2013

VOL. 16. NO. 46

w e i v e R n Year I

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

Why We Chose Mills Jones
See Pg. 4

EDITORIAL

Person of the Year:

www.liberianobserver.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2013

COMMENTARY
Celebrating a Union Strong -The Press Union of Liberia
See Pg. 4

J. Mills Jones

LOCAL NEWS
NOCALs Scholarships Target High School Students
See Pg. 3

George D. Kennedy

uring the year 2013, the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) under the governorship of Dr. Joseph Mills Jones continued the approach of advancing financial inclusion in Liberia through the support and engagement

of microfinance institutions, community credit unions, and village savings and loan associations. CBL also continued the process of working with mass-based organizations to structure for their members, a financial credit union so that those members could also be gradually integrated into the formal financial system.

As Bank Robberies Plummet, CyberTheft Soars: Are Our Banks Prepared?

See Pg. 8c

SCI/ TECH

A T

Kidnapper Escapes Terrorism Charge House of Representatives 2013 Recap

Central Bank of Liberia Governor Dr. Joseph Mills Jones

Contd on pg. 8b

By Abednego Davis

Criminal Court D jury took a little more than three hours on Monday December 30, to find David Safranu not guilty

of terrorism---one of the three charges levied against him by the State.

Safranu, had been held for his role in the kidnapping of an American citizen, Chrisiana Andrainopoulous, in September 2012.

Contd on pg. 13

-CBL Governor Charges Journalists-Says Ecobank Poverty is not Liberians Destiny Identifies with Orphans, Old Folks By William Q. Harmon them to help nurture a spirit of belonging, without which our Homes
See Pg. 12

BUSINESS

Help Liberians Appreciate Liberia

013 was an interesting but difficult one for Members of the House of Representatives, especially in performing their three cardinal re-

By Keith Morris, Observer Legislative Correspondent

House Speaker Alex Tyler

Contd on pg. 13

See story on Pg. 14

A Way Forward for Sports in 2014

See Pg. 15

SPORTS

he Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Dr. Joseph Mills Jones, has assigned the Liberian media with the responsibility of helping Liberians appreciate their nation more. He asked

commitment to rapid economic and social transformation would remain a faade. Serving as the keynote speaker at the induction ceremony of the new corps of officers for the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Governor Jones said that a free press is vital to

Contd on pg. 13

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DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday, December 31, 2013

DR Congo Repulses TV, Airport and Army Base Attacks

World News

Government spokesman Lambert Mende said action had been taken to preserve at any price the structures of government
(BBC) - The Democratic Republic of Congos army has repulsed several attacks in the capital, Kinshasa, by an unknown terrorist group, the government says. The state TV headquarters, the international airport and a military base in the city were all targeted. The information minister said the situation was now under control and about 46 attackers had been killed. Meanwhile, the army has also clashed with unknown gunmen on the outskirts of Lubumbashi, a military spokesman said. He told the BBC that some of the attackers in Lubumbashi, the main city of DR Congos southern mineral-rich Katanga province, had been arrested. The attackers interrupted the national broadcaster during a live programme President Joseph Kabila, who won his second term in office two years ago, is touring Katanga but was not under any threat, DR Congos Information Minister Lambert Mende told the BBC. Shooting everywhere Mr Mende said the attackers at the state TV and radio headquarters had been armed with weapons such as knives, and there was no chance of them even to maintain their positions, even for a single hour. People were frightened when security personnel were firing against these attackers, the minister told the BBCs Focus on Africa radio programme after visiting the RTNC headquarters. He said the attackers numbered fewer than 100 and that the security forces had killed about 46 of them and captured about 10. On the governments side, an army colonel was killed when the attackers struck the military base, Mr Mende told the BBC. He said he understood that two staff members forced to read a statement on TV were safe. Reuters said the statement appeared to be a political message against President Kabilas government. The embassy has also received reports that there are police and military checkpoints and barricades in many places, US embassy statement.

(BBC) - Egyptian police have arrested four journalists working for the broadcaster Al-Jazeera in the capital, Cairo. They include the TV networks Cairo bureau chief Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and former BBC correspondent Peter Greste. The interior ministry said the journalists had held illegal meetings with the Muslim Brotherhood, which was declared a terrorist group last week. There has been a crackdown on the Islamist movement since the army ousted President Mohammed Morsi in July. Since then, more than 1,000 pro-Morsi protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces, and thousands of Brotherhood supporters have been arrested, including the majority of its leadership. A court will hear a case to disband the Brotherhoods political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), on 15 February. Damaging The journalists, who work

Al-Jazeera Journalists Arrested in Cairo

Al-Jazeera, which is based in Qatar, has demanded their immediate release. The interior ministry said in a statement that cameras, recordings and other material had been seized from rooms at a hotel in Cairo. It accused the journalists of broadcasting news that were damaging to national security. The BBCs Bethany Bell in Cairo says Egypts military backed government has long accused Al-Jazeera of bias, because Qatar gave financial support to the government of Mr Morsi. Observers say Egypts media environment has been highly charged since Mr Morsis overthrow. Several Islamist channels were closed down immediately after the military intervention in the summer. Al-Jazeeras Egyptian station Mubashir Misr was shut down in September. The channel previously had its Cairo offices raided, equipment seized, and staff detained. Two of its staff - journalist

Page 2
Foreign Briefs

Former BBC correspondent Peter Greste is one of the journalists arrested

for Al-Jazeera English, are understood to have been detained late on Sunday night. They are Mohamed Fadel Fahmy, who holds Canadian nationality, Peter Greste, an Australian, producer Baher Mohamed and Egyptian cameraman Mohamed Fawzy, who is said to have been arrested at home.

(BBC) - Thousands of children are likely to have been separated from their families as a result of the latest violence in South Sudan, an aid agency has warned. Save the Children says many children are surviving on their own in very remote areas. Some have witnessed their parents being killed and their homes looted or destroyed. The fighting broke out two weeks ago in the capital Juba, and has spread to many parts of the country. At least 1,000 people have died. In about three days alone we have registered 60 children in one site in Juba who have been separated from their families, Helen Mould of Save the Children, said. The positions of the warring factions in South Sudan seem to be hardening ahead of a regional deadline for talks to begin. South Sudan only became independent from Sudan in 2011, after decades of conflict. Hiding in swamps More than 121,000 people fled their homes when fighting started, with the result that many families were split up, Save the Children said. The charity said while many

South Sudan Conflict: Fears for Isolated Children

people had sought refuge in UN compounds or host communities in safer areas, others, including children, were hiding in swampy areas with no shelter where they would be forced to drink stagnant water. In about three days alone we have registered 60 children in one site in Juba who have been separated from their families because of the conflict, Save the Childrens Helen Mould told the BBCs Newsday programme. Until we get access to these areas where the fighting has been at its hardest, in Jonglei, in Upper Nile state its difficult to know what the exact circumstances are and its difficult for us to respond, she said. What began as a power struggle between rebel leader Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir has taken on overtones of an ethnic conflict. The Dinka, to which Mr Kiir belongs, are pitted against the Nuer, from which Mr Machar hails. What began as a power struggle has taken on overtones of an ethnic conflict? More than 120,000 people have been displaced in the crisis The government has offered a ceasefire, but the army says its forces are still battling rebels

Abdullah al-Shami and cameraman Mohammad Badr - arrested in July and August remain in detention, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The latest arrests come after deadly clashes between police and Muslim Brotherhood supporters across Egypt. On Friday, three people were killed - in Cairo, southern Minya province and the Nile Delta during the violence. Security forces detained some 265 Muslim Brotherhood supporters, officials said. The Brotherhood was formally designated a terrorist group after the 24 December suicide bombing of a police headquarters in Nile Delta. The government accused the movement of being behind the attack - a charge it strongly denied. US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier called his Egyptian counterpart to express concern about the recent waves of arrests and called for an inclusive political process.

(BBC) - The US aviation regulator has announced the six states that will host sites for testing commercial use of drones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) picked sites hosted by research universities and local governments. The sites are part of a programme to develop safety and operational rules for drones by the end of 2015. Hitherto mainly used by the military, the potential of drones is now being explored by everyone from real estate agents to farmers or delivery services. The head of the FAA, Michael Huerta, said safety would be the priority as it considers approval for unleashing the unmanned aircraft into US skies.

US

(BBC) - The International Olympic Committee president says he has confidence that Russian authorities will deliversafe and secure Games in Sochi. Thomas Bach wrote to President Vladimir Putin to express condolences for the two deadly attacks that struck Volgograd within 24 hours. Investigators say the attacks on a railway station and trolleybus, while killed at least 31 people, were linked. They struck just over a month before the Winter Olympics begin in Sochi.

Russia

While some children are in UN compounds, others are thought to be hiding in the bush
over oilfields in the north. No prisoner releases East African mediators have given both sides until Tuesday to agree an end to hostilities. But as the deadline looms, positions seem to be hardening, the BBCs James Copnall reports from Juba. It had seemed as if the government was prepared to release several detained politicians - Mr Machars main condition for beginning talks, he says. However, senior government figures now say this will not happen, citing Mr Machars refusal to accept the cessation of hostilities. Cannot play media. You do not have the correct version of the flash player. Download the correct version The BBCs James Copnall says aid workers fear a humanitarian crisis Mr Machar says it is impossible to stop fighting before the talks, as verification mechanisms would need to be agreed on first. Meanwhile, there are conflicting reports about a march by youths loyal to Mr Machar on the strategic town of Bor. Claims that most of the fighters had gone home were later denied, and some of the youths are said to have clashed with government forces. Mr Machar was vice-president until Mr Kiir sacked him in July. Earlier this month fighting broke out between rival army factions after Mr Kiir accused Mr Machar of trying to unseat him in a coup.

(BBC) - A top Chinese political adviser, who was once an aide to ex-security chief Zhou Yongkang, is being investigated for corruption, the government says. Sichuan official Li Chongxi is suspected of serious discipline and legal violations. President Xi Jinping has said that battling corruption in the Communist Party is a top priority. On Saturday, state media said more than 500 officials in Hunan resigned following an election bribery scandal.

China

Tanzania Sees Sharp Rise in Killing of Elephants

was in force in October. The government suspended it after an inquiry reported human rights abuses. Huge demand The anti-poaching operation had good intentions, but the reported murders, rapes and brutality are totally unacceptable, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying earlier this month. Asian countries are reportedly the main consumers of elephant tusks and by-products, Lazaro Nyalandu Deputy minister The inquiry, carried out by MPs, found that 13 civilians were killed and more than 1,000 people arrested during the month-long crackdown,

Elephants are under threat across Africa, campaigners say

(BBC) - The killing of elephants has increased sharply in Tanzania since the government suspended its anti-poaching operation after a month, Deputy Tourism Minister Lazaro Nyalandu has said. Sixty elephants were butchered in November and December, compared with only two in October, Mr Nyalandu added. The security forces adopted a shoot-to-kill policy against poachers when the operation

codenamed Operation Terminate. The findings led to President Jakaya Kikwete sacking Defence Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, Home Affairs Minister Emmanuel Nchimbi, Tourism and Natural Resources Minister Khamis Kagasheki and Livestock Development Minister David Mathayo. Mr Nyalandu said that, with the operation suspended, the government would appeal to foreign donors to help strengthen Tanzanias wildlife department and ranger service. Those to be approached include the European Union and Asian countries. Asian countries are reportedly the main consumers of elephant tusks and by-products, he said.

(BBC) - Lebanese troops have fired at Syrian warplanes violating its airspace, for what is thought to be the first time since the conflict in Syria began. Lebanons National News Agency said the army had responded to a raid on Khirbet Daoud, near Arsal in the Bekaa Valley. Syrian government forces have fired into Lebanon in the past, targeting rebels sheltering over the border. The Lebanese authorities had until now not responded militarily, hoping they would not be dragged into the war.

Lebanon

(BBC) - The Israeli authorities are preparing to free a further 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of a US-brokered agreement to resume direct peace talks. The government approved the releases on Saturday, but they were delayed by at least 48 hours to allow victims families to launch legal appeals. The prisoners were convicted of murder or attempted murder prior to the Oslo accords and have served 19 to 28 years.

Israel

-Says Madam Pearson

NOCALs Scholarships Target Fire Renders 44 Homeless High School Students

scheme will continue to target deserving students, those who are in need as well as students with the GPA of three points (3.0) and above, Madam Pearson said. She added: Handling this program at NOCAL is not an easy thing, but thank God that I am trying my best and will not be partial in the process; even though the United Methodist University is where I graduated from. The President and Vice President of COSTUMO, J. Lawrence Soah, Jr., and Emmanuel J. Morris in separate remarks, said Pearsons contributions to the education sector would go a long way in helping more Liberians by giving them the opportunity to pursue their respective studies. They lauded Madam Pearson for the dramatic increment in the scholarship listing, stating her innovation and sincerity has compelled the Board of Directors to approve the budget to increase the numbers of students, which is worth commendation. The Concerned Students Movement (COSTUMO) at the United Methodist University--- established May2013--- is currently providing financial aid to 25 students at the total of about L$40,000, with 15 students benefiting from its scholarship program at the UMU. Mr. Soah said modalities are being worked out to have other students at various colleges and universities included on its scholarship initiative, including the University of Liberia and AMEU. Besides, Madam Pearson, several education personalities including stakeholders and businesspersons were also certificated and honored by COSTUMO for their numerous contributions in helping to transform Liberias education section. They were Dr. Ezzat N. Eid, President of the World Lebanese Culture Union of Liberia; Mr. Johnson N. Gwaikolo, Vice President, Business and Finance UMU; Mr. Dennis Smith, Comptroller UMU; Mr. Theophilus A. Snotor, Scholarship Director, Education Ministry; Ms. Pnehwon C. Harris, Student Recorder Manager, UMU and Ms. Olivia Tah Johnson, Scholarship Coordinator, LISCR. Others were Mrs. Linda W. Tewuleh, Administrative Assistance, Division of Scholarship, Education Ministry; Mr. Robert Jay, Scholarship Coordinator, JJ Roberts Education Foundation; Mr. Joseph Ofosu, IT Director, UMU and Mrs. K.S. Reeves, Lecturer, UMU.

