Pillar Focal Point in providing aid information as it relates to the development agenda to the Pillar and to LDA when requested.

Liaise with the County Development Steering Committee through the Program Specialist to ensure the collection of information/data from implementing agencies, to ensure the timely preparation of relevant reports for the LDA;

Consolidate and distribute monthly and quarterly reports from the counties to the Pillar to ensure timely response and corrective action to project and program implementation at county level. Prepare a Pillar Feedback matrix detailing status of implementation challenges indicated at county level to be communicated to counties through LDA as required and quarterly.

Participate in the design and development of medium & long-term GOL strategic planning in close collaboration with the LDA Secretariat.

Qualifications Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in Industrial or Business

Management, Project Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, or other relevant field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area;

At least 5 years of work experience with capabilities in policy or strategy development, public sector reform, legal reform, conflict management, peace building, and monitoring and evaluation;

Understanding of the challenges in Liberia relating to respective pillar, the synergies that exist between the sectors which make up the assigned pillar, some of the various actors in the pillar and their respective roles and mandates;

Knowledge of the PRS/CDA and the AfT processes and the expected goals as they relate to the assigned pillar.

Full working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and presentation skills; Excellent computer skills (especially Microsoft office applications) and ability to use information

technology as a tool and resource. Operational Skills

Capacity to perform effectively under pressure and hardship conditions. Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in a multicultural

environment. Excellent writing skills to draft reports for submission to the LDA Secretariat.

Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural and political sensitivity to effectively interact with a cross section of government officials, members of donor organizations, international and national NGOs, civil society representatives, etc.

Excellent organizational and presentation skills. Strong inter-personal skills with ability to promote participation and teamwork. Ability to undertake field travel and local travel in order to achieve objectives. Active commitment to promoting the interest of marginalized people.

To Apply Please send CV and cover letter to Mr. Joseph Zangar Bright, Jr. National Program Specialist, Liberia Development Alliance, Ministry of Finance ([email protected]) by Friday, December 6, 2013. LIBERIA DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE (LDA)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FINANCE OFFICER Background: The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was launched in January 2013, as the successor to the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC). The LDA is the Government of Liberia’s most strategic forum for engaging the private sector, civil society, and development partners to address key issues affecting overall development in Liberia. The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was organized primarily for: 1) Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the national development plan, the Agenda for


partners. The LDA Steering Committee is chaired by the President of Liberia and consists of cabinet ministers and representatives of the private sector, civil society and development partners at the highest level. The LDA is structured along five Pillars of the Agenda for Transformation in order to ensure that implementation is coordinated to achieve the national goals. The LDA Steering Committee is supported by the LDA Secretariat which is responsible for the day to day affairs of the LDA. The Minister of Finance serves as the National Coordinator of the LDA Secretariat. In order to enhance its operations, the LDA Secretariat is looking to recruit a qualified Liberian professional to serve as Finance Officer. The finance officer will be responsible for all financial operations and recording keeping and will be expected to perform the following key duties: Key duties

Responsible for the analysis of all accounting transactions Prepare monthly/quarterly allotment request for the fiscal year in conformity with the approved

sources of cash flow Calculate foreign and domestic travel cost in accordance with GOL travel ordinances Supervise record keeping of all accounting transactions Prepare information requested by auditors Contribute to the annual operating budgeting process Prepare internal payment report depicting receipts and payment per month Reconcile cash accounts; conduct petty cash count Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports and accounting files for budgeting and

accounting purposes Prepare and maintain a monthly payroll of all employees/contractors Report, analyze and ensure integrity of all financial information


FINANCE OFFICER Background: The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was launched in January 2013, as the successor to the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC). The LDA is the Government of Liberia’s most strategic forum for engaging the private sector, civil society, and development partners to address key issues affecting overall development in Liberia. The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) was organized primarily for: 1) Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the national development plan, the Agenda for


partners. The LDA Steering Committee is chaired by the President of Liberia and consists of cabinet ministers and representatives of the private sector, civil society and development partners at the highest level. The LDA is structured along five Pillars of the Agenda for Transformation in order to ensure that implementation is coordinated to achieve the national goals. The LDA Steering Committee is supported by the LDA Secretariat which is responsible for the day to day affairs of the LDA. The Minister of Finance serves as the National Coordinator of the LDA Secretariat. In order to enhance its operations, the LDA Secretariat is looking to recruit a qualified Liberian professional to serve as Finance Officer. The finance officer will be responsible for all financial operations and recording keeping and will be expected to perform the following key duties: Key duties

Responsible for the analysis of all accounting transactions Prepare monthly/quarterly allotment request for the fiscal year in conformity with the approved

sources of cash flow Calculate foreign and domestic travel cost in accordance with GOL travel ordinances Supervise record keeping of all accounting transactions Prepare information requested by auditors Contribute to the annual operating budgeting process Prepare internal payment report depicting receipts and payment per month Reconcile cash accounts; conduct petty cash count Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports and accounting files for budgeting and

accounting purposes Prepare and maintain a monthly payroll of all employees/contractors Report, analyze and ensure integrity of all financial information

Report to the National Program Specialist Perform related and other duties/responsibilities as may be required

Qualifications Minimum of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting. Minimum 3 years experience in related works (Experience with Government of Liberia will be an

asset).

Operational Skills

Strong competence in Ms Office Suite (Excel) Excellent bookkeeping knowledge and skills and software (QuickBooks) Have good interpersonal skills and analytical skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Multi-tasking skills and ability to work under pressure

To Apply Please send CV and cover letter to Mr. Joseph Zangar Bright, Jr. National Program Specialist, Liberia Development Alliance, Ministry of Finance ([email protected]) by Friday, December 6, 2013.

Daily Observer Page 17 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 10b

Empowerment Temple AME Church Lays

Cornerstone for New Edifice

The Empowerment Temple African M e t h o d i s t Episcopal Church

is commemorating 12 years of Ministry with a Cornerstone Laying Ceremony and Dedication of the Church new Edifice. Empowerment Temple was established in 2001. The founder and Pastor is Dr. Katurah York Cooper. Starting with 16 founding members, Rev. Dr. Cooper has led this church of over 600 members modeling a holistic ministry to the spiritual, economic and social needs of its members. Through national outreach of our NGO, Helping Our People Excel (H.O.P.E. Inc), the lives of thousands of children, young boys and young girls, women and men, have been impacted in positive and productive ways.

Worship services began on September 30, 2001 in the defunct Rovia Bank Building and continued until January 2009 when the congregation re-located to Sophie Junc-tion in Congo Town. Since 2004, the Lord has blessed the people to effect the re-design and renovation of this new edifice to the cost of

over US$250,000.00 (Two Hundred Fifty Thousand United States Dollars). This included a new architect’s design, raising up of the external and internal walls, steel trusses, long-span alu-minum roofing, casting of a second storey, renovation of pastor’s office, bathrooms, paving of the parking lot, installing sliding glass win-dows, stained glass windows, windows bars, erecting a generator room and more.

It is now appropriate that this building, which also houses the Jamal Harrison Bryant HOPE Academy, be dedicated to the glory of God and a Cornerstone be laid for generations to celebrate the hard work of all who have labored and continue to labor to build a beautiful house of worship for God. At the Cornerstone Lay-

ing Ceremony, we will ac-knowledge the Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson who purchased the building over 15 years ago. In addition the Cornerstone will also bear the names of the Leadership of Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Vice President Joseph N. Boakai under whose tenure this Cor-nerstone is being erected. “Our Presiding Prelate,

Bishop Clement W. Fugh is our Preacher for the Program. He & Supervisor Fugh along with Rt. Rev. Bishop James L. Davis and a 5-man delegation from the 9th Episcopal District in the United States of America will be present to officiate and witness this ceremony.

The Pastor and Founder, Dr. Katurah York Cooper, the Ministers, Officers and Members of Empowerment Temple cordially invite you to witness this Sacred Ceremony.

On Thursday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Empowerment Temple/Sophie Junction-Congo Town, members, far and near, are encouraged to join in this Ceremony. The entire AME Church, the Body of Christ in Liberia, Friends of Empowerment Temple, and the entire Public are welcome. Contributions towards the completion of the renovation process will be accepted and appreciated. Come and celebrate the wonderful works of God.

You may contact the church at Call 0886-212483 or 0886-646347 for more information.

Poster designed by the Liberia Visual Arts Academy © 2013

Livarts Is A Community-Based Specilaized Training ProgramWith Supports From The

U. S. And French Embassies In Monrovia

In Partnership with the

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE LIBERIA VISUAL ARTS (LIVARTS) ACADEMY HAS REOPENED AND RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS BEGINS MONDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER TO THURSDAY 14, 2013. RECRUITMENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ACADEMY‛S NEW LOCATION ON 15TH STREET, PAYNE AVENUE, SINKOR IN THE COMPOUND OF ALLIANCE FRANCAISE.LIVARTS‛ PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUALS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 10 - 25. THE ACADEMY OFFERS LESSONS IN DRAWING, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, CARTOONING FORUNDER-PRIVILGED CHILDREN FREE-OF-CHARGE.PARENTS INTERESTED IN ENROLLING THEIR CHILDREN AT LIVARTS CAN ACCOMPANY THEM ON THE DATES MENTIONED ABOVE AT THE ACADEMY IN SINKOR.

