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NEWS EXTRA Law & Order
VOL 8 NO.607
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
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CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA
MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of
the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The
rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials
banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
MONDAY, MAY26, 2014 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
BUYING SELLING
L$86.00/US$1 L$87.00/US$1
L$87.00/US$1 L$86.00/US$1
SATURDAY, MAY31, 2014
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2014
News Extra pg. 6
CHUCKY TAYLOR SPEAKS FROM US PRISON;
POINTS OUT FLAWS IN CASE AGAINST HIM

SORRY FOR ALL
THAT I HAVE DONE
If I have at any point in time created the perception that what has been said about me
is true, I apologize. This has been an exercise of humbleness and I am thankful to have
been placed in this environment. What may surprise many is that I have transcended
the suffering and I have found wisdom within it. - Chucky Taylor
WEAH TO
THE RESCUE
POLITICS News Extra
Judge Denies Motion for Dismissal
CORKRUM
FAILS FIRST
TEST
WISHFUL
THINKING
MPC Simeon Freeman, Dissects Sirleafs Speech On
Economy; Calls For Her Resignation Over Bad Economy
Football Legend, potential Montserrado County Senatorial
race candidate Identifes With West Point Flooding Victims,
donates zinc, cash
WEEKS
MUST GO
PROTESTERS BESIEGE PUBLIC
WORKS MINISTRY DEMANDING
MINISTERS RESIGNATION