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Page 3

Madam Nyemadi Pearson is gowned and certificated for her immense contributions in the education sector

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

he scholarship manager at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), Madam Nyemadi Pearson, has revealed that plans are underway for the entity to extend its scholarship scheme to other institutions of learning across the country, especially high schools. Since 2011, over 1,000 college and university students have benefitted from the full scholarship Scheme of the NOCAL Scholarship Program. Students attending Bong, Bassa and Nimba Community Colleges are presently being sponsored. In Monrovia, NOCALs scholarship students are attending the University of Liberia, Cuttington University, AMEU, UMU, AMEZU,

and Stella Maris Polytechnic amongst others. Madam Pearson said that the inclusion of secondary students (high school students) in its Scholarship Program focuses on the fact that there are some students desperate to learn in need of complete support. The NOCALs Scholarship Manager made the disclosure recently, when she was certificated and gowned by the Concerned Students Movement at the United Methodist University (COSTUMO), for her contributions in reforming Liberias damaged education sector. NOCAL endeavors are for every Liberian; we want them to benefit from its scholarship initiative, which will be done in line with merit, not who you know. The entitys scholarship

fire in the Clay Street Community on Christmas Day rendered 44 homeless as three houses burned to ashes. According to information gathered by the Daily Observer, the fire got started after a candle was left unattended to in a room of one of houses. Eye-witnesses informed the Observer that one of the rooms gutted by fire had nine person, including six children and three adults in it. One of the victims said a seven-year-old girl in that same room, had taken into the room the candle, which caused the disaster. The situations of the fire outbreak is said to be a serious one in the country, which have For this country to prosper, we need educated and patriotic people who will not compromise integrity. As you step out to provide services to your country, let discipline, honesty and compassion remain your guide, she told the graduates. The UL Dean concluded by calling on the government, through the Ministry of Health, to provide better incentives for health-workers in the country. The Dux of the Institution, Richard Belleh, said that for Liberia to have vital health care, delivery health-workers must be given good salaries and better living conditions. As the intent of this program is to produced qualified health workers who will make sacrifices in the rural areas to enhance health services, it

By Alvin Worzi

left many persons homeless, especially the issue of candle been used in many homes as light, a bystander stated in passing. Victims have called on the government and others to come to their rescue. Another said the situation has created a total setback for all of them. All our small businesses we were making have all burned down to ashes, she stated. Community dwellers intoned that concern institutions including the Liberia National Red Cross, have visited the community since the incident on Wednesday night. The Daily Observer was also told that a team from the Ministry of Internal Affairs was investigating the cost of the damages and the value of the three houses destroyed by the fire. is important that government does all it can so that health practitioners will not be discouraged, undermining health care delivery, he explained. He said they were willing to serve in whatever area of the country. Mr. Belleh then called on the government to see reason to bring them into the Civil Service as soon as possible. TNIMA was established in 1945 through a collaborative effort between the Liberia National Public Health Services--- now the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare--and the United States Public Health Mission. It was envisioned as an institute to train Liberians in medicines for effective health delivery services in the country.

TNIMA Graduates 112 Students

As UL Professor Challenges Graduates to Practice Career with Love

(Left) TNIMA Graduates at 59th Graduation Ceremonies, (right) UL Professor, Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks, Serving as Guest Speaker

By Judoemue M. Kollie

he Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) in Monrovia, on Saturday, December 28, graduated 112 students after completing 3 years of studies in basic medicines. The students undertook disciplines in nursing, midwifery, environmental health, physician assistant and laboratory technology. Speaking earlier at the ceremony, the Administrator of TNIMA, Mrs. Sarah G.B. Kollie explained that the institution has been in the business of training Liberian students to help improve human resource capacity in

the health sector since its establishment. Today we have come to show the commitments of the Liberian government and the international community by the graduation of these students who are to be deployed about the country in a number of the counties. She mentioned the graduates readiness to work with the Health Ministry in the various counties, addressing primary health care delivery. They (graduates) will identify and diagnose health problems and design strategies for their solution in collaboration with community members among other things, she said. Mrs. Kollie used the occasion

to thank the government and its partners for the support received. For her part, the acting administrator of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center, Munah Tepeh said that administration at J. F. K was pleased with the students training, adding that it was indeed in the right direction considering the challenges in the health delivery care of the country the students training regimen (course) was appropriate (fitting, correct). Meanwhile, in her keynote address, the Dean of the T. J. Faulkner College of Science & Technology of the University of Liberia, Professor Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks, challenged the graduates to

practice their career with love. Now that you have completed your studies, go into the communities and practice it with a complete devotion to Liberia. When you love Liberia you will show it in what you have learned, she said. She further called on them to be uncompromising and relentless in their duties, wherever assigned. The education that you have received is not intended for today but tomorrow; so do your best to ensure that you love those you serve, she added. According to Dr. Weeks, for Liberia to develop, it will require the patriotism of every citizen.

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Tuesday, 5,31, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday,November December 2013

Page 4

CBL Governor. Nurturing Liberias economy.

Liberias First Independent Daily 0886812888, 0886472772 www.liberianobserver.com

Published by Liberian Observer Corporation P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

Why We Chose Mills Jones

Simply put, it is because he has been milling around the country doing what no one in Liberias history has ever done: empowering ordinary Liberians everywhere to assert their economic independence by opening and operating their own businesses. In short, it was Central Bank of Liberia Executive Governor J. Mills Jones who initiated the US$5 million soft loan for Liberian-owned businesses, administered by the Liberia Business Association (LIBA). Secondly, he initiated the US$7.5 million Agriculture Sector Support loan for smallholder Liberian farmers, being implemented by Afriland Bank. Third, the CBL provided the ongoing LD400 million soft loan for village savings and loan associations, of which LD364 million has already been disbursed, mostly to women across Liberias 15 counties. Fourth, the CBL has awarded to the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) US$5 million for Liberias first mortgage banking initiative to empower Liberians to build and own modern homes. Liberians have been in serious business as far back as the mid-1800s. The first ships to fly the Liberian flag in the English Port of Liverpool were those of businessman Edward J. Roye. A University of Ohio graduate, he came to Liberia in 1844 as a businessman. Many of our serious business people were farmers from up the St. Paul River in Montserrado County. It was Clay Ashland farmers who in 1869 founded the True Whig Party (TWP), which wrested power from J.J. Roberts Republican Party that had ruled Liberia since independence. One of the great 1900s Clay Ashland merchants was John (Johnny) G.A. Richards. Mr. Richards, whose last surviving son is former Lands, Mines and Energy Minister Joe Richards, owned ships. They crossed the Atlantic transporting Liberian coffee and other goods to Europe and the Americas. John Richards also operated stores in White Plains, then a very busy river port, and in Monrovia, selling textiles, dry goods and produce he grew on his farms in Clay Ashland. The wealthy Mr. Richards reportedly lent the government money during hard times. Other successful past Liberian businessmen include John Howard, J.L. York, Varmunyah Conneh, Solo Baby (Brownell), Mr. Richards of Sambo on Benson Street, Kakatas Samuel Smith and T.J.O. Gooding. Another was Sophie Dunbar, an ice cream entrepreneur who built modern houses in Monrovia. Probably the most successful Liberian businessman was Steve Tolbert, C.E.O. of the Mesurado Group of Companies, who in the 1950s through the 70s made millions selling fish, lobster, building materials, automobiles, etc. Another prominent businessman during that era was Jones Wareibi, importer of new Nissan automobiles. But today, leading Liberian businesspeople are missing in action. There are a few in the petroleum business, including the Aminata Brothers, Sherif Abdallah, Musa Bility, Abraham Kaydea and George B. Kailondo, who is also in the hotel business. Other Liberian hoteliers are Sam Gibson, Sam Mitchell and Ben Garnett. But the construction, hotel, road building, and most other industries as well as grocery, mercantile businesses and supermarkets, are dominated by Lebanese and Indians. Fula businessmen from Guinea are also making serious inroads in business. There are also a few Liberians in the road construction business. They include Solid Rock Construction (William Seton), Westwood, (S.B. Cooper) and MDMC Construction (John Youboty). But none matches the Lebanese-owned construction company, SSF, or the Chinese-owned Chico, who have received the lions share of road construction projects. Another serious Liberian businessman is emerging. Fomba Trawally has recently opened a multimillion dollar toiletries factory in Paynesville. In the general business field, however, Liberians are largely on the periphery (sidelines). Yet there are reports of a few Liberians who have over the past few years, because of political connections, become very wealthy. But their businesses, if any, are invisible. It is, therefore, heartwarming and highly encouraging, that every time he opens his mouth, the CBL Executive Governor stresses the need to develop a Liberian Middle Class. He says he strongly believes that Liberians must one day become the leading players in their economy. The Governor says he believes, as do a few other patriotic, forwardlooking and assertive Liberians, that this is the surest security this country can ever have. The real fear is that if Liberians continue to remain impoverished, sidelined and at the bottom of the ladder in their own country, while only a few Liberians and most foreigners become filthy rich, it spells danger and trouble. One day the people will rise up again in anger and lead us back to war. Who can afford that? Nobody. It is for this reason that we believe that Governor Jones is on the right tract, sowing seeds now to empower all Liberians to become, one day soon, RELEVANT IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY, by taking control of their economy. Nothing is more important today than that.

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

Keynote Address by J. Mills Jones (Executive Governor, Central Bank of Liberia) at the Induction of PULs Newly Elected Officers, Executive Pavilion , Monrovia, December 27, 2013
I am pleased to be here tonight at the invitation of the Organizing Committee of this event, ushering in the new leadership of the Press Union of Liberia. It is both an honor and a humbling experience to be recognized by members of the press, who many regards as the conscience of the society and by extension of the nation, especially at this unique period in our history -- a period of building a new Liberian nation and a new Liberian economy. Let me congratulate you, Mr. Kamara, Presidentelect and the other newly elected leadership for your preferment. I also want to congratulate the outgoing leadership and the entire membership of the Press Union of Liberia for their invaluable contribution to the Liberian Society. We celebrate tonight a Union strongthe PUL! And we can do that because we are a nation strong. And we are a nation strong because, among other things, we ascribe to the principle of freedom of thought, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. So, the fact that we can come together in this fashion is a testament to the growing strength of our democracy, wherein a free press is vital to maintaining accountability on the part of those who govern, as well as vital building a national consensus on what we are as a people and why we exist as a nation. And so, in celebrating the Press we have something else to celebrate as a people: Liberia, our country. Yes, problems abound; but I say that solutions come out of positive thinking. Solutions are the offspring of hope. And we must have hope that Liberia is capable of producing better days for her sons and daughters-better days for all Liberians. As the Press, you have a responsibility to help Liberians appreciate Liberia more and nurture that spirit of hope and that spirit of belonging, without which our commitment to rapid economic and social transformation will remain a faade. The Press as an institution is critical to forging our national identity; the Press as an institution is critical to bringing sanity to our national dialogue, by keeping us focused on the things that matter and on the things that unite us, while exposing the emptiness of those who dwell on the things that divide us. and so at Gettysburg he laid out the great task remaining before his country: that his nation could have a new birth of freedom and that the government of the United States, established of, for and by the people, shall not perish from the earth. This was conviction and character that came across in trying times. Why celebrate the 50th anniversary of Civil Rights March on Washington with the airwaves being filled with Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech? Was it because king put up his finger in the wind to see which way it was blowing when it came to the issue of civil rights? I would like to think that it was because he believed that breaking down the barriers of discrimination was the right thing to do. I say getting Liberians out of abject poverty is the right thing to do. I have said and will continue to say, poverty is not our destiny. Some said king was arrogant; but standing firm in defense of justice and fair play is not arrogance, neither is standing firm in defence of Liberian entrepreneurship. It s being principled-minded. And there are many other examples of great leadership, including the leadership of our own President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who continue to stir our passion toward greater patriotism and towards the goal of economic transformation. She has been the embodiment of tolerance being mindful that this is essential to our democracy. One common thread about leadership that makes a difference seems to be having the courage of ones conviction; being able to see the conditions of the people with an uncommon eye; being able to feel the pulse of the nation with an uncommon touch. The Press can help us to understand more cogently that inspirational leadership can make the difference as we work to build a new Liberia, and also help to create the atmosphere that would encourage such leadership to thrive. Ladies and Gentlemen: The history of the Press in Liberia is a history of fortitude and pride. The press has worked long and hard in our country not for fame or fortune. You have preserved because of pride in your work. What else would have kept you going, if not a sense of value. We salute you!

Celebrating a Union Strong -- The Press Union of Liberia

Governor J. Mills Jones

Accordingly, the challenge we offer to you, members of the press, is that inasmuch as you are obligated to expose the wrongs of society -- and you must not waiver from that -- you also have a responsibility to be messengers of positive expectations. History shows that many countries have had their difficult periods, and have been able to overcome their problems. And they did it because their citizens were able to find within themselves the will to commit to a cause larger than their individual selves, their country. The Press can help us find such a national will. I say to you Liberia, too, can overcome its problems. Countries that have been overcome seemingly insurmountable odds have also been helped by inspirational leadership. Why did the world recently go to South Africa? Was it because this was the first funeral of a former president that the world had ever seen? I believe they went because Mandela was an individual who believed in his country, that it could be a better place, and he stood his ground at his personal expense when many others thought that he was standing on sinking sand. He chose forgiveness to save his country, when he could have pursued vengeance to suit himself. Why do we talk of Lincoln standing at the gates of history at the time of the civil war in the United States? Was it because he knew how to settle scores? I would like to think that Lincoln was a visionary who saw the United States as a Union that would stand the test of time as a democracy,

Tuesday, 5,31, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday,November December 2013

Difficult Transport: Challenges in 2013 Demand Robust Approach in 2014

By Gloria T. Tamba

Page54 Page

here is no argument that the transport sector, particularly in Monrovia brought out the weaknesses of the Ministry of Transport and, by implication, the Government of Liberia in 2013. The average commuter was faced with the difficulty of finding headache-free transportation, to and from work each work-day. The problem got worse when the Ministry of Transport, along with the Liberia National Police announced restrictions on commercial motorcycles plying the main streets of Monrovia. The restrictions forced motorcyclists to remain in their various communities---the beginning of a number of problems for commuters; the new rules affected almost everyone---especially those who reside on Somalia drive, in Duala, and the Paynesville communities. The freedom---to go wherever they wanted and whenever they chose---seemed to have been taken by some of the cyclists as license to run amok in and around the city. That led to an increase in the number of accidents indexed (catalogued, put on record) by the police and

other stakeholders studying the increase and its effects on urban life and property. The GOL, through the Transport Ministry, raised an alarm over the resulting, high incidence (frequency, rate) of vehicular accidents and deaths: two of the more important reasons for the decision to limit the time and space allowed the motorcycles. After the new regulations were announced, the president of the Liberia Motor-

cycle Transport Union, Mr. Lansana Kutubu Young Sheriff, called on his unions members to remain calm. It was later that he took the government to task for acting contrary to its commitment to creating jobs for Liberias many jobless. Mr. Sheriff said that the Liberia National Police had not consulted the Union before making its decision. Many Monrovia residents were also caught unawares surprised by the decision to

restrict the motorcycle as no serious alternative means of transportation was made available to take the place of the bikes that up until then, had been ubiquitous (ever present, seen everywhere). Even President Sheriff, along with other Liberians, were reported surprised that the appropriate Ministry had

not provided an alternative means of transport; anything would have helped ease the already difficult situation, especially with holiday shoppers wending their way to Monrovia to do their holiday shopping. Motor cycle transportation has been in existence since 2007, and as far we are concerned, there has been no attempt by the government to control the system. There have been appeals from the general public to the government to come to their rescue but at the time of this review nothing tangible had come of the plea. To date, transportation remains one of the major challenges heading into 2014. Not too very long before the motorcycle debacle (fiasco, mess) Transport Minister S. Tornorlah Varpilah had stressed the need for an efficient service and delivery to ensure a vibrant Ministry of Transport. He had spoken at a one day confab at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The meeting hoped to move the Ministry of Transport forward for efficient service and delivery. At the confab, Minister Varpilah spoke about the importance of reviewing the Ministry of Transports past and present circumstances, set agenda for change, to build together and to dis-

cuss a new course for where the Ministry wants to be in 2014. The end of the confab provided the ministry a chance to see what its priorities should be, and hopefully ensure that tangible decisions are introduced to ease the harsh transportation challenges that 2013 posed. Needless to say, arbitrary fare-increases also ensued from restricting the motorcycles that neither the Ministry of Transport nor the Traffic Division at the Liberia National Police anticipated. The Ministry of Transport broke grounds for the longawaited weigh bridge on BIA Buchanan Highway. The weigh bridge is intended to maintain the roads and to determine the total weight in pounds that trucks carry. According to the Transport Minister S.Tornorlah Varpilah, the installment of the weigh bridge was to save citizens from accidents and to help protect the roads from being damaged by heavy trucks. He said that weigh bridges in the country show that the economic sector of Liberia is going to grow. Africa has improved on its road network and the international community is helping greatly when it comes to improving Liberias road, Minister Varpilah said.

he Minister of Transport, Mr. S.Tornorlah Varpilah, stressed the importance of improving the aviation sector to protect the air-space and lives of people living in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. He said that improving the aviation sectors within the three countries will provide an opportunity for planes to fly safely. Lets work together to navigate aviation in order to make the air-space attractive and good for our people, he said. The Transport Boss made the call on Thursday, October 24, following the Roberts Flight Information Region (RFIR) ministerial council meeting held in Harbel, Lower Margibi County. Minister Varpilah urged representatives of the three countries to continue to guide the deliberations in the spirit of cooperation. He said the AFIR organization has over the past two years, experienced tremendous air bond and have formed air packages for smooth operations by the

MOT Boss Calls for Improvement in Aviation Sector

three ministers and three presidents of the three countries. Min. Varpilah disclosed that the three presidents are very committed to the organization and hope to see it become effective and prosper. He called on member states and partners to work tirelessly to improve the aviation sector to ease the airline extension to La Cte dIvoire. He promised to make sure that the aviation sector in Liberia improves. The organization continues to guide the deliberations and the spirit of cooperation used to move flights forward, he added. We need to ensure that the debt owed by the organization is paid and the aviation sector well-developed. The Guinea Transport Minister, Mr. Elhaji Tidiane Traor, stressed the need to raise funds for purchasing modern equipment to help the organization operate smoothly. He said the equipment used by the organization have been in existence for the past 16 years, rendering most of them obsolete.