Signed:Musulyn MyersAdministrator

Approved:A. Leslie LumehExecutive DirectorLIVARTS

CALL: +231 (0) 0886 739 444

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ANNOUNCEMENT

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 11

Ridding Liberia of Small Arms

nancial and financial reporting systems for the Commission in line with GOL financial management requirements;

• Provide information and advice to the Commission on budgets, procurement, financial and administrative regulations, cost norms and etc.;

• Exercise authority over budget controls and ensure the day to day functions of tracking income and expenditure through record keeping; Oversee the pro-duction of monthly reports including reconciliations;

• Maintain the Commission’s bank accounts and facilitate with banks for any query;

• Assist the Commission in identifying new funding opportunities, the drafting of prospective programmatic budgets, and determining cost effectiveness of prospective service delivery;

• Assess the financial benefits of all prospective contracts and advise the Com-mission on programmatic design and implementation matters;

• Ensure adequate controls are installed and that substantiating documentation is approved and available such that all purchases may pass independent and governmental audits;

• Oversee the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the Commission;

• Oversee all purchasing and payroll activity of the Commission; • Record and maintain assets of the Commission and ensure assets are correctly

labeled;• Ensure adequate cash flow to meet the organization’s needs;• Maintain an efficient, robust, transparent filing system which is easily acces-

sible to internal or external inspection and scrutiny;• Undertake any other duties as may be required and directed by the Coordina-

tor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEEducation: A minimum of B.Sc. Degree in Accounting or its equivalent. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

Experience• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)• Five years of financial experience and management experience within a gov-

ernmental department or reputable private institution• Computer literacy, particularly excel but also office, word and outlook• Experience in working in partnership with international NGOs is desirable

4. COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH OFFICERThe Communications and Outreach Officer shall provide communication, outreach and public relations support to the Commission. Working under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Communication and Outreach Officer shall be responsible for the various elements of the job description listed below.

Duties and Responsibilities• Leads the development of a robust communication and outreach strategy for

the Commission and ensures its periodic review and updating;• ensures the production of and day-to-day information dissemination through

various communication modes and channels, of Commission’s programs and activities, including action plans, policies, regulations, eventsand campaigns, as well as information on progress of the Commission to the public, govern-mental agencies and development partners;

• leads the development of public information and outreach materials such as brochures, newsletters, posters, flyers and billboards;

• liaising with the IT Officer, designs and manages a Website for the Commis-sion;

• Serves as a liaison between authorities of the Commission and the public on any and all media related matters;

• Leads in the organization of other communication/PR activities and social events as well as the coordination of periodic press briefings for the Commis-sion and visiting international institutions and stakeholders;

• Undertake advocacy activities on behalf of the Commission as directed by the Coordinator;

• Performs other tasks as required and assigned by the Coordinator

Education and Experience

Education:Minimum Bachelor degree in communications, public relations or related field.Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience• Significant experience developing the following communication tools: press

releases, media interviews, workshops/conferences, success stories, website maintenance, etc.

• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills• Understanding of the institution’s principles, practices and structure; • Demonstrated ability to effectively network with multi-stakeholders groups

including government, security sector agencies, civil society, community based organizations and international NGOs

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and track and report on prog-ress

• Fluency in English and ability to use standard technology packages, eg. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are required.

5. IT OFFICERThe IT Officer will work under the supervision of the Coordinator and shall be responsible for managing the Commission’s computer and information systems; and this responsibility includes all aspects of Network Administration, updates, computer repair, server maintenance and/or repair, disaster recovery, and programming.

Duties & Responsibilities• Configure, install and maintain all computers, file servers, networks cabling,

and other network equipment, devises, systems, upgrades, modems, and disk drives;

• Asses and/or analyze networks, systems and applications to identify and cor-rect malfunctions and other operating problems;

• Provide technical services to departments regarding proper use and/or main-tenance of computers, and provide repair services when required;

• Establish and support network disk and tape backup and disaster recovery; • Oversee and perform software and/or hardware installation, and network op-

erating system upgrades, and maintain site licenses as required;• Plan and implement network security, including building firewalls, file per-

missions, and file system integrity, and supervise the addition and/or deletion of users;

• Develop and maintain specific databases as required by the Commission; • Provide hardware and software maintenance training for employees as re-

quired, and develop appropriate professional development plan for IT staff; • Maintain an active liaison with the IT industry with respect to advances in

relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment and systems; • Supervise the assignment and performance of section staff, and perform all

other tasks that may be assigned.

QualificationEducation: A Bachelor degree in Computer Science or its equivalent. Experience:

• Must have knowledge and experience working in active directory, domain ad-ministration, and the primary network services (DNS, WINS, DHCP, etc.)

• Knowledge of network architecture (VLANs) desirable;• Minimum 4 years’ experience as a senior IT supervisor• Experience in training co-workers at a beginner and advance level • Ability to understand and interpret technical manuals and written and verbal

instructions• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIALIBERIA NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SMALL ARMS (LiNCSA)

Ground Floor, Foreign Ministry BuildingMonrovia, Liberia

Mobile: 0886554450 / 0777029902Email: [email protected]

Vacancies Announcement

Daily Observer Page 7 Wednesday, November 27, 2013

EOI NO: CSA/SG/CS/12/13IDA GRANT ID: FT 010792

Assignment Title: Request for expression of interest-: Drafting the Civil Service Communication (information and Dissemination) Strategy

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)(Communication Specialist)

The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for Strengthening Governance-Civil Service Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service Agency intends to apply part of the

proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Communica-tions Specialist to draft the Civil Service Reform Communication (Information and Dissemination) Strategy.

The objectives of the assignment are as follows:• Conduct a communication analysis of the Civil Service Reform Project from

its inception and cataloguing various reform initiatives and achievements;• Developafive-yearcommunication(informationanddissemination)strategy;• Build into the strategy, sensitization and public awareness initiatives.

The duration of the assignment:The timescale of the assignment is for a period of three (3) staff months (90 working days) over three (3) calendar months and should start upon the signing of the contract. The duty station shall be Civil Service Agency – Monrovia, Liberia. However, a por-tion of this assignment could be undertaken away from Monrovia.

The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information in-dicatingthattheyarequalifiedtoperformtheservicesbysubmittingtheirdetailedin-formation (CV, brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience bothgeneralandonsimilarassignments.SpecificexperienceonWorldBankfundedprojectwillbeanaddedadvantage.Selectionwillbebasedonqualificationsandex-perience stipulated below.

Consulting firms are allowed to propose individuals for this assignment. However,onlytheexperienceandqualificationsofindividualsshallbeusedintheselectionpro-cess, and corporate experience shall not be taken into account and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual.

Qualifications and Experience:• Master’s Degree in Mass Communication/Public Relations/Advertising/Com-

munication Analysis & Planning/Marketing;• He/she must have minimum of ten (10) years relevant work experience;• The consultant must have experience in conducting communications needs

analysis and strategic design as well as in managing communication cam-paigns;

• Must have experience conducting communication for large reform programs, especially related to the public sector;

• Must have practical work experience with new media platforms, including twitter, facebook and other online applications;

• Must demonstrate practical and relevant experience dealing with difficultconstituencies such as unions, legislatures, consumer groups and other stakeholders.

TheattentionofinterestedConsultantsisdrawntoparagraph1.9oftheWorldBank’sGuidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits&GrantsbyWorldBankBorrowers(January2011).(“ConsultantGuidelines),settingforththeWorldBank’spolicyonconflictofinterest.

An Individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in theWorldBank’sGuidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers” dates January 2011.

Interested Individual Consultants may obtained further information at the address be-lowduringofficehoursfrom09:00and17:00hours,MondaystoFridays.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written from clearly marked: “Ref: Communication Specialist of the CSRCBP”, at the address below in person or by mail or by email) on or before Monday, December 2, 2013 at 16:00hours.

The Consultant/Project CoordinatorCivil Service Reform and Capacity Building ProjectCivil Service Agency63 Carey Street, Monrovia, Liberia Email: [email protected]

Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordinator-CSRCBP

OFFICE OF THEDIRECTOR GENERAL

Republic of LiberiaCivil Service Reform and Capacituy Building Project

Civil Service AgencyREQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Assignment Titles:1. Support Engineer for Special Assignment in the Physical Audit Unit of the Department of

Expenditure and Debt Management2. Database Administrator (2 positions)

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

Theconsultingservices(“theServices”)includethefollowing:1. ASupport Engineer for Special Assignment in the Physical Audit Unit of

the Department of Expenditure and Debt Management

The Support Engineer will support the Ministry of Finance in undertaking due diligence so as to ensure the cost-effectiveandefficientapplicationofpublicresourcestoroadprojects.