Page 2 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Monrovia -
S
hortly before her departure last week, President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf made yet another pledge to ring in
much-needed changes in her administration and put the
brakes on massive corruption under her watch. Said the
president: I renew to you this solemn pledge: Our economy will
be restored to its full potentials. This effort is already underway
with my direct leadership. This effort will require changes in
offcials, prosecutions of offenders, challenges to partners, as
well as reforms in policies and actions. It will require the various
Branches of our Government continuously working together for
the common good of those we were elected to serve. It will
require new thinking and strategic repositioning. It may require
new and more robust partnerships with civil society and the media.
And it will require understanding from our citizens to whom we
owe so much.
Many of the presidents critics say, the same refrain has been heard
before, going as far back as January 2006 when she assumed the
mantle of authority as President.
Sirleaf, in her inaugural address pledged: Today, I renew this
pledge. Corruption, under my Administration, will be the major
public enemy. We will confront it. We will fght it. Any member
of my Administration who sees this affrmation as mere posturing
or yet another attempt by another Liberian leader to play to the
gallery on this grave issue should think twice. In this respect, I will
lead by example. I will expect and demand that everyone serving
in my Administration leads by example. The frst testament of how
my Administration will tackle public service corruption will be
that everyone appointed to high positions of public trust, such as
in the Cabinet and heads of public corporations, will be required to
declare their assets. I will be the frst to comply.
During her frst six years, the asset declaration was done in
piecemeal without all the appointed offcials declaring their assets.
The few offcials who declared their assets in 2006 published those
assets in the papers, sending a strong signal of a new beginning.
The refusal of many offcials to declare their assets continued in
the second term of administration. A fundamental departure from
the 2006 asset declarations mandate, Sirleaf and those offcials
who declared their assets during the second term refused to publish
these assets, insisting on confdentiality, in contrast to those who
published their assets in 2006. Sirleaf supported the secret asset
declarations, a far cry from her promised to make assets declared
public. The Liberian Media center sued the Anti-Corruption
Commission for its refusal to make these assets declared public.
Although asset declarations remained secret affairs, in August
2012 Sirleaf suspended some 46 offcials, including one of
her sons, Charles Sirleaf, from the post of central bank deputy
governor for failing to declare his assets. But all 46 offcials were
back in Government without any public information as to whether
they all declared their assets. Also in December 2010, Sirleaf sent
all her cabinet on administrative leave only to rehire nearly
all of them, paying theme full salaries for the time they were on
administrative leave.
In the wake of the Presidents renewal of her pledge to clamp down
on graft, many of her harshest critics and even her supporters, fear,
time may not be on the Presidents side. Even her international
supporters are beginning to believe that the President does not
have the political will to rein in her friends, family and close
political associates who have been accused of improprieties. In
certain cases, although there has been no smoking gun, but the
appearance of impropriety should have caused the president to act,
as the buck stops at the presidency. She is paying for the lack of
action with the erosion of personal integrity and appearance of her
own culpability in the corruption web. This is indeed sad for a
woman who vowed to make corruption public enemy number one
at the beginning of her presidency, and now a grave travesty exists
which is undermining confdence in her administration from both
her domestic and international bases of support.
THE LAME DUCK FACTOR
The reason?
Sirleaf is approaching the end of the line, the end of her presidency,
the most-dreaded era of any political leadership, now dubbed, the
Lame duck era, during which offcials tend to have less political
power, as other elected and in Sirleafs case, appointed offcials,
becoming are less inclined to cooperate. The status usually applies
to offcials who have lost a re-election bid, choosing not to seek
another term at the expiration of the current term, a term limit
which keeps the offcial from running for that particular offce
again or the abolishment of an offce, which must nonetheless be
served out until the end of the offcial's term.
In American politics, the period between (presidential and
congressional) elections in November and the inauguration of
offcials early in the following year is commonly called the lame
duck period. In regard to the presidency, a president is a lame-
duck after a successor has been elected, and during this time
the outgoing president and president-elect usually embark on a
transition to power.
Interestingly, presidents elected to a second term are usually
seen as being lame ducks from early in the second term, because
presidents are barred from contesting a term four years later, and
is thus freer to take politically unpopular action.
In Liberia, Sirleaf is on the verge of a looming mid-term election, a
year in which the stakes are high. But some political observers say,
Sirleaf may actually have, only six months to rein in her troops
and read them the riot act. Beginning 2015, after the results of the
Mid-Term are announced and newly-elected offcials inaugurated,
the attention toward the 2017 presidential elections commence, a
period, the last leg many feel will mark the beginning of defections
as many of those currently in Sirleafs circle begin to explore their
options and ponder exit strategies in hopes of getting on the good
side of the person likely to fll her shoes.
Sirleaf addressed the lame duck fears in an August 2012
FrontPageAfrica interview when she said: I dont intend to be a
lame duck. I know that at some point as we get close to 2017
you know. this place is going to be a political environment and
there could be very little that I can do but I also hope to be an
infuencing factor in the succession and thats why I must achieve
my development goals. Highlights of what I have to do, bringing
hydro electricity back to this country by restoring the Mount
Coffee Dam. Were working on that. This month of August my
people are on that. I made a commitment to pave all the primary
connecting county roads and we got to push on that.
But much of what Sirleafs is hoping to get accomplish will
depend on the willingness of those she appointed to deliver. More
importantly, the Sirleaf administration has been lost in trying to
translate to Liberians how U$US16 billion investment have failed
SEE page 3
to meet the expectations of the people.
Said Sirleaf last week: You will recall that one of our primary
focuses, upon taking offce in 2006, was to improve the image of
our country to Lift Liberia so that we become a destination not
just for international assistance and support but also for private
capital investment and external trade. We are grateful for all the
help and support we continue to receive from the international
community, and for the over US$16 billion in Foreign Direct
Investments which we have attracted to our country. I know that
each time these fgures are called; some have imagined that with
US$16 billion many of our problems, if not all of our problems,
should have been solved by now. However, in many of these cases,
investments have been spread over time, some of which include up
to 25 years, while others are spread over phases in which successful
completion of one phase leads to the beginning of another.
In the wake of Sirleafs renewed pledge last week, FrontPageAfrica
takes a look at some of the key steps Sirleaf could take to salvage
her legacy and restore confdence of the international community
and an antsy nation running out of time.
MUSTERING THE POLITICAL WILL
THE PROBLEM: The Iron Lady persona was Sirleafs greatest
assets en route to her 2005 victory. Many saw her fght against
Tolbert, Doe and Taylor as a sign that her election would mark the
beginning of a tough period for those under her wings. In Sirleaf,
many saw a channel of the famed British Prime Minister Margaret
Thatcher, a no-nonsense character whose reign would put fear
in those under her watch. The Sirleaf presidency was however
been marred by one fnancial scandal after the next, a string of
bad concession agreements and a litany of widespread corruption
under her watch.
But barely before the end of the frst six months in offce, was
the Sirleaf presidency being marred by one fnancial scandal after
the next, a string of bad concession agreements and a litany of
widespread corruption under her watch. The frst scandal was now
the infamous Nigerian Oil Deal, involving Sirleaf and several of
her confdantes at LPRC.
In May 2013, an audit of lucrative resource deals in Liberia found
that almost all the concessions awarded by the government since
2009 had not been compliant with the law. In a damning report
commissioned by the Liberian government, Moore Stephens,
a group of international auditors found that only two out of 68
resource contracts worth $8bn (5.1bn) were conducted properly.
Concessions granted in agriculture, forestry, mining and oil
including a lucrative deal with oil company Chevron were
either wholly or partially fawed. "These are problems that we
have known about for a long time but the fact that only two of
68 concessions were fully compliant with the law is just mind-
blowing," said Chloe Fussell from the international NGO Global
Witness, which has seen the audit. "Some of the most damning
materials in the report concerns logging permits that cover one
quarter of the country and were given out illegally."
Elinilto, a company with no experience in mining, won one of
the largest mining concessions in Liberia, the Western Cluster.
Without spending a single dime to harvest these concessions, in
less than six months, Elinilto sold all of its interest to Chinese
and Indian companies, earning $123.5 million less taxes and fees.
Oranto also sold its oil interests to Chevron and Broadway sold
its interests to a Canadian company who also turned around and
sold to ExxonMobil. Oranto and Broadway walked away with
nearly $200 million each without spending a dime to harvest the
oil contracts.
Sirleaf acknowledged that concession agreements were marred by
problems from the start but committed her administration to fxing
the problem in a visit to Sinoe in 2013. "Before we signed that
agreement we should have come and sat down with you. Now, we
let the thing get out of hand and you, too you got vex and so we
started to do all kind of things to spoil it. Now we want to fx it.
We want to fx it good for you, for the government, for the country,
for the county," she told residents in Sinoe, during a visit in April
2013.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: With a little more than three years
remaining before the 2017 , many political observers say, Sirleaf
will have to dig deep to fnd the courage that will lead her to
instill fear in her offcials to simply do the right thing and put her
on the course to reinventing the Iron Lady persona that brought
her prominence. Others are not so optimistic and have written
her off, saying she will never muster the political will to rein in
friends and family from involvement in the economy on a massive
scale, in most of the major activities, such as energy, oil and gas,
mineral development, construction, trading, public procurement,
hospitality and several major economic sectors. Therefore,
political observers say, Sirleaf must rid the public of the perception
real or not that her friends and family control most sectors of the
Liberian economy. She can do that by demanding more economic
probity and transparency in awards of public goods to the private
sector, such as oil, mineral development, and land for agricultural
development and procurement of goods and services by the
government.
SHREDDING THE FRIENDS LIKE THESE
THE PROBLEM: It is no secret that a lot of key aides and so-
called long-time friends of Sirleaf have contributed to the dilemma
she currently fnds herself. Over the past seven years, some of the
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 3
presidents closest aides have been found on the wrong side of the
law, either in cases of corruption or serious breach of procurement
and concession laws. These friends Sirleaf have also ensured
the departure from Government of all independent minded people,
who stood up to their alleged corrupt and irregular practices.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Getting rid of those so-called friends
and eliminating their access to the presidency will curb the practice
of many who use the presidents name to bulldoze their way into
getting what they want to the presidents own detriment.
ELIMINATING THE BAD APPLES
THE PROBLEM: Sirleaf has been unable to fre outright, offcials
in her government. The closest she came to doing so was in 2010
when she asked the entire Cabinet to "take administrative leave
effective immediately, in hopes of giving her government a fresh
start. "I want this administration to be the most effective going
forward," the president said at the time. In reality, the exercise was
an earnest attempt to rid the administration of perceived three bad
apples at the time, her powerful Minister of State for Financial
and Legal Affairs, Morris Saytumah, Richard Tolbert, head of the
National Investment Commission and Eugene Shannon, Minister
of Lands, Mines and Energy. In other cases, offcials have been
let go and brought back in another capacity. This musical chair or
revolving door system in government does not infuse new blood
into the system, and the Liberian people get more of the same,
causing the current stalemate in governance and the negatively
impacts the delivery of basic services.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Sirleafs habit of making known her
intentions to make personnel changes before doing so, has not
served her well. Her pronouncements have usually been followed
by pleadings from close friends, family and loved ones begging
her to keep certain offcials in her administration. She even hinted
one time that her Sister Jenny Bernard is often lobbied by people
trying to infuence these kinds of decisions. The wait is on to see
if Sirleaf will carry on her pledge this time around, in spite of the
interventions. But one male political analyst told FrontPageAfrica
jokingly that he has a better chance of getting pregnant. Many
of these ministers have served as ministers for more than six years
and seem to have no more new ideas to bring on the table. In
less than three years to go to the fnishing line of her presidency,
reshuffing the cabinet will not do the trick for Sirleaf. She has
to get rid of the corrupt and the incompetents and bring in new
blood with no tainted records and who have commitment to good
governance, not just blind loyalists who will say and do anything
just to keep a job.
EMPOWERING ANTI-GRAFT AGENCIES, INTEGRITY
INSTITUTIONS
THE PROBLEM: Anti-graft agencies like the General Auditing
Commission, the Public Procurement Concessions Commission
and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) were
instrumental in paving the way for debt relief and bolstering
Sirleafs anti-corruption stance early on in her presidency. The
departure of John S. Morlu and recent resignation of Peggy Varfey
Meres at the PPCC have not gone down well in the court of public
opinion. Today, the GAC is a watered-down version of what
Morlu created, the LACC is still lacking prosecutorial powers to
implement many of its fndings and many offcials have publicly
slammed integrity institutions for simply doing their jobs.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: Give integrity institutions the support
and political backing to do their jobs without fear or favor. This
means, Sirleaf swallowing the bullets by hiring people with track
record and public confdence to head these institutions. Those
appointed to those positions cannot be viewed as mere stooges to
protect the interest of the presidency and offcials of Government.
Without public confdence in the heads of these institutions of
having an independent (in appearance and in fact), no matter how
hard they work, the public will not give due credit and attention
to them. Liberians are yearning for independent minded people,
not stooges.
IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AREAS
THE PROBLEM: Provision of the basics is in short supply. Roads
and infrastructural development, rising price of local commodities
have created a sense of edginess amongst Liberians unsure what
the future holds. Many feel the government ministries and agencies
responsible are not doing enough to fx the problems. Issues at
Agriculture and Education ministries continue to pose problems
for Sirleaf who has on more than one occasion, acknowledged
problems in these areas. The FAO boss recently called attention to
the growing lack of food security in the country.
SOLUTION: Many political observers say, the administration
must put in place the necessary structures in problem areas or
remove those at the helm and inject new blood to reignite the fre.
But with time running out, would changes her save the day or
would a stitch in time, save her legacy?
BREAKING THE MONOPLY
THE PROBLEM: Liberia is probably the only country in
West Africa where Chinese are dominating the market. In the
last seven years, more than a billion dollars have been given to
Chinese construction companies to carry out road constructions
and infrastructural development. In many cases, the end results
have been substandard. In neighboring Sierra Leone, The Gambia
and other places, diversity is leading to massive improvements.
The president appeared to be in the know of the dangers of
monopolization when she said last week. To keep us moving
forward, the economy must keep working by our people for all
our people. This is the only way to open new doors of opportunity
for Liberians. This is how we expand the space for increased
participation of Liberians. And this is how we break down the
walls of monopolies so that more of our people can continue to
beneft from quality services at affordable prices.
THE SOLUTION: Opening up businesses to local and other
foreign contractor other than the Chinese will go a long way in
alleviating many of the problems strangulating the administration.
Furthermore, Sirleaf must ensure that procurement opportunities
do not only favor close friends and cabinet offcials. And those
who are not blind loyalists of Sirleaf are not singled out and
denied opportunities in Liberia.
LIBERIA ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
THE PROBLEM: Liberians are largely smelling and not tasting
the fruits of the revitalization of the economy. They have no
majority holdings in fnance and banking, or even modest equity
positions in mineral development or oil and gas. There are limited
Liberians in large volume wholesale trading, or no meaningful
participation in construction, real estate development and other
potential growth areas in the country. So, while the government
may boast of average growth rates of GDP over the last eight
years, yet that growth is not translating into jobs, income, and
socioeconomic development for Liberians. Liberians are still the
second poorest people on the planet, with 83.9 percent living under
less than 2 dollars a day. There is still no preference category for
Liberians in the countrys procurement system. No capital control
or systemic mechanisms to stem the illicit outfows of earnings
connected to Liberia, and thus the economy may be growing but
Liberians are not the benefciaries. Economists refer to this as
horizontal inequality and is a major cause of confict and fragility.
THE SOLUTION: The country must create and implement a
Liberianization model that ensures Liberians fully participate in
the economy at all levels. This would mean creating preference
categories for Liberians in oil and gas, mineral development and
other extractive sectors, through a strong local content law in both
equity and supply chain linkages. The government should also
develop a procurement system that provides preferential treatment
to Liberians in the supply of goods and services, and Government
must use the countrys national budget as a tool to economically
empower Liberians.
Moreover, in agriculture, it is long overdue to create a long term
funding institution to revitalize the countrys agriculture sector.
Rubber farmers, other tree crop holders and cash crop developers
should be prioritized by direct government support, such as access
to fnance, improving agro-processing to increase value additions,
and putting in structures that provide support to warehousing,
storage, transport and marketing of agriculture products. That
can be accomplished through cooperatives and produce marketing
that is fully corporatized with a proft margin, clear of political
interference.
ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT
THE PROBLEM: Coordination and policy coherence seem to
be the major elements preventing a smoother ride in the proverbial
economic bus the president so eloquently described in the speech
before her latest departure abroad. Economic agencies of the
government of Liberia are sometimes working at cross purposes,
and waging competitive turf battles. That does not augur well for
benchmarking, targeting and setting priorities for economic growth
and development. It is showing up in declining growth numbers,
imbalances in trade fgures, nearly 20 percent depreciation of the
Liberian dollar and impacting livelihoods in the country.
THE SOLUTION: The President needs to be clear about her
economic agenda and should insist that managers of the economy
are guided by that agenda. Anyone deviating from that agenda for
whatever reasons, including personal political ambitions should be
thrown from the bus as a conductor. Lastly and most importantly,
the Government should develop a master plan to attract capital
into critical infrastructure. Donor support alone cannot build the
countrys infrastructure. Use of bilateral support, private fnance
capital and public-private partnerships can aid Liberia erase most
of its infrastructure defcits over time. The government should
consider holding an international conference on infrastructure
fnance and development. La Cote dIvoire just attracted more
than 16 billion dollars through an international campaign to
support its infrastructure and economic development, and that is in
direct fnance through the countrys economic architecture, where
Ivorian companies are partnering with transnational corporations
to rebuild the country.
The big question on the minds of Liberians is whether Sirleaf is able
and willing to tackle these perennial issues that have engulfed and
rendered unusual each administration Liberia has had since 1847.
Corruption and economic mismanagement has been the third rail
in Liberian politics and no president has been able to solve them.
In less than three remaining, if Sirleaf is to leave a foot print on
these issues she has less than a few months to make a fundamental
departure. October 2014 is the mid-term elections for senators.
By January 2015, the campaign for the Presidency for 2017 will
begin and offcials in Government will be looking forward to the
next Government. The risk for Sirleaf is that the pre-occupation
with 2017 could erase any hope for her to make roundabout on the
issues of corruption and economic mismanagement.
Critics contend that the economy is facing signifcant strains, with
the twin problems of high infation and high unemployment. Both
combined has created even more excruciating poverty, raising
public anger and resentment. Sirleaf acknowledged the problem
when she said, And yet, with many constraints and challenges,
our economy has performed well over the past 6 years, averaging
annual growth rates of 7 percent. Our annual growth rate exceeds
the average growth rates of the West African region. Estimates
from the IMF indicate the growth rate in 2013 to be 8.7 percent,
adding notwithstanding these serious efforts, the rate of growth
projected for 2014 is at 5.8 percent which falls short of the growth
rate projected in the Agenda for Transformation that calls for at
least 8 percent annual growth rate, if we are to stay on track in
becoming a middle-income country by 2030.
Sirleaf provided multiple reasons why the economy is not
performing and her Government has not lived up to the promises
made. Salient amongst the reasons was her comments that the
decline in the level of anticipated revenues on account of
procurement fraud and corruption have combined to delay the
payment of governments fnancial commitment which, in the
absence of full cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and
the Central Bank of Liberia, have created stress in the banking
system and the depreciation in the exchange rate. She lays
the blame for non-performance and hardships in the laps of the
Ministry of Finance and Central Bank.
For now though the clock toward 2017 is ticking with massive
political undertones for Sirleafs legacy, her post-presidency and
most importantly whatever infuence she intends to have in the
succession line.
Page 4 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
L
iberias path to a middle income economy by 2030 is
becoming perennially rocky and alarmingly narrow by
the day with majority of its citizens languishing in abject
poverty and awaiting socio economic redemption that
seems to be many m...iles away. In the wake of such appalling
conditions for many, is a government under the leadership of Madam
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf that continues to render lip services
to the plights of the people, by the introduction of cleverly articulated
but deceptively carved strategies and economic jargons that do not
appear to be heralding economic growth and development in an
economy that is heavily funded by international partners and a huge
budget when compared with budgets operated under predecessors
of this regime. The Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (IPRS) and
the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) have come and gone but with
the debilitating effects of wretched poverty and unbearable hardships
distributed to a signifcant portion of the population, no doubt they
have left behind botched legacies.
As if the Government of Liberia (GOL) under the stewardship of
Africas frst female elected Head of State is presumed to be leading
a nation with people that are quick to forget its conic machineries,
it introduced a medium-term plan for achieving Vision 2030,
another dubious economic jargon. The Agenda for Transformation
(AFT) brought onto the economic stage in 2012 is expected to be
implemented up to 2017 as according to the criminal empire of
President Sirleaf, it sets out what actions the government will take to
reduce poverty across the country over the fve year period and make
Liberia a middle-income economy by 2030. Undoubtedly, this seems
to be another clich, for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework
(MTEF) introduced in 2012 under the Ministerial watch of Amara
M. Konneh has suffered several setbacks with the 2013/2014 budget
docked in a huge budgetary shortfall around US$74M. This piece
seeks to critically dilute the 2013/2014 budget message of Minister
Amara M. Konneh in the wake of a colossal budgetary shortfall in our
economy that is held hostage.
Prefacing the 2013/2014 citizens guide to fscal year 2013/2014
budget, the Minister commenced: The 2013/2014 Budget marks a
milestone on our nations road to transformation and additional step
towards achieving our VISION 2030 of becoming a middle-income
country characterized by sustainable and inclusive economic growth
and development with improved quality of life for each citizen where
inequality is drastically reduced. We are planting the seeds of long-
term economic growth and stability. Some of these seeds are already
bearing fruit and contributing to the revitalization of our country;
others we will see the effects of in years to come. Other than the
benefciaries of fscal indiscipline in our governance system, who
would agree with Minister Konneh that the 2013/2014 Budget is a
milestone on our nations road to transformation and an additional
step towards achieving VISON 2030 in the wake of around
US$74M budgetary shortfall?
By now, the Minister is regretting for putting out those words at the
preface of the 2013/2014 citizens guide to the fscal year 2013/2014
budget, for the economy is heating up rather than bringing relief to
many in the dungeons of abject poverty. Quality of life for many
citizens is appalling as inequality remains the order of the day.
Minister Konneh, you are wrong! The 2013/2014 Budget does not
mark a milestone on our nations road to transformation and an
additional step towards achieving our VISION 2030, rather a
milestone on our nations road to a downward trend, evidenced
by the subsisting economic conditions of many in this political
dispensation. If there are planted seeds bearing fruits of growth and
stability according to you, then those fruits are in the pockets of the
benefciaries of fscal indiscipline including you who sit over the
fscal policy house of Liberia. All I can say to you in years to come,
you and your fellow benefciaries of fscal indiscipline will be far
richer than you are today. But know this, that history is always unkind
to those who suppress the will of the people. The peoples will is
maximum equitable distribution of the national wealth amongst all.
The Leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has chosen the
contrary!
Minister Konneh continued in his 2013/2014 Budget Message:
Liberia has experienced steady economic growth over the last
fve years, despite a global fnancial crisis that has challenged
the economies of many countries. Such growth is essential if we
are to marshal the resources required for Liberias recovery and
transformation. The Government is continuing to invest in priority
projects to unlock the economic potential of our nation and speed
Liberias economic growth and development. Minister Konneh,
when will the potential of our nations economy ever be unlocked?
The IPRS and PRS could not unlock the potential and now is the
AFT that is emerging as an economic savior. Where are the Royalties
and Taxes from concessionaires in Liberia being spent, when majority
of our people are wearing poverty as a badge of honor? If Liberia
has truly experienced steady economy growth over the last fve years
according to you Minister Konneh, then why was our country left
out of the April 7, 2014 World Bank report entitled the Africas Pulse
which stated that economic growth in sub Saharan Africa continues
to rise from 4.7 percent in 2013 to a forecasted 5.2 percent in 2014?
Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo
are few of the Sub -Saharan African countries included on the list,
but Liberia was not even mistakenly mentioned. Even Ethiopia that
is not a resource rich country as Liberia was included on the World
Banks list of countries that have enhanced steady growth in 2013.
Why Minister Konneh? Dont answer this for it is too tough for you!
Minister Konneh in the third paragraph of his 2013/2014 budget
message had this to say: This economic growth has contributed to a
steady rise in revenue-the money we have to develop the country and
provide essential public services such as health and education. The
Government is focused on building a strong tax base so that we can
continue to generate more revenue to invest in our countrys future
and provide for all Liberians irrespective of social, political and
economic status. One would think that the Minister was dreaming
when he penned down the aforementioned, for it is revealing that
there was never an economic growth that contributed to a steady
rise in revenue. The 2013/2014 Budgetary Shortfall confrms this
assertion. There might have been rise, but not steady as the Minister
put it. The same World Bank that afforded Liberia Debt Waiver for
fscal discipline is the same institution that has left Africas oldest
independent nation out of its April 7, 2014 report entitled Africa
Pulse. This is horrendous!
Grab this shameful deportment from Minister Konneh in the fourth
paragraph of his 2013/2014 Budget Message. Here the Minister
asserts: Along with maintaining a stable, effective Government
and delivering public services throughout Liberia, we are investing
in nine National Priorities. These were chosen for their potential
to spur economic growth and development. We aim to create a
virtuous circle of growth and investment-strengthening the economy
will mean we have more to spend; spending in priority areas will
strengthen the economy and unlock the potential of our nation and
its people. Minister Konneh, you were daydreaming about Liberia
when you wrote the supra mentioned. Cleavages of war are still alive
in Liberia. The lack of economic stability for many under President
Sirleafs regime renders the government ineffective and ineffcient.
If public services were adequately delivered to appease the majority,
the subsisting condition in Liberia would have been branded stable.
Countries that have adequately promoted political and economic
stability were mentioned in the recent report of the World Bank called
the Africa Pulse. The absence of gunfre does not necessarily mean
that the country is stable. An economically and politically unstable
population certainly cannot be presided over by an effective and stable
government as you claimed. If the Government was effective and
stable, the economic situation of our people would be quite different
from what it is today. What we have is an ineffective, ineffcient and
unrefective government presiding over a huge population, majority
of whom is economically unstable and engulfed in dismal poverty.
Although the Minister did not mention the nine National Priorities
the government is investing in, critical minds wonder why there has
not been real trigger down effects in the lives of many of our people
overtime, for which the World Bank did not mention Liberia in its
latest report.
Finally the Banker Magazine Africas Finance Minister of the year
collapsed : As a fnal note, we hope that by gaining an understanding
of the budget, you will be able to see what services the Government
is delivering; plans to deliver; how much they will cost, and fnally,
be able to check for yourselves if and how those services are
delivered. Minister Konneh, we have gained an understanding
of the budget and we have seen that the Government of Liberia is
delivering lip services to the plights of our people. We know for sure
from subsisting economic conditions that the Government of Liberia
under the leadership of President Sirleaf plans to deliver more lip
services and those services will cost taxpayers monies and donor
funding. But rest assure that our inks shall never run dry until we
ensure that the criminal empire of your godmother, Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf lies desolate, for the conditions of our people are regrettably
appalling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LIBERIAS APPALLING 2013/2014 BUDGETARY
SHORTFALL; CRITIQUING KONNEHS
2013/2014 BUDGET MESSAGE
FrontPage
v
Commentary
EDITORIAL
GEORGE WEAH, A strange bedfellow in Liberian politics who
made a name on the political stage for the frst time in 2005 and
has since become a household name in Liberian politics along
with and his supporters are by now yarning for state power
hoping that a 2017 election without incumbent President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf will lead to a smooth Weahs victory.
WEAHS SUPPORTERS CONTEND that he is the best choice
for the presidency because he is clean of corruption as even
many ordinary Liberians believe that only those who work in
government are corrupt and since Weah has never held a full
time government job, he is free of corruption and should be
trusted with the presidency.
THE CONGRESS FOR Democratic Change Vice Chairman
for Operations Mulbah Morlu recently inferred that the CDC
welcomes into the party individuals who do not have stains of
corruption.
WELCOMING DR. FODAY Kromah into the CDC, Morlu
described Kromah as a man who worked in a corrupt regime,
but was not involved in corrupt activities. This is a man that
spent his professional years serving in corrupt government, but
did not commit corruption.
OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES including the CDC have
all used corruption as a tool against the current regime, promising
that when elected to state power, they will fght corruption.
FOR WEAH HIS supporters say he has no corruption in his
DNA and so can make the difference in Liberia when elected
president.
REVELATIONS ABOUT WEAHS alleged involvement in the
leaked report regarding the Qatar 2022 world cup bid have no
doubt tainted his image and could do so during the rest of his
political career.
THE FIFA SCANDAL is worldwide and an individual aspiring
for the highest offce of the country, the presidency in a country
noted for systematic corruption should be above the fray before
brining changes in the fght against corporation on the national
level.
EVEN PRESIDENT ELLEN Johnson Sirleaf who until
becoming President spoke against the same menace, has fallen
prey to it, failing to fght corruption head-on, therefore Weahs
purported involvement in the FIFA scandal strongly suggests
that he will make no difference in the fght against corruption on
home soil when elected President.
I WRITE BECAUSE after meeting with the President [bin
Hammam], he told me to pass on my contact and bank details
information to you urgently. An email communication from
George Weah to bin Hammam's assistant, Najeeb Chirakal
stated.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING the Qatar scandal
present a different picture of the soccer legend as a scandal of
such international nature means, Weah is not free of corruption
and moving unto the Presidency provides another risky chance
for Liberia in fghting corruption.
FOR HIM, HIS entire career has been in football until 2005 when
he turned to politics so his alleged involvement in corruption in
football means Liberia can not be guaranteed a corruption free
country under the reign Weah as President.
WEAH AND HIS supporters are now compelled to fnd another
campaign tool other than clean record from corruption given
that using that fght corruption during campaign periods has paid
off as Madam Sirleaf used the fght against corruption as a major
component of her platform in 2005.
WEAH IS NO free man from the stain of corruption and must
now face the consequences of his alleged involvement in the
FIFA Qatar scandal.
COMMENTARY
FIFA QATAR
SCANDAL DENTS
SOCCER ICONS
IMAGE
CORRUPTION STAINS ON WEAH
Eugene R. Ricks, 0886-735794/0776-546001, Eugene_ricks1@yahoo.com, Contributing Writer
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 5
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E
DITORIAL TEAM
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
LIBERIANS IN ITALY DEBUNKS
BLATANT LIE AGAINST AMBASSADOR
The Reader's Page
SELTUE R KARWEAYE SR. TOP COMMENTER METRO
STATE 181 SUBSCRIBERS
Eugene's letter is very unethical and for such he need to be fred and so is
George Weah own letter and if these issues are exposed and proven than
both of them should lost their jobs in Liberia. These investigations will
exposed how these guys are bunch of crooks but until than I will adopt
wait and see as these issues are unfolded.
THOMAS KAYDOR ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AFRO
ASIAN AFFAIRS AT GOL
I think there is even more yet to come out. We will see the true color of
this man and his associates.
PAUL NEWON TOP COMMENTER GOOGLE UNIVERSITY
1,345 SUBSCRIBERS
Maybe that is why we can't even qualify for Tomato Cup tournament...
maybe oh! the Gods of football are not happy with us... Those that even
believe that Weah sold Lone Star tickets to the World Cup will start to
wonder again... nothing happened yet...
PATRICK TARR TOP COMMENTER BEKWAI S.D.A.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Corruption in Liberia only matters when the Sirleafs' are attached.
Issues like this one does not count.
BENEDICT YEKE HARLEYSON UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA
This is saddened for a poor and under-developed country like Liberia.
There are too many fake so-called state offcials masquerading national
corridors like heroes and heroines. Their positive credentials and
competences are yet to be proven, but all they relish is rent-seeking at
every levels of national engagement - surprisingly they even rent-seek
at community levels as well as their very homes. Yet, we still see them
in national offces, representing Liberia at various summits - where their
contributions are very limited, not signifcant, and in most instances their
attendances are predicated upon huge DSAs. They are now building
extractive political institutions that will enable them become economic
elites...for Eugene, we see Youth & Sport craving for survival, while for
the soccer star (Weah), reconciliation is only about bringing soccer stars
together for footballing. Anyway, more to come while we await 2017 to
chat the next discourse of national frontline...
JOHN WILLIAMS TOP COMMENTER EASTERN
UNIVERSITY, ST. DAVIDS, PA
I think Weah has some explaining to do. I hope this investigation does not
tie him to any criminal activity. There are many Liberians who believe
that he "sold" Lone Star's decisive game to an inferior Ghana team,
after the Lone Star had beaten Ghana's frst team in Accra. That game
eventually paved the way for Nigeria to represent Africa at that year's
World Cup, a position that was within Liberia's reach until that fateful
defeat. I have always defended him against this accusation, always
arguing that he had sacrifced too much for Liberian football to have
done such a despicable thing. That's why I hope he can come out clean in
this investigation because anything otherwise may open a Pandora Box
on his entire lofty career, with consequences for his political journey.
EDWARD ROYE TOP COMMENTER LIBERIA COLLEGE
The question that remains is, did Eugene Nagbe need to comment on
any issue of international concern as a senior offcial of government?
Why can't these guys learn to ask question before responding to
international matter?. He could only answer any questions, should there
be a court order requesting him to appear and give his side of the story.
this is childish on his part. unfortunately, these are the people who want
to lead Liberia. i hope should there be changing of the cabinet, this guy
should be prime on the list to leave. let the big guys play their games out
there. Anyway, CDC would start to attack FPA and others, and begin to
politicize the issue the political music of this guy would stop in the US,
when he cannot justify his earnings and savings.
SIMEON SIMEON TRINITY UNITED METHODIST HIGH
SCHOOL
Amb. Weah has no explanation in this matter, Him only used his
contacts for an fnancial assistance from his friend to help his Sister for
the election that terms, So what's wrongs with that? Please understand
that Amb. Weah have no right to vote concerning any bid Qatar own, We
had many people in Liberia whom killed our Sister's and Brothers rape
our mother's as well they are your friends and with a great happiness
from you to them all,The is no negative issue about Amb Weah, Where
the negative issue is you found greatness there for now and are very
Happy with it's, I will only want you to know this again the is always
might powder in the blood of Jesus Christ,
E HERODOTUS PAYNE JR. CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY,
LIBERIA
I always hope that in Liberia we stop being POLITICAL FANS and deal
consciously with issues affecting our political parties and individuals.
This is a very grave issue. I think the two individuals could do well if
they pursue a legal redress to the allegations against them. Otherwise,
no amount of mere political reactions would convince critical minds
that this story is absolutely untrue.
The Editor:
T
he Organization of Liberian Community Rome, Italy which is the
sole known Organization of Liberians residing in Italy writes to
condemn, refuse and trash an article entitled: LIBERIANS IN
ITALY DISAPPOINTED IN AMBASSADOR, written by one
misdirected, dishonest, barbaric and irrational being Mr. Fetus Nagbe who
self-imposed himself as Secretary General of our noble organization, The
Organization of Liberian Community Rome, Italy.
Let me be quick to inform you, the general public and Liberians in the
Diaspora that I, Mr. Patrick Tugbe, is the only recognized Secretary General
of the Organization of Liberian community Rome, Italy and not Mr. Fetus
Nagbe or whosoever may have used such name for their own selfsh gains
or whatsoever. As a matter of facts, such name has never been heard during
our meetings or at any of our functions since our establishment as an
organization. This is our Facebook id: "libcommunity rome".
I am also obliged to clarify here that the allegations and slanders levied by
the unknown Mr. Fetus Nagbe that Liberians faced enormous diffculties
in getting services at the Embassy of Liberia in Rome is a blatant lie well
concocted to mislead our gullible readers and should not be giving listening
ears or any form of attention. The Liberian community and all other Liberians
residing in Italy have a good and respectful working relationship with the
current Ambassador and the Embassy Staff. There has been no complain or
whatsoever about diffculties or constrains faced by any Liberian in getting
any required service(s) as alleged by the writer. The schedule of the Embassy
is well circulated and whosoever wants services knows the offce hours of
operation.
I have known the Ambassador, Dr. Mohammed S. Sheriff, since he became
Ambassador accredited to Italy in 2011, as a very polite, dedicated, loving,
caring, honest and above all a man of great humanity and integrity, for the
writer to point him out as being profusely abusive is not only saddened but
also an ingratitude and injustice to his own conscience as a writer of such
caricature and fantastical article.
The writer also alleged that the Ambassador often ask Liberians to recharge
his mobile phones under the pretext of phoning to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs in Monrovia, Liberia as a means of getting the Ministers approval
before he can issue documents to Liberians. This is a barefaced lie and it
lacks the iato of truth. I challenge the writer to provide any proof to his
allegations. Besides, the Embassy is staffed with qualifed staff with different
functions; the Ambassador does not schedule people as the writer claimed.
There is a unique system at the Embassy where those Liberians who reside
several miles away from the Embassy can book appointments via phone
or email and sometimes make their requests known before their arrival at
the Embassy. There hasnt been any complain where a Liberian lost his/her
job(s) as a result of prolong waiting period(s) at the Embassy of Liberia in
Rome in search of document(s). Liberians visiting the Embassy meets the
receptionist who directs you to the person or offce you came to visit. If it has
to do with consular matters, you are directed to that section and they collect
funds. The Ambassador doesnt hand money from anyone as purported by
this impersonator.
The community condemns in the strongest terms such terroristic attack which
damages the image of our country. Many local newspapers carried the story
which can be read online (1)paura in ambasciata della Liberia, (2) paura
allambasciata di Liberia a Roma, (3) Roma, aggressione nellambasciata
liberiana, arrestato un uomo, (4) lincenziato entra in ambasciata Liberia
armato, (5) ambasciata Liberia, ex dipendente armato,(6) Roma:
lincenziato entra in ambasciata liberia. These terroristic attacks are to be
condemned by all peace loving Liberians at home and in the Diaspora by
Los Freeman Nathan Barclay who had intended to kill the Ambassador for
dismissing him.
On the issue of the President, H.E Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , visit to
Italy, April 5-6, 2014, The Organization of Liberian Community Rome,
Italy under no point did we offcially request to meet with the President
on her visit to Italy. This Organization was offcially informed through a
written communication to me, Mr. Patrick Tugbe, Secretary General, by the
honorable Ambassador, Dr. Mohammed S. Sheriff that the president will be
coming to Italy and as such he has scheduled a meeting with her on our
behalf so that we could bring to her attention those major issues affecting us
as Liberians that are beyond his control as Ambassador. That communication
was forwarded to every member of the Liberian community in Italy and even
posted on many social Medias including but not limited to face book in order
to get a massive turn up.
Liberians from all over Italy assembled in their numbers at the Liberian
Embassy in Rome to honor the invitation extended to us but with no fags and
traditional Liberian attires as claimed by the writer, later we were informed by
one of the presidents body guards that the president was unable to meet the
Liberian community in its entirety but wanted to have discussions with the
leadership. The leadership immediately proceeded at the presidents lounge
and had a successful discussion with her. Several issues were brought to her
attention; prominent among them were the issues of: (1) The establishment
of a biometric passport offce in any of the Schengen countries so as to
give easy access to Liberians living in the schegen region of Europe (2)
To negotiate with the Italian government for the establishment of an Italian
mission or embassy in Liberia. (3) That the Foreign Ministry through the
offce of Ambassador Sheriff, to please consider renewing The old passport
of Liberians in Italy until they can obtain the Ecowas Passport, like wise
to give Liberians the opportunity of renewing their permit of stay in Italy.
The Organization of Liberian Community Rome, Italy also Condemn the
unscrupulous behavior of a Liberian Mr. Los Freeman Nathan Barclay who
did worked with the Liberian Embassy in Rome, who broke into the Embassy
armed to destroy and harm the staff as well as to destroy property. We further
condemned his barbaric action by attacking Ambassador Sheriff whom he
wounded and members of Embassy staff who were all held as hostage and
taking people as hostage in the vicinity of the Embassy. The president, H.E
Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, promised that her government is going to
seriously look at these issues and we are going to see or hear her response in
the soonest possible time. At the end of the meeting, the president also made
some personal donation to the organization and promised her government
commitment to the betterment of the lives of Liberians both at home and in
the Diaspora.
This is a clear manifestation that the allegation made by the writer(Mr.
Fetus Nagbe) that the Ambassador handpicked his kinsmen who were not
Liberians to meet with the president is of falsehood and should not be
believed or taking into consideration by anyone who might have read that
nonsensical article of his (LIBERIANS IN ITALY DISAPPOINTED IN
AMBASSADOR ) dated April 09, 2014.
Let me again categorically, emphatically and empirically state here that
the so-called writer of such article is nowhere near the leadership of the
Organization of Liberian community Rome, Italy, he is not known by any
member of the organization, he is not a member of the Organization and
as such he should not be given the opportunity to deform and tarnish the
hard earned character and good reputation of the Ambassador or to bring our
noble organization to disrepute. We challenge him to make himself known or
to provide proves to any of his self calculated and willful lies.
To even have premeditatedly classifed the president, Madam Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, as being a drunkard is a total gross insubordination to her as a
president and a mother.
We admire the brilliant qualifcations the Ambassador holds as a Medical
doctor who graduated with high honors from the most prestigious Catholic
University of Rome and also a Lawyer who graduated from the Grimes School
of Law with honors from the University of Liberia and holder of several
Masters. We need not to comment on the frustrated letters disseminated by
the so-called Festus Nagbe. Liberians in the Diasporas and at home know
the good character, integrity and professionalism of Ambassador Sheriff. He
respects all Liberians irrespective of your ethnic, religious, political or social
background.
In conclusion, I want to use this opportunity and medium to appeal to the
conscience of all well and meaningful Liberians including our hard working
journalists to watch out for fabricators of falsehood. Mr. Editor, it is my
fervent hope that you will do my communication due diligence. Long live the
Republic of Liberia, long live the Offcials and Members of the Organization
of Liberian Community Rome,I taly.
May God bless us all!
Patrick Tugbe
patrickdac@yahoo.com
Secretary General
"WEAH, NAGBE ENTANGLED
IN FIFA QATAR 2022
WORLD CUP SCANDAL"
Page 6 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
F
RONT
PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
CHUCKY TAYLOR SPEAKS FROM US PRISON; POINTS OUT FLAWS IN CASE AGAINST HIM
N
early fve years after his conviction in the United States,
of leading a campaign of torture against people opposed
to his father's rule, Charles Chucky Taylor is speaking out,
declaring in an interview with the online TMZ Liberia
Radio that he plans, over the next few months to mount a campaign
to address what he describes as the awful and legal nature of my
conviction.
Speaking from the high-security USP Big Sandy Federal Bureau of
Prisons in Inez, Kentucky, the USA, Chucky, now 37, declared: Let
me be pristinely clear about the allegations that Im making or I will
be making in the days to come. Im stating that Justice Department
offcials and other federal executives involved in the frst torture case
in U.S. history conspired to violate my civil and constitutional rights,
one by producing false statements in violation of 18 UFC 1001 in
Department of Justice documents ie prosecution, memorandum, case
initiation report and supporting affdavit regarding a case that they
clearly lacked probable cause to initiate. Two, I will be saying and
clearly asserting and saying that prosecutors lacked the same probable
cause when they sought and procure the illegal indictment in violation
of my due process rights, three, the due process violation continued in
my trial as the government failed to prove the jurisdictional part of the
statutes under 18 UFC 2348 regarding count one of the indictment as
it relates to 18 UFC 2348- conspiracy to commit torture which is the
heart of the indictment making legally and factually innocent.
Taylor Jr was convicted in October 2009 in charges with alleged that
he killed at least one of seven victims.
Federal prosecutors had cited the murder allegation in recommending
that US District Judge Cecilia Altonaga send the former Orlando,
Florida, resident to prison for 147 years, stemming from his
convictions on eight conspiracy, torture and frearm charges.
Taylor Jr was tapped by his father to command an anti-terrorist unit
called the 'Demon Forces' that beat, burned and beheaded Liberian
civilians from 1999 to 2003, the jury concluded.
The Miami criminal case - which took place at the same time the
father, Charles Taylor, faced a war-crimes tribunal in the Netherlands
- marked the frst US prosecution of torture committed in a foreign
country.
His father, Charles Taylor, Sr. a former Liberian President is serving a
50-year sentence at a high-security prison in Great Britain.
Chucky was charged under a 1994 law that permits the federal
government to prosecute anyone suspected of carrying out torture
outside the country as long as the suspect is a US citizen, legal
resident or is present in this country, regardless of nationality.
Five years later, Chucky claims that his trial and conviction was
marred by fraud. There was fraud via misrepresentation during the
jury instruction. The jury issued an advisory opinion and at present,
the judge lacked the sentencing authority under rule 32 under Federal
Criminal Rule and procedure as it relates to the PSI as it lacks the
judicial facts. At present the DOB is conducting an illegal certifcation
of my JNC fle and other critical source documents.
Remorse for wrong I Have Done
Chucky, who says he has become a Muslim while in prison, also
addressed what he calls the myths and mistruths about the comments
and perceptions about him. I have made it my duty to frst apologized
to my mother, my father, whom I will say three words to, Now I
understand, my children, my son, Charles, my daughter, Jordan, my
son, Daryl Taylor, whose in Liberia right now. My brothers and my
sister, my fellow partisans, my friends and family, if I have done
anything to offend anyone, I apologize. If I have at any point in time
created the perception that what has been said about me is true, I
apologize.
Chucky says his incarceration has changed his perspective on life.
This has been an exercise of humbleness and I am thankful to have
been placed in this environment. What may surprise many is that I
have transcended the suffering and I have found wisdom within it.
But more importantly, it has stressed the need to be humble. To say
sorry is a sign of strength, it is not a weakness to have compassion,
its a projection of strength and it is an exercise that I will continue
to engulf myself. So as I say again, to my family, to my children, to
my partisans, comrades and Liberian citizens, I am sorry for all that I
have done or you may have perceived that I have done. But it is now
time for me to reclaim my name not only for my children but for
those who know me well which are a very small number.
Ignorant to the law
Asked why he did not offer an apology during his trial, Chucky
explained that at the time, he was ill-advised by his public defenders.
At that time I was a layman, ignorant to the law and I relied on
wise counsel of my public defenders and now that I know it was
ill-advised. Now what I know, I would have testifed and I would
have directed and would have been more involved in my defense.
So no, I did not testify during trial but those issues would have been
irrelevant in the eyes of the fact fnders. So ultimately, a juror should
have studied the allegations based on facts but as I said before, I was
rudely interrupted. No offense, they issued an advisory opinion on
what is considered to be hypothetical judgment and that basically
mean that the prosecutors failed to advance or prove the allegations
as they had declared them in the indictment which was illegal as it
lacked probable cause.
Politically-motivated case
Chucky claims that there is now a legal term, called factual innocence
which fts his case and one he intends to utilize to the fullest. I meet
that criteria presently at this time. I have brought this to the attention
of the attorney general. Mr. Eric Holder and the investigation
regarding this case because I frmly believe that this prosecution was
motivated by political reasons. It was not grounded in law or fact.
So Im also asserting today that there were foreign actors involved
in encouraging my prosecution. Foreign infuence in regards to a
domestic prosecution of a United States citizen. Those are very serious
allegations and ought to be taken seriously. And I will continue to ask
for the support of the rule of law and the lawmakers I have written,
one primarily being Representative Corrine Brown to whom I sent all
of my information to. My allegations can be support by facts.
SORRY FOR ALL
THAT I HAVE DONE
LIPI: LIBERIANS TIRED
WITH EJSS UNREPENTANT
LAMENTATIONS OF EXCUSES
If I have at any point in time created the perception that what has been said about me is true,
I apologize. This has been an exercise of humbleness and I am thankful to have been placed
in this environment. What may surprise many is that I have transcended the suffering and I
have found wisdom within it. - Chucky Taylor