It is very risky to use instruments that are out -dated, he said. The Guinean Transport Minister AFIR thanked Min. Varpilah for his nations (Liberias) great support and promised to work with the Liberian government to improve the Transport sector. For his part, Sierra Leones Transport Minister Balogun Koroma said the RFIR is an old organization with new dreams to compete with other organizations. The organization dealing with aviation must align itself with new approaches towards goals, through the acquisition of new equipment to stay abreast with new technology, he added. He challenged RFIR to work tirelessly, pushing Africa to the fore-front rather than keeping it in the background. General Secretary of RFIR Mamady Kaba thanked the three countries for what he termed peace-building through air-space. He called on workers to cooperate with the organization in order to save lives by monitoring flights.

Irish Aid seeks committed and dynamic Programme Advisor (Public Health & WASH)
Irish Aid is the official development cooperation programme of the Government of Ireland. The Irish Aid programme in Liberia is administered through the Embassy of Ireland in Freetown. Irish Aids strategy in Liberia focuses on: Health, WASH, Security Sector Reform, and the Prevention of Gender Based Violence. We are currently seeking to expand our team in Liberia and we are inviting applications for Programme Advisor (Health & WASH) to assist in the implementation of our strategy.

PROGRAMME ADVISOR (Public Health & WASH)

Essential criteria: Significant work experience (5 years +) and familiarity with development practice in Public Health and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Masters degree in relevant discipline Strong oral and written English skills and ability to produce well-written documents within tight deadlines Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders, teamwork and organizational skills Ability to work independently and take initiative Ability to show discretion and sound judgment including with Government, UN and NGOs. Desirable criteria: Experience working for an international or inter-governmental organisation Experience in appraisal, and monitoring and evaluation of development programmes Experience in Health System strengthening and/or Health Financing Please submit your application outlining how you meet the above criteria. Your application will contain a cover letter, and curriculum vitae (CV), detailing your education and work experience to: irishaid.liberia@gmail.com OR Carine Gachen Irish Aid c/o UNICEF Compound, Mamba Point MONROVIA Irish Aid is an equal opportunities employer and highly encourages qualified women to apply. Closing date for receipt of applications: Thursday 9th January noon. Interview will be held during the week of 13th January, 2014 ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED. Thank you for your understanding.

DAILY OBSERVER

Embark on a New Journey of Chinas Diplomacy

Address by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Symposium New Starting Point, New Thinking and New Practice 2013: China and the World 16 December 2013
the strategic and special nature of the China-Russia relations. Since last March, the two presidents of China and Russia have had five meetings, cooperation in economy, energy, culture, military and other areas as well as peopleto-people and sub-national exchanges have been raised to a higher level, and international strategic coordination and cooperation between the two countries have scaled new heights. The China-Russia ties are a strategic relationship of the highest level and with the most substantive contents in Chinas foreign relations. Secondly, China and the US have entered a new era of jointly building a new model of major-country relations. Historically, it seemed unavoidable for major countries, especially emerging powers and established powers, to engage in competition and eventually slip into confrontation or even conflicts. But in a rapidly globalizing world of the 21st century, China does not believe in or subscribe to such fatalism. We are fully confident in breaking this socalled pattern by working together with the US. In June this year, President Xi Jinping, upon invitation, had a meeting with President Obama at Annenberg Estate, California. They reached important agreement on building a new model of major-country relations. President Xi characterized this new model of major-country relationship with three defining features: no conflict or confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. No conflict or confrontation is the necessary prerequisite. It would enable both sides to abandon bearish expectations on their relations and foster confidence in their prospects. Mutual respect is the basic principle. If this principle is not followed, the two countries will not be able to seek common ground while shelving differences, accumulate consensus while addressing differences, and live with each other in harmony. Win-win cooperation is the only way forward. If China and the US fail to continue and enhance their cooperation, they wont achieve win-win results, which will not only benefit the two countries, but also the world at large. In 2013, President Xi and President Obama met twice. This year also saw Vice President Bidens visit to China, the successful conclusion of the fifth round of Strategic and Economic Dialogues and the fourth round of High-level Consultation on People-to-people Exchange, and the start of substantive negotiations between China and the US on a bilateral investment treaty. All these have substantiated the new model of major-country relations between China and the US. Thirdly, China has broken new ground in its neighborhood diplomacy. Chinas neighborhood is crucial to its security, development and prosperity. The new government of China has given greater importance to neighborhood diplomacy in its overall diplomatic agenda. Both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang made neighboring countries the first leg of their first overseas visits after taking office. They exchanged visits with the heads of state and government of 21 neighboring countries and there have been extensive high-level contacts between China and its neighbors. Over the past year, China has put in practice its cooperation concept of benefitting neighbors for win-win results, proposed a number of major cooperation initiatives, and has seen its practical cooperation with its neighbors enhanced. We have deepened political mutual trust with them in a spirit of treating others with every sincerity. We have vigorously advocated the regional spirit of openness, inclusiveness and agreeing to disagree, encouraged various regional cooperation mechanisms such as 10+1, 10+3, the East Asia Summit and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to complement and reinforce each other, and make significant contribution to regional peace and development. In October this year, we held the first conference on neighborhood diplomacy since the founding of the PRC, which set out the strategic objectives, basic principles and overall plan for our neighborhood diplomacy in the next five to ten years, thus opening up even greater prospects for neighborhood diplomacy. Fourthly, the unity and cooperation between China and other developing countries have come to a new phase. Developing countries are the foundation for Chinas diplomacy. In 2013, President Xi Jinping visited Tanzania and two other African countries, met with over 10 African leaders, announced a host of new measures supporting Africa, and signed over 40 cooperation agreements with them, including major projects that bear on their national development and peoples wellbeing. Meanwhile, African leaders have forcefully refuted the so-called neo-colonialism by China in Africa, and have highly appreciated Chinas policy towards Africa. In addition, President Chairman Li Zhaoxing, Diplomatic Envoys, Dear Friends, Good morning! he theme of todays symposium is new starting point, new thinking and new practice. These phrases have accurately and vividly captured the main features of Chinas diplomacy this year. I will be happy to review with you Chinas diplomacy in the past year. We can exchange ideas, sum up experience and build more consensus, so as to make Chinas diplomacy more successful. The year 2013 has been an extraordinary year in the international situation. The Syrian issue, which has caught much attention, was pulled back from the brink of war to the track of political settlement. The two processes of destruction of chemical weapons and negotiations on a political transition plan are mutually reinforcing. The Iranian nuclear issue, after 10 years of hard negotiations, finally saw its first agreement reached, which was the first step toward a peaceful solution. The situation on the Korean Peninsula turned from touch-and-go tension to a state of relative relaxation and all parties are busy exploring ways to restart the Six-Party Talks. Not long ago, the WTO clinched its first trade agreement in its 18-year history, injecting new vitality to the global trading regime. A new wave of scientific and technological, industrial and energy revolutions is getting ready amid intensive global economic adjustment. The year 2013 has also been an extraordinary year in Chinas development. Under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary, the 1.3 billion Chinese people have, with solidarity and great enthusiasm, started a historic journey towards meeting the two centenary goals, i.e., to finish building a society of initial prosperity in all respects by 2021 when the Communist Party of China celebrates its centenary and to turn China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious by 2049 when the Peoples Republic of China marks its centenary. The Third Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee sounded the clarion call for comprehensive deepening of reform in China. The Chinese economy, having withstood severe challenges, Xi Jinping visited Mexico and two other Latin American countries this year. During the trip, he signed 24 cooperation documents, had bilateral talks with leaders from eight Caribbean countries, and announced a set of new measures supporting the economic and social development of Caribbean countries. All this has been very well received. Not withstanding a substantial increase in its aggregate national strength, China has remained a developing country. This is an objective fact that we should recognize, and it will remind us that no matter how far we go in the course of development, we should always speak for developing countries, act in their interests, and firmly uphold their legitimate rights and shared interests. Fifthly, China has given full play to the role of a responsible major country and made new contribution in the world. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has never forgotten its international responsibilities and obligations, and has taken an active part in addressing major regional and international issues. China is a defender of world peace. At the make-orbreak moments in both Syria and the Iranian nuclear talks, China has resolutely safeguarded the basic norms governing international relations, upheld equity and justice, and opposed war and power politics. It has thus played a positive role in bringing the Syrian issue back to the track of a political settlement and concluding an agreement between the P5+1 and Iran. China is a builder of Asian security and stability. We have worked together with other parties to ease tension on the Korean Peninsula, actively pushed for a resumption of the Six-Party Talks, and supported peace and the reconstruction process in Afghanistan. We have thus played a vital part in maintaining regional peace and stability. China is a contributor to the cause of international development. We have actively participated in the making of the post-2015 development agenda, and offered our proposals for and contributed our share to possible solutions to climate change and other global issues. Sixthly, China has achieved new progress in upholding its national interests. President Xi Jinping underscored that China will be firmly committed to the path of peaceful development, but not at the expense of its national interests. Over the past year, we have un-

CHINA & AFRICA

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Page 6

has made sound and steady progress. With its healthy development and bright prospects, the Chinese economy has increasingly become an important engine for world economic recovery. Above all, the year 2013 has certainly been an extraordinary year for Chinas diplomacy. Carrying forward New Chinas diplomatic traditions and principles, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary has planned ahead and blazed new trails. It has courageously fulfilled its responsibilities and acted with innovation. As a result, Chinas diplomacy has had a good start. Chinas international standing has been further enhanced and its strategic influence strengthened. Under the new conditions, China is conducting its diplomacy across the world with a broader vision and more enterprising spirit. In the past year, many new concepts have been introduced in Chinas diplomacy. Commitment to the Chinese dream of national renewal has clearly defined the fundamental pursuit of Chinas diplomacy in the new situation. A more substantive presentation of the theory of peaceful development has elaborated on Chinas determination, path and principles of peaceful development. The building of a new model of major-country relations has sent a positive signal of win-win cooperation between China and the United States. The concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness has fleshed out the basic principles of our neighborhood diplomacy. The right approach to upholding principles and pursuing interests has increased the moral appeal of Chinas diplomacy. In the past year, many new initiatives have been put forward in Chinas diplomacy. A series of major cooperation initiatives include the economic belt along the Silk Road, the maritime Silk Road for the 21st century, an upgraded China-ASEAN FTA, an Asian infrastructure investment bank, the BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar) Eco-

nomic Corridor and the ChinaPakistan economic corridor. These initiatives are in line with the trend of the times and serve the common interests of countries concerned. As such, they represent the direction of regional cooperation and are well received in the region and beyond. In the past year, new horizons have been opened up in Chinas diplomacy. In a short span of eight months since the annual sessions of the National Peoples Congress and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have visited 22 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, hosted 64 foreign heads of state or government in China and met with more than 300 foreign dignitaries. China has reached nearly 800 cooperation agreements with other countries. All these have given a strong boost to Chinas relations with other countries in the world. In 2013, Chinas sincere efforts on the diplomatic front have been rewarded with friendship and achievements. Reviewing our work in the past year, I believe major achievements have been made in the following six areas. Firstly, the China-Russia Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership of Coordination has been elevated to a new stage. Russia was the first leg of General Secretary Xi Jinpings first overseas visit in March as Chinas President. The two presidents signed a joint statement that carried much weight. In the statement, the two countries explicitly committed to staunchly supporting each others development and revitalization, the right of independently choosing development path and social and political system and upholding such core interests as sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. It set up a fine example of mutual trust and cooperation between major countries. The two sides signed a large number of cooperation agreements which were known as agreements of the century, demonstrating

Contt on page 11

DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday December 31, 2013

Page 8 7

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT (FIU)

Beauty Building, Mechlin Street Monrovia, Liberia

JOB VACANCY

he Republic of Liberia is a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). Consistent with the requirements for membership, the Government of Liberia has established a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), pursuant to an Act of the Legislature, approved on April 30, 2013 to serve as the central, national agency of the Republic of Liberia for receiving, requesting, conducting preliminary investigation, analyzing and disseminating information concerning suspected proceeds of crime and terrorist property. The FIU is located in the City of Monrovia and functions under the guidance and direction of a Board of directors.

The Government of Liberia is inviting applications from qualified Liberians for the position of Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general supervision of the Board of Directors, the Director of the FIU shall: 1. Plan, organize, implement, manage, direct and supervise the appropriate organizational, institutional and operational framework of the FIU and formulate policies, rules and regulation to carry out the statutory functions of the FIU, which includes among others to Receive and analyze intelligence and other public and non-public information in order to disseminate useful information to law enforcement and other competent authorities involved in investigation, prosecution, detection and prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing; Trace and monitor property and assets suspected to be related to money laundering or its predicate offences of money laundering and terrorist financing; Build capacity of the FIU trough training on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing (AML/CFT) standards, inspection procedures, reporting, and other obligations Participate in AML/CFT inspection of supervisory authorities to monitor compliance with AML/CFT reporting and other obligation; 2. Coordinate closely with the Ministry of Justice and other domestic and foreign law enforcement authorities, including in particular the Office of the Solicitor General (SG), the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Bureau of Immigration (BIN), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), as well as with banks and other financial institutions in furtherance of the mandate, functions and activities of the FIU. 3. Initiate appropriate protocols with local, regional and international intelligence organizations with the aim of fighting activities of criminal organizations and money laundering in general. 4. Represent Liberia in international AML/CFT meetings, including GIABA; 5. Conduct annual AML/CFT monitoring and evaluation surveys to assess and improve effectiveness of the national AML/CFT system; and 6. Inform the Board of Directors regularly on developments within the FIU, its activities, and its cooperation with all key partners and stakeholders; including the submission of periodic reports as may be required by the Board. 7. Perform other tasks, as required by Statute and by the Board in furtherance of the mandate and activities of the FIU. CORE COMPETENCIES: The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in the following competences: Professionalism: The candidate must demonstrate a solid understanding of money laundering, proceeds of crime and terrorist financing; Knowledge of international AML/CFT standards and requirements; an in-depth knowledge and experience in information gathering, investigation, and reporting; experience in policy analysis and interactions with counterparts from other countries; experience in Information technology (IT) and in designing and delivering training and capacity building programs. Communication: The candidate must speak and write clearly and effectively; and demonstrate capacity to listen to others and responds appropriately. Teamwork: The candidate must demonstrate capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Judgment/ Decision Making: The candidate must have the capacity to make judgments and take tough decisions when necessary in complex situations. Vision: The candidate must be able to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction, and inspire others to pursue that same direction. QUALIFICATION: Education Advanced University degree (Masters degree or equivalent), in law, law enforcement, business administration, accounting /financial/business management or Social Sciences. A first level university degree with qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience At least 7 years of progressively responsible technical and managerial experience in public or private sector in law, law enforcement, criminal and or financial investigations, financial supervision/regulation and anti-corruption. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree. APPLICATIONS Interested applicants must submit their applications with supporting documents including copies of degrees to: The Chairman, Board of Directors of FIU, Central Bank of Liberia, Carey and Warrant Street, Monrovia, Liberia. DEADLINE The dead line for receipt of applications is January 21, 2014. No applications will be accepted after this date

DAILY OBSERVER

Observance of the AFLs Affiliation Day at Camp Todee and EBK Barracks
By C.Y. Kwanue, assisted by Deputy Defense Minister for Public Affairs, David K. Dahn

Tuesday December 31, 2013

Page 10 8

After the renovation at Camp Todee

also challenged to transform the moribund story of Camp Todee to one beaming with restorative hope for the overall benefit of the AFLA Force for Good. Todee has been a major economic center for the production of oil palm, rubber, and charcoal. The Todee belt has also been known for the promotion of education. The district hosts the famous Presbyterian Todee Mission School, Killingsworth Mission School, among others.