The main tasks of the Special Assignment will be as follows:a) Review technical project completion reports as against approved contracts on road works and recom-mend site visits to the Department;b) Support visits to project sites and consult with members of the team on the completeness and quality of road works undertaken;c) Provide other forms of support (e.g. training) to staff within the Physical Audit Unit on technical mat-ters relating to road works.

The assignment is on Retainer basis for one (1) year.

2. Database Administrator• Serve as the DBA on the IFMIS and collaborate with the Network and System teams.• Oversee the database and application function of FreeBalance and ensure a smooth operation of

the system various modules and databases.• Manage and supervise all IFMIS technical processes and support all related utilities and inter-

faces to other systems.• Provide expertise in the continuous improvement of the IFMIS and other PFM systems that are

resident in the Data Center and the mini Data Center.• Provide objective recommendations to the DCM in addressing emerging challenges within the

Information Systems reams of the Data Center and Disaster Recovery Center.• Train, supervise and evaluate junior DBAs and maintain effective employee relations at the

Ministry of Finance, MDC/DRC and IFMIS rollout M&As.• Designappropriatepoliciesandstrategiestosupportefficientandeffectiveimplementationof

IFMIS and other PFM systems.• Provide technical support in the implementation of IFMIS and other PFM systems business

continuity policies, plans and procedures.• Help with policies and strategies development for the IFMIS systems.• Aid in ensuring that business continuity is guaranteed by instituting policies and procedures.• Maintain a log of support issues reported and solutions provided.• Prepare and implement a routine maintenance schedule for the IFMIS and other PFM systems.• Provide support on interface of other IT systems, such as the ITAS and ASYCUDA• Ensure proper and adequate backup of the IFMIS and other PFM databases.

The assignment is for one (1) year.

TheMinistryofFinancenowinviteseligibleindividualLocalConsultants(“Consultants”)toindicatetheirinterest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that theyhavetherequiredqualificationsandrelevantexperience to perform the Services.The shortlisting criteria are:

1. SUPPORT ENGINEERa) Must have at minimum a BSc degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent; b)Mustbealicensedand/orcertifiedengineerundertheLiberianLaws;c) Must have ten years of progressive professional engineering experience ( of which 5 years must be in project management) ;d) Must be computer literate ( have some knowledge of a project management software);e) Must have expertise in estimating material quantities, labor and other resources needed to undertake road projects;f) Must be willing to travel extensively across Liberia; andg)MustbefluentinEnglishandhavegoodwritingskills.

2. Database Administratora. Bachelor degree in an IT related discipline from an accredited institution with minimum of 5 years of DBA/database development experience preferred. b.NonITdegreecandidatesMUSThaveminimumbachelordegreewith7yearsofverifiableDBA/da-tabasedevelopmentexperience.CertificationinMicrosoftSQLorOracledatabaseisanaddedadvantage.c.Thoroughknowledgeofdataprocessingtheories,principlesandpracticeswithspecificemphasisondata production, networks, information systems and software development life cycle. d.Strongproficienciesinthefollowing:Oracle,SQLServer,WindowsServer2008,VisualBasic,C++,MicrosoftOffice,WebDevelopment(PHP,Java,Perl),DNS,DHCP,Virtualization,Storage,TCP/IP,Ac-tive Directory, etc.e. Strong hands-on experience in working with web based application and providing end-user support. WorkingknowledgeofaDataCenter/DisasterRecoverysitewouldbeanaddedadvantage.

TheattentionofinterestedConsultantsisdrawntoparagraph1.9oftheWorldBank’sGuidelines: selec-tion and employment of Consultants [under ibrD loans and iDa Credits & Grants] by World bank borrowers,January2011(“ConsultantGuidelines”).

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection methodset out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedattheaddressbelowduringofficehours0900to1600hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 6th December, 2013. Envelopes must be marked with the relevant position.

Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP)Attn:Mr.BernardJappah,PFMReformsCoordinatorMinistry of Finance, 4th FloorBroad and Mechlin StreetsMonrovia, LiberiaTel:+231-886512462E-mail: [email protected]

Cc: [email protected]

Republic of LiberiaIntegrated Financial Management Reform Project; Ministry of FinanceCredit No.: IDA50260

12


The Liberia Institute of Protocol & Etiquette (LIPE) is pleased to announce the Post-graduate diploma training program in pro-tocol and etiquette. The Liberia Institute of Protocol & Etiquette

(LIPE) is a corporate etiquette, protocol training and professional de-velopment institution with years of experience in delivering custom designed training sessions and workshops. We effectively educate and coach our participants the empowering skills of diplomatic/govern-mental and international protocol as well as business and corporate etiquette, dining skills, and professional image strategies.

The Institute has added to its curriculum for academic 2013/2014 a course in Peace and Conflict Resolution and Management. This course introduces students to the processes of understanding and changing social conditions in order to lead to a more peaceful, just, and conflict – free society and world.Requirement for enrollment: Candidate must be College graduate or graduating seniors.

Registration is now in progress at the National Law Library on Ash-mun Street opposite the Centennial Memorial Pavilion for a fee of US$25.00 or its equivalent in LD. Classes will be conducted on Satur-days at 3:00 –¬ 6:00 p.m. on the Institute’s Main Campus in Chocolate City, Gardnerville, Monrovia. For additional information, please call Nos. 0886-514980/0777 -061847, or email us: [email protected].

Signed: The AdministrationLIBERIA INSTITUTE OF PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE (LIPE)

POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE


PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Office of the Vice President for Public Relations

This is to inform the general public that Cuttington University is administering its first undergraduate entrance on Saturday, December

7, 2013 at the various campuses: Suakoko main campus, Cuttington University Junior College on the Bong Mines Road in Kakata, Margibi County, and Congo Town adjacent Lone Star Office in Monrovia. Application fee is $20.00USD per candidate seeking admissions for undergraduate while the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) fee for Graduate admissions is $40.00USD per candidate. All application fees are non-refundable.

Meanwhile, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for Graduate admissions at the Graduate School in Congo Town, Monrovia will be administered on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Graduate School in Monrovia. Applications package for undergraduate program in Suakoko can be picked up at Cuttington University main campus in Suakoko, Bong County from the Admissions Office. Applicants for Kakata Junior College can go to the Cuttington University Junior College and Cuttington University Graduate School to obtain their application packages, respectively. All candidates are required to present a valid Identification Card before sitting for the exams.

For further information contact the office of the Registrar and Dean of Admissions on Cell number 0880501970. Signed by: Dr. Joshua D. B. Giddings Vice President for Public Relations

CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITYSUAKOKO, BONG COUNTY

P. O. BOX 10-02771000 MONROVIA 10, LIBERIA

WEST AFRICA

NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BUILDING – NCBInvitation for Bids (IFB)

THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMSIFB NO.: MOE/KRTTI/NCB/001/2013/2014

1. Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute has received budgetary allocation from the Republic of Liberia and intends to apply part of it to fund eligible payments under the contract for the Supply of Food Items and Fuel Lubricant.

2. The KAKATA RURAL TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE (KRTTI) now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS, FUEL & LUBRICANTS, STATIONARIES, CLEANING MATERIALS AND DRUGS

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the Public Procurement & Concessions Act (PPCA) and approved by the Public Procedure & Concessions Commission (PPCC), and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit located on the Institution Campus in Margibi County, Kakata City inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from Monday, November 4, 2013 to Wednesday December 4, 2013 beginning 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders for a non-refundable fee of US$50.00 Per Lot and can be obtained from the Procurement Unit, Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI) Campus Margibi County by a representative.

6. Deadline for submission of bids is Wednesday December 4, 2013 at 12:00 noon. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the amount of US$3,000.00. Bids coming in after the deadline will be rejected. Submissions will be opened in the presence of Firms/Companies who choose to attend on Wednesday December 4, 2013 at 12M in the conference room, of the Institution. PLEASE NOTE THAT ELECTRONIC BIDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

7. All bids must be addressed and submitted to: Procurement Unit – Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institution (KRTTI) Main Campus.

Daily Observer Page 15 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 15• Experienceinmanagingamulti-milliondollarproject

9. PLANT SUPERINTENDENT (Job Ref: WRIOP 012)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Directs,manages and ensures that plant and equipment repair is carried out

inasafe,productiveandcosteffectivemanner tooptimizemechanicalplantavailabilityandfacilitatethedeliveryofMiningServicestotheClient.

• Ensurethatallequipmentaremaintainedtohighsafetystandards• Ensuresthatallrelevantsafetyhealthandenvironmentalstandards,legislation

andclientrequirementsaremet.• SupervisionandSafetyofmaintenancepersonnelintheworkshop.• Initiatescostsavingpracticesandproductivityimprovements

CRITERIA• At least ten (10) years working experience on Heavy earthmoving equip-

ment and parts• TradecertificateinHeavyVehicleMaintenance• Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company

operations• Experienceinmanagingamulti-milliondollarproject

10. PLANT MECHANICAL SUPERVISORS (2 POSITIONS) (Job Ref: WRIOP 013-14)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• EnsuresquickresponsetocomplaintsonLightVehiclestominimizedowntime.• Monitorsperformanceinaccordancewithlaiddownprocedures• Reportsandhelpstoinvestigateallaccidents/incidentsthatoccurinhisareaof

responsibility• PreparesrostersforshiftwithassistancefromWorkshopSuperintendent.