A high security U.S. penitentiary with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp.
Washington DC -
T
he Liberia Institute for Public Integrity (LIPI) takes note
of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs recent statement
on the state of the Liberian economy. The President
has interestingly admitted that constraints on the
economy have caused Liberians to fall behind! In defning the
causes of the tragic state of the Liberian economy, she provided
explanations that do not explain anything, but rather dribbled into
superfcialities and misrepresentation of material facts.
For example, the President failed the fundamental test of fair,
full, and honest disclosure on the actual causes of the impending
economic disaster in Liberia. Her most recent statement patently
contradicts her earlier claim that the economy and the living
standards of all Liberians were improving under her leadership.
The President had earlier claimed that the Liberian economy has
become fundamentally strong since her tenure. Shes on record
as saying, we may not suddenly stop poverty for everyone, but
the evidence is clear that thousands of lives have been changed
for the better and for the tenure of this Presidency and the life of
this administration. In rationalizing her administrations dismal
failure in fostering and ensuring an opportunity society, social
equity, and fairness for all Liberians, she further claims, I do
not have all of the answers and I came to this High Offce fully
aware that for many families, the harsh pains of poverty have been
recycled over several generations.
LIPI considers the Presidents most recent statement as part of
her repackaged excuses of giving false optimism to Liberians
in face of excruciating poverty in Liberia, and a demonstration
of her lack of political leadership. The President provides more
rationalizations and excuses than solutions. For instance, she
unashamedly admits, without proposing concrete and practical
ways of addressing corruption and bad governance practices in
Liberia that the decline in the level of anticipated revenues [is]
on account of procurement fraud and corruption. Undoubtedly,
corruption pervades at all levels of Government in Liberia (U.S.
Department of States Human Rights Report, 2014). While it is
true that the President may not have the ability to stop poverty for
everyone, her administration has proven that she has the capability
of, and of course is, creating more wealth for a few people through
offcially budgeted, acknowledged, and sanctioned public-sector
corruption.
It is laughable for the President to state that the Liberian economic
is fundamentally strong. Like President Barack Obama who
mocked fellow presidential aspirant, John McCain, during the
2008 presidential campaign when McCain said similar thing
about the US economy, we pause to ask you, Madam President:
which economy are you talking about? A fundamentally
strong economy in a budget shortfall, massive unemployment,
excruciating poverty and visible hardship, mass hunger, high
infation, and pathetic living standards of people, massive capital
fight and high-class corruption that drain the national coffers like
some demonic suction tube?
Another contradiction to highlight involves the Presidents
bragging about Liberias annual growth rates since her presidency.
In the Presidents own words, she claims,
Our economy has performed well over the past 6 years, averaging
annual growth rates of 7 percent. Our annual growth rate exceeds
the average growth rates of the West African region. Estimates
from the IMF indicate the growth rate in 2013 to be 8.7 percent
Notwithstanding these serious efforts, the rate of growth projected
for 2014 is at 5.8 percent which falls short of the growth rate
projected in the Agenda for Transformation that calls for at least 8
percent annual growth rate, if we are to stay on track in becoming
a middle-income country by 2030.
The President says the GDP is falling and that the current GDP
is way below the targeted growth rate of 8% to make Liberia a
middle-income country by 2030! Despite this sad admission by
the President, she is arguing that the Liberian economy under her
leadership is fundamentally strong. Perhaps, the economy is
stronger in the pockets of the few that have taken the liberty to
steal public funds!
Reading the Presidents statement, LIPI thinks she attended and
graduated, with high honors, from U.S. President Herbert
Hoovers School of Economics. President Hoover was inarguably
one of Americas smartest President but he wrecked the US
economy and he lived in academic denial until he was defeated by
President Franklin D. Roosevelt. So when people are hungry, cost
of living is increasing while living standards are declining, and
the President says the economy is fundamentally strong it is like
President Hoover is speaking from his grave.

Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 7
Kennedylyangian@frontpafricaonline.com 077296781

CORKRUM FAILS
FIRST TEST
F
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PAGE
LAW & ORDER
F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
Judge Denies Motion
for Dismissal
PROTESTORS BESIEGE PUBLIC WORKS MINISTRY
DEMANDING MINISTERS RESIGNATION
Monrovia-
T
he indicted former Director of the Liberia Airport Authority
(LAA) and her boyfriend Melvin Johnson have failed the
frst legal test back home since their indictment by the
government on several counts including theft charges.
Criminal Court C Judge Yussif Kaba Monday denied the pais
lawyers motion to dismiss the case against them.
Madam Corkrum who bears both Liberian and American citizenship
was indicted in May 2013 along with the board chairman of the
Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) Musa Bility, President of the Liberia
Football Association (LFA) and several bank executives with several
multiple charges to include economic sabotage, theft of property,
criminal conspiracy and misapplication of entrusted property.
The government alleged in the indictment that the defendants jointly
conspired to steal, convert and defraud the government and people
of Liberia of US$ 269,000.00 during Madam Corkrums tenure as
Director of the LAA.
Efforts by the government to have Madam Corkrum extradited as
principal defendant as she currently resides in the US and the rest of
the defendants to stand trial has been a very diffcult task.
In the face of the stalemate in Corkrums and other trial lawyers
representing her legal interest told the court to dismiss the case
against Corkrum on ground that since her indictment in May 2013
the government has been unable to grant her due process in line with
the law.
In Cllr, Frederick A.B. Jawyehs motion to dismiss for failure to
proceed with prosecution fled on Cockrums behalf from the United
States and argued in Liberia by Atty. Tommy N. Dougba, Jawyeh
argued that the government of Liberia claimed and informed the
world that it holds an extradition treaty with the US and have dispatch
Justice Ministry offcials to the US to extradite her but up to present
that is still impossible.
From all indications, the Government of Liberia has no intention to
offcially or remotely to proceed and prosecute the crimes charged
in the indictment, alleged and publicized part of Jawyehs motion
reads.
Upon issuance of the motion, state lawyers resisted and told the court
to dismiss un-meritorious motion also on ground that in the instant
case, the respondent seeks to evade arrest and appearance before the
court to answer charges on one hand and on the other hand wishes to
have a case which is a criminal matter, controlled remotely from the
United States by having a lawyer out of the bailiwick of the country
like the defendants themselves.
Movants says that the motion should also be stricken from the court
records because it was characterized by fraud and that the affdavit
attached to the motion to dismiss was executed by Cllr. Jawyeh who
claims to have appeared before Probate Court, former clerk S. Peter
Doe Kpar.
But the movant claims that its investigation found that Jawyeh resides
in the United States and has never appeared before Peter Doe Kpar.
Following both side of the state and defendant Corkrums lawyers,
Judge Yussif Kaba stated that the court observed that the Respondents,
in their Rsistance to the Motion did not deny that the deponent was
without the bailiwick of the Republic at the time the affdavit is said
to have been sworn to and signed.
The Judge further that the Respondents contention is that the
Movant failed, refused and neglected to produce the best evidence
to substantiate that indeed the Deponent was without the bailiwick
of the Republic at the time the affdavit is said to have been sworn to
and signed. The Respondent, relying on Section 25.6 (Best Evidence)
of the Civil Procedure Law, strenuously argued that the Movant
having alleged a fact, it was incumbent upon them to produce the
best evidence
Wherefore and in view of the above, this court hereby order stricken
the Respondents Motion to Dismiss for failure to Proceed. SO
ORDER, said Judge Kaba.
However lawyer acting on behalf of the Corkrum Atty.Tommy Dougba
excerpted and promised to take advantage of the law controlling,
which was granted, by the court.
Despite the ruling, Judge Yussif Kaba fell short to say the date for
the next hearing however state lawyers have disclosed that they are
negotiating with the State Department to have Madam Corkrum and
her fanc brought back to Liberia to face trial.
Monrovia-
L
iberias Public Works Minister, Antoinette Weeks has
come under increased pressure from cross section of
Liberians calling for her resignation.
The Minister is already facing inquest from the
Legislature over delays in the completion and continuation of
several road projects across the country.
On Monday protestors gathered in front of the Ministry at around
10 am holding placards with inscription calling for the Minister
to resign.
Some of the placards read Madam Weeks please resign or else!!!
Watch out for Part II. Others read Madam Weeks you are a
disappointment to Liberia!!!
Sekou Kalasco, head of the protesting Liberians told
FrontPageAfrica that Madam Weeks has brought backwardness
in the infrastructure reconstruction of the country and must step
aside to enable efforts to rebuild the country to go ahead.
Look around, nobody must tell you, see how over the last almost
one year nothing has been done under this woman administration,
we need roads but everything is going behind, one person cannot
stop the whole reconstruction process, this is while we are saying
Madam President we need new person at Public Works, Kalasco
told reporters Monday.
Minister Weeks has also failed to show up at the Capitol to answer
to concerns from members of the House of Representatives
prompting the Senate to also invite the Minister insisting that
her appearance is mandatory, as any attempt to not appear will
amount to contempt of the legislature.
The failure of the government to continue several road projects
since the Weeks ascendency to the position of Minister has
prompted calls for her resignation.
Kalasco said Mondays protest is just the beginning of series of
activities aimed at ensuring that Minister Weeks does not remain
at the helm of the Public Works Ministry.
We will make sure that this Weeks woman is out of this ministry
their families in America and our roads are bad, our people cannot
move freely mostly this rainy season, so we do not need these
kinds of people in this position, he said.
Tell me whether this woman has even left Monrovia since she
became minister, she will not go anywhere, just sitting here
and does not even know the condition of the roads around this
country. This is one of the ministers that do not go out to see what
contractors are doing on the roads. What is that?
Youth for Progressive Action said they gathered to buttress the
efforts of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in seeing to it that
Liberia is developed or on par with other countries.
Weeks bringing disrepute
We are here to express of disappointment of the Liberian public
with current public minister madam Antoinette weeks and the
way in which she is proceeding with development activities with
regards to roads rehabilitation, road construction in Liberia, said
Kalasco claiming that on Sunday two pregnant women lost their
pregnancies on the bad Somalia Drive Road.
So we are here to demand the President to dismiss the public
work minister or she sees reason in an respectable manner and
resign because we think she has brought the reputation of this
government and the President into public disrepute.
Bribery claim not true
Deputy Minister for Administration Zack Sharpe who came to
listen to the concerns of the protesting Liberians frstly dispelled
statement by the head of protestors that Minister Weeks is being
paid US$14,000 plus 2,000 on gas coupons.
Deputy Minister Sharpe said the letter in circulation is around
US$50 million and there has been no contract for a single road
amounting to that fgure.
These things you talking happened before Minister Weeks came
here, so the contract in question is not even that amount it is just
around US$ 5 million so why will somebody be asking for US$50
million, he said.
So when people bring these information, look at it and ask
yourself, what was she giving these people to ask for 50 million.
So that information is not true, to set the record straight.
Sharpe said the Japanese are working on the Somalia Drive and
process for the Fish Town Harper Road is still being worked out.
According to Deputy Minister Sharpe the formalities including
selection of contractor will be concluded between now and July.
Minister Weeks has come under criticisms since taking over as
she instituted measures that led to the transfers of several senior
employees of the Ministry.
President Sirleaf at a public program said she has not felt the
impact of Minister Weeks presence at the Ministry.
The protestors vowed they will continue the protest to the Capitol
and onward to the Offce of the President. The International
Monetary Fund recently expressed frustration over the slow pace
of roads construction in the country
Weeks is expected to appear before the House of representatives
today.
WEEKS MUST GO



Page 8 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
WADE C. L. WILLIAMS, WADE.WILLIAMS@FRONTPAGEAFRICAONLINE.COM
Henry karmo (0886522495)
henrykarmo47@gmail.com
Football Legend, potential Montserrado County
Senatorial race candidate Identifes With West
Point Flooding Victims, donates zinc, cash
F
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PAGE
POLITICS
MONROVIA-
T
he political leader of
the Movement for
Progressive Change
(MPC) has sharply
reacted to President Ellen Johnson
Sirleafs nationwide address on
the economy delivered before her
departure for the United States
of America on a private visit last
week.
The MPC boss likened the Sirleaf-
led government to a bus that has had
a mechanical breakdown beyond
repair due to the carelessness of
the driver steering it.
Any mechanic repairing an old
bus for nine months if a year
can be equated to a month has a
capacity problem, said Freeman.
How the bus functions
depends largely on the capacity,
commitment and leverage of the
mechanic. The sad truth is the
mechanic has been paid in full to
ensure the bus operates. After nine
years of repairs, we have seen the
bus engine performed worse than it
did in the past.
Freeman at a Monday afternoon
news conference at the partys
headquarters in Congo Town said
the government has performed
dismally in terms of managing
the economy because of reasons
that according to him are glaring
including its reliance on Foreign
Direct Investment, which has been
overly marred by corruption.
No country anywhere was
developed with foreign direct
investment. Historically, Liberia
has relied heavily on FDI and
yet the corresponding impact
on economic growth has been
dismal, said Freeman.
Large companies get huge
tax holidays; taxes that should
increase governments access to
resources and correspondingly,
governments expectation of
increased dividend payments
get strangulated in complicated
accountancy reporting. The
anticipated jobs never get realized
and compliance with agreed terms
has never been truly aligned.
The MPC leader said very shady
companies, with no technical and
fnancial performance history,
were given leverage to invest
in Liberia over locals and these
companies became benefciaries of
major oil or mining concessions.
He said some of these companies
sold Liberian concessions and
became rich overnight without
any objection from the Liberian
government.
Freeman criticized President
Sirleaf for failing to lead by
example and stay true to her words
when she promised Liberians in
2006 that her government would
not be a replica of the past.
Sadly though, the reaction of the
population to shady concessions is
blamed for hindrances to national
development, he said.
While previous governments
indulge similar practices, we
could guess they were done out
of ignorance but for Ellen to have
spoken against the very practice
and embrace them herself is
extremely shameful shameful
that an older woman will be so
corrupt and disruptive, he said.
The MPC political leader told
reporters that the real reason for
the level of underperformance in
the Sirleaf-led government is its
unwillingness to invest in local
revenue sources. Citing the mobile
phone sector he referred to it as
the largest tax-paying sector in
Liberia, but it continues to be most
taxed sector, something he said
that automatically increases the
price of goods and services while
similarly undermining purchasing
power.
This is a recipe for poor revenue
collection the succeeding year.
Today, 59 out of every 100
WISHFUL THINKING
WEAH TO
THE RESCUE
MPC Simeon Freeman, Dissects Sirleafs Speech On Economy;
Calls For Her Resignation Over Bad Economy