As a result of the intervention by the AFL Engineering Company, flows of traffic (vehicles, motorcycles) have impressively increased hirty-three miles north of Monrovia, in the forest belt of and the prior associated risks of vehicular movement have greatly the Todee District, the relics of the John Hilary Tubman reduced. Military Academy, simply refer to as the Tubman Military Academy (TMA) reminds visitors of the golden days of the Additionally, there is sharp increase in the exchange of goods and once flourished military academy. Camp Todee is interchangeably services within the Todee District, thereby, contributing to improving referred to as TMA because the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the prethe economic condition of the people of Todee. war Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) was also homed in Todee. The TMA is a branched off facility Northwest along the Monrovia-Kakata The Engineer Company of the new AFL has completed the highway. reconstruction and rehabilitation of the critical bridges on the main road leading to Todee District, Montserrado County. The mission of In hindsight, Camp Todee, like all other structures within the country, the engineer company is to provide counter mobility, survivability, was hard hit by the Liberian civil crisis. As a result, the prestigious perform general engineer task (Building construction) and fight as an military training academy was left bereft of its once admired glory. infantry unit when required. Since the onset of the civil crisis dating back to 1989 up to date, 2013, one of the challenges being tackled by the current defense authorityUpon the completion of renovation works on most of the war-ravished placing on the front burner the resuscitation of the ruined structures facilities, the MOD in collaboration of the AFL, invited C-I-C Ellen, at Camp Todee. who over the weekend dedicated the renovated facilities. The exercise coincided with this years AFL Affiliation Day that brought together Meanwhile, the resuscitation Todee Military Academy remains one the MOD staff, AFL personnel, and their families to affiliate (connect, of the priority rankings of the current administration at the Ministry link) with the President, who is also the C-I-C. of National Defense. In this regard, the MOD succeeded in acquiring governments financial support in the tone of $2.4million United States dollars for renovation works at Camp Todee. The initial One Million United States dollars ($1,000,000 USD) was secured. The renovation works kicked off with the clearing of the vegetation that secondarily forested the once glowing military facilities. Following the deforestation of the area, another foundational step in the reviving of Camp Todee was the renovation of all the critical bridges (seven in all). A segment of the Engineering Company of the AFL implemented this renovation initiative intensively.

Defense Minister Samukai (center), flanked by other officialas and COIC Abdurrahman (right)

Before the renovation of some of the facilities at Camp Todee

With the accelerated collaborations from all sectors of the Liberian Government, the defense authority now feels not only grateful, but

C-I-C Sirleaf marches with the soldiers and some of her officials including Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai, Jr.

Continued on pg 9

Tuesday,December November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday, 31, 2013

Page 4 Page 8a

Conscience N. Tequah 0886345843

consciencetequah@gmail.com

Women and Family

s we close the door on 2013, we must pause to reflect on stories that were discussed this past year on the Women and Family Page. Even

Year in Review
as the President of Liberia has made it her top priority to combat violence and abuse against women, men still find it difficult to accept that women remain important to every society. In our different topics, we looked at different activities of women around Liberia and how their actions benefit them. We also took our time to retrospect on how important women

ince the civil crisis in Liberia, teenage pregnancies and abortions have become one of Liberias greatest social ills over the years. Our column tackled the issue and

Teenage Pregnancy and Abortions

questioned why it is often seen as a social taboo to discuss. Young girls who get pregnant these days range from as young as 12 to 19 years of age, making them vulnerable to the possibility of death due to complications from birth and illegal abortions. Many times these pregnancies are at the hands of adults who know better, but just dont care. They use manipulation, lies, and often out and out rape to impregnate these girls.

empowerment can better the nation in all aspects. Readers, here is a look back at the topics covered in the Women and Family columns since I took over as columnist.

espite the challenges they face on a daily basis, women have continued to play a vital role in every sector of the country. Women have contributed in different

Market Women in the Spotlight

ways, at different times in relation to developmental issues in the country. The Liberian Daily Observers W&F desk visited the Rally-time Market and spoke to women about the market and how they survive on the income generated by their businesses. We gathered information on the challenges and rewards of being a woman in small business in Liberia. As a way of encouraging

Many of our daughters, sisters, wives and mothers carry the burden of early child birth or abortion alone. In 2013 we decided to help them ease that burden by lessening it through education.

any times when people hear or talk about child soldiers, they most times only consider male child soldiers, often neglecting the girl child soldiers, too, who also actively fought alongside the boy soldiers. Most people tend to forget that girls were also recruited against their will to be child soldiers, at the same time serving as sex-slaves for the commanders or bigger boys and men. Girls were the worst victims of the brutal civil conflict. Some still carry

Girl Child Soldiers

the scars of unwanted children because of rape by their commanders and their male counterparts. In 2013 we interviewed some of these women and got their side of the story. We found out the difficulties these young women face reintegrating into post-war society, and re-building their self esteem. After being bullied, abused, raped, and brainwashed into acts of horrible violence, they often feel like strangers in their own nation. We salute these young women and thank them for being brave and sharing their stories with us.

ccording to the UNAIDS, the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Liberia is 1.5 percent. This figure is based on the 2007 Liberia Demography and Health Survey (LDHS). This means at least 33,671 persons are living

Why 60% of People with HIV/ AIDS in Liberia are Women

with the HIV virus that leads to AIDS, and sixty percent of this number is female. The lack of education among women and the refusal among many men to use protection are two of the greatest contributing factors. These factors along with feminine biology put females at risk.

Liberian Market Women, the Liberian Observers Women & Family Page hopes to continue shining a light on these intrepid entrepreneurs and their contributions to the nation in the year ahead.

o m e n continue to be the b a c k bone of Liberian society. We are no longer hiding in plain sight taking secondary roles

Looking ahead
behind our men. We are equals embracing every role society has for us; from the traditional roles of wife and mother, to more modern roles like leadership. The Daily Observers Women and

The shape and constitution of the mucus membrane in a womans vagina, there is also a greater possibility of small cuts in the area coming into contact with sexual fluids. This causes inflammation (swelling), which makes being infiltrated by different types of bacteria easier. A side ef-

fect of this is a condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). This condition increases a womans likelihood of contracting the HIV virus. That is why condoms are an absolute must in the life of any woman who chooses to be sexually active in these modern times. The best bet for modern young women is not to give in to peer pressure and wait until you are armed with the facts and find a man you trust.

he Women of Liberia Peace N e t w o r k (WOLPNET) described the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia, as an unacceptable practice that should be abolished. These practices contravene international laws like the African Union (AU) Protocol and CEDAW, to which Liberia is a signatory, the organization said through a press release. While we bitterly frown on FGM, we also recognize some positive things that come out of the traditional school, such as training in house-

WOLPNET: FGM, Early Marriage Unacceptable

hold care, respect for elders, dancing, singing and other traditional morals, said WOLPNETs Acting Executive Director, Marian Gonyor. The release quoted her as saying, The key unacceptable issue is the unhealthy condition under which the girls and women stay in while admitted in the bush. The group said it had begun rolling out plans to partner with relevant civil society organizations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to develop an implementable plan-of-action tool to abolish FGM and early marriage.

Family desk hopes to continue sharing issues that empower women, and enlighten the general public. In 2014 we plan to tackle issues such as: Women and the economy, the modernization of

the African Woman, Sensitizing men to the perils of abuse, and the freeing power of education. We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2014.

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, December 31, 2013

There were a number of new registrations of microfinance institutions, bringing the total number of registered institutions by year-end, to eighteen. However, distribution of offices in the political subdivisions of the country is still a challenge as most of these institutions are quartered in Montserrado County. The Central Bank continued the active engagement of credit unions and village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) primarily because these are the two categories of institutions that serve the rural areas. The number of registered credit unions grew from 220 in 2012 to 350 by 2013 year-end, covering all fifteen counties. CBL had been in discussions with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Micro Lead Program for technical assistance to the credit union sector in Liberia. Those discussions materialized in the form of an approved, 5-year project which commenced in 2013 and is being implemented by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Under that project, four regional professional credit unions are being constructed in Bomi, Nimba, Grand Gedeh and Grand Bassa counties. On the VSLA front, CBL commenced the process of structuring a national apex for VSLAs in the country. Over 400 VSLAs have now been identified nationally and the Microfinance Unit of the CBL has completed the structures at the village, district, and county levels. Elections of officers have been held at all three levels and the first VSLA national convention will be held in March, 2014, at which time elections for a national leadership will be conducted.

Person of the Year

Page 8b 8
world, focusing specifically on large, small, and mediumsize businesses. The GTLC is an association of leading businesses comprising more than 7,500 members from 95 countries around the world, all working in their respective services sectors. On the home front, Dr. Jones received myriad honors for ushering in a new day for Liberian businessmen and women, and for creating the enabling environment for easy access to finance---no longer an issue.The acquisition of skills and knowledge through capacity-building are resulting milestones in the process of accelerating the growth and expansion of Liberian- owned businesses. On June 29, 2013 while serving as the Guest Speaker at the 52nd Commencement Convocation of Cuttington University, his alma mater, Dr. Jones was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D) HonorisCausa by the Board of Trustees and Faculty for his immense contributions to the growth and development of the Liberian economy. Thegesture was in recognition of a US$5 million loan that the CBL, under the governorship of Dr. Jones, made available through the banks for Liberian entrepreneurs, under the auspices of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA).The loan was intended to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and promote the manufacturing of local goods. The strategy intends to promote what is called economic inclusion by providing loans to rural market women and men through registered Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) and credit unions, amongst others. On September, 4, 2013, Dr. Jones was also honored by the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NALCCEL), stating: With no regard to politics, we want to use this occasion to recognize your efforts in making finance accessible to the Liberian people and identifying with all Liberians, irrespective of status. The chairman of the National Council of Chiefs & Elders of Liberia (NALCCEL), Chief Zanzan Kawwor, described the Executive Governor as a people-centered governor. At a program held at the Liberia Crusaders for Peace Women and Childrens Village in Fendall, Montserrado County, the council further described the CBLs loan schemes as people-driven initiatives. The wordings on the plaque presented Dr. Jones reads:we honour this CBL boss to encourage him to do more of what he has started. We have not enjoyed our own countrys money under any governor of the CBL besides you. You deserve this honour. In response, the CBL boss challenged his compatriots to attack the root causes of the nations problems and not their symptoms. Governor Jones explained that Liberia has the same land features as its neighbours; yet we go across the borders to buy peppers. Why should we not empower our people? In recognition of his invaluable contributions in the fight against poverty, Dr J. Mills Jones, in December, 2013, received 3 separate honours inNimbaCounty. The first award came from the Nimba Youth Network who said that he was truly working in the interest of Liberian businesses. The Certificate of honour read: In recognition of your unprecedented, invaluable, committed and dedicated services toward the empowerment of the Liberian people and the strengthening of the economy through the practical demonstration of your indigenous approach to building Liberias economy, we hereby award you this certificate of honour. Next came an award from the Transport Union, Nimba Charter, which revealed its extreme delight over the professional path the governor has chosen to trod. The Unions boss recounted the enormous and unprecedented financial support to the economy from the CBL. Finally, the Rural Women Association (who gowned the Executive Government) made their move. With ease of access to finance no longer an issue, they underscored the acquisition of skills and knowledge as a capacity-building block that made all the difference in the world. In another traditional ceremony, the Executive Governor was gowned in Nimba County by the elders and chiefs and named SayeTozaye. (In the Mano vernacular, (Saye means: first son and Tozaye means: stay here.) The sentiments conveyed appreciation and support for Dr. Jones leadership at the CBL and his vision of bringing Liberia to Liberians, through financial inclusion. In response, Dr. Jones expressed gratitude to the people of Nimba and underscored that the CBL through its Board of Governors were committed to working for the sustainable transformation of the Liberian economy. Dr. Jones received all these awards when he travelled to the county to dedicate a newly constructed, rural finance institution in Karnplay, a provincial city in the county. Among several student and youth groupings and associations that honored Dr. Jones during the year, the Coalition of Youth and Students of Liberia honored the Executive Governor, recognizing the progress the Bank, under Dr. Jones, continues to make despite several challenges. The group praised the Governors access to credit schemes, stressing the need for other national leaders and institutions to imitate the good examples of Dr. Jones in bringing to the war-torn country, sustainable and inclusive growth, and development.

tory environment and identify the challenges and constraints faced in Liberia. Arising out of that assessment was the decision to consider changes in the current regulations. A concept of those changes has been developed and has been submitted to the CBL Board of Governors.