CRITERIA• At least10yearsworkingexperienceonHeavyearthmovingequipmentand

parts• Atleasttwo(2)yearsexperiencewithmachineryinaminingenvironment• TradeCertificateinHeavyVehicleMaintenance• Experienceinworkingonamulti-milliondollarproject

11. EARTHWORKS SUPERVISORS (3 POSITIONS) (Job Ref: WRIOP 015 - 17)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• SupervisionofallEarthworks• Managementofequipment• ReportingonEquipmenthourstotheProjectManagerforcostingpurposes• Responsibleforthemanagementoftheoperationscrewandmanhourreports

CRITERIA• Atleast10yearsrelevantworkingexperience• Experienceinworkingonamulti-milliondollarproject• Knowledgeofvariousheavyearthmovingmachinesandequipment

12. OPERATOR TRAINER SUPERVISOR (Job ref: WRIOP 018)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Teachemployeeshowtooperatemobileequipmentusedintheworkshop,open

road,miningandtailingsoperations• Managetrainingschedules• Provideclassroom,fieldandmobileequipmentinstruction

CRITERIA• Minimumof10yearsrelevantexperience• EffectivecomputerskillsincludingMicrosoftOfficeandPowerpoint• Experienceinmanaging/workingonamulti-milliondollarproject

13. HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER (Job Ref: WRIOP 019)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Monitors,audits,andevaluateseffectivenessofHSEProgramimplementation

andadministration.• Makessurethatcorrectiveactionisundertakentocloseoutunsafeconditions.

CRITERIA• Minimumoften(10)years’relevantworkingexperience• Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company

operations• Experienceinworkingonamulti-milliondollarproject

14. QA/QC MANAGER ( Job Ref. WRIOP 021)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• ToEstablishandImplementQualityAssuranceandQualityManagementSys-

temstofullycomplywithClientsQAQCproceduresandrecordkeeping.

CRITERIA• Minimumof10years,experienceinQualityAssuranceManagementatCorpo-

rateorProjectadministrationlevel.• Minimumof5years,experienceintheConstructionorminingindustry.• Tertiary qualification, probably in Civil, Mechanical Engineering, General

Management,Administration,Financeorrelateddiscipline

• Experienceinworkingonamulti-milliondollarproject15. PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS OFFICER (Job Ref. WRIOP 023)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Responsibleforthefullwarehouseprocessofreceiving,binning,issuingand

cyclecounting.• ResponsiblefortheTotalInventoryManagementandre-orderingatsiteapply-

ingtechniqueslikeStatisticalRe-ordering,MRPandDemandPlanning• Responsible for the expediting and tracking of all orders and advising the

HOD’sonETA’s• Ensuringallinvoicesandpapersaresenttostorespriortoarrivalofmaterials/

parts.

CRITERIA• HolderofatertiaryeducationinCommercefromanacceptableinstitution• Atleast10years’experienceatalargeCivilConstructioncompany• Experienceinmanagingamulti-milliondollarproject• MusthaveexcellentknowledgeofMicrosoftWordandExcell

16. OPERATOR TRAINER (Job Ref. WRIOP 024- 031)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Providealeadingandsafetybased,equipmenttrainingandassociatedactivities

toequipmentoperatingstafftooptimizeoperatorproductivitiesandminimizeequipmentdamage

• Ensurethateachoperatorisroutinelyassessedforcompetence.• Ensurethatahighstandardofequipmentoperationismaintained.

17. AUTO ELECTRICIAN (Job Ref. WRIOP 036)

• Prioritizeelectricalrepairworks• Monitormin/maxlevelsofsparesandre-orderasrequired• Ensure allwelding parts for light and heavy duty equipment are on site for

shutdownand/orservicemaintenance• Ensure implementationof all corrective actions fromSafety,Health&Envi-

ronmentalaudits

CRITERIA (OPERATOR TRAINER & AUTO ELECTRICIAN)• TradeCertificate• Minimum10years’experienceintheminingorrelatedindustry• SupervisorySkills• Experienceinworkingonamulti-milliondollarproject

18. OPERATIONS SUPPORT MANAGER (Job Ref: WRIOP 022)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Contractadministration.• Identifycostcontainmentandcostreductionopportunities.• GuidesandAssistsProjectManagerwithpreparationofbudgetsatprojectlevel.• AssiststheProjectManagerwiththeimplementationofrecommendedaction

pointsacceptedbymanagementasaresultofBusinessAudits.

CRITERIA• ArelevantUniversityDegreeorTwelve(12)yearsrelevantexperienceinthe

miningindustryorrelatedfield• General background in Finance, Administration, Procurement, Commercial,

Operation• Ten(10)yearsrelevantexperienceintheaboveareas• Experienceinmanagingamulti-milliondollarproject

19. FINANCE REPRESENTATIVE (Job Ref: WRIOP 023)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• BuildanddevelopthecountryFinancedepartment• Overallcontrolofallfinanceandaccountingtransactionsincludingaudit,ac-

countingsystems,andtaxationBALL(the‘company’).• VAT returns and fulfills all local tax requirementswith regard to regulatory

compliance• MonthlyFinancialandManagementaccountswithvarianceanalysisandcom-

mentary

CRITERIA• Undergraduatedegree–BusinessorAccounting• MemberofaprofessionalAccountantsAssociation• Twenty(20)yearspostgraduateexperience,tenofwhichatSeniorAccountant

levelintheminingsector• Experienceinthecontractingbusiness

All applications with attached CVs should be addressed to THE COUNTRY MANAGER,andsenttothefollowingaddress: BanlawAfricaLiberiaLtd. P.O.Box145 Monrovia

OrbyEmailto: [email protected]; Phone:0776610033

Allapplicationsshouldquotethepositionandjobreferencenumber.

Closingdateforthesubmissionofapplicationsis20thDecember2013.

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Page 16

Hope for Fistula Survivorsby Gloria T. Tamba

So many women and girls over the years and up to present are still suffering from this

de-humanizing condition called Fistula.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Government of Liberia is doing all to fix condition on women and girls who come down with fistula.

Dr. John Mulbah, the lead fistula surgeon on the Liberia Fistula Program (LFP), simply defined fistula as a miscommunication between two organs in the female body thereby resulting to the sufferer involuntarily passing urine and feces.

According to Dr. Mulbah, who spoke last Saturday, November 23, at the graduation of 16 survivors of the Fistula Rehabilitation Center at Phebe Hospital in Gbarnga, Bong County, there is still hope for any woman coming down with this condition that very de-humanizing.

He further stated that women and girls with fistula, commonly called “pupu and pepe sickness,” are most times abandoned by their relatives, love ones and their communities.

Dr. Mulbah said since the LFP began in 2007, with the support of UNFPA, more than 1000 women and girls, have been surgically repaired and over

250 girls and women have gone through the rehabilitation center, where they (survivors) have been trained in many skills, including tailoring, cosmetology, soap making and pastry.

Ms. Ratidzai Ndhlovu, Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Liberia office also spoke at the graduation ceremony of the fistula survivors.

Ms. Ndhlovu, said the provision of family planning services for women and girls offers the answer to reducing maternal and newborn deaths including the prevention of obstetric fistula, which is the common fistula prevalent in Liberia.

She stated that access to family planning is an essential human right that delivers immeasurable rewards to women, families and the communities.

The UNFPA Resident Representative disclosed that fistula has all but disappeared

in countries where women experiencing complicated deliveries have access to timely emergency obstetric care.

“The most effective way to prevent fistula is to ensure access to quality maternal health care services, including family planning, skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care. Skilled attendance at birth, including swift surgical intervention if obstructed labor occurs, can prevent a fistula,” she added.

She noted that “Extended obstructed labor puts a woman at risk for fistula and other serious injuries, including death.”

Ms. Ndhlovu warned that unless women with delivery complication receive prompt medical treatment - usually a Caesarean section - the lack of blood flow can cause soft tissues to die, leaving a fistula, or hole, in her bladder or bowel.

Using the occasion to reaffirm UNFPA’s commitment to the provision of family planning

services as a strategy to end fistula and reduce maternal mortality in Liberia, she maintained that “Because women with fistula endure enormous psychological and social trauma; empowering them to reclaim their place in society is a major goal of the UNFPA End Fistula Campaign.”

She lauded the fistula survivors for their resilience and urged them to share the information on how to prevent fistula or get treatment.

“To you my sisters and daughters; please do not keep this new found joy to yourself. While we celebrate your lives today, let us not forget that there are many more of our sisters and daughters who have fistula out there and they need information and the assurance that they too can be successful, respected members of their families and communities.