Liberians have access to a mobile
phone, a signifcant growth over
the last two years when only 49 out
of 100 access the device, he said.
There have been no tax waivers
for the sector; similarly, the
importation of goods and services
generated consistently around
$143 to $163 million dollars over
the last three years, yet it remains
the most taxed sector though the
country is heavily dependent on
importation.
Freeman describes Liberia
today as similar to that of the
late 80s, where there is huge
capital fight, huge trade defcit,
extremely low employment
and especially high youth
unemployment, non-performing
educational institutions, very
poor infrastructure and non-
existent health delivery structure.
He said the structure of the
current economy deprives any
well-meaning Liberian of the
possibilities of living a good life.
No affrmative action
Freeman said to date and in the
recent past, the government has
instituted no known publicly
backed affrmative action program,
an approach he describes as a
signifcant inducement to young
and talented progressive Liberians
with entrepreneurial aspirations.
The only previous attempt was the
setting aside of certain low class
businesses for Liberians that have
never been implemented and if
they had been, assess to fnancing
remains a key challenge, he said.
Continued Freeman: Lending
rates ranges around 15 to 25
percent; while access to lending
is extremely rigorous; caused
in large part to the huge loan
defaults and the loan defaults are
due in extremely large part to the
high interest rates. The banks say,
the high interest rate is caused
by the Central Bank of Liberia
high non-interest bearing reserve
requirement of 22%; that severely
strains their resources and the huge
infrastructure defcit that increases
their operational cost. A product
they say must be sold by its cost
of generation.
The MPC boss said that the
President has lost track of her
vision if there was any at all and
that the government under her
stewardship has failed dismally to
meet the needs of the people.
She got it wrong from the very
beginning. In anticipation of
increased fnancial infow from
FDI activities, she increased the
size of government though she
promised a small and effcient
government, he said.
The whole show of downsizing
and rightsizing was a ploy to input
families, friends and lieutenants,
he said.
Our focus should have been
overall recurrent expenditure
reduction and redeployment
of resources in agriculture and
industrialization efforts. This
singular approach would have
generated more jobs, reduce our
trade defcit, guaranteed consistent
government revenue generation
and sustain growth and economic
development. The sad truth is, even
if there had been no shady deals
in awarding concessions; infows
from concession activities would
have never benefted the people.
Consistent increase in government
revenue leads to an increase in
government expenditure. Liberia
has no history of increasing
expenditure on the possible
revenue generating sources. Under
Ellen, it is even worse.
No budget expectations
Freeman said Liberians have no
expectation about the passage of
the current budget because it has
nothing in it for them.
The benefciaries are Ellen and her
vampires at the Legislature, whose
continuous aiding and abating
of the systematic exploitation of
Liberia will, if not sooner than
later, compelled Liberians to
demand an interim government
rather than the resignation of Ellen.
People respond to exploitation in
very unkind ways around here,
he said.
He said there are numerous
reasons for which the Legislature
has numerous reasons why it must
impeach Ellen. For example, every
presidential departure from this
country must be permitted by the
Legislature and upon return, the
President must, by law, report the
reason for the travel.
The LISCR fasco
Freeman said there is a need for
important measures to correct
the huge mess associated with
concession agreements and
obsolete laws or massive recurrent
expenditure adding that the
President has made too many
unfulflled promises that need
concrete actions.
The over borrowing,
mismanagement of the economy
and many reasons abound for the
action but sadly, our legislators
have other ideas; the $15,000
a month salary is grossly
insuffcient, they need $1 million
each, he said.
The people of Liberia have had
enough of your promises and
stories. While our continuous
talking may appear meaningless
and weak, we have had enough.
You of all people, Ellen, owe
Liberia so much. Your education
was funded by Liberia. Your frst
and last jobs were provided by
Liberia. The country enabled your
global recognition. At our expense,
your family has become so very
wealthy.
He said Liberia has seen an
increase in the vices that President
Sirleaf spoke against when she
criticized past governments.
You proved to have practiced
more nepotism and sectionalism
than Tolbert, Doe and Taylor
combined, said Freeman.
Your acts of corruption are
beyond measure. No President,
since Liberias inception, has
exposed the people to so much
misery like you have. You have
proven to be a complete disaster.
Freeman did not mince his words
but called for the Presidents
resignation and urged her to
apologize to other leaders she
criticized before adding that she
has not done otherwise to change
things.
Your pretentious ways have
caught up with you. 9 days for
rogue, one day for the master;
there are no more stories to be
told. When you shall have done
this, RESIGN immediately. We are
a forgiving people. We will close
the Ellen chapter of our history and
list it on our history books as the
greatest Ponzi scheme in Liberias
history and move on as a people,
he said.
Continued Freeman: You must
do the right thing. First begin by
going to the grave of President
Tolbert. Tell him Sorry for your
loud talking and undermining his
administration because you have
done worst than he did. Secondly,
go to the grave of President Doe,
say Sorry Sammy for sponsoring
war on your government and
the Liberian people. Thirdly,
go to President Charles Taylor
in London. Say SORRY for
bringing war on his government.
Fourthly, say a big SORRY to the
women of Liberia, who believed
wholeheartedly that a woman
leadership would transform
Liberia by believing your Papa
na come agenda. Fifthly, say a
big SORRY to your admirers and
supporters, many of whom dare
to speak about you today, though
they work in the government but
have no belief in your capacity.
You have shamed them in their
communities. Lastly, say SORRY
to the people of Liberia.
Monrovia-
I
n the wake of sea erosion that has left hundreds of residents
in the New-Kru Town and west point communities homeless
many individuals and organization have made intervention
through cash and kind in assistance to victims of the incident.
The political leader of the opposition Congress for Democratic
Change (CDC) George Weah made a humanitarian visit to New
Kru Town where he dished out cash and Zinc to victims of the
erosion.
During his visit to the communities, Ambassador Weah described
as deplorable the living conduction of people of those areas,
especially during this raining season and promised to use his
offce to solicit assistance from government and other friendly
partners to help them.
Weah said: I grew up in this community and it is sad to see that
our friends and family are still living in these same conditions
when it will come to end I dont know.
I want you citizens of West Point to be steadfast, courageous and
hopeful. There is hope at the end of the day and we hope there can
be a better tomorrow. I have come here today not to make news,
other will come here to make news but I come here with a good
and open heart to help because I lived the lives you are living here
today.
I will continue to vote Weah
Princess in her late teen age is a mother of two children between
the ages 2 and 5, she too lives in West Point with her boyfriend
who is a fsherman.
She said life, as a teenage girl who is a high school dropout is
diffcult especially when one has to depend on a boyfriend to
come from sea before putting bread on the table.
She told FrontPageAfrica in an interview that she does not feel
good living in such a slum community, but that it is where she
fnds herself and she has managed to cope with the condition of
life in that community.
She commended Weah for the gesture adding: I know that
what Weah brought for us here today is not enough to solve our
problems, but we are grateful to him for the mind to do this not
many will do this.
Asked if she support the candidacy of Weah as senator she said;
I will support Weah even if he contest for sweeping position that
is the man we West Pointers believe in and that is the man we are
going to support.
The Towns of West Point and New-Kru Town was at a standstill
during the over 45 minutes visits by Weah with the narrow streets
crowded with residents and supporters who chanted Pro- Weah,
CDC slogans.
Most of the intervention that has been rendered by individuals is
being done either for political reasons or gratis out of good will.
But with the coming of the 2014 special senatorial election many
are making use of the opportunity to seek favor or recognition
from electorates who will be making the fnal decision.
The communities of New-Kru Town and West Point are two slum
communities in Monrovia both located on the beach side West of
Monrovia.
These communities have in the past elections proven to be the
strong hold for the Congress for democratic Change (CDC) where
most of the residents there continue to demonstrate their loyalty
to the Party political leaded Ambassador George Weah through
their votes.

Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 9
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
PROMOTING UNITY
Ambassador Sulunteh Preaches togetherness at All Bong Conference
Gbarnga, Bong County
S
takeholders of Bong
County have called for
unity and peace among
the Kpelleh people.
Lawmakers Edward W. Karfah
(District 5) and Lester M. Paye
(District 4) as well as Jeremiah C.
Sulunteh, Liberias Ambassador
to Washington, made the appeals
at the weekend in Gbarnga at the
All Bong Conference organized
by the Bong Advocates for New
Direction (BAND), a group of
Bong residents in the United
States of America.
While delivering his keynote
address, Ambassador Sulunteh
said the problem facing the
Kpelleh people would continue
except there is unity among the
people.
Ambassador Sulunteh, who also
paid tribute to the founding
fathers, describing them as
patriotic, called on all Bongese
(citizens of Bong County) to
forgive one another.
He said Bongese have been
marginalized in the country
due to the lack of unity among
themselves.
While justifying the essence
of the conference, the Liberian
Ambassador to Washington said
the forum was not political, and
urged those who stayed away
from it to have a re-think.
This conference is not a
political gathering, but it is
rather a meeting to look for a
way to promote unity among the
Kpelleh people.
Kpelleh people are unique
people and which must not be
relegated to the background.
Everybody is free to join any
political party of his choice, but
we must work for the peace,
progress and unity of the Kpelleh
people, he said.
In his remarks, Rep. Edward
Karfah, said the Kpelleh people
would not have been in its
present situation in the Liberian
political arena if the people had
been taken seriously.
If we had taken serious the
philosophical message in the
music of David Grualee, the
King of kpelleh music, we wont
be in this situation, he said.
Karfah explained that the
destruction of property and
lives experienced by the county
during the civil war when former
president Charles Taylor used
the soil of the county to launch
his rebellion ought not to have
been if there had been unity
among the people.
He also stressed that the
conference has no political
undertone, but a platform for
purely family affairs where the
unity of the people could be
discussed.
The lawmaker, however, urged
all Kpelleh people to come
together under one umbrella for
the peace and unity of the people.
Other Kpelleh leaders, as well
as traditional leaders from other
counties who speak Kpelleh,
also stressed the need for peace,
unity and understanding among
the people.
They also called for unity among
the Kpelleh traditional rulers,
urging all those in confict with

Gbarnga, Bong County-
A
s the run-up to the
senatorial election in
Bong County kicks
off gradually, one of
the popular aspirants in the line-
up, Augustus Jonathan Flomo
has said he is committed to the
welfare and human resource
development of the county as
he seeks to get the political of
the opposition Congress for
Democratic Change to serve
as its candidate in the ensuing
senatorial election.
Flomo, a Cuttington-trained
and certifed accountant who
has put in quality services
in organizations locally and
nationally, said he looks forward
to clinching the Congress for
Democratic Change (CDC)
party ticket to enable him
actualize his aspiration in the
county.
He stated that he would put in his
best, but was never desperate.
And that as a committed
partisan, he was ready to bend
backwards to absorb others,
and would be willing to support
anyone who defeats him at the
primaries.
The senatorial hopeful frowned
at the system where those who
lose the primary run off to other
parties that willingly give them
ticket without any qualms, just
to split the votes of our party,
he observed. This, he noted,
depicts desperation and non-
commitment to membership
and ideals of the party, as
well as lack of interest in the
electorates.
Flomo, who spoke at an
appreciation program held in
Panta district in his honor as part
of his widespread endorsement,
said he openly and warmly
welcome the current moves
by CDC at the national and
local levels to reconcile all
aggrieved members ahead of the
forthcoming senatorial election
in the county.
He noted that it was cheering
for persons who previously
would not like to sit together to
now accept to sit and discuss on
NOT DESPERATE
individuals or groups to sheathe
their swords and put the each
others interest at heart.
Dissecting BANDs search for
Unity
There was never a time in
recent history when members
of the Kpelleh tribe in Bong
were united. Not under James
Y. Gbarbea, Snr the frst
superintendent of Bong County.
It is a dangerous misreading of
history to suggest that Lower
Bong achieved whatever
successes it can lay claim to as
a result of unity, or that whatever
impact Upper Bong has had on
the county came out of any type
of unity.
Many wondered so, why, in this
period of Kpelleh humbling?
Only those who convened the
All Bong Conference can
explain this quixotic search for
unity.
According to BAND President
Francis Nyeekpee the conference
sought to explore ways to bring
the Kpelleh people together to
confront what they believed
were the common problems
that stalled development in the
county.
The conveners reported what
they believed was a successful
conference, given the packed hall
and representatives of Kpelleh
people that attended from far
and near. On the other hand,
their detractors put emphasis
on the low caliber of attendees,
suggesting that no signifcant
offce holder from Lower Bong
dignifed the conference with
their presence.
This, of course, illustrates the
dichotomy existing between
residents of the county, and is
apparent proof why unity is
needed among the people. Why
the conference organizers think
the dichotomy can be bridged by
fair or scary words, especially
when principally only one
political persuasion attended the
conference, is hard to say.
They, however, hoped that by
painting a harrowing picture of
ethnic marginalization, or even
persecution, the Kpelleh could
be unifed to work for the tribes
common good.