Improving the Regulatory Environment Under a grant from the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, CBL undertook a project to update the Liberian National Strategy for Financial Inclusion which expired in 2013. The year-long project has engaged national stakeholders in focus group discussions in all of the counties. Under the project, CBL conducted for the first time in Liberia, a national baseline survey aimed at collecting financial inclusion data. Both demand and supplyside data were collected. Results from the survey will inform future national policy decisions regarding financial inclusion initiatives in Liberia. Significant strides continued to be made in exploring opportunities for expansion of mobile money in Liberia. During the year, CBL hosted a Landscape Assessment Mission which brought together the UN Capital Development Fund, USAID-GEMS, GSMA together with national stakeholders to assess the regula-

Creating opportunities for Access to Finance: During the course of the year, CBL continued to support initiatives intended to enhance job creation and improve general access to finance opportunities, particularly in rural Liberia. These initiatives are intended to enhance growth and economic development. The following economic intervention initiatives were continued: 1. The CBL small/medium enterprise (SME) Credit Stimulus Initiative continued providing loans to Liberianowned small businesses. By the end of the program in September, 2013, (September 2010-September, 2013) a total of 93 loans had been awarded in Margibi, Nimba and Montserrado counties, impacting industries including fisheries, petroleum, manufacturing, and agriculture, amongst others. Thirty-one of these loans were provided to womenowned businesses. 2. The Loan Extension and Availability Facility (LEAF) continued during the year. The program was designed as a collateral-free soft loan program to non-bank financial institutions: microfinance institutions, credit unions, and village savings and loan associations. The intent of the program was to provide an opportunity of access to finance to the microfinance sector to stimulate economic activities in rural Liberia. The program commenced in January, 2012 and to date a total of L$400,000,000 million Liberian dollars have been allotted the program. By year-end, 2013, a total of L$340,000,000 of that amount had been disbursed throughout the nations fifteen counties to: 10 Microfinance institutions, 118 credit unions, and 345 village savings and loan associations. Women represented over 80% of beneficiaries under the program. 3. The CBL Mortgage Stimulus Initiative provided for the first time in Liberia a facility allocated through a commercial bank for Liberians to get loans for homeownership. A total of 69 loans, totaling over US$2.6 million have been disbursed under the program. 4. The CBL Agricultural Stimulus Initiative recognized that agriculture is the main driver of economic activities in rural Liberia. The US$7.5 million stimulus has a focus on the rehabilitation of preexisting farms with preference for investments requiring minimal gestation periods. The facility provides structured loans with consideration for the gestation period and is

intended to impact rural Liberia. Over US$4.6 million and over L$65 million have been approved and disbursed within sectors such as rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm, amongst others. A total of 12 counties have benefitted under this program. 5. The CBL Credit Stimulus Initiative for Members of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA) is the second infusion of funds that provides access to finance for Liberian-owned businesses and is being implemented in conjunction with three commercial banks. A total of 38 loans have been approved under the program for over US$1.2 million and 32% of those loans have gone to women-owned businesses. A total of 6 counties have now benefitted under this program. CBL Launches the Rural Community Finance Institution Project: In 2013, the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Liberia approved the implementation plan for the establishment of Rural Community Finance Institutions in all of the political subdivisions of Liberia. The establishment of these Rural Community Finance Institutions is consistent with the Governments focus on creating an inclusive financial environment through the delivery of financial services to the people of Liberia, based on the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, adopted in 2009. Services to be provided by these Rural Community Institutions will include: savings mobilization checking accounts loans direct deposits money transfer services, including those of moneygram and western union The mobilization of savings in the rural communities will also spur local investment and increase economic activity. Overtime, people in the rural areas will become more fully integrated into the traditional banking sector. The Central Bank of Liberia has been working in conjunction with Afriland First Bank, which has significant experience in the establishment and operations of these institutions in the East African Region. Each Institution will be owned and operated by members of the community through a share/purchase arrangement. The first of these institutions: Gbehley-Geh Rural Community Finance Institution was opened in Karnplay, Nimba County, in December, 2013. Personal Honors for Dr. J. Mills Jones in 2013 In recognition of his unprecedented and bold steps in transforming the Liberian economy through the promotion of sound financial inclusion and access to credit strategies, the Executive Governor was honored by several organizations, both at home and abroad, during the year 2013. The African Global Super Center, LLC in partnership with Cornerstone Consul-

tancy International and African Women Entrepreneurship program based in the United States of America (USA) honored the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia for his invaluable services to Liberians. The program was held at the Crown Plaza in Reading, Pennsylvania, the USA, on Wednesday, the 2ndof October, 2013. The citation of Honour to Dr. Jones was read by Mrs. Sylvia Litana Robertson, in which she stated that the Liberian people and the world were overwhelmed by the enormous and unprecedented invaluable financial and technical support the Liberian society has received and continue to receive from the Central Bank of Liberia, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Joseph Mills Jones, in his capacity as Executive Governor: Some of the reasons given for the honour by these organizations were: (i) For bringing confidence to the banking sector of the country; (ii) For the high level of reputation the Bank continues to gain under his visionary leadership; and (iii) For financial inclusive in Liberia and support to Liberians youth and women in general. In respond, Dr. Jones thanked the benefactors of the award. He accepted it with humility in the name of the Board of Governors, Management and Staff of the Bank and dedicated it to the new spirit of Liberian entrepreneurship. The wordings on the certificate of honour presented, to Dr. Jones read: In recognition of your unprecedented, invaluable, committed and dedicated services towards the empowerment of the Liberian people and strengthening of the Liberian economy through the practical demonstration of your indigenous approach to building Liberias economy. The award was presented to Governor Jones by Mr. Vaughn D. Spencer, Mayor of Reading, Pennsylvania, USA. On October 28, 2013, the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, (CBL), Dr. Joseph Mills Jones was also honored by the Global Trade Leaders Club (GTLC), a promoter of the International Europe Award for Quality Services based in Spain. The honoring ceremony took place in the French capital, Paris. Mr. Crayton O. Duncan, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Executive Governor received the Award on behalf of the Executive Governor. The inscription on the Award won was similar to that of the one won in Pennsylvania, USA. The GTLC said it was particularly overwhelmed by the enormous and unprecedented financial and technical support the Liberian economy has received from the CBL, under the governorship of Dr. Jones. The overarching objective of the Club is to promote trade exchanges and human relationships amongst businessmen and women all over the

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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Criminals dont need guns and masks anymore to rob banks; now they use laptops and telecommunications lines.

As Bank Robberies Plummet, Cyber-Theft Soars: Are Our Banks Prepared To Tackle The Latter?
another risk and challenge for those institutions. Cyber-Crimes have been a controversial topic globally with the news media reporting several occurrences of them. We recently heard about how the credit card information of individuals in the USA had by some individuals from the Ukraine. The same article mentioned the 40 million credit card details held by Target Inc. in the USA, which was compromised and sold online by hackers from the Ukraine. According to the FBI, since 2001, complaints of Internet crime have risen fivefold, to 314,000 in 2011. On the other hand, the American Bankers Association estimates criminals netted $1.8 billion in check and debit-card fraud in 2010. Now, Target and almost every financial institution in the USA apply state-of-theart technology and security mechanisms to prevent criminal activities, and yet, they and their customers have been victimized by cyber-criminals. So, if these mega-corporations can have their systems penetrated and compromised, then one has to wonder, how secure are our (Liberias) banking and financial institutions from cyber-theft? Note that this article is not to create a scare or deter people from saving their money in banks. In fact, I think its the safest place to save your money. But when we hear about cyber-crimes committed on large firms, then we need to start asking questions. Remember, nowadays, criminals are not using guns and masks; they are using laptops, telecommunications lines and malware to rob banks. Today, the cyber world is where the real money is. Going the electronic route is obviously less violent and dangerous. More importantly, bank robbers seem to be keeping up with the changes of time by shifting to the electronic world, paralleling how banks have been replacing tellers with ATMs and digital transactions. While the number of traditional bank robberies has declined, crimes involving ATMs and other digital transactions have soared. There is a new generation of criminals who are very stronger policies, and continue to educate their entire staff of the dangers of online activities. If we do not take preventative cyber-security measures, it is just a matter of time for cybercriminals to identify points of entry into our systems. This is why our National Security strategy needs to include a vigilante, well-trained and equipped cyber security team that can monitors (and counter respond) online activities. With the amalgam of modern technologies and Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) optical fiber cable (broadband connectivity) allowing access to online activities, we have to be ready, and refrain from the lackadaisical attitudes we demonstrate toward potential threats. A Proactive approach

recently read an article that was published on the BBCs website, written by Dave Lee, the entitys Technology Reporter, regarding the decrease in armed bank robberies in recent years. The article cited a British Bankers Association statistical report which indicated that, there has been a 90% drop in robberies on British Bank branches in the past decade. According to the British Bankers Association, there were 66 robberies in 2011. This is only a fraction of the 847 robberies that occurred in 1992. In the USA, a similar decrease in bank robberies has been realized. According to figures from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the number of bank robberies nationwide is 3,870 which, according to the Bureau are the lowest in decades. But what is responsible for this decrease? The article reports that the decrease can be attributed to a raft of innovative technologies that banks are deploying to ensure the security of their staff and money. They (banks) are making significant efforts to deter robberies from occurring and in doing so, have opted to deploy modern technologies such as CCTVs, protective screens that can rise in less than a second and special fog designed to disperse criminals. Other technologies include simple barriers that are activated when a panic button is pressed, vestibules that lock criminals inside, and a DNA spray that is used to coat robbers with a distinct, difficult-to-remove, and traceable material which can be used by law enforcement officers to track and apprehend criminals. So now that the traditional or Brute Force bank robbery has been minimized, or mitigated, what should we worry about at a time when technology, the internet, and telecommunications have made almost everything accessible? The answer: CYBER-CRIME, specifically CYBER-THEFT! The growing rate of cyber-crimes relating to banks and other financial transactions now presents

By: Darren Wilkins | 0886703789 | 0777129092| DWilkins@Saharatechnology.Com

skillful, creative and online. Many of the reports of cybercrimes involve countries in the West. But that does not mean we in Africa, are immune to cyber-crime or cyber-theft. If perpetrators/cyber-thieves can penetrate American and British banking institutions, then we in Africa are also susceptible to such attacks. The bottom line here is that the ultimate goal of a cyber-thiefs penetration into financial institutions systems is to obtain money, no matter what continent it is stored. This prompts several questions about Liberias banking institutions: How secure are their ICT systems? How often do they do a pentest (penetration test) or an ethical hack exercise to identify vulnerabilities and potential points of threats with their systems? What types of policies do they have in place? How strong are they? What kinds of passwords are they using? Are those passwords susceptible to brute force attacks? With todays multifaceted online environment ICT security should be strong, dynamic and conscientious. Also, institutions should keep in check those who possess significant information about their internal computer network infrastructure, remote terminal connection possibilities, IP subnets, security software, security measures, intrusion detection policies, etc. They should also ensure that none of those who know the system has any administrative user account and password, or any built in backdoor access to the system. To successfully maintain a secure ICT environment, institutions need to invest in

training for their ICT staff, modern technologies, create

arket Women of the Nancy B. Doe (Jorkpentown) Market are grateful to the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for its recent generous donations of solar energy lights and water well. The project, which was implemented under the supervision of the Sirleaf Market Womens Fund, has been one of several that the Chinese Government has funded. At the completion of project, the market women will enjoy 17 solar lights around the market buildings and a hand pump well. The new lights will surround entire market complex which includes several market buildings (one of which houses an elementary school), a playground and a storage area. The lights will provide a

Chinese Brighten Jorkpentown Market

is always the best approach. We have to keep up with the changes of time. We cannot wait for bad things to happen before we act. And if bad things happen do we have the resources to even counter-act or investigate them? Or are we going to follow the traditional approach of bringing in experts from outside? We must understand that we are not immune to online theft. After all, are we not storing money in our vaults? Is the money in those vaults not usable internationally? Let us all think about this seriously and act accordingly. Until next week/year, CARPE DIEM and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Program Manager at the Fund is monitoring the work. Under the ambassadorship of His Excellency Zhau Jianhua, who recently returned to China after serving for 3 years in Liberia, the Fund has benefitted from several other initiatives funded by the Chinese. In addition to electronics, appliances and equipment, the Chinese Government provided a trip for an SMWF staff to China under its Economic Empowerment for Women in Developing Countries. Since the opening of its Embassy here in in 2010, The Peoples Republic of China has made significant impact to the development to Liberia, several of which are infrastructure (roads), construction of the University of Liberia, Fendell Campus, hospitals, schools, etc. In keeping with these generous contributions, Mrs. SmithGeneral hopes for more collaboration in the future, to include the rehabilitation or construction of a market.

glimmer of economic hope as they offer an atmosphere that enables marketers to sell for longer periods during their work day. Also, it will allow training courses designed for market women to be scheduled at later periods throughout the day. The market women at Jorkpentown Market have undergone Adult Literacy training in the recent past. Other training courses offered by the Sirleaf Market Womens Fund include Business Development Skills, and Financial Management. With the expansion of its services, the Fund anticipates additional capacity building in Agricultural Vocational Services. According to the Executive Director of the Fund, Mrs. Margretta Sawo SmithGeneral, the total cost of the project will be US $47,000.00. Mr. Joseph Mehdeh, the

Jorkpentown Market -- Water Well and Hand Pump and Solar Lights in the background

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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0886554882/0777544882

Soldiers Children Yearn for Special Education

-Seek Ellens Intervention

tudents attending the Edward Beyan Kessely Barracks (EBK) Preparatory School near Camp Schiefflin, Margibi County, have called on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to empower their parents by including into their academic curriculum what they referred to as special education. The students call contained a statement read on their behalf by a first grader, Diamond Boley, over the weekend at a program marking this years AFL Annual Affiliation Day. Madam President, we the students of the Barracks Preparatory School along with our faculty and staff deemed it most expedient to display at your feet, the plight of our mothers, who are idle, young Master Boley told the President to rounds of applause. According to her, it would

US-Based NGO Distributes Education Materials

son-Sirleaf on energy matters, cautioned the students to never to downplay education. I was just like you. Where you are today; I was also there; trying to gain education as a child in primary school. I came from a poor background and I walked around three miles daily to get to the school in my village. It is hard work and determination, backed by a sense of discipline that got me where I am

be a great service for the President to call on education stakeholders to include into the schools curriculum courses like a computer training program, tailoring, catering, cosmetology, etc. With the inclusion of these courses for their mothers to benefit, the students believe, the President would educate a multitude in the nation. By educating our mothers, we help them understand themselves better, and help them realize their potential as human beings. Little Mr. Boley told the President that it would be through her intervention in their parents education that they exercise their rights as citizens and seek improvement. Filled with excitement, the President expressed gratitude to the school Administra-

Prez Sirleaf receives copy of the students statement from Ms Diamond Boley, while the parents look on with excitement Commander-In-Chief Sirleaf interacts with students and their parents and also commends them for their brilliant speech
tion for the splendid manner in which Little Boley recited the statement. She then took a copy of the statement and promised to look into their request in the shortest possible time. Activities marking the ceremony coincided with the dedication of military facilities at Todee Military Academy, Upper Montserrado County. After the Todee ceremony, President Sireaf then proceeded to EBK, Lower Margibi County, for the official 2013 Affiliation Day program. The dedication at Todee and the Affiliation Day ceremonies gave the President the oppor tunity to interact with new recruits in training, the soldiers and other military top brass. The event marked the observance of this years AFL Affiliation Day. The day is set aside every year for the Ministry of Defense (MOD) staff, AFL personnel, and their families to get together and interact with the President and rovia, Rev. Julius Y.Z.K. Williams I, lauded members of the LPE delegation that traveled to Liberia from faraway in the USA to present the education supplies and gifts to the students and the Methodistowned academic institution. He said the construction of the J.J. Roberts Memorial United Methodist Elementary School in Siafa Keh Town in the Garwula District of Grand Cape Mount, was in response to a formal request to the FUMC by leaders and citizens of the town. He invoked Gods bountiful blessings on members of the LPE as well as Mr. Christopher Commander-in-Chief in a relaxed atmosphere to mark the end of the year. It is also intended to foster and strengthen ties with the C-I-C, MOD staff, AFL personnel, and their families, as they rekindle the comradeship and esprit de corps (inspiring keenness, gusto) between those groups and their families. the Neyor family, saying We continue to experience the generosity of the Neyor family and the UMC of Liberia. Elders of the town as well as the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the institution also expressed joy for the donation, which they said came at the right time. About LPE Liberia Education Project is based in the USA. It believes that education is the key to unlock the potential of our young people, which is in short supply in Liberia; especially, for disadvantaged young boys and girls in the towns and villages of rural Liberia who have no hope of ever stepping foot into a classroom. Therefore, as Christians, members of the organization gathered themselves together to establish and provide quality and affordable education to needy children and adults in Liberia. During the past year, the organization has gathered school supplies and shipped three barrels to Liberia with the help of several churches and schools here in the USA. Students of three selected schools in three different counties will benefit from these supplies. The LPEs next step is to work together to provide the life changing education to the needy and forgotten children in the villages and street corners of Liberia. The Liberia Education Project, Inc. seeks support and funding to accomplish school construction and renovation, provide educational materials/supplies to needy schools and students and seeks funding for scholarship opportunities for deserving students and teachers.