You are ambassadors and role models for those who have not gotten the courage and

opportunities to seek help. You are great heroines of Liberia in the fight against fistula. You have all the reasons to be happy and proud;” Ms. Ndhlovu pointed out.

One of the survivors spoke of her ordeal to the Daily Observer.

“Fistula started on me with running stomach; later on I was passing stood and urine through my virginal and anus. My parents and others who saw my condition attributed it to witch craft. I was abandoned by my father, friends and neighbors. I had to drop from school,” 17-year-old Miatta Baryogar said.

Miatta disclosed that she went three years with this condition until she was brought to Phebe Hospital, where Dr. Mulbah surgically repaired her condition and thereafter, she entered the rehabilitation center.

She earlier stated that after visiting her at the hospital on two occasions, her father told her that he would never come back to see her again because she was not going to get well.

“He told me that the hospital and the training center can take me when I am well and not go back home again to them,” she stated sadly.

Miatta further told the Observer Women Desk that she does not have the intention going to find her parents but wants to stay with the trainers at the rehabilitation center, where she had learned cosmetology.

An elderly woman, in her 40s, was also one of the survivors, who graduated from the 6-month training at the center.

Massa Joe: “I had fistula for the past 16 years. My sister one day heard about Dr. Mulbah on the radio so she encouraged me to come to Phebe Hospital. I came and Dr. Mulbah did my operation and now I am well”.

Ms. Joe, who left Margibi County to go to Bong just to be treated, described fistula as a terrible condition, which destroys the values of women and girls.

“I was abandoned by my husband, friends and family members; only very few family members came around me.”

The Liberia Fistula Project was launched in 2007 by the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with funding from UNFPA. Since its launch the program has treated more than 1000 women and girls free of charge.

The project also runs a Fistula Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center in Phebe, Bong County to ensure that there is proper follow-up and development of vocational skills to assist patients easily reintegrate in the communities after treatment. The Center provides space for emotional healing and support services including counseling; trains women and girls in life skills, income-generating activities/business skills training. All of these help fistula survivors to reintegrate in their communities after treatment. The rehab center has since trained at least 250 girls and women, who have chosen to go through the rehabilitation center.

Ms. ratidzai Ndhlovu, resident representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPa) speaking during the program

Fighting Against RapeMen have the power

to be agents of change. This was one of the themes

presented as the world observed the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign.

All over the world, women have been victimized through different forms of exploitation and abuse; some have even lost their lives in the process.

This year mark the 12th commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign in Liberia.

The 16-day campaign provides human rights activists and related stakeholders the opportunity to hold duty bearers to account. It also challenges systems and structures that allow violence against women to thrive.

This year, the global theme of the campaign is, “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World”

The national theme is, “Men as Agents of Change in ending Violence against Women and girls.

It emphasizes the need to break the silence and speak out against entrenched patriarchal systems that give rise to and support

gender abuses such as: Early marriages, teenage pregnancies, sexual exploitation, and limited access to justice, employment opportunities and resources.

Liberia has decided to highlight one of the three priority areas for this year’s campaign “Sexual Violence During and After Conflict”.

Despite the increased attention given to this issue, sexual violence remains a major obstacle towards women’s safety, peace, and security.

According to the Ministry of Gender and Development, recent data reveals a disturbingly high incidence of rape, especially of children. With children as young as 1 year old being violated.

In 2009, 316 cases of rape were reported; in 2012 it was 1,706, this year---in the space of just 9 months--- it has already reached to over 1,300 as of September.

Last year five children died from rape, this year the number has doubled to 10 children.

More than 90% of the victims of rape were children below 18 years of age.

It is obvious that the principal perpetrators are mostly men, including boys under the age of 18.

Most perpetrators are close

relatives, neighbors, stepfathers, uncles, fathers, teachers, friends of the victims, and strangers.

This alarming statistic clearly indicates the need to revisit our approach towards addressing this situation and ensure the protection of our women and girls.

The persistence of sexual violence in Liberia, especially rape, undermines girl’s enjoyment of their human rights and impacts negatively on their physical, sexual and mental health.

The legal policy framework needs to be strengthened by ensuring speedy, effective and fair trials of cases by the judiciary and a zero tolerance to comprise and impunity.

There is also a need for a strong national consciousness and commitment towards preventing sexual violence.

This year’s campaign is an opportunity for men to stand up as partners, husbands, brothers and fathers, against sexual violence.

If we all do not come together to take action against rape, we are all a part of the problem.

Lets us bring the perpetrators of this horrendous crime to justice. Rape is not an issue to

be settled “in the family,” it is society’s responsibility to bring the perpetrators of the crime to book.

A local NGO, ‘Helping Our People Excel’ (HOPE), has also taken part in the 16-day campaign of activism against rape and gender violence. The ceremony, which launched their involvement, was held in the YMCA’s conference hall on Friday.

Seeing men as agents of change, the forum encouraged a high turn out by men.

At least it is a sign that the main perpetrators of this act have seen it as an act of wickedness, and therefore, they have decided to take the message to the outside.

One of the panelists of the event, Annie Cash, supervisor of the Sexual and Gender-based Violence Unit at the Gender

and Development Ministry, said from January to October of this year, the Ministry has recorded at least 423 cases of rape against children, ranging from ages 16 and below. She said the law states that having sex with anyone below 18 years is a rape.

According to her, 23 of the victims in the reported cases were men, but added that it was too difficult to retrieve men’s cases, as many were ashamed to report their situation.

She called on the organizers of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign to reach all the 15 counties, in order to cater to those in need of attention.

Also speaking was the executive Director of HOPE, Rev. Dr. Keturah York-Cooper, who said, “This year’s theme for the campaign is based on the

recent data of children who were raped.”

According to her, the focal points of the campaign would be communities and schools. Ms. Cooper added that involving and educating men about the consequences of gender based violence would help reduce the frequency of rape and abuse against women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is an international campaign that began in 1991.

From November 25, the international Day of Elimination of Violence against Women to 10 December, international Human rights Day, the calls on individuals and groups around the world to act to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Page 17

Liberia Targets Single Currency in 3 Years-Finance Minister Declares; as lbDi Celebrates 48th anniversary

Finance Minister Amara M. Konneh has disclosed that the Liberian government

is considering moving to a single currency within the next three years. According to Minister Konneh, the movement to a single currency will help stabilize the economy and strengthen the legal tender that would be accepted. It will also improve the purchasing powers of the people. Liberia is the only economy in the West African sub-region that has a dual currency regime-the US and the Liberian dollars.

The Liberian treasury boss made the declaration on Monday when he spoke at the 48th Anniversary ceremony of the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) on 9th Street, Sinkor.

Minister Konneh, who is Chair of LBDI Board, announced that the Executive Governor of the CBL Dr. Joseph Mills Jones has presented to the government of Liberia’s Economic Management Team, a three-

year transitional period to achieve the government’s goal of moving to a single currency.

Earlier, University of Liberia Professor Wilson K. Tarpeh described as inadequate initial attempts by the Ministry of Finance to increase the demand for the domestic currency as a way of increasing government spending in the domestic currency and allowing taxpayers to pay taxes in Liberian dollars.

Professor Tarpeh also contended that additional step taken by the Central Bank of Liberia to lower the reserve ratio on the US dollars deposits held by licensed financial institutions is inadequate.

“These steps,” he said “are inadequate to address the fundamentals facing the exchange and interest rates.” In his keynote address at LBDI’s 48th Anniversary celebration, Professor Tarpeh called on the government to revert to a single currency.

Professor Tarpeh, who is also UL’s vice president for Finance and Fiscal Affairs,

suggested that the government restricts the use of auction proceeds to finance the importation of essential goods and services; and does so through the use of Letters of Credit or other contingent liability instruments, amongst others.

The UL Professor, on the other hand, lavished praises at LBDI for “maintaining itself as a strong foundation of the economy.”

“We see LBDI becoming the major pillar of remarkable success for this country,” said. Mr. Tarpeh observed that LBDI has remained stable throughout the modifying years of conflict and turmoil.

“We can safely and confidently say that this Liberian bank, founded in the face of powerful and hostile

Minister Konneh ‘ours is a constrained growth’

The Finance Minister thanked professor Tarpeh for “the good suggestions,” adding “our economy needs all of the lubricants in order to move. But let’s be reminded that the economy is not a normal economy.” The treasury boss told the gathering, however, that the economy is recovering well and that the future is bright.

He noted that some of the measures announced by the government last week are short term measures.

“However, we need to understand that the weakening of the Liberian dollar against the US dollar is due to the fact that the US dollar is gaining strength on the world market. Compared to the exchange rates within the West African sub-region, the exchange rate in Liberia is better. But, therein lies government concern because the weakening of the Liberian dollar hurts those who are at the bottom of the income ladder because their purchasing power decrease due to the fact that they earn their income in Liberian dollars,” the Minister explained.