Bong Senatorial Aspirant Wants CDC Mandate

the way forward for the party.
His interest and motivation to
vie for the senate seat, according
to him, was like one on a
rescue mission, one who was
personally disturbed by the level
of retrogression in the county
when compared with other
counties, of the peoples welfare,
non-functional healthcare, poor
maintenance culture, sports/
youth development, education,
agriculture, to arrest the despair
in the polity and among the
citizens, etc.
He said that he was approached
by stakeholders who saw in him
the seed and ability to do the
job well. That he was until now
a quiet person who has been
going about his life interests
peacefully.
Page 10 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 11
Our fellow Liberians and members of the Fourth Estate, we are compelled
to respond to declarations contained in a wishful thinking statement to
enable a better understanding for decision making for our people.
The Bus Scenario
Ellen said:
Our continued post-confict recovery process is of such that we must
continue do everything at the same time. We have likened this challenge
to driving a bus while at the same time repairing its many defcient
and dysfunctional parts. As we know, for past years, our bus has been
parked, some of the parts have gotten rusty, some are unusable, and
many of our people were left stranded and abandoned on the sides of the
road. From opportunity to morality, our children, and in many respects
ourselves, have fallen too far behind.
Any mechanic repairing an old bus for nine months if a year can be
equated to a month has a capacity problem. How the bus functions
depends largely on the capacity, commitment and leverage of the
mechanic. The sad truth is the mechanic has been paid in full to ensure
the bus operates. After nine years of repairs, we have seen the bus engine
performed worse than it did in the past.
Today, Liberia, like the late 80s, is a place of huge capital fight, huge
trade defcit, extremely low employment and especially high youth
unemployment, non-performing educational institutions, very poor
infrastructure and non-existent health delivery structure.
Outlook of the Liberian Economy
Madam Sirleaf said:
It means that more Liberians must not just wait for a government job
but be empowered to own their own businesses and employ others. It
means more Liberians must be able to pay their bills, send their children
to school, care for their families, travel, if they desire, retire with dignity,
and treat themselves to some of the nicer things that life has to offer. It
means that our society must become one in which all Liberians males
and females, young and old, Christians and Muslims, abled and disabled
can all make it, if they are willing to try. Yes, this is possible.
Education
The structure of the current economy deprives any well-meaning Liberian
of the possibilities outlined above. The Liberian educational system
replicates similar trends of yester-years when the largest employer
was government. The maintenance of the same system guarantees that
government will be the largest employer. The largest colleges at our
universities are mainly political or arts related courses while national
support to university education is extremely dismal. A good quality
education in Liberia should cost a minimum of $2000 per annum. This cost
automatically discounts the $10 million GOL support to the University of
Liberia. When support to education is dismal and the educational focus
is non-technical, Government will certainly remain the largest employer.
Employment Methods
The civil service agency was established to enable the population of
government ministries and agencies with technicians over politicians who
would get the job done. Unfortunately, the method of hiring currently in
place repeats past approaches that can only mean those who get hired will
be those known by those who are known by the powers that be.
When the known hires their known, loyalty to the hirer replaces technical
competence. Existence in a job is measure not by performance but
loyalty, which compromises the interest of the people over the interest of
the knowns that are known. Until this trend is broken, government will
remain a weak vehicle unable to climb the hills that must be surmounted
to enable the dreams of millions of its people consumed by hopelessness.
Lack of Affrmative Action Programs
To date and in the recent past, there have been no known publicly
backed affrmative action programs. This approach alone is a signifcant
inducement to young and talented progressive Liberians with
entrepreneurial aspirations. The only previous attempt was the setting
aside of certain low class businesses for Liberians that have never been
implemented and if they had been, assess to fnancing remains a key
challenge.
Lending rates in ranges around 15 to 25 percent; while access to lending is
extremely rigorous; caused in large part to the huge loan defaults and the
loan defaults are due in extremely large part to the high interest rates. The
banks say, the high interest rate is caused by the Central Bank of Liberia
high non-interest bearing reserve requirement of 22%; that severely
strains their resources and the huge infrastructure defcit that increases
their operational cost. A product they say must be sold by its cost of
generation.
Any serious government, wishing the realization of the declarations
contained in Madam Sirleafs aspirations above, would drastically reduce
interest rate. A low interest rate enables the degree of entrepreneurial
drive anticipated. Central banks generally use high reserve requirement
as a de-risking tool but there are many other associated tools that can be
deployed if the government is well meaning for its people.
Liberians have never competed with Asian and Middle Eastern Businesses
for several reasons:
1. Foreigners have lower access to interest rate
2. The lack of a government of Liberia public resources to initiate,
develop and prosper a non-existent Liberian private sector
3. Government jobs have historically being a means of
employment and wealth creation caused solely by the approach to
wealth creation under a system that sought to isolate the rest of us from
the wealth creation chain. As a means of preserving wealth within the
Americo-Liberian establishment and maintaining poverty in the largely
indigenous population, wealth was created solely through governmental
employment.
4. Infuential public servants favour doing business with non-
Liberian businesses for privacy reasons and this creates an absolute
advantage for foreigners over Liberian businesses vying for huge public
contracts
New and functional approaches can be deployed to isolate the inhibitions
to entrepreneurial explosion and it must be driven by the public sector.
Globally, entrepreneurial explosions and prosperity were guaranteed by
public policies, whether it was a South Korea, United States of America,
Brazil, China, Singapore or Rwanda, the government both initiated and
drove entrepreneurial explosion to avoid its opposite.
Purchasing Power and Labour
The lack of technical education and a functional Liberian driven private
sector; greatly undermines the ability and availability of Liberians to both
exploit existing opportunities and create new ones. This signifcantly
obstruct purchasing power; a huge requirement for economic growth and
real economic development.
It is no secret that large frms dislike the hiring of Liberians due to
ethical challenges. It behoves the government, through the labour sector,
to establish a security database of employable Liberians and Liberians
dismissed from frms for ethical or criminal reasons. This would enable
the hiring of talented Liberians and rejection of problematic ones.
Aspiration versus Action
Gone are the days of rhetorical declarations. There is a profession of
goodwill, on the one hand and the lack of associated actions on the other.
The Liberia in which opportunities abound for us does not exist because
the fundamentals of the economy are in full disarray. How we did, what
we did yesterday, led us to war and we are certainly encroaching on
similar ends under a mechanic that clearly lacks the capacity and ability
to repair the bus.
Liberia is being governed the same way it was before the war.
Sirleafs goals and Aspirations for Liberia
Ellen said:
You will recall that one of our primary focuses, upon taking offce in
2006, was to improve the image of our country to Lift Liberia so that
we become a destination not just for international assistance and support
but also for private capital investment and external trade. We are grateful
for all the help and support we continue to receive from the international
community, and for the over US$16 billion in Foreign Direct Investments
which we have attracted to our country.
There is a clear misunderstanding here. The image of Liberia; as we know
it, have greatly deteriorated:
I. Liberian students have a long history of massive failures in
WAEC exams and that have worsened under Ellen.
II. Liberia has a history of extremely poor health delivery system
and that has worsened under Ellen.
III. Liberia has historically been a source of huge Foreign Direct
Investment with little or no beneft to its people; huge beneft to public
servants and poor FDI corporate tax payment history. It is worse under
Ellen because every natural resource of Liberia has been mortgaged for
peanuts to the detriment of the country and in many instances to very
shady companies.
IV. Liberia has long been a place of growth without development.
That indication has worsened under Ellen. While shady investments
appeared to have propped up growth, the resultant impact of growth on
development is not forthcoming.
V. Liberia has historically been one of the poorest economies in
the world. Today, it has one of the lowest GDPs and increased its poverty
ranking.
VI. Liberias export far less than it imports. Today, the difference
between what we import and export per annum have risen to almost a
billion dollars though this was only about $300 million around 2006
VII. Liberia has a long history of huge public recurrent expenditure.
Today, that curve has risen to more than 78%.
VIII. Liberia has been a major aid destination and that have increased
tenfold in the last few years. Any country whose aid budget overtakes its
national budget is in serious trouble.
It is therefore clear from all indications that our image as a country
has worsened. A countrys image is not dependent on the number of
awards infuenced by a conniving and pretentious ruler. The image of a
country lies in the ability of local businesses within the states ability
to trade with other businesses within other states; create jobs for its
people; increase international competitiveness by leveraging educational
competence; comparison of its infrastructure with other similar nations;
the effectiveness of public institutions and the delivery capacity of its
service delivery facilities. No amount of lies and rhetoric can change the
obvious.
Foreign Direct Investment
No country anywhere was developed with Foreign direct investment.
Historically, Liberia has relied heavily on FDI and yet the corresponding
impact on economic growth has been dismal. Large companies get huge
tax holidays; taxes that should increase governments access to resources
and correspondingly, governments expectation of increased dividend
payments get strangulated in complicated accountancy reporting. The
anticipated jobs never get realized and compliance with agreed terms has
never been truly aligned.
Despite the challenges identifed above, very shady companies, with no
technical and fnancial performance history, became benefciaries of major
oil or mining concessions, further limiting the possibility of any kind of
realization and in many instances, some of these concessions were sold
by the benefciaries without any objection from the state. While previous
governments indulge similar practices, we could guess they were done
out of ignorance but for Ellen to have spoken against the very practice
and embrace them herself is extremely shameful shameful that an older
woman will be so corrupt and disruptive.
Sadly though, the reaction of the population to shady concessions is
blamed for hindrances to national development. The people of Liberia
were evacuated from their lands to accommodate the Liberia Agricultural
Company, COCOPA, SALALA RUBBER COMPANY and so on. The
much promised self-aspirational realization remains in the belly of the
sea. Recently, Buchanan Renewables did not renew anything but the
exportation of rubber trees and permission by the government to export
their machineries from Liberia. Golden Verulium and Samy Derby each
have 1 million acres of land for about 60 years. The people know all
too well that they will be employees of a company that will under pay
them. They prefer to own and expand their farms. They believe that
capacitation will increase their competitiveness and strengthen their
leverage. They have served those same masters before with no real return.
They are not responding to their fears but what have been lived. They
are real people with real lives. They have aspirations too of living the
good life, travelling, accessing electricity, piped water and exploring their
full potentials. They know all too well that when they are misused and
abused, their government will side with the so-called investor and harm
them. Ellen, what you called, obstructions to a phase deployment, they
know as repetitions of a previous history lived by their forefathers. They
are unwilling to repeat yesterday in glaring daylight. Listen to the people
who enable the barrage of awards you infuenced. Because they made you
Africas frst female ruler, you gained global recognition and traction. Do
not pay evil for good.
Lastly, Ellens focus from the beginning was fawed. FDI cannot develop
Liberia. FDI partnership is extremely important but not the key to economic
liberation. She got it wrong from the very beginning. In anticipation of
increased fnancial infow from FDI activities, she increased the size of
government though she promised a small and effcient government.
The whole show of downsizing and rightsizing was a ploy to input families,
friends and lieutenants. Our focus should have been overall recurrent
expenditure reduction and redeployment of resources in agriculture and
industrialization efforts. This singular approach would have generated
more jobs, reduce our trade defcit, guaranteed consistent government
revenue generation and sustain growth and economic development.
The sad truth is, even if there had been no shady deals in awarding
concessions; infows from concession activities would have never
benefted the people. Consistent increase in government revenue leads
to an increase in government expenditure. Liberia has no history of
increasing expenditure on the possible revenue generating sources. Under
Ellen, it is even worse.
Growth Without Development
Liberia has historically recorded growth without development. While
there has been high growth from investing activities, there has been
a correspondingly low or zero local capacitation approach thereby
distancing the people from the over economic growth. It is therefore not
surprising that economists are suggesting that measuring national GDP is
deceptive and that a people of a nation purchasing power better refects
how that GDP is distributed. Sadly, using that method puts Liberia among
the least 10 countries in the world.
Secondly, a medium term budget framework is nothing to learn. It is only
a projection that can be understated or overstated, but the performance of
a succeeding budget will be largely infuence by the expenditure priorities
of the current one.
The real reason for underperformance is the governments unwillingness
to invest in local revenue sources. For example, the mobile phone sector
is the largest tax paying sector in Liberia, yet this sector is the most taxed
sector. Today, 59 out of every 100 Liberians have access to a mobile
phone, a signifcant growth over the last two years when only 49 out of
100 access the device.
There have been no tax waivers for the sector; similarly, the importation
of goods and services generated consistently around $143 to $163
million dollars over the last three years, yet it remains the most taxed
sector though the country is heavily dependent on importation. This
automatically increases the price of goods and services while similarly
undermining purchasing power. This is a recipe for poor revenue
collection the succeeding year.
Thirdly, we are paying no price for high economic growth but the price of
exploitation by Ellen and her cohorts.
i. Very bad concessional negotiations
ii. Selection of shady companies over more ethically run and
internationally known ones
iii. The awarding of huge tax breaks to shady concession deals.
For example, the Buchanan Renewables tax break is still valid and is
being used by other companies though the company folded up, left the
country but the multi-million waiver is still valid.
iv. A very incapable mechanic that have selected the wrong spare
parts and spent less hours working on the bus than travelling around the
world
v. A very pretentious and ethically challenged mechanic who
spent more time diverting resources intended to repair the bus on her
personal agenda than on the agenda of the bus owners. LISCR, for
example, has generated more than $540 million dollars in the last 9 years
but only about $162 million of that money made it back to Liberia.
Thirdly, Liberians have no expectation about the passage of the budget.
It has nothing in it for them. The benefciaries are Ellen and her vampires
at the Legislature, whose continuous aiding and abating of the systematic
exploitation of Liberia will, if not sooner than later, compelled Liberians
to demand an interim government rather than the resignation of Ellen.
People respond to exploitation in very unkind ways around here.
The Legislature has numerous reasons why it must impeach Ellen. For
example, every presidential departure from this country must be permitted
by the Legislature and upon return, the President must, by law, report the
reason for the travel. Similarly, the LISCR fasco, the over borrowing,
mismanagement of the economy and may reasons abound for the action
but sadly, our legislators have other ideas; the $15,000 a month salary is
grossly insuffcient, they need $1 million each. This need is more important
to correcting the huge mess associated with concession agreements and
correcting obsolete laws or correcting the massive recurrent expenditure.
The people of Liberia have had enough of your promises and stories.
While our continuous talking may appear meaningless and weak, we
have had enough. You of all people, Ellen, owe Liberia so much. Your
education was funded by Liberia. Your frst and last jobs were provided
by Liberia. The country enabled your global recognition. At our expense,
your family has become so very wealthy. You proved to have practiced
more nepotism and sectionalism than Tolbert, Doe and Taylor combined.
Your acts of corruption are beyond measure. No President, since Liberias
inception, has exposed the people to so much misery like you have. You
have proven to be a complete disaster.
You must do the right thing. First begin by going to the grave of President
Tolbert. Tell him Sorry for your loud talking and undermining his
administration because you have done worst than he did.
Secondly, go the grave of President Doe, say Sorry Sammy for sponsoring
war on your government and the Liberian people.
Thirdly, go to President Charles Taylor in London. Say SORRY for
bringing war on his government.
Fourthly, say a big SORRY to the women of Liberia, who believed
wholeheartedly that a woman leadership would transform Liberia by
believing your Papa na come agenda.
Fifthly, say a big SORRY to your admirers and supporters, many of whom
dare to speak about you today, though they work in the government
but have no belief in your capacity. You have shamed them in their
communities.
Lastly, say SORRY to the people of Liberia. Your pretentious ways have
caught up with you. 9 days for rogue, one day for the master. There are
no more stories to be told. When you shall have done this, RESIGN
immediately. We are a forgiving people. We will close the Ellen chapter
of our history and list it on our history books as the greatest Ponzi scheme
in Liberias history and moved on as a people.
MOVEMENT FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE (MPC) LEADER SIMEON
FREEMAN RESPONDS TO PRES. SIRLEAF ADDRESS ON THE ECONOMY
Page 12 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Announcement
In keeping with the vehicle and Traffc Law; Title 38,
approved May 9, 1972, and published in 1978, the
Government of Liberia is pleased to announce the approved
rates for Third Party Compulsory Motor Insurance Policy
in Liberia. These rates take effect January 2, 1996.
Approved Rates Sticker Price
No. Category of Vehicles Price
1 Taxi US$300.00 $ 15.00
2 Transport Pick-Up
S/Size-1/2 Ton 400.00 15.00
M/Size- 1 Ton 425.00 15.00
B/Size 1 Ton 450.00 15.00
3 Transport Buses
S/S-Max 18 Persons 550.00 15.00
M/S-30 Persons 600.00 15.00
B/S-30 Over Persons 650.00 15.00
4. Transport Truck
10 Tons (10 Tires) 720.00 15.00
12 Tons (12 Tires) 750.00 15.00
14-18 Tons (18 Tires) 800.00 15.00
Trailer-22 Tires 1,000.00 15.00
5 Private Car (PC + Personal Plate
Sedan 150.00 15.00
Jeep 225.00 15.00
6 Business Car (BC)
Sudan 175.00 15.00
Jeep 225.00 15.00
7 Pick Up
PP 250.00 15.00
BP 300.00 15.00
8 Business Truck (BT)
10-Tons (10 Tires) 575.00 15.00
12-Tons (10 Tires) 600.00 15.00
14-18 Tons (18 Tires) 640.00 15.00
Trailer (22 Tires) 800.00 15.00
9 Business Bus (BB)
S/S-Min 6-8 Persons 250.00 15.00
S/S-Max 18 Persons 440.00 15.00
M/S- 30 Persons 480.00 15.00
B/S-30 Over Persons 520.00 15.00
10 Private Bus (PB)
S/S-Max 18 Persons 335.00 15.00
M/S-30 Persons 385.00 15.00
B/S-30 Over Persons 420.00 15.00
11 Private Truck (PT) 575.00 15.00
12 Private Motorbike 150.00 15.00
13 Business Motorbike 125.00 15.00
Please ask Pearl 0886 578 981/ Lucinda 0886 514 623
/ 0777 514 623 / AB 0886 529 776
American Underwriters Group
INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
JG Bull BLDG, Randall Street, Adjancent DITCO Store