Neyor, a devoted Methodist, added: I am a Christian. As a child, I was brought up in a Christian home; my father was a Methodist Pastor who devoted his time and energy to the work of the church for 55 years, which shows love and care for others. So, loving God means, we must impact the lives of others by loving and serving them. In his statement, on behalf of

United States based non-governmental organization, Liberia Project Education (LPE), on Monday, December 30, 2013, distributed educational materials and gifts to the J.J. Roberts Memorial United Methodist Elementary School in Siafa-Keh Town, Garwulah District, in Grand Cape Mount County. A three-person high-powered LPE delegation currently visiting Liberia from the USA gave one Korean-made 3.5KVA ASTRA generator, copybooks, book bags, pencils, plastic erasers, and other assorted stationary. They also gave sporting materials including footballs and a set of jerseys to the school. The presentation ceremony was attended by chiefs, elders, citizens, and parents. The head of the LPE delegation was Ms Madea Neyor, daughter of the former president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Oil Company of Liberia, Christopher Z. Neyor.

LPE officials (L-R) Blake Brown, Madea Neyor and Ryan Brown at the occasion

In a statement, Ms Neyor said the donated items were aimed at inspiring the students to remain committed to their pursuit of quality education. According to Ms. Neyor, education is not only a power of mental enlightenment, but also a gateway to better future. It is for these reasons Liberian students should strive for its attainment, with the sky being their limit. We have come to present these items to inspire you and help you focus on your lessons, she told the students. Other members of the LPE included American twin brothers, Blake Brown and Ryan Brown, who in separate remarks reiterated the importance of education. Both of them called on Liberian students to place a premium on acquiring knowledge, which would enable them to contribute effectively to the development of the country. Mr. Christopher Neyor, an energy engineer and former advisor to President Ellen John-

Students in queue to receive their share of the items

today. You can be like me if you do the same, said Neyor. God has a plan for all of you. Education will enable you to serve your country and improve the wellbeing of yourself, your community, and the larger society, Neyor declared. Mr. Neyor used the occasion to call on Liberians to subscribe to the virtues of caring and sharing with others, especially, the needy, physically challenged, the distressed and the hopeless, saying there is more happiness and blessing in giving.

Mr. Neyor makes remarks

the Bishop of the UMC-Liberia, Dr. John G. Innis, the Acting Pastor of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) o-n Ashmun Street, in MonNeyor, who he said, has been one of the principal sources of support to the school. The principal of the school, Milton B. Dunbar, also praised

DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday December 31, 2013

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Prez Sirleaf greets former Nigerian Chief Justice, Mohammed Uwais, who graced the occasion in Todee

Chiefs and elders of Todee District welcome Prez Sirleaf with traditional token of white kola nuts and chicken

At EBK, C-I-C Sirleaf interacts with military top brass

C-I-C Sirleaf associating with the soldiers children

Unlike in the past, todays AFL has value for Liberian culture

DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday December 31, 2013

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REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

Career Announcement: Location: Sinoe or Grand Kru County

You will join our Oil Palm Development

Human Resource Manager

tage Ability to absorb and adapt to systematic methods, standard operating practices and documentation of our international systems Ability to develop and maintain cordial and trust-based relationships with people having a wide spectrum of opinions, attitudes and backgrounds Willingness to work at times in hardship condiHigh requirement of professionalism and discipline Proven personal integrity and experience in manLiberian Citizen tions, working in local site conditions Previous HR responsibility, in charge of minimum Proven experience of computerized HR software Completed minimum, B.Sc. or M.Sc. is an advan-

Job Purpose

Qualifications

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE- IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY Grant No: TF011340 NATIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES: ACCESS TO JUSTICE (ADR) ADVISOR Request for Expressions of Interest
1. Introduction
The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of strengthening Governance Improving Access to Justice and Accountability and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract for the recruitment of a National Consultant.

team working with communities to create large scale employment You will manage a local Human Resources You will be involved in the management of department, managing 200 to 2,000 employees recruiting, development and implementation HR policies, managing day-to-day operations, administering our schools, employee housing, etc You will liaise with our Employees Unions to maintain and develop conducive working relationships You will work with Nasscorp, Ministry of Labor and other agencies to advance efficient employment

of 250 workers (or a minimum of 20 professionals) and tools

aging HR-related leakage issues

Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) is developing 600,000 acres of farmland for the betterment of Liberian people through oil palm development. Our goal is to provide 40,000 permanent, skilled jobs when fully developed, build manufacturing and value-added industries and create a vibrant and substantial new economic sector for rural communities in the Liberian Southeast. All developed land is selected jointly with local communities, respecting community needs, traditions and farmers. GVL believes that sustainable oil palm development will be the central pillar in rebuilding Liberias rural economy, reducing poverty through sound, environmentally sustainable business. We already employ more than 2,000 people in permanent jobs in Sinoe and Grand Kru.

Email rsum and qualifications, with subject line HR Manager to: recruiting@veroleum.com or drop off at our office located at 17th Street, Beachside, Sinkor, Monrovia

/ GoldenVeroleum

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including various forms of mediation, arbitration and other justice services, is regularly referenced as a solution to challenges faced by the Liberian justice system, including: increasing congestion of court dockets; high numbers of land disputes; significant costs of litigation; procedural delay; and the adversarial nature of proceedings. The Ministry of Justices three-year ADR project will explore ways by which the justice system can be more responsive to the needs of Liberians and examine means of resolving disputes outside of the formal legal process. The overall objective of the ADR project is to determine how ADR is being used in the Liberian context and pilot models that increase the effectiveness, accountability and sustainability of local ADR initiatives through some form of institutionalization or support by the MOJ.

2. Background

The objective of the assignment is to provide management, administrative and technical advice and support to the Ministry of Justice on the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Liberia through the piloting of ADR system in four counties. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the National Consultant in collaboration with the International Consultant will be responsible for helping to facilitate, consensus building and design of the pilot ADR activities; and establishment of pilots in four counties. The consultant will work in close collaboration with officials in the MOJ, in partnership with key strategic partners including the Judiciary, the Law Reform Commission, the Land Commission, the Liberia National Bar Association, Tribal Governors Association, representatives of civil society groups, community leaders / elders and chiefs and justice actors. The Ministry of Justice now invites eligible individual Liberian nationals to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CVs, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions).

3.

Objective of the Assignment

Career Announcement: Location: Sinoe or Grand Kru County

You will join our Oil Palm Development team

Lawyer / Legal Procedures Clerk

Previous experience of hands on responsibility for Excellent legal writing with ability for simplification Knowledge of the Commercial and Employment Proven experience and good practice of computerCompleted legal degree in Liberia Ability and willingness to absorb and adapt to sys-

Job Purpose

Qualifications

working with communities to create large scale employment Handle county and district-specific legal matters such as local contracts, documentation, employment law, formal grievance procedures, probates, court appearances Be involved in proper Standard Operating Procedure formulation, strict adherence, high quality documentation, legal compliance in our key functions Maintain cordial and friendly relationships across full-spectrum of stakeholders, while being specific and un-yielding on adherence to law and properly formulated regulations and procedures Your will report dual line to our Finance and AdThese are Full Time Field Positions in Sinoe and ministration and HR functions Grand Kru Counties - do not apply if you are not willing to live full time in the Counties at our sites

formal legal procedures is required

legislation and regulations in detail ized work

tematic methods, standard operating practices and documentation of our international systems Ability to develop and maintain cordial and trust based relationships with people having a wide spectrum of opinions, attitudes and backgrounds ters Liberian Citizen Willingness to work at times in hardship condiUncompromising professionalism and discipline Proven personal integrity in managing legal mattions, working in local site conditions

The Access to Justice (ADR) National Consultant shall have the following educational and professional qualifications: a. Graduate degree in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, or related areas; b. A minimum of five years of relevant working experience; c. Experience working on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and working with traditional communities in Liberia strongly preferred; d. Excellent writing and communication skills; e. Demonstrated experience in conducting research on issues related to Dispute Resolution in similar contexts; f. Familiarity with Liberias social and legal systems An Individual consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011. Interested individual consultants may obtain further information at the address below from Monday to Friday between 0830 hrs and 1630 hrs during working days. Expressions of Interest, clearly marked Access to Justice (ADR) Advisor National , must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail or email, by 1400 Hrs no later than January 14, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. The ADR Program Ministry of Justice, Third Floor Ashmun Street, Monrovia, Liberia Or By e-mail: adr.liberia@gmail.com

Qualifications

Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) is developing 600,000 acres of farmland for the betterment of Liberian people through oil palm development. Our goal is to provide 40,000 permanent, skilled jobs when fully developed, build manufacturing and value-added industries and create a vibrant and substantial new economic sector for rural communities in the Liberian Southeast. All developed land is selected jointly with local communities, respecting community needs, traditions and farmers. GVL believes that sustainable oil palm development will be the central pillar in rebuilding Liberias rural economy, reducing poverty through sound, environmentally sustainable business. We already employ more than 2,000 people in permanent jobs in Sinoe and Grand Kru.

Email rsum and qualifications, with subject line Lawyer-Legal Clerk to: recruiting@veroleum.com or drop off at our office located at 17th Street, Beachside, Sinkor, Monrovia

/ GoldenVeroleum

DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

on important regional and international issues. We will work harder to foster a stable, friendly and prosperous neighborhood to underpin our overall diplomatic strategy. We will thoroughly implement the conclusions of the conference on Chinas neighborhood diplomacy. We will consolidate good-neighborliness and friendship, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and build a closely-knit community of shared destiny with neighboring countries. We will stick to the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and promote the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. We will firmly uphold Chinas sovereignty and dignity and resolve disputes over territories and maritime rights and interests with some neighbors through dialogue and negotiation. We will play a good host to the fourth Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process in an effort to promote political reconciliation and economic reconstruction in Afghanistan. We will work harder to deepen traditional friendship with other developing countries. The notion of sticking to the right approach to principles and interests as adopted by China has become a banner guiding Chinas diplomacy. We will expand practical cooperation with Africa in various fields, implement announced measures of assistance to Africa and make new breakthroughs in China-Africa trade and economic cooperation. We will ensure the success of the sixth Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and announce new measures of cooperation between China and Arab states. We will promote the establishment of a cooperation forum between China and Latin America and the Caribbean to inject new impetus into Chinas cooperation with this region as a whole. We will also follow the right approach to principles and interests and uphold justice and equality in the international arena. In particular, we will continue to speak up for developing countries and act in their interests. We will work harder to step up economic diplomacy to facilitate efforts to comprehensively deepen reform at home. We will vigorously promote the development of the economic belt along the Silk Road and the maritime Silk Road for the 21st century and endeavor to achieve an early harvest on those initiatives. We will accelerate the implementation of the FTA strategy both bilaterally and multilaterally, work with relevant countries for the early conclusion of negotiations on the China-ROK and China-Australia FTAs, make substantive progress in negotiating an upgraded version of the China-ASEAN FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and continue to advance the negotiations on China-Japan-ROK FTA. We are open towards the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other regional and trans-regional free trade initiatives. And we encourage inclusiveness on all parties to work jointly for mutual progress. We will take an active part in the reform of the international economic governance system and steadily raise Chinas right and say in rule-making internationally. We will work harder to ensure the success of diplomatic events to be hosted by China. We aim to take the Conference on Interaction and ConfidenceBuilding Measures in Asia and the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in China next year as opportunities to promote security cooperation and economic development. We will also use the occasions of different fora and expos to be held in China to explain to the world the open and inclusive nature of the Chinese dream, Chinas commitment to peaceful development and the right approach to principles and inter-

Page 11
ests and how they will benefit the whole world, with a view to cultivating and enhancing Chinas soft power. We will also try to make Chinas voice heard, present Chinas proposition and play Chinas due role regarding proper settlement of the Syrian issue, the Iranian nuclear issue and other regional and international hotspot issues. Diplomatic Envoys, Dear Friends, The Third Plenum of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC opened up a new historic stage of Chinas reform and development. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary, China, firmly committed to reform, will continue to adhere to the win-win strategy of openingup and forge an even closer community of shared interests with the rest of the world. China will continue to serve as an important engine for global growth and a stronger driver of development and prosperity of the world and will continue to play its due role as a responsible major country and make greater contribution to world peace and stability. In conclusion, I wish the symposium a full success. Thank you.

swervingly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the central leadership and effectively forestalled the illegal acts of individual countries to encroach upon Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We also maintain that relevant issues need to be resolved properly through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of fully respecting historical facts and international law. China and ASEAN countries have launched consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea within the framework of implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. China has reached agreement with Brunei and Vietnam on promoting joint development and maritime cooperation. All these contributed to the peace and stability in the South China Sea. Diplomatic Envoys, Dear Friends, In 2013, Chinas diplomacy has got off to a good start and achieved many exciting results. In 2014, China will make all-round efforts in its diplomacy, and achieve even

Embark on a New Journey of Chinas Diplomacy

Chinese-African Relations Classical Chinese Poems Stronger than Ever before A Quatrain
(China Daily Africa)
in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to remain robust at about 5 percent in 2013 and 6 percent in 2014 while softening and increasingly volatile global economic conditions are expected to have only a moderate downward impact, according to the regional economic outlook of World Economic and Financial Surveys recently published by the International Monetary Fund. Meanwhile, Chinas economy will maintain a strong momentum. African countries will continue to adopt economic policies in favor of infrastructural construction, labor-intensive manufacturing, agriculture, extraction and livelihood-related sectors. China and Africa will enjoy more cooperation opportunities in resource development, information communication and manufacturing, says the annual report of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. Zhang adds that China is the largest developing country while Africa is the continent with the most developing countries. The two sides need to highlight in cooperation which will boost African economic development and provide forceful support for Chinese economic growth. In addition, African economic integration will open up new space for China-Africa cooperation at a higher level and in broader areas, according to the report. Africa is transforming its economic growth model from exporting energy and resources to innovating its economic mechanism, which will gradually unleash the huge potential of the continent, although it is still challenged by regional instability, underdeveloped infrastructure and pressure from population surge and climate change, says Huo Jianguo, president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. He adds that Africa needs to increase investment in economic governance, infrastructure construction and human resources to actualize its economic growth potential. Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, director of the African Department of the IMF, says that growth deceleration in emerging markets such as Chinas, will reduce demand from Africa through direct and indirect channels, while the Chinese economy can play an important role in sub-Saharan economic growth. The political and security situation in some parts of Africa remains vulnerable as the profound impact of the European debt crisis on the regions economies is unfolding, suggesting commodity price risks, according to the report. In addition, low cooperation levels, and the quality and unregulated operations of individual companies have also dampened the healthy and sustained development of China-Africa trade and economic cooperation.

more exciting result in the year to come. We are going to focus on the following five areas. We will work harder to build a framework of major-country relations featuring sound interactions and healthy development. We will strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic mutual trust, increase converging interests and promote sustained, stable and sound growth of bilateral relations with major countries. We will go further in building a new model of major-country relationship between China and the United States and give more substance to this relationship by making our cooperation more productive. We will expand practical cooperation across the board and intensify international strategic coordination with Russia to ensure that Chinas relations with Russia will always operate on a high level. We will implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation and find more ways for our respective development strategies to truly dovetail. We will also elevate our relations with major developing countries and strengthen our coordination and cooperation

By Du Fu

hina-Africa relations are at a new historic starting point owing to huge opportunities in the fast emerging continent and strong growth momentum in the worlds second-largest economy, experts say. China-Africa cooperation is embracing a period of significant opportunities. Africa has become one of the fastest growth areas in the world, according to the 2013 annual report of China-Africa trade and economic relationship released by the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. African economic development has great prospects as peace and development become the consensus, economic integration is being advanced, and agricultural business is promoted in many countries, says Zhang Liwei, deputy director-general of the department of western Asian and African affairs of the Ministry of Commerce. The world economic recovery is confronted with uncertainties, including increasing pressure from inflation. Africa has the greatest potential economic growth in the world and the continents stability and development are key to world development, according to Zhang. Backed by continuing investment in infrastructure and productivity capacity, growth

Two golden orioles amid the willows green; A row of white egrets flies into the blue sky. My window frames the snowcrowned western mountain snow; My door oft says to eastward-going ships Goodbye!