He assured the public that the government will continue to collect government taxes in Liberian dollar and will also continue to increase government spending in the Liberian dollars “until we move to a single currency.”

According to him, the economy is expected to grow, but warned that said growth is undermined by bad infrastructure, lack of electricity and low human capital, amongst others.

competitors, has not only survived the storm, but has become the beacon of hope for expanded and deepened capital formation,” professor Tarpeh added.

About nine employees of the Bank were honored and certificated for 10, 15, and 20 years of service. Those honored for 20 years of service are: LBDI Comptroller Mrs. Clavenda O. Payman, Mr. Edison Clark, and Mr. Allen Cooper and Mr. Amos M. Tarr, while those honored for 15 years of service were are follows: Mrs. Olivia T. Johnson, Mrs. Raquel Wright, and Mr. Roosevelt T. Julu. Also honored were those who served the Bank for years. They were: Madam Joe-Etta P. Forkpa and Regina S. Kroma.

LBDI president &chief

executive officer (CEO) John B. S. Davies III, in brief remarks, thanked the honorees, depositors and the Liberian people for the support.

Mr. Davies assured Liberians that LBDI is on a strong-footing in the banking industry. For his part, LBDI Board Chair Amara Konneh thanked the honorees and the staff for an excellent job. Mr. Konneh, in response to Professor Tarpeh noted: “I agree with professor Tarpeh that there is a need for us to move toward a single currency. But we all must understand that the economy has been through a lot of turbulences where it experienced the highest collapse in the history of growth economics, -90%, which happened about 10 years ago,” Konneh declared.

Innovative Mobile Payments Technology Once Again Comes from Africa

by Kate Douglas (Cour-tesy: www.Howwemadeiti-

nafrica.com)

A lot has been said about creating i n n o v a t i v e strategies for

targeting unbanked citizens in Africa using mobile phones. But what about the banked? How can mobile phones reduce the costs and hassle of payments and transactions for businesses and consumers with bank accounts? One company that believes it has an innovation that will change the way we shop and make payments is Oltio, a South African-based mobile banking, transactions and payments solution company that rolled out MTN Mobile Money in Africa.

“The real challenge is this: if you went to Kalahari (an online shopping website) right now and you used your credit card – you simply enter your credit card number, expiry date, and your three digit cvv number and off you go. Some banks will come back and say we need a onetime password entered in your phone… so if you have a credit card, life is great. But if you are a debit card holder you can’t use it,” said Dave Parratt, chief commercial officer at Oltio.

Oltio has introduced payD into the South African market where, using their mobile phone, customers are able to securely make online payments using their debit, credit or cheque card.

“The first thing about South Africa is that we have very

good debit card penetration. In fact, we have pretty good banking penetration as a country as well. If you look at it from an MTN perspective, roughly 70% of the customer base is banked, and of those that were banked, 97% had debit cards,” explained Parratt. “Only 3% qualify for credit cards.”

PayD works by allowing users to key in the automated teller machine (ATM) PIN they use with their bank card into their mobile phone securely. The service safely encrypts the PIN using the SIM card (which has a microchip similar to the microchip in a credit card) in their mobile phones. Parratt believes it will help grow online shopping in South Africa, which is still in its infancy.

“Only 0.36% of retail sales in the country are online,” he explained. “And a large reason for that is that people just couldn’t pay [with debit cards].”

When customers register for payD, they enter their bank card details once, which are encrypted securely and linked to their MTN or Vodacom SIM card.

Thereafter, to make a payment on a website, consumers receive an authorising message on their mobile phones. Once confirmed, the system prompts users to enter the debit card personal PIN number on a mobile phone to complete the payment, which is then confirmed via the website. The payment is made immediately.

Turning mobile phones into point-of-sale devices

Parratt said Oltio is the first to introduce a system in which its payD technology allows mobile phones to act as point-of sale devices for merchants

using both debit and credit cards, without the physical presence of the bank card, and allowing consumers to use their phones as the PIN keypad. He showed How we made it in Africa a live example of how it works.

Customers download a payments app to their phones where they can register their Mastercard or Visa details. When they want to pay a merchant, both the merchant and the consumer open the app on their phones. The merchant scans the customer’s unique QR code or captures his or her mobile phone number, then enters the amount due and starts the transaction on their phone. The customer gets an instant notification and authorises the payment by entering his or her bank card PIN on their handset. Both the customer and the merchant receive transaction notifications and the whole transaction takes seconds.

The system also allows all receipts to be stored digitally and automatically, removing the need for paper receipts that are not only easily lost, but can also fade in high temperatures. This process can make personal and business financial accounting simple.

It also means that invoices (such as those for rent) can be sent with barcodes that can be scanned by mobile phones and easily paid.

“I have twin 18-year-old daughters and they used to buy that magazine Seventeen, and at one stage they quite liked Justin Bieber,” said Parratt. “Can you imagine if Justin Bieber [is coming for a concert] and inside this magazine there is an exclusive that says ‘on Tuesday the 15th, between 1pm and 3pm you can buy Justin Bieber tickets by simply scanning this code’… can you imagine how many Seventeen magazines you would sell?”

Daily Observer Page 18Wednesday, November 27, 2013

polls.“Looking at his recent po-

litical track record of always coming in second, I am very optimistic that Mr. Weah will come in second to me as well; we have done a lot more for the youth in Montserrado County than Mr. Weah in terms of hu-man resource capacity, Unity Party’s Senatorial hopeful Ali Syllah declared.

Speaking in an interview in Monrovia Tuesday, November 26, Mr. Syllah said the October 14, 2014 Special Senatorial Election is going to be about issues such as creating oppor-tunities for citizens; emphasis will be placed on the youth through community-based ini-

tiatives and empowerment. It will not be a popularity contest as many political commenta-tors believe.

Mr. Syllah, who is Direc-tor of National Probation at the Ministry of Justice, is also a lecturer at the AME and AMEZ Universities, and a guest lecturer at the University of Liberia. He said he runs a public library and sports recre-ation team among many com-munity-based engagements from which young people ben-efit. Mr. Syllah said this was one way an individual can give back to his community and the people who believe in him.

“I am confident we stand a great chance to win.” Ali de-

George Weah clared; banking on the strong grass roots support he has built since moving back to Liberia in 2009.

With the George Weah popu-larity factor a bone of conten-tion during the forthcoming poll, Syllah warned those who might want to underestimate his (Syllah’s) ability to win the grass-rooters’ votes. “Don’t underestimate your opponent in any election, because only the final count will tell who wins or loses.”

“We will campaign based on our track record, not on rheto-ric or popularity. If it were simply a matter of popularity, the likes of Michael Jackson would have been president of the United States; but politics is about what you bring to the

table,” Syllah asserted He described as unfortunate

and untimely, a recent declara-tion of support for Mr. Weah’s candidacy by Representative Edwin M. Snowe, even though he (Snowe) is a member of the UP Legislative Caucus, and his party is yet to come out with a candidate.

He, like previous critics, disagreed with Rep. Snowe’s statement that the Senate will help groom Mr. Weah for the Presidency, come the 2017 presidential and general elec-tions. He, too, argued that the Senate is for those who want to pass laws that will be in the interest of the people they represent, and not a training-ground for the presidency.

As someone who believes

in institutional work, Syllah said he has already met the deadline of September 27, and hopes to be the sole candidate.

Presently, Mr. Syllah said, he is involved in consultations with grass rooters and deci-sion-makers, and continues to receive petitions---especially from the youth who see him as one who can best articulate their aspirations.

Since declaring his inten-tion to run for the Senate seat currently occupied by Senator Joyce Musu Freeman-Sumo of his Congress for Democratic Change, (CDC) Mr. Weah continues to receive chal-lenges from a cross-section of the society, among them two youthful candidates, first Benjamin Sanvee and now Ali

Syllah.For her part, outgoing Sena-

tor Freeman is prepared to go independent if her party de-cides to circumvent its own constitution and allow Ambas-sador Weah to stand as the sole candidate.

However, Amb. Weah late last night told the Observer via mobile phone that everyone of the candidates can trust in his or her ability and say whatever they want.

“Look my brother, I am not going to give credence to this. Everyone can say they are go-ing to be first, second, third or whatever. I am not in for that kind of thing,” Amb. Weah added and wished the Observ-er good night.

Oil (HFO) facility and capaci-ty-building.

Clemencia Torres, Task Team Leader for World Bank in a statement said her institu-tion was ready to assist Liberia in its infrastructural drive, but urged that the Liberian govern-ment played the role needed to convince partners.

With this condition, the com-mencement of the energy ex-pansion project now indicates that government has met con-ditions set, one of which is the signing of subsidiary agree-ment between the Ministry of

Finance and the Liberia Elec-tricity Corporation.

In addition, the signing of the tri-partite agreement among the Government of Liberia, China Union and LEC and the rectification of financing agreement has been approved by the National Legislature.

The project when completed is expected to provide electric-ity for over 10,000 homes in areas the lines will run.