P.O. Box 68, Harbel Margibi County, Republic of Liberia
Tel: 231-76998848/49 eFax: +1(404) 506-9617
E-mail: liberiacaa@liberiacaa.com / www.liberiacaa.com

LIBERIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (LCAA)
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
(This Ad is being re-advertized because none of the applicants met the basic requirements)

Liberia Civil Aviation Authority is accepting applications from qualified and experienced professionals
with background in Mathematics or Physics to serve as Air Traffic Controller within the Air Traffic
Management Department of the CAA.
Job Title: Air Traffic Controller
Place of Work: Liberia Civil Aviation Authority / Robertsfield, Liberia
Reports to: Manager (ATMD), Liberia Civil Aviation Authority


Position Summary:
The Air Traffic Controller shall under the supervision of Senior Air Traffic Controller be responsible to
ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of Air Traffic in the lower airspace of the skies of
Liberia by providing Air Traffic Services (ATS) and Aeronautical Information Services to ensure the safe,
orderly and expeditious movement of Air Traffic in the lower airspace of Liberia. The Air Traffic
Controller shall report to the Manager Air Traffic Management Department.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Prevent collision between aircraft arriving at or departing from Roberts/Spriggs and aircraft
transiting the Roberts Terminal Control Area/Control Zone (TMA/CTR) below 10,000
feet/Flight Level 100;
Prevent collision between aircraft on the maneuvering area and obstructions on that area; and
Expedite and maintain safe and orderly flow of air traffic.
Prepare on-shift duty report prior to turnover.
Respond to emergency distress calls and other unexpected events.

Required Education & Qualification
A BSc Degree in Mathematics or Physics
Must have at least 3 years experience in either of the above fields

Knowledge

The Air Traffic Controller must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:





P.O. Box 68, Harbel Margibi County, Republic of Liberia
Tel: 231-76998848/49 eFax: +1(404) 506-9617
E-mail: liberiacaa@liberiacaa.com / www.liberiacaa.com

- English grammar fluency and composition;
- Communicate fluently and distinctly to airmen within Liberias territorial airspace; and
- Must have knowledge in Microsoft word-processing, Excel and Power-point.

Skills
The Air Traffic Controller must be able to demonstrate the following skills:
- Team building;
- Professional competence and independent judgment;
- Use of analytical discretion problem-solving;
- Firm in decision-making;
- Articulate and proficient oral communications skills;
- Computer literacy in Microsoft - word-processing;
- Possess stress and time management skills.
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
- Be self-disciplined

Personal Attributes
- The Air Traffic Controller must maintain strict confidentiality in performing duties assigned.
- Be honest, respectful and trustworthy.
- Be culturally aware and sensitivity.
- Must be flexible and demonstrate sound work ethics.
Employment Opportunity
Liberia Civil Aviation Authority is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants on the
basis of merit.
How to Apply
Please send your applications, along with your Resume and references attached to:

Human Resource Section
Liberia Civil Aviation Authority
Robertsfield, Liberia.


Deadline for submission of application is June 10, 2014.


ONLY SHORLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED


Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 13
REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET
Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale
In Cameroon, Boko Haram turn tourist hotspot into a ghost town
IN BRIEF
AFGHANS SAY TALIBAN
PRISONERS FREED BY U.S.
WILL REJOIN BATTLE
FBI ISSUES
NATIONWIDE ALERT FOR
SAN FRANCISCO MAN
FIFA VICE PRESIDENT DENIES
CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS


KABUL (Reuters) -
T
he release of fve
Taliban prisoners in
exchange for a U.S.
soldier has drawn
criticism from some Afghans,
who say the detainees are
dangerous and will rekindle
ties with terrorist networks to
resume fghting, just as most
foreign troops leave.
The men had been held at the
U.S. naval base at Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba since 2002 and were
classed by the Pentagon as
"high-risk" and "likely to pose
a threat".
Two are also implicated in the
murder of thousands of minority
Shi'ite Muslims in Afghanistan,
according to the U.S. military.
A
vice president of soccer's
governing body denied
allegations he received
favors for backing
Qatar to host the 2022 World
Cup in a vote already marred by
accusations of corruption.
FIFA executive Issa Hayatou is
also the head of African soccer.
In a statement, the Confederation
of African Football called
the corruption allegations by
The Sunday Times newspaper
"fanciful" and "ridiculous."
The British newspaper said that
banned former Qatari offcial
Mohammed bin Hammam, once
a FIFA vice president, targeted
African offcials with cash gifts,
luxury trips and other favors to
infuence the voting four years
ago.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)
T
he FBI has issued a
nationwide alert to law
enforcement agencies
about a San Francisco
social media consultant they
consider armed and dangerous
who is wanted on suspicion of
possessing explosives.
FBI spokesman Peter Lee said
Sunday that 42-year-old Ryan
Kelly Chamberlain II was last seen
in a dark blue, hooded sweatshirt
and jeans.
Multiple agencies, including
hazardous materials crews,
searched Chamberlain's apartment
in San Francisco's Russian Hill
neighborhood on Saturday,
blocking off the street to vehicle
and pedestrian traffc for much of
the day.

F
RONT
PAGE
WORLD NEWS
TOWN SHAKEN WITH GUNFIRE
Waza (Cameroon) (AFP) -
W
ith a famous nature
reserve, elephant
safaris, and a
reputation as a
peaceful haven, the small town of
Waza in the far north of Cameroon
used to buzz with tourists.
Today, it is like a ghost town.
The walls of the hotels are
crumbling and guest bedrooms
remain stubbornly empty. By early
evening, one local offcial says, the
streets are deserted.
Located just a few kilometres from
the border with Nigeria, Waza has
been gripped by "general panic"
since an attack by suspected Boko
Haram Islamists who kidnapped
ten Chinese in mid-May, said the
secretary-general of the town,
Tandjo.
The security forces searching for
them believe they were quickly
taken back over the border, to the
northeastern region of Nigeria
that has become Boko Haram's
stronghold.
It was the latest in a series of
incursions into northern Cameroon
by the group, who offcials say
take advantage of a porous border
to evade detection.
Boko Haram, whose name means
"Western education is forbidden",
has killed thousands since 2009
in its fght to establish an Islamic
state in the north of Nigeria.
As well as the kidnapping of 200
schoolgirls, it has burnt down
entire villages and launched deadly
gun attacks, and the violence has
not been contained by the border.
Just last week, three soldiers were
wounded after coming under
attack by Boko Haram Islamists in
northern Cameroon.
Cameroon's President Paul Biya
has declared "war on Boko
Haram", and is sending military
reinforcements to the region to
try and combat the group. Some
1,000 troops are expected to start
arriving Monday.
The soldiers will be welcome in
places like Waza, but they may
not be enough to rescue the town's
crumbling tourist industry.

- Shaking with gunfre -
It was on the night of May 16
that suspected Boko Haram
gunmen targeted Waza, killing
a Cameroonian soldier before
abducting ten Chinese road
workers from their camp.
"The night of the attack, the town
was shaking with all the gunfre,"
said a 20-year-old Cameroonian
who worked with the Chinese and
did not want to give his name.
A few weeks on, tensions are
still high. Standing guard at the
entrance to the camp, a member of
the Rapid Intervention Battalion,
an elite unit with the Cameroon
army, shouts at the driver of a
motorbike headed his way.
"Go back!", he shouts, his arm
hovering over the trigger of his
gun.
"You should get out of here,"
another soldier tells AFP. "We are
in a war situation."
Not far away, two soldiers patrol in
front of the construction site where
machinery has stood still since the
hostages were taken.
Some 22 people have been killed
by the Cameroonian army in the
aftermath, their bodies, local
offcials say, also smuggled
back over the border by their
accomplices.
- 'There is fear here' -
Tandjo says the town's residents
are terrifed of another attack.
"People are traumatized," he says.
"They knew about Boko Haram,
but they had never witnessed one
of their attacks."
"From 7pm, people go home and
do not leave again," he says.
Most offcials have moved their
families to safer areas. One had
a heart attack after a bullet tore
through his courtyard, says Tandjo.
"There is fear here. We are afraid
that there will be another attack",
said the young road worker, one
of the few people from the town
who is happy to talk about what
happened.
He has not worked since the raid,
and today, sits under a tree, hoping
for a change of fortune.
During the night, no one is allowed
to ride around by motorbike --
Boko Haram's preferred method of
transport -- in the entire north-east
region of Cameroon.
For a once-buzzing tourist town,
the change is devastating.
Andre Ndjidda, who works in the
Waza National Park, one of the
most well-known in Cameroon,
says hardly any foreign visitors
have ventured there in months,
after a series of kidnappings in the
far north region.
The trouble in this part of the
country, which once had a
reputation for tranquility, started in
2013, when Boko Haram claimed
responsibility for the kidnapping of
the priest Georges Vandenbeusch
and the Moulin-Fournier family
from France.
They were later released, but their
kidnapping made headlines around
the world.
"The fate of the park was already
decided," said Ndjidda, of those
kidnappings. "(But) The abduction
of the Chinese workers sealed the
fate for the town."
DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT
MALAWI INAUGURATES NEW PRESIDENT
T
his is to announce with deep sorrow the death of Samuel
Benedict Cooper Jr.
This sad event took place in the ambulance en route to St.
Josephs Catholic Hospital,
on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 12:40 pm.
This is a tremendous loss for the Cooper family and for countless
others that affectionately referred to him as Ben Cooper, Papa Zulu,
Jolly Pappy, or JP.
Funeral arrangements will be as follows:
Removal of Bens body from the Stryker Funeral Home:
Friday, June 6, 2014 at 4 PM
With the wake keeping to follow at Trinity Cathedral, Broad Street.
Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Cathedral, Broad Street:
Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 10:00 AM
This announcement was brought in by the Cooper Family.

Samuel Benedict Cooper, Jr
June 22, 1944May 15, 2014
BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP)
T
he new president
of Malawi was
inaugurated Monday
after an election that
was disputed by his predecessor.
President Peter Mutharika said
he wanted to reconcile with
former leader Joyce Banda, who
did not attend the inauguration
at a sports stadium in Blantyre,
Malawi's commercial capital. He
told cheering supporters that he
was sorry she did not come to the
ceremony to offcially hand over
power.
"I came to her with an olive
branch in my hand," Mutharika
said. "Don't let it drop from my
hand."
Banda had sought to annul the
May 20 vote because of what
she said were irregularities and
had called for another election
in which she said she would
not participate. A court said her
move was invalid.
Mutharika is the 74-year-
old leader of the Democratic
Progressive Party and brother of
a president who died in 2012. He
is a lawyer and a former foreign
minister.
The inauguration was a colorful
affair, featuring live music,
traditional dances, a 21-gun
salute and fy-overs by military
helicopters and jets.
Mutharika comes to power at
a time when the impoverished
country is struggling with fallout
from a fnancial scandal dubbed
"Cashgate." Investigators say
millions of dollars in public
funds were siphoned off by
politicians and businessmen in
collusion with civil servants.
"I think our country had lost its
moral compass," Mutharika said.
"I think things like 'Cashgate'
happen when our leaders fail to
differentiate between right and
wrong."
He warned that anyone who
embezzles state funds will be
prosecuted. Banda, who took
offce in 2012 after the death of
Mutharika's brother, Bingu wa
Mutharika, had won attention
for pledging to cut back on graft.
But her administration became
embroiled in the fnancial
scandal.

Page 14 |
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
BELGIUMS QUALIFICATION FOR BRAZIL FINALS HAS YET TO
BENEFIT ITS TOP-FLIGHT THE BELGIAN PRO LEAGUE
If wealthy clubs from across Europe continue to plunder the Pro League then the Red Devilss qualifcation
for the World Cup fnals may be the only thing to cheer for some time for Belgian football fans
By John Chapman, World Cup
Nation: Belgium
B
elgian fans and many
neutrals want the Red
Devils do well in
Brazil. Its a tasty squad
and the publicity is being ramped
up. Sadly, Belgiums Jupiler Pro
League is not benefting from
this exposure. To make it worse,
Premier League clubs trawl the
Belgian clubs academies for the
most talented youngsters.
Belgian players have often
emigrated a third of the current
international squad have never
played frst division football in
their home country. Eden Hazard,
for example, was despatched
to France at an early age, while
others, like Thomas Vermaelen,
left Belgium for the Dutch leagues
in the mid-noughties. Some,
like Vincent Kompany, stuck
around and helped their clubs win
trophies.
But now, due to Belgian football
being on the map, its that much
harder to keep the highly-rated
youngsters. Anderlecht lost three
of their best players before theyd
been able to sign a professional
10 Days to go: All the action leading up the Brazil
COUNTDOWN WORLD CUP



contract: Charly Musonda Junior
to Chelsea, Adnan Januzaj to
Manchester United and Mathias
Bossaerts to Manchester City.
If players do make their name
in Belgium, it can mean serious
money for the clubs: Standard
Lige sold Marouane Fellaini to
Everton for 19 million, while
the combined deals for Thibaut
Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne
put a similar amount in Genks
bank account. That kind of money
is vital as budgets are relatively
minuscule; Zulte Waregem
reached the Champions League
qualifying rounds last year on an
annual budget of 10m.
Bob Browaeys, coach of the
Belgian U16s, says that although
the Belgian league has become
a transit competition, there are
advantages as young players get
experience earlier in their careers.
Chris Van Puyvelde, the Pro
Leagues technical advisor, agrees
and says clubs have chosen to
invest in youth rather than bring
in third-rate players from other
countries.
Young players have broken
through while still in their teens
Dennis Praet at Anderlecht,
Michy Batshuayi at Standard
Lige and Siebe Schrijvers at
Genk but clubs need a balance of
experienced players and talented
youngsters; that takes time and
patience on all sides.
Players parents often impact
decisions. Some, like Kompanys,
insisted that their son gave equal
priority to his education before
leaving Belgium. Others, like
those of Musonda and Januzaj,
decided it was worthwhile to
uproot the whole family and move
abroad.
Musonda Junior was the shining
star in the Anderlecht academy,
but rather than stay and let him
make his name in Belgium, his
family moved with him, and
his brothers, to Chelsea when
he was 15. That was in sharp
contrast to the route chosen by
another talented Anderlecht youth
player, and his advisors, Youri
Tielemans. Just 16, he has signed
a professional contract and is
already a regular in Anderlechts
midfeld.
Its hard to say which route is the
correct one but if the wealthy clubs
continue to plunder the Belgian
clubs academies, the losers will
be the clubs themselves, the local
fans and possibly the players who
get lost in the over-stocked pools
of talent in the games richest
clubs.
BOSNIA COACH SAFET SUSIC SHRUGS OFF NEPOTISM
CLAIMS AND BACKS YOUNG GUNS TO SHINE IN BRAZIL
BOSNIA; BELGIANS EDEN HAZARD, CHRISTIAN
BENTEKE AND MAROUANE FELLAINI SUFFERING
UNDER PREMIER LEAGUE PRESSURES
As expected, Safet Susic's list of 24 players provoked a wide range of opinions and
questions about some of the selections - especially about his nephew