Explanation wandering. His health was getting poorer and poorer and he died half way on a boat sailing from Changsha to Yueyang. This poem of scenery depiction was composed by Du Fu at his thatched cottage in Chengdu. The poem has three characteristics. Firstly, it is written in a plain and vivid style, and the description of the scene is clear and natural. The first two lines depict scenes in motion, and form a bright-colored and exuberant prospect with green trees, the blue sky and singing and flying yellow-white birds. The last two lines describe scenes in rest, and give a view of the distant mountains covered with snow and ships on the river seen through the windows and the door. Secondly, its wording is exquisite with well-versed matching. The first two lines and the last two lines can be viewed as two couplets, and the two lines of the couplet are matched strictly. For example, two is antithetical to one line; oriole to egret; window to door; and west ridge to east Wu. In the second couplet, a thousand years snow is antithetical to ten thousand lis ships, matching both literally and in sense, and the former indicates the long time while the latter the long distance. Thirdly, the poet was broadminded and his poem portrays a broad vision. When he was composing this poem, the poet was standing in his house observing the scenes outside through the open door and window, but as he was a man of vision, the narrow door and window could not confine his field of view. Seeing the snow on the distant mountains, the poet associated it with a thousand years accumulation; seeing the berthing ships, he knew that they would take on a long voyage of ten thousand li. This rich imagination greatly extends the meaning of the little poem and shows us that the poet cherished the whole world living in a thatched cottage.

u Fu (712-770), a celebrated Tang poet, was a native of Gong County, Henan Province, whose courtesy name was Zimei. His grandfather, Du Shenyan, was a famous poet during the reigns of Emperors Gaozong, Zhongzong and Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. Du Fu started learning poems at the age of seven. At about 20 he began to travel through the countrys famous mountains and great rivers. He got acquainted with Li Bai at 33 and they toured together for about a year. At 35, Du Fu went to Changan, the capital city, for an official post so as to give full play to his talents, but he failed. After the outbreak of the An-Shi Turmoil, he was captured by the rebel army and left stranded in Changan for half a year before he fled later. In his late forties, he was demoted again and again and at last he resigned resolutely. From then on he started to lead a wandering life in the western suburb of Chengdu, which was called Du Fu Cottage by later generations. His last years were spent in poverty and

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

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Page 12

Ecobank Identifies with Orphans, Old Folks Homes

s part of its C h r i s t m a s activities, Ecobank Liberia on Tuesday, December 23, distributed an assortment of items to the Fatima Cottage Orphanage Mission in Deville, the Esther Johnson Retirement Home in Paynesville, and the Group of 77 on Newport Street in Monrovia. Speaking at the various distribution sites, the communication director of Ecobank, Madam Ivy V. Fairley said that the items were part of the banks social responsibility by giving back to the society. Ecobank is concerned about all Liberians, especially the under- privileged; you remain a major priority of the bank, she promised. These gifts are a kind gesture of the management of the bank in celebration of the holiday season. During a brief stop at the Fatima Cottage Orphanage Mission, Madam Fairley assured the kids that they were considered part of the bank. This is not our first time presenting gifts to you people.

By Abednego Davis

Ecobank MD, Mr. Adekola Adeleke

We consider you to be a part of us and we will not rest helping you. The banks communication director noted. We are not going to stop here; we are going to provide educational materials to you people very soon. Someone among you children could one day become the president of this nation, she encouraged the kids. After receiving the items the children sang songs of praises. In response, Rev. Victoria N. Young founder of the Mission, lauded the bank for identifying with the kids, during the festive seasons. She also expressed gratitude to the banks management for the items. According to her, the presentation of the gifts was not a mistake; instead she referred to it as an act of God. You did not come here by mistake rather; it is God who directed you people here to identify with these unfortunate children. I have more than 60 children in this Orphanage, and the older ones have gone to fend for themselves. This is what they are not here to greet you people, Rev. Young explained about the plight of the kids.

Up Town Business Center Dedicates US$15,000 Internet Caf

Supt. Johnson charging officers of Central Monrovia Church of Nazarene

US$15,000 Internet caf was on Sunday, December 29, dedicated by Central Monrovia Church of the Nazarene (CMCN) on Lynch Street, as the churchs way of making the ministry of Jesus Christ holistic and accessible to the public. In a special statement, the sponsor of the caf project, Mr. Philips B. Haye, reminded the church leaders and members that the initiative was his own way of contributing to the work, development, and progress, of the church. Haye said the goal and

By Edwin M. Fayia III

objectives were to ensure the sustained empowerment of the youth and general membership of the church. Im grateful and delighted to identify with the family of Jesus Christ, since the Ministry of our Lord and Savior does not have boundaries and works for members of the society, he explained. Haye underscored the need for members and leaders of the church to take advantage of the services of the internet caf in this fast-changing technological world. Speaking earlier at the dedication of the caf, Superintendent Daniel K. Johnson urged the churchs

leaders to work and commit themselves to development, growth, and progress of the church. He also stressed the need for members of the church to support the elected officers in all of their pursuits in the years to come. You have become the servants for the workers of Jesus Christ and should lead by example in all of your daily interactions with members and non-members of the church, Supt. Johnson reminded the elected officers. Speaking from the Bible text, 1st Timothy 3:14-16, he urged the elected officers to work and mend fences, rather than

have a special thing for China because I feel like the future of Africas prosperity is tied somewhat to Chinas prosperity, says Ghanaian entrepreneur Isaac Kwaku Fokuo. From cheap electronics to multi-million dollar infrastructure projects, Chinas presence in Africa has become hard to miss. Some analysts praise the Asian giant for bringing much needed infrastructural development to Africa while others claim China is Africas modern day colonial master. Fokuo, founder and board chairman of the Sino-Africa Centre of Excellence (SACE) Foundation, a programme geared towards improving China-African relations, argues that, overall, Chinas growing investment, especially in the area of infrastructure development has had positive effects in Africa and should be encouraged. If you look at the effect of Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa over the last 20 years, even the most sceptical of critics will agree, the effect on the ground has been quite profound. Look at countries like Kenya, Angola, Ghana, Sudan and Nigeria. The infrastructure that Africa has lacked for many years is being built by the Chinese and that is a good thing. The SACE runs the ChinaAfrica Internship Programme, which brings very smart Chinese students to Africa to intern with African companies, says Fokuo. The programme hopes to build relationships that will translate into physical investments in the future, particularly in the private sector. The African private sector should start engaging with the Chinese private sector, says Fokuo, who is also CEO of the African Leadership Network, a community of new-generation leaders which seeks to create prosperity in the continent. The relationships we build with these students goes a long way to the investment down the line. When these kids go back and now work in companies like Huawei [they] understand how Africa be seen as leaders, who would support confusion, hatred, and jealousy among members of the church. Supt. Johnson pointed out that the new leaders should serve as foundation stones and torch-bearers that would work tirelessly to bring unity, harmony, and good neighborliness to all children

(Courtesy: Howwemadeitinafrica.com)

Chinas Investment in Africa is Positive, Says Advisor

Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, founder and board chairman of the Sino-Africa Centre of Excellence Foundation
works. These kids are going to influence China-Africa policy in the future and their perspective will be very different from that of someone who has never experienced Africa before. Investment advice An international business development and finance expert, Fokuo stumbled into entrepreneurship eight years ago while living in the US. I wasnt one of those kids who grew up thinking they are going to start their own company someday, he says. Fokuo says he worked on a project about Islamic finance and then decided to start Botho, an investment advisory firm which at the time worked with investors in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. When Fokuo moved back to Africa in 2010, Botho took a different turn. When I moved to Kenya those projects were no longer viable because the scope was different, the amount of money needed here was just too small and investors were not willing to put US$50m in the businesses we were exploring here. Today Botho offers foreign investors advice on investment opportunities in emerging markets. The firm holds over $250m worth of Africa-based private equity and debt transaction projects ranging from commercial real estate, healthcare, cosmetics, hospitality and agroprocessing. In the investment space in Africa everyone complains about the lack of data and my philosophy is its not lack of data, its lack of creativity in finding good data sets, says Fokuo. What we do at Botho is to find the data that investors of God. We hope and trust that your leadership would promote center-caring, listening and responding to sentiments from all sides of the church Supt. Johnson emphasized. In response on behalf of the installed officers, Trustee Ndebeh Harris reminded members and other leaders

need to make intelligent business decisions, then we communicate this to investors in a language they understand. We use this as a platform to also link entrepreneurs and investors. We see a strong appetite among investors all over the world for projects to finance in Africa. Perception and skills training One of the major hurdles Botho faces in working with foreign investors is the perception that Africans are not good enough. If I go and sit across [from] an investor and I put a document in front of him and I say to him this is a good product and my colleague from Brazil puts a similar document in front of him, the investor is likely to go with my Brazilian colleague. Access to human resources, Fokuo says, is also a major challenge. I passionately believe that whatever we need to do, we can do as Africans. I have met and worked with very intelligent, highly educated and entrepreneurial Africans who work really hard. My frustration is that at a macrolevel, we have good education systems, but we are yet to translate good education into hard, market-ready skills. We need to do that, and we need to nurture a worker bee work ethic in our youth, so that the intern that walks through the door is prepared for work, both in terms of skills and attitude. Some of the lessons Fokuo has learnt in entrepreneurship include accepting and overcoming failure and ensuring proper execution of strategy. Everyone tells you failure is an important lesson in entrepreneurship and while that is cute to say, the reality feels like having the wind knocked out of you by a huge gorilla. If you are an entrepreneur and you fail or things dont go your way, you need to be able to get up the next day and give it another shot no matter how tough or painful it is, says Fokuo. Dont always expect the obvious and dont be stuck in your ways and your mission statements. But you should also allow people to safely fail. Otherwise you stifle enterprise. of the church that they were not leaders that know all that running the church requires. We are counting on your support and cooperation to lead you people in the path of development, growth, and progress for the church, Trustee Harris concluded.

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, December 31, 2013

sponsibilities of law-making, representation and oversight.

House

Page 13
had communicated with his party indicating that none of its members would support the agreement; surprisingly, Fallah and Rep. Julius Berrien were seen sliding in their seats and quietly raising their hands in favour of the motion. Royalty for Liberia under the Contract According to the PSC, royalty rate provided is 5-10 percent for the Liberian government. Accordingly, ExxonMobil/COPL receives a sum of 486,000 barrels multiply by $130, which is $63,180,000 monthly, against Liberias interest, one of the experts told the Legislature. Former Labor Minister, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe, was among several personalities invited to ing a multi-religious state like Liberia to one faith violates the fundamental rights of other, and as such, they (Muslim) were ready to resist such a measure. Assembled with various placards indicating the need to maintain the status of a secular state in Liberia, they said they believed that no religious domination or sect should have any exclusive privilege or preference over any other, but should all be treated alike. Interestingly, the Muslims gathering nearly turned vionored by Judge Yussif Kaba, who is expected to come out with a sentencing date, within five days. With the convictions, the jury found that Safranu helped the other defendants to kidnap Madam Chrisiana Andrainopoulous, upon her arrival in the country in September 2012, at the Roberts International Airport. Evidence presented suggested that Safranu facilitated and conspired with other defendants, who had escaped the country. Details of the indictment said that on September 23, 2012, defendant Safranu criminally conspired with others to kidgive opinion on the contract. He described the agreement as a big risk. Considering that the payment of royalty is on total production, the reduction of the royalty in the contract is a waiver of revenue to the tune of probably billions of dollars. Therefore, I considered it a big risk for you to accept the royalty rate suggested by the contract before you. Even a reduction of the signing bonus in favour of maintaining the royalty rate provided in the new Petroleum Law will be in the interest of Liberia, in the long-term. National discussions should not be made purely on the satisfaction of short-term interest, Cllr. Gongloe explained. lent when lawmakers failed to receive their petition similar to what was done in the case of their Christian counterparts. They (Muslim) spent hours on the grounds of the Capitol Building while lawmakers from both houses were lockup in close-door sessions in their respective chambers. This move angered members of the second largest faith in the country forcing the Muslims to make several attempts at entering the chambers. nap the female American, Madam Chrisiana Andrainopoulous, who arrived in Liberia, on SN Brussels flight from the United State of America (USA). The document further said that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of US$250,000 or US$9,000, in a bid to release her. It also alleged that they kept her for days and, realizing the victim had no money on her person, they decided to release her. But, defendant Safranu was later arrested by police on October 1, 2012 at his Voker Mission residence in Paynesville. the situation, freedom and respectability of media is a measure of democracy and development, anywhere in the world - it cannot be any different in Liberia. The environment in which media grows is one that does not seek to limit its reportage, for fear that it will bring someone down, or demean someone, who has in effect not been self respecting in any case. He further, In all regions where media is free and fully functional, the living conditions of the people are better, impunity does not lie and there is a reasonable attempt to ensure equitable distribution of national wealth, services and opportunities, To reach this level in Liberia, we must challenge ourselves to ensure that the legal and operational environment favors the basic measure of democracy. By the account of local and international freedom of expression/press groupings, the situation in Liberia is unfavorable, Dr. Jones concluded.