World Bank Country Direc-tor, Yusupha Crookes said it is their hope that when this proj-ect is completed, cheap elec-

tricity will be provided to help homes and industrial areas move on with their activities in a convenient manner.

Lands, Mines & Energy

Minister Patrick Sendolo com-mended the World Bank for the cordial partnership between it and the Liberian Government. He expressed the hope that the

project identified will be com-pleted quickly in line with the plan both governments and World Bank have made.

One major challenge to Libe-ria’s post-war recovery can be attributed to the lack of cheap and affordable electricity.

The business potential in Liberia is seen as promising and many---without relying on government to provide jobs, are engaging in entre-preneurship; still, the absence of cheap energy has over the years remained an impediment to their progress.

The energy provided now is quite expensive because it comes from generators that

consume heavy fuel.Business entrepreneurs con-

tinue to call for cheap electric-ity while some foreign inves-tors are said to be holding back for the same reason. The Gov-ernment with help from some international partners has em-barked on the rehabilitation project of the Mount Coffee Hydro plant and it is expected to be completed by 2015.

At the same time, the West Africa Power Poll (WAPP) project is crossing from Ivory Coast to Liberia and it is ex-pected to soon light some counties including Grand Ge-deh, Bassa, Nimba and Bong.

Energy Expansion

Min. sendolo at the launching on November 25

Risk Supervisor of Consolidat-ed Group operator of DSTV.

The Consolidated Group is own and operated by Mr. Free-man, who took part in the 2011 presidential and general elec-tions.

At Monday’s hearing when defendant Selvaran appeared before the court, he denied the claim and was later released, after lawyers secure him a criminal bond for his day-to-day appearance in court.

The crime is bailable under the new Penal Code.

In the company’s complaint,

Mr. Fayiah alleged: “On May 2013, defendant Jayakay Sel-varan, with criminal intent, did steal, withdraw and carry away from the entity the cash amount of US$6,795, which the court said, was a violation of section 15.15 of the new pe-nal law.

A copy of the document is in the possession of the Daily Observer.

But, before, the company’s assistant risk supervisor could institute his theft of property allegation against defendant Selvaran; the Indian Embassy

near Monrovia had complaint about Mr. Simeon Freeman to the Police Crime Services Di-vision of the Liberian National Police (LNP) and the Bureau of Immigration and Natural-ization (BIN).

Mr. Freeman was invited by the two security institutions to clarify issues regarding sala-ries and passports allegedly in his (Freeman) possession for Manor Kumar, Deva Senathip-thy, Jayakay Selvaran and an-other Indian only identified as Anathuma.

The Embassy among other things alleged that Mr. Free-man denied the men their

monthly salaries, as well as, access to their passports, which according to them were still in the possession of him, (Freeman).

However, Mr. Freeman and his Consolidated Group had a press conference on Wednes-day, November 20 in Monro-via, and “ever withholding” the passports and salaries of the Indians in question.

“Consolidated Group Risk Department is not aware of such a situation; we have al-ways approved payrolls with their names listed for payment respectively”.

During the press conference,

they announced that one of the four Indians in question, only identified as Sabin, has returned to his country.

“Sabin, who served as fi-nance manager at VIST Libe-ria, left the country on Mon-day for his annual leave and is expected by the end of Decem-ber 2013.

Messrs Anathkumar and Deva, who both resigned on the 18th of October due to pressing family issues back home, will be departing the country for India today (Wednesday), and have prom-ised to be back upon settle-ment of those pressing do-

mestic issues as they recently indicated to the CEO. They are free moving people contrary to the claim that their passports were withheld illegally.”

Messrs Jayakay Selvaran and Manoi Kumar, both resigned in June of this year, after an alleged thief was discovered during their services with the company. Mr. Jayakay resitu-ated US$6,000 plus. While Mr. Kumar’s report has seri-ous forensic challenges due to the gathering of electronic and hard documents to further sup-port management’s position.

Simeon Freeman

by C.y. Kwanue

The director-general of the National Com-mission on Higher Educa-tion (NCHE),

Dr. Michael P. Slawon, has condemned recent strike ac-tions at the University of Li-beria, (UL) and the Ministry of Education, (MOE) respec-tively.

The strike actions involved the students and some mem-bers of the UL faculty on the one hand and teachers as-signed by the MOE across the country on the other.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 25, Dr. Slawon said, he would not adequately address the issues being voiced by either the stu-dents or the faculty at the UL, primarily “because neither group has made their com-plaints known to the NCHE.”

“Before initiating a strike action, (faculty) or engaging in violence, (students)” Dr. Slawon said, “The two parties should have exhausted all op-tions available to them to have their complaints addressed.”

The NCHE, created by an Act of the National Legislature and is responsible for the guid-ance and direction of higher education in the country.

In that regard, the director-general of the Commission noted, academia should be where national discourse takes place, and not “unnecessary confusion.”

“Education,” he added, “is not just the avenue by which students get well-paying jobs; it should endow students with the desire, ability, and willing-ness to solve problems through reasoning and debate, relying on critical thinking--- and yes, compromise, to arrive at work-able solutions.”

According to him, violence

should be resisted and should not be the first or even the sec-ond option.

“Stealing television sets and other household utensils have nothing to do with the issues the students face.”

Also, leaving the classroom with the threat to stay away “until our demands are met” is contrary to the delivery of the quality education that Liberia needs.

This action, Dr. Slawon ob-served, suggests a mindset that does not reflect the spirit of academia in general.

He therefore called on all the students allegedly involved, to reject violence, obey the laws of Liberia, and show respect for other people.

The Higher Education Di-rector-General called on the faculty to return to the class-room, while an effort is made to find solutions to their griev-ances.

Dr. Slawon then cautioned the students and faculty to ex-haust all options available to find solutions and not resort to

the perhaps easier options of strikes, civil disturbances, or violence.

He assured the contending parties that the NCHE is at all times available to listen and to work with students, faculty, and officials of the UL, to find a resolution to the situa-tion that is preventing students from getting the education they must have if they are to be the future leaders of Libe-ria.

A couple of days ago saw an outbreak of civil disturbance and violence on the campuses of the UL.

At one point on last Thurs-day, students went on a ram-page and paraded a symbolic casket around the main cam-pus on Capitol Hill claiming that they had “shot and killed (the UL Provost) intellectu-ally.”

Also on Friday at the Fen-dall campus, another group of students allegedly entered the residence of the Provost, Dr. Wede Elliot Brownell and broke into the house.

UL Student Those involved, reportedly made away with the Provost’s personal belongings including her TV set, and other impor-

tant items. These acts, led to the “in-

definite suspension” of classes at the UL.

Daily Observer Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Page 19For

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Read more sports articles on the Daily Observer website @ www.liberianobserver.com/sports


Senior Pros, Asia Based in “AIDS Day” Football

-as eight schools Targeted for aiDs awareness

by leroy M. sonpon, iii

Former national team football players, un-der the banner, Senior Pros, are expected to

lock-horns with Asia based Li-berian players in commemora-tion of the “World AIDS Day,” globally observed on Decem-ber 1.

The game is scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2013, at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex at 4:30pm. The entrance is free.

Ex-gangling left-back de-fender, Dionysius Sebwe, told the Daily Observ, in an exclusive interview yesterday that the “World AIDS Day Football” is intended to create

awareness of HIV/AIDS.He said Ambassador George

M. Weah will be the skip-per for the match to upset the Asian based players.

He stated that the game and the sensitization which began yesterday at the GW Gibson School, is done in collabora-tion with the National AIDS Commission and UN AIDS.

The Lone Star former de-fender indicated that the game will parade some senior and veteran players includ-ing James ‘Salinsa’ Debbah, Kelvin Sebwe, Joe ‘Arm-strong’ Nagbe, Jonathan ‘Boy Charles’ Sogbei, Jonah Sarweiah, Prince Daye and George Gebro.

The Asia based stars include Francis ‘Grandpa’ Doe, Pat-

rick ‘Ronaldihno’ Wleh, Isaac Pupo, Tonia Tisdell, and Sek-ou Moniba amongst others.

“The game will be free to the public and we expect the Health Minister, Dr. Walter Gwenigale to do the kick-off,” Minister Sebwe said.

He added: “Members of Senior Pros and a delega-tion from the National AIDS Commission began the aware-ness yesterday and we hope to reach to other schools on Thursday. The schools are Muslim Congress, Nathan E. Gibson, and Paynesville Com-munity School (PCS).

Others schools include Vogar Mission, Calvary Mission and the Bethesda Mission Schools, at the Robert International Air-port (RIA) road.

George M. Weah, Kelvin sebwe, Francis ‘Grandpa’ Doe

16 Days to County Meet-Players’ Cards return Tomorrow, inspection

of Field Next Week

Director of Sports Navarro Saykie has disclosed that Players’ Cards’

given to Counties for official registration of the football and kickball teams are expected to be returned to the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Thursday, November 28, 2013, latest 4:00pm.

Mr. Saykie told the Daily Observer in an exclusive in-terview via mobile phone yes-terday that the “submission of players’ cards” will indicate the Counties’ involvement in the 2013/2014 County Meet.