By Slaven Niksic, World Cup
Nation: Bosnia
N
obody will be calling
Safet Susic brave or
forward-thinking for
naming his nephew,
Hajduk midfelder Tino-Sven,
in his Word Cup squad. Nor will
they for giving Sturm midfelder
Anel Hadzic a chance, even
though they have both played
just one game for the Bosnia
national team - a bad defeat to
Egypt.
Susic is simply being realistic
with his choice of new players.
As expected, Susic's list of 24
players provoked a wide range
of opinions and questions about
some of the selections. And
while he found some funny, he
wasnt amused when asked why
his nephew was on the list. He
was actually frustrated with that
one. "He's got a beautiful name,"
came the rather sarcastic reply.
Yes, we're talking nepotism,
but not in a negative way. OK,
Tino-Sven is his nephew, but
we mustn't forget that Cesare
Maldini coached his son Paolo,
that Sergio Aguero played under
father-in-law Diego Maradona
and that both Croatia and
Montenegro's coaches, Zlatko
Kranjcar and Ilija Petkovic,
included their sons, Niko and
Dusan, for the World Cup in
2006.
Focus has been misplaced in this
case - we should be talking about
Tino's ability as a footballer,
not who his uncle is. And Anel
Hadzic is in kind of the same
position - they're both newbies
given the chance of a lifetime.
Isn't that what football's all
about?
Some might say that what really
counts is the small matter of
getting a good result on your
historic frst appearance at a Fifa
World Cup, and, yes, they're
right, but as Susic points out - he
is the boss, he's making the calls,
and he'll take responsibility,
whatever happens.
But did he make a good choice
with these two, who are not
alone on the list of those who
didn't play any part in World
Cup qualifying - the others being
Asmir Avdukic, Jasmin Fejzic,
Sead Kolasinac and Muhamed
By John Chapman, World Cup
Nation: Belgium
A
couple of years ago,
every ambitious
Premier League club
wanted a Belgian on
their books. Vincent Kompany
and Thomas Vermaelen had
shown the way and, in 2012,
their international colleagues
arrived in England on a regular
basis.
Players such as Christian
Benteke, Jan Vertonghen and
Romelu Lukaku were lauded and
Kevin De Bruyne contemplated
a happy future in London from
afar. Was that a golden age for
Belgians in the Premier League?
By the start of this season, there
were 12 members of the Belgian
squad playing in the Premier
League. There have been good
and bad times. De Bruyne has
left the party, feeling unloved;
Benteke is suffering from second
season syndrome; Evertons
teenage striker Lukaku looks
exhausted, while across the
road Simon Mignolet has been
making uncharacteristic errors.
Both Nacer Chadli and Marouane
Fellaini have yet to convince
in their new establishments
and Belgiums vice-captain
Vermaelen has lost his place at
Arsenal.
Of the fve playing regularly,
theres a concern that Eden
Hazard may have peaked too
soon especially as hes now
Chelseas main man in a team
fghting on two fronts. Kompany
and Vertonghen are playing
but both have benefted from
a long rest, perhaps slightly
Besic?
Avdukic and Fejzic are second
and third-choice goalies with
many call-ups to their names,
Besic is a long-time U21 player
who is actually making his
comeback in the A team, and,
in Kolasinac's case, the Schalke
defender played only two games
but proved that he deserves a
call-up.
Susic and Hadzic? Their
performances were blurred by
that bad loss against Egypt,
but they didn't play badly -
they coped with the pressure
reasonably well and, most
importantly of all, Safet Susic
saw that and called them up for
the big one.
Let's make this clear, both
Tino-Sven and Anel, and even
young Muhamed Besic, are not
expected to play key roles in
Brazil, but they just might do
it anyway. That's why football
is magical. Who expected great
things from Toto Schillaci
before his magnifcent Italia '90
campaign?
Both Tino-Sven and Anel have
been given a chance that they
should cherish, and try to give
back something in Brazil - if
given the right opportunity.
And Safet Susic? At least from
my point of view, he has made a
realistic choice. They are young,
and are playing well. When
calling them up for that Egypt
friendly, he said that it was his
last chance to see them playing
for Bosnia. Now that he has seen
them, and called them again, he
has actually sent a very clear
message: 'OK boys, you're now
men, let's play some football
now."

They are tipped for big things in Brazil, but is the Premier League killing
the World Cup hopes of the Belgian national team?
longer than necessary on the
part of Kompany a wise head
on young shoulders. This leaves
Moussa Dembl and Kevin
Mirallas as the only ones that
have had trouble-free seasons to
date.
So is there a problem with the
Premier League? Firstly theres
the immense competition for
places within the fve or six clubs
that are towards the top of the
league table. Secondly, despite
its multinational nature and its
remarkable popularity, many
fans in continental Europe still
feel theres an element of kick
and rush about English football.
Recently, after the Belgian
takeover at Charlton Athletic,
Standard Liege fans said they
were concerned about their
young players moving to the UK
for an "education".
Finally, if players do break into
the team on a regular basis,
theres the pressure to succeed
in a ferce media spotlight. This
is in contrast to the situation
to an extent which Chadli, De
Bruyne and Mignolet faced at
their previous clubs; they were
key players in their respective
teams playing regularly and
attracting far less attention.
Belgium still has a talented
squad, one that many countries
envy, but with just a few months
to go before the World Cup,
most members would probably
appreciate the opportunity to
play on a regular basis in a
less physical and pressurised
atmosphere.
Frontpage
Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Page 15
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Is playing football in Asian leagues a crime?
Sports
SPORT BRIEF
DUNCAN, JAMES
SET TO BREAK
THEIR FINALS TIE
MIAMI (AP)
O
ver the last 10
seasons, only one
NBA player has
been part of more
wins than LeBron James.
His name is Tim Duncan.
Their numbers over that
decade are incredibly similar.
Duncan has appeared in 622
regular-season and playoff
victories, James has played in
621. Duncan is shooting 50.2
percent from the feld, James
is shooting 50 percent. Duncan
has won two championships
with San Antonio during this
10-season stretch, James has
two with Miami.
N
ew York City FC
have announced the
signing of the Spain
international David
Villa on a three-year deal.
The newly-formed Major
League Soccer club, who are
jointly owned by Manchester
City and the New York Yankees,
confrmed on their Twitter
account that the 32-year-old was
their frst-ever player.
The club tweeted: Welcome
to New York City: David Villa
(@Guaje7Villa) offcially signs
as #NYCFCs frst ever player.
#VillatoNYCFC.
BRAZIL RUSHES TO FINISH
STADIUMS 10 DAYS FROM
WORLD CUP
DAVID VILLA SIGNS FOR MAJOR
LEAGUE SOCCER NEWCOMERS
NEW YORK CITY FC
Braslia (AFP) -
W
ith 10 days to
go to the World
Cup, Brazil
was rushing
Monday to fnish installing
seats in stadiums and deal with
threats ranging from violent
protests to dengue fever.
The count-down to the June
12 kick-off has been marred
by a series of protests, from
striking bus drivers who
paralyzed Sao Paulo by
abandoning their vehicles mid-
route to indigenous leaders in
bright-feathered headdresses
who shot arrows at police in
Brasilia, impaling one offcer's
leg.

T
here are more than 100
Liberian footballers
scattered in Asia, who
are showcasing their
talents with various clubs as they
earn their livelihood and as well
promote their country's image.
With a chunk of these players in
Indonesia, there are also a huge
number of them in Malaysia,
Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos,
Vietnam and India among others.
But why these players made
name mostly on the local scene
with various clubs before
leaving for pasture green, they
are often maligned, berated and
downplayed with some insisting
"there is no football down there.
Such area is for old people",
etc. as the worthless statements
emanate from some football
stakeholders.
This has, to a large extent,
even given rise for players in
these areas to be isolated from
the national team or if they are
invited, they are even seen as
nobody even if they try to vent
out their frustration due to the
lack of organization relative to
the national teams set-up.
It is indeed fool hardy for one to
think that there is "no football in
Asia" as the leagues there have
improved greatly over the years
with players from various parts
of the world showcasing their
talents.
Besides, these leagues are far
ahead of leagues in other parts of
the world with the local league
here no need to be mentioned of.
Also, the issue should not
STATUS VERSUS CURRENT FORM


ABEL HORTON A GEORGE WEAH IN THE MAKING

be where one plays but what
one plays and these players
showcasing their talents in Asia
must as well be respected as
they are professionals and are
continuously helping to promote
Liberia's image.
It is therefore no crime to play
in Asia as such area has the
attraction. It is organized, and
above par, has the market value
which brings the best out of
players.
If Liberia in particular and
football in general must make
tremendous strides, Asia-based
players or players in any part
of the world must be accorded
full respect as they too are
contributing.
The negative, worthless, absurd,
baseless and awful statements
intending to degrade or downplay
the efforts of these lads will do
our country's football no good
but will continue to exacerbate
its already dreadful state.
H
e is the odd one out
in the Horton family.
Abel Lucky Fizzo
Horton is born into
a family of musicians, but he
opted to go the other direction
football.
That decision did not come easy.
His parents were not in favour of
it. They wanted young Horton to
go through the mill of education
and become an accomplished
musician too or end up in any
decent profession other than
football.
He kept his focus. They persisted
with their aim to let him lose his
appetite for the beautiful game.
But an undaunted Horton had
no plans to sever the umbilical
cord of his ambitions. Things
were tough, he admitted to Goal
Ghana. I had no money to board
car to go for training. Money to
buy boots was not coming.
Horton had to fall on benevolence
to nurture his football talent. He
played barefooted on arid lands
in Monrovia defying the searing
sun with his sweaty bare chest.
I love football. It is part of me.
You take it from me and you kill
the other half of me.
The attacking midfelders
labour paid off. His exploits
with a community club called
Childrens Stars did not go
unnoticed. At the age of 14 his
dream of becoming a football
superstar began to glow. Horton
joined Young Valencia then to
Emman FC in Monrovia and
won the Liberia top-fight with
LISCR FC during the 2011-
12 season and had the chance
to play in the Caf Champions
League.
The utility player as he prefers
to describe himself, caught the
eyes of the Liberia FA. Luck
smiled at Horton. No wonder
he bears it as one of his middle
names. He had the honour to
wear the armband of the Liberia
Under-17 national team. It was a
quintessential story of from grass
to grace unfolding in the life of
little Fizzo.
I was speechless and my eyes
were flled with tears of joy
when I realised thats where God
has elevated me to, a very calm,
humble and fuent speaking
19-year-old Horton opined. I
had to keep my eyes on the prize
because God has been good to
me.
Indeed, God has been good to
him. The young national hero
went on to captain the national
U-20 team too. I pray a lot, a
very religious Horton revealed
when asked what keeps him
going.
I spend a lot of time watching
video clips of Derek Boateng,
Ronaldinho and Cristiano
Ronaldo these are my guardian
angels. They are dedicated. I
love Ronaldos mindset and
style. They motivate me.
Horton is a gifted player. Just
place him on the feld and he
will never fail you. He is not
only skillful and creative with
the ball and his legs. He is
gifted with aerial prowess and
his sense of judgment is high.
He is got speed. A set piece
expert in the making and very

NAME: Abel Horton
DATE OF BIRTH: March 7, 1995
PLACE OF BIRTH: Monsterrado, Liberia
NATIONALITY: Liberian
POSITION: Right Midfelder/attacker
NATIONAL Under-17 & 20
disciplined. He encapsulates his
abilities succinctly: I make the
impossible, possible.
Horton is currently based in
Sweden hoping to continue
where he left off in Liberia. The
pitches are pristine and he is
already courting club managers
and scouts. He admitted he
will forever be grateful to his
manager Sheriff Modad for
believing in him and taking him
this far. Im also thankful to my
parents and all family members
and friends for their prayers. I
promise not to let them down.
It has been a challenging but
an exciting journey. Everyone
played a part and I must keep my
eyes on the prize.
Horton, who believes he can
be Liberias next George Weah
the only African to have
won the world best player
diadem dreams of wearing
the prestigious Real Madrid or
Barcelona shirts along his career
path. However, he knows that
wont come painless it will
take a great deal of hard work.
I believe in myself. I know
one day Ill get to their level or
even do better than them. My
dream is to win the African Cup
with Liberia. It wont be easy.
Facilities are poor. The war has
affected us badly but well get
there.
Surely, the future looks bright
for a young player who started
barefooted on the grass-free
throw of Monrovia and now
fnds himself on the immaculate
felds of Sweden. He knows what
to do to realise that dream I
need to work hard, pray and be
disciplined on and off the pitch.

Goal features a young Liberian player, whose inspiring story from the bone-dry felds of
Monrovia is making waves in Sweden as he hopes to become the next George Weah
PROFILE -By Kent Mensah
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
Sports
FrontPage
PRICE L$40 VOL 8 NO.607 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
ORAS extends helping hand to sea erosion
victims in New Kru Town
T
he offce of Robert A. Sirleaf (ORAS), former board chair of the
National Oil Company of Liberia (Nocal) and senior advisor to
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has identifed with victims of the
recent sea erosion in New Kru Town.
ORAS have presented L$150,000 (one-hundred ffty thousand Liberian dollars),
40 bundles of zinc, 20 packs of zinc nails and 75 bags of rice (25-kilogram) as
an initial contribution.
Making the presentation on Saturday, Francis Grant expressed Sirleafs regret to
the people, who were made homeless by a natural disaster.
Grant, a policy analyst working with ORAS, hopes the materials will aid their
relocation drive.
He also called on government and philanthropic organizations to speedily
identify with the victims.
We know that it is very diffcult but what we want you people to understand is
that we cant do it alone. We want to use this time to call on other humanitarian
institutions to come to the people of New Kru Townthose who have been
victimized by the foodto see how best they can be helped.
We think there can be a strategy where this cant be happening every time and
the relevant institutions in government can work together to see how best they
can work in the interest of the people of this community.
So again, we say sorry. Our boss, Mr. Sirleaf, is in serious sympathy with the
people of this community. And because he doesnt have the time at this time [to
be here], so he said you guys should go in front. I will come there subsequently
to talk with the people of New Kru Town, Grant said.
With media reports spinning around Sirleafs political ambition starting with the
senatorial elections in October, Grant was quick to say the donation came with a
clean bill of health.
This [donation] has no attachment. We have done it before [and] we will always
do it for our people because we love the people of this country. We hope you can
manage whatever we brought for you because it is an initial contribution, he
stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, ex-Mighty Barrolle coach Christian Thompson
thanked ORAS for having identifed with them.
Thompson, alias Christian Cole, frowned on the attitude of the residents, who
thought Sirleafs goodwill gesture was only bags of rice.
I want to thank Mr. Sirleaf for thinking about Popo Beach community. As you
can see, we have been made homeless and these materials will help us in fnding
a new place.
These kinds of attitudes [we can exhibit], we will have to stop it. When
somebody comes to speak to us, let us listen to what the person will say to us. If
it is good or bad, we will decide. But the person hasnt talked yet then we start to
do all kinds of things.
Here is the zinc we were crying for and the people brought zinc. Lets assume
if the people were going to get vex and leave, were we going to have zinc even
though we say we dont want rice? So it is not correct. This Popo Beach name
must not be going outside badly, Cole advised.
VICTIMIZED BY SEA EROSION





Spot News FrontPage
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

STATUS VERSUS CURRENT FORM
Is playing football in Asian leagues a crime?
9 Days to go: All the action leading up the Brazil
COUNTDOWN WORLD CUP