Law-making In terms of law-making, the 73-member House executed the passage of 83 instruments, which included bills, resolutions, international protocols and most importantly, ratification of concession agreements. The 83 legislations were dominated by acts creating circuit courts, districts headquarters, community colleges and cities and townships, among others. This yearly review would go unnoticed if we failed to remind our audience of the controversial Oil Block 13, a concession agreement that was

renegotiated by the Executive and forwarded to the Legislature for ratification. Block 13 Ratified The Legislature ignored scepticisms and concerns pointed out by civil society actors and the general public and ratified the controversial Oil Block 13 without any amendment. National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) presented the renegotiated Production Sharing Contract (PSC) of oil block 13 between the Liberian Government and ExxonMobile/PLC, a Canadian oil and gas company. On March 26, 2013, 58 members of the House of Representatives voted to pass the

Brief Look at the Nationwide Oil Consultation

espite public outcry of Liberias poor infrastructure development program, the 53rd National Legislature justified the usage of US$900,000 for a just-ended nation-wide consultation on the Draft Petroleum Law of Liberia. NOCAL submitted a draft petroleum law intended to govern the oil and gas sector, a sector considered as Liberias emerging economy. The Liberian Senate had since held a public hearing on the subject and passed and communicated the draft legislation on to the House of Representatives for concurrence. In an attempt to take a legislative decision, the House of Representatives opted for a nationwide consultation before voting on the matter. The intent, Deputy Speaker

n early March, Christians from around the country under the banner Liberia Restoration to Christian Heritage Committee (LRCHC) gathered at the Capitol Building to present a petition to their lawmakers. That petition was to declare Liberia a Christian state. The aim of the petitioners was to change Liberia from a circular nation as indicated in the 1986 Constitution, to a Christian state as stated in the

Christians, Muslims Battled for Religious State

agreement while four declined to participate; The four who surprisingly voted against the legislation included Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Representatives Bhofal Chambers, Acarous M. Gray and Muna Pelham-Youngblood and Liberty Party Gabriel B. Smith. Their action bought them some sympathy from the public, which considered their colleagues as selfish and greedy. According to Representative Chambers at the time, House Speaker Alex Tyler, during debate on the floor Refused to recognize any of those lawmakers he (Tyler) believed had an opposing view on the subject. The Speaker failed to let

me speak because of reasons best known to him. Perhaps our opposing view would have shifted the views of other colleagues that were indecisive on which way to proceed. I thought we would have done justice to the contract after entertaining the views of experts and those of the civil society. Without any amendment, the contract was ratified, I think its sad for us as a country, Dr. Chambers asserted. Walking away in apparent disbelieve, Representative Gray intoned that there was no need to invite experts on the matter if the way forward had been decided long before the ratification. Interestingly, Chairman of CDC Legislative Caucus, Rep. Thomas Fallah, earlier Rep. Nyenkan described the Christians assembly at the Capitol Building as civilized and peaceful. The Muslims Reaction However, in a move to counter the opposing religious faith, the Muslims responded with a big gathering, just days after the Christian counterparts stage their petition. Muslims named national security and political risk as issues associated with returning the country to single faith. They argued that transform-

preamble of the 1847 Constitution. They gathered in their mass with several musical instruments singing songs of praise to God Almighty. The importance of said move, they said was to prevent the wrath of God Almighty from punishing the nation for many evils committed. Addressing his cheering supporters, Bishop Manasseh Conto disclosed that it was time for Liberia to return to the

1847 status in order to commit the country to the Lord. We want to go back to the days of the old. Give the country back to the Lord in order to save the nation from the many problems faced today, Bishop Conto asserted. Receiving the petition on behalf of the Legislature, Representative J. Gabriel Nyenkan and Senator Clarice Jah assured the Christian community of their fullest support in order to pass the legislation.

Deputy House Speaker Hans Barchu

Hans Barchu said, was to have inclusive participation of the locals and all county officials. US$900,000 is the budget for the consultation, he said. Quizzed as to whether the budget was drawn from the Legislatures budget line or NOCAL, Deputy Speaker Barchu added go and check the budget.

Together with other defendants he was charged with multiple crimes including terrorism, criminal conspiracy, and facilitation of a plan to commit terrorism. To the disbelief of state lawyers, however, the jury Monday returned from their deliberation room with a unanimous guilty verdict on charges of criminal conspiracy and facilitation to commit terrorism, as opposed to terrorism the main crime the prosecution tried to establish. Crimes under Liberian law allow a lesser sentence of up to

Kidnapper

WARCIP Clarifies

he West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure

Project (WARCIP) wishes to point out a factual error in reference to the WARCIP Liberia Project as reported in the Daily Observer (Vol. 16 No 43) of 23 December 2013. In the Observer story Libtelco MD, Board failed to adhere to Procurement Rules, it was reported that ...that tender process is now being administered by the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Project of the World Bank. Please be advised that the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Project (WARCIP) is not at present involved in any tender process on behalf of Libtelco, and has not ever been involved in any tender process for a land line communications infrastructure for Libtelco. WARCIPs technical assistance for Libtelco has to date been limited to the provision of international consultants to advise and support Libtelco in the development of a strategic repositioning plan, and the provision of short term consultants to give operational support to Libtelco. Blidi Elliott Project Coordinator WARCIP Liberia Editors Note: We stand corrected and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

maintaining accountability on the part of those who govern, as well as vital to building a national consensus on what we are as a people and why we exist as a nation. Speaking at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia Friday, December 27, Dr. Jones said that the press as an institution is critical to forging our national identity; the press is critical to bringing sanity to our national dialogue by keeping us focused on the things that unite us, while exposing the emptiness of those who dwell on the things that divide us. The challenge we offer to you, members of the press, is that in as much as you are obligated to expose the wrongs of society, a task from which you must not waiver, you also have a responsibility to be messengers of positive expectations and change, Dr. Jones explained. He told the gathered journalist that they must hope that

Help Liberians

few months in prison for lesser crimes. Immediately following the jurys verdict, Safranu broke down with joy as his family cried in opened court. But, the verdict was rejected by state lawyers, who vehemently prayed the court to set it aside and order a new trial. They also asked the court to disband the entire jury panel. That request, defense lawyer Cllr. Dempster Brown opposed, terming it a way to baffle the jury verdict. It is not clear whether the request will be granted or ig-

their country is capable of producing better days for all Liberians. Governor Jones said history shows that many countries have had their difficult periods and have been able to overcome their problems. He noted, They did it because their citizens were able to find within themselves the will to commit to a cause larger than their individual selves; that of their country. The press can help us find a national will. I say to you too, that Liberia can overcome its problems. He indicated that countries that have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds have been help by inspirational leaders. Governor Jones asked, Why did the world recently go to South Africa? Was it because it was the first funeral of a former president that the world had ever seen? I believe they went because Nelson Mandela was an individual who believed in his

country that it could be a better place, and he stood his ground at his personal expense when many others thought that he was standing on sinking sand. He chose forgiveness to save his country, when he could have pursued vengeance to suit himself. Delivering his inaugural address at the ceremony, the newly inducted PUL president, Kamara A. Kamara said that Liberian media is still threatened by laws which do not conform to the democratic credentials of the 1986 constitution. He noted: By all measures,

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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SUDOKU
Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box containing all the numbers from 1 to 9. No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box. Do not guess you can work it out by process of elimination. GOOD LUCK!

APPETIZERS BABIES BALLOONS BANNERS BUFFET CELEBRATE CHAMPAGNE CONFETTI DANCE DAY ONE DECORATIONS END OF DECEMBER EVENTS FAMILY FATHER TIME FEAST FESTIVITIES FIREWORKS FIRST OF JANUARY FRIENDS

Happy New Year

HATS HOLIDAY HORNS KISS MIDNIGHT MUSIC NEW YEARS DAY NEW YEARS EVE NOISEMAKERS OCCASION PARADES PARTY PUNCH RESOLUTIONS SINGING STREAMERS THIRTY FIRST TIARAS WINE YEAR IN REVIEW

With Fumbah Kromah & BSG

Chrismohn Traffic so bad, everybody trying to take short-cut. So now de police cant handle it and have to call AFL, Immigration and maybe even Fire Service -- basically anyone in uniform -- to control de situation. Da Land of Liberty for true!
Last weeks results:

POLITICALLY X-P-DIENT
With A. Leslie Lumeh

URE A FREEMAN! OFF THE BLACK LIST, AND INTO THE WIDE WORLD! NOW, TO RUN LIKE ACAROUS OR FLY LIKE ICARUS: THAT IS THE QUESTION. JUST MIND THE HEAT ABOVE AND DOWN BELOW!

Circle the 10 differences between the two illustrations below:

BRAIN GAME

WITH Fumbah Kromah

Last weeks results:

Tuesday, November 5,31, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 30, 2013 Tueday, December 2013

Page 4 Page 15

Fo r ad qu ve ick rt ise bu in sine th ss is re sp su ac lts e ,

fter a review of sporting activities in the year 2013, one conclusion that can be drawn is that Liberian sports must do better. True, Liberian sports can do better, and like all things that involve in the development of our country, there is a high optimism that Liberian sports can do better. But to want to do better is a decision that we must take to be able to do better. But the most important aspect of the willingness to do better, in any event, involves positive actions we must take to do better. Interestingly, the Liberia Football Association has committed Liberia to participate in all CAF and FIFA competitions. There is the need for the Government of Liberia participation and blessing a five year development plan to revive Liberian soccer. The plan, I am told, has been reviewed with several individuals who have expressed the hope that with governments blessing, Liberian football will see some life, from now on. To ensure the success of the five-year plan much work

Meet Final A Way Forward for Sports in 2014 County Sets Jan. 12
By Omari Jackson
petitions, and even the WAFU invitational tournament that a select side of the national team participated in Ghana. Once again, look at the poor results of the LPRC-Oilers in the basketball finals of the FIBA tournament in Tunisia. The poor results should provide us a way forward and to be committed to do what can make our teams do better. Truly, success in sports means hard work and training. It means discipline from the playing team and it also demand resources to motivate the players. Once we are aware of what we need to do and get that accomplished, there is a high chance that this years sports fortunes will be better. This readiness must affect all sports. There was once a wonderful sport called boxing which has lost its existence, and now languishing in oblivion because there are not men enough to lead it. Perhaps knowing that the late South African President, Nelson Mandela, was once a boxer should motivate Liberian boxers to do better. Overall, the desire to do better this year must be the guiding principle in the search for glories in sports in 2014.

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

Muscat FC player ahead of a Kalu FC player in the last play-off finals

needs to be done. There must be a serious commitment from the technical team, and its counterparts. There must be money, and it means that there must some financial commitment to ensure that the plan will work. For example, having registered the female national team to participate in the CAF and World Cup tournaments, means we must prepare the team. Success to participate in sports is no accident. We must have a conscious plan, something tangible to work with. If we want success, which was the reason to register the team, then we must begin to unfold our plan. We must prepare and in sports, such as in life, success and doing the best is the result of hard work. If you want success then you must understand what success means and then be prepared to work for it. Our desire for success in the coming year must be based on the past poor results of our teams in the various competitions. Consider the World Cup participation and how well we did; look at the Confederation Cup and the rest of the com-

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

Waris Speaks Up

t has been a year to remember for striker Abdul Majeed Waris, who has repaid the faith shown by Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah. But going forward, the youngster thinks he must do more to command a starring role in the World Cup setup. I dont think the goals I have scored has got anything to do with the World Cup and the current squad going to the World Cup or something like that, he told Ghanasoccernet. With some timely goals during the qualifiers and telepathic play with lead forward Asamoah Gyan, the 22-year-

Warris
old has now built goodwill among his countrymen since his March 2013 debut with Sudan. I just have to keep working really hard and keep my head up and then hopefully by the time the squad is out I will be on my top form and then be part of the squad. Ghana are in Group G of the 2014 tournament with Germany, Portugal and the USA. The Spartak Moscow striker believes, however, that the West Africans have what it takes to excel. We can definitely make it out of the group stage, we

frican football legend Abedi Pele says he is not ready for full-time coaching, even after getting a Caf License A badge. The three-time African Footballer of the Year, together with several ex-internationals, took part in the course at Ghanas Fifa donated School of Excellence. The former Ghana captain has coaching experience with his second-tier side, Nania FC, for who he won the countrys FA Cup in 2011. For now I have never thought of it, I am working and planning towards the future, Ayew Pele said. FIFA has taken a decision and given all ex-footballers an opportunity like this and I think it is great. Having somebody like Ben Koufie also makes it unique, he added. For us locally and having all the former local players here, I think it is really great and you see the interest that the opporhave a good squad and we can equally match any team we meet. All we need is just to stay focus and believe in ourselves and the job will be

Pele Not Ready for Coaching

Abedi Pele of Ghana

tunity has been given to exfootballers to really show what they can do and we just hope that when they have showed what they can do, the opportunity can be given to them to also put it into action. done, he told Goal Ghana. The former Right to Dream Academy and Hacken BK forward scored four times in the qualifiers.

he postponement of the quarter-finals of the football and kickball editions in the 2013/2014 National County Meet, from Sunday the 5th of January to Sunday, the 12th of January has been greeted with uncompromising reaction with stakeholders, describing the deferment as unnecessary and extra burden. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the Organizing Committee, headed by Deputy Sports Minister Dionysius Sebwe a week ago postponed the quarter-finals, owing to the volume of protests. Chea Wleh of Sinoe County said the postponement of the County Meet should have been accompanied with a little compensation to assist the teams camp their players, an assertion which was buttressed by Joshua Sendolo of Nimba, Augustine Tokpa of Bong County and Wlemongar Dee of Grand Bassa County. All efforts to contact Deputy Minister Sebwe via mobile phone about the Counties appeal amidst the deferral of the football and kickball editions proved futile up to press time yesterday. Reports gathered said the 4-day preliminary rounds of the 2013/2014 National County Meet, which ran from Saturday, December 14 to Thursday, December 19 was marred by protests. In Sinoe, Gbarpolu and Rivercess County filed protests against host Sinoe for the fielding of an illegal player Boye Bailey. The ORD Kareem Nyannehs Protest and Grievance Committee has thrashed the protest for lack of evidence and procedural errors. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organizer has announced the immediate expulsion of five players from the Bong County Volleyball Team for acts incompatible with the spirit and intent of the tournament. Prior to the commencement of a volleyball match scheduled between Bong and Grand

Gedeh Counties on December 22, the five Bong County volleyball players: Richard Kollie (captain), Moses Mcquoi, Emmanuel Kollie, Avenso Mulbah and Zaza Mulbah, were involved in acts of violence, including an assault on the match commissioner, obstructing a sports program sponsored by the Government of Liberia. Players Richard Kollie and Moses Mcquoi assaulted the match commissioner and forcibly took away his file containing information of players participating in the volleyball event. Alvenso Mulbah and Zaza Mulbah pulled down and seized the volleyball net at the SKD Sports Complex gymnasium, venue of the game, while Emmanuel Kollie slammed the match officials desk and took away documents. As a result, the referenced players are banned from participating in all activities of the National County Sports Meet for a period of one year. Each of the expelled Bong County volleyball players has been fined US$200.00, consistent with Article 15 sub Section 17.5 of the rules and regulations of the tournament. Additionally, Bong County has been fined US$1,500 in line with Article 18.0 subsection 20.1 of the rules and regulations. All fines are to be paid before the countys next scheduled volleyball game. Meanwhile, the ministry has endorsed the indefinite suspension of Coach T. Julius Itoka, II of Grand Cape Mount County by the Liberia Kickball Federation from participating in all matches of the 2013/2014 National County Sports Meet. Coach Itoka assaulted the umpire of the December 15, 2013 kickball game between Margibi and Grand Cape Mount Counties. At the same time, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has advised all participants and other stakeholders to refrain from acts that may undermine the spirit of the tournament, as the games are intended to promote peace, especially as we celebrate 10 years of peace.

Fo r ad qu ve ick rt ise bu in sine th ss is re sp su ac lts e ,

ADVERTISE HERE TODaY. CaLL 0886472772

VOL. 16. NO. 46 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2013

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

The fly that has no advisor follows the corpse into the grave.
Dr. Owls Sabu Guest

Prez. Sileaf Rescues Beaches & Waterways Project

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf did not have to sign Executive Order 55 to bring joy to nearly 1,950 casual workers of the Liberia Maritime Authoritys Beaches & Waterways project. But after a meeting with representatives of the affected communities at her office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday, December 30, President Sirleaf told them that the project will resume next month and the celebra-

PRICE: LD 40

--Workers Celebrate Project Resumption in January

New Kru Town along with Musu C. Jubor, said he considered the Presidents announcement of the resumption of the project as her Christmas Gift. Information from the meeting said before instructing for the resumption of the project, Maritime Commissioner Binyan Kesselly told the President the positive impact the project has made on the affected communities. President Sirleaf was reported to have expressed concern about the closure of the project and directed that with the positive results coming out of the communities, the project should continue in January. the various slum communities around Monrovia to reduce their hardships. The communities include West Point, New Kru Town, Mamba Point and ELWA. Since the project began more than two years ago, the workers, including young and older women have been able to earn incomes to help their families. Young women are able to earn incomes to