The director said 25 players’ cards were provided for foot-ball and 18 for kickball, which summed up to a total of 43 and the grand total to 15 counties were 645 cards.

Mr. Saykie also told the Dai-ly Observer that “Rules and Regulations” governing the tournament has also been dis-tributed amongst the counties.

He noted that some of the rules have been amended, but the ‘nationality clause’ re-mains unchanged.”

“Only a Liberian, whether by

birth or naturalization can par-ticipate in the County Meet,” Mr. Saykie opined.

Reports say a five-man del-egation from the Youth and Sports Ministry, beginning next week, is expected to in-spect the four venues for the preliminary rounds, as it re-lates to the playing pitch, sit-ting capacity, fence and other facilities.

The four venues are Doris Williams Sports Stadium in Buchanan, Grand Bassa Coun-ty; David Kuyon Sports Stadi-um in Gbarnga, Bong County; Voinjama Sports Stadium in Voinjama, Lofa County and the James E. Green Sports Sta-dium in Greenville, County.

The 2013/2014 County Meet is under the theme: ‘Celebrat-ing Ten Years of Peace through Sports’ and the formal opening will be held in Lower Buchan-an, Grand Bassa County with a horde of government officials in attendance.

“The chairman of the or-ganizing committee of the county meet is Deputy Sports Minister Dionysius Sebwe,” Mr. Saykie said.

All 15 Counties of Liberia are expected to participate in five disciplines; football, kick-ball, basketball, volleyball and athletics and have been placed for the first time in four non-regional groups, as a way to decentralize the preliminary rounds.

According to the pairings, Grand Bassa, Grand Kru and Bomi Counties are in Group I. Games in this group will be played at the Doris Williams Sports Stadium in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

Grand Gedeh County is placed in Group II along with Bong, Maryland and Montser-rado Counties, and members of this group will play at the David Kuyon Sports Stadium in Gbarnga, Bong County.

Group III brings Lofa, River Gee, Margibi and defending football champions Grand Cape Mount to meet at the Voinjama Sports Stadium in Voinjama, Lofa County, while Sinoe, Gbarpolu, Nimba and Rivercess Counties, seated in Group IV, come face to face in Greenville, Sinoe County at the James E. Green Sports Stadium.

Two teams with the highest points from the football and kickball editions will qualify for the finals at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Montserrado County.

The volleyball, basketball and track and field events will take place in Monrovia, Mont-serrado County, alongside the quarterfinals, semifinals and grand finals of the football and kickball games.

About US$20,000 will be dished out to each of the 15 political sub-divisions as pre-paratory support ahead of the kick-off on December 14.

The National County Sports Meet inaugurated in 1956, as an annual sporting festival organized and hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Min-istry of Internal Affairs.

ball boys marching with the 2012/2013 County Meet Theme

FA Cup Round 2 Begins November 30

The second round of the LFA Cellcom FA Cup will resume on Saturday, November

30 in three centers.

At the Blue Field in Mon-

rovia BYC FC will take on

NPa-anchors FC ready for the third round

Keitrace FC; Oilers will take Jubilee FC in Kakata and the final game is between Monro-via Breweries versus ELWA United at the D. Twe Sports Pitch.

Still in the second round on Sunday, December 1, Gbanga Black Star will settle scores with NPA Anchors; LISCR FC will receive Holder FC and the third game is between Watanga FC and M. B. Angels all at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

The quarter-finals of the third round will commence thereafter.

World Cup Trophy Arrives in Accra

The FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in the country yesterday on a chartered plane

branded with the colours of the tour sponsors, Coca-Cola.

The pure gold trophy was met on arrival at the Air Force base in Accra by the Minis-ter of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, GFA Presi-dent Kwesi Nyantakyi and senior officials of the Coca-Cola Company who all had the privilege of seeing the trophy in the plane.

As has been its tradition, only sitting heads of state

get the exclusive privilege of holding the trophy. And at a lavish banquet at the State House Monday night, Presi-dent John Mahama hosted the trophy and joined his prede-cessors J.A. Kufuor (2006) and J.E.A. Milla (2010) to lift football’s much vaunted prize.

The World Cup trophy tour is making its third global tour and also third stopover in Ac-cra after visits in 2006 and 2010 .

Accra made history when the first ever Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup tophy tour begun in the nation’s capital in 2006

during three-month journey of 28 countries.

Three years ago, Accra again hosted football’s most valu-able prize during a global tour of 84 countries and 130 cities.

A special FIFA representa-tive, Pekka Odriozola-Martes-son, who escorted the trophy yesterday from Morocco, not-ed that Ghana, being the only West African nation to host the trophy for the third time run-ning, spoke volumes of FIFA’s admiration for the growth of the game in the country.

The Youth and Sports Min-ister was optimistic that the Black Stars could win the tro-phy and charged the players to train extra hard towards the tournament.

Mr Nyantakyi also fancied Ghana’s chances of winning the World Cup and added that it was up to the players to be-lieve they can do it in Brazil.

The trophy will be displayed today at the Accra Interna-tional Conference Centre, for football fans to get a close-up view of it before it leaves Ac-cra tonight for its next stop, Nairobi, Kenya.

Ghana’s President John Mahama with the gold trophy

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Dr. Owl’s Guest

By C.Y. Kwanue

The Real Es-tate Rural Tax Divi-sion at the M i n i s t r y of Finance

(MOF) has shut down the Danish Refugee Coun-cil (DRC) main offices in Saclepea, Nimba County.

DRC is an international non-governmental organi-zation (NGO) implement-ing several projects in Nimba County.

The DRC’s offices, ac-

cording to the regional di-rector of the Tax Division at the MOF, Daniel J.C. Hayes, were closed down on Friday, November 22, for being “delinquent in the payment of real income tax to the tune of US$420.”

“The DRC previously owed US$630, but paid government US$110, and was left with a balance of US$420,” Mr. Hayes ex-plained.

He said, “Besides the Real Estate Tax owed gov-ernment, DRC also failed to display its staff payroll to

Gov’t Closes DRC Offices, Other Businesses in NimbaFor Not Paying Taxes the tax team, even though

they have collected with-holding taxes from their employees,” he explained.

When contacted, the DRC’s Logistic Assistant, Thomas Barclay, confirmed that the offices had been shut down, but said that the taxes in question had been paid and the offices reopened.

Businesses in other parts of the county including the ones in Ganta, the commer-cial hub of the county, and Sanniquellie, the political capital, are being affected by the ongoing tax collec-tion exercise.

“Our recent tax collection

exercise in Nimba County alone generated over L$2.5 million (US$31,250 at pre-vailing exchange rate). This amount excluded taxes paid to government revenue in US dollars,” Mr. Hayes dis-closed.

Meanwhile, he has stressed the need to decen-tralize the Rural Tax and Real Estate Division to ensure full compliance “be-cause there are delinquent tax payers in most parts of the rural areas.”

He disclosed that the Nimba Tax collection exer-cise would be climaxed in Gbarnga, Bong County in the coming days.

By Edwin M. Fayia III

The site of the Paynesville City Cor-p o r a t i o n ’s (PCC) ‘Buy Your Dirt’

initiative at the Red-light Market, is now over-run by mountain of garbage.

Petty traders, residents, and health workers have called on authorities at PCC to col-lect and dispose of the gar-bage, which is posing serious health hazard to traders and others.

The smelly trash has over-

PCC Dirt-buying Initiative Faces ChallengesTraders, Residents Health Workers Cry for Dirt Removal taken the purchasing station,

and there are no signs that the sanitation company respon-sible for the collection and disposal will respond.

Commuters and others told the Daily Observer over the weekend that they were aware that PCC has challeng-es in relation to the collection and disposal of garbage from the commercial district of Redlight.

Some of the challenges, the health workers and trad-ers explained, are the dense population of the area and the lack of practical mechanisms put in place to address the never-ending garbage situa-tion at the Red-light Market.

Health worker Francis Baker, 65, said PCC admin-istration must get the traders and residents involved in the planning of a solution to the collection and disposal of the garbage at the Red-light Market.

“Work with ordinary Libe-rians and traders in the years

to come and you will see tangible results,” Mr. Baker assured.

He added that food stuffs and essential commodities are being affected by both water and air-borne diseases from the uncollected gar-bage.

According to petty trader Frances K. Mulbah, 44, a wholesale dealer of pine-apple and eddoes, the sanita-tion companies continue to receive huge sums of money from the World Bank’s Ur-ban Waste management Proj-ect and other aid partners for the garbage management (collection and disposal). She said that the infusion of these funds had not had any great an impact.

“We want to see other strat-egies and designs that would be responsive and proactive in the swift collection and disposal of garbage in Mon-rovia in the years to come,” Madam Mulbah concluded.

PCC’s ‘Buy your Dirt’ station in Red-light Market, overtaken by garbage in Paynesville

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, VOL, No.26.indd 1 11/27/13 12:38 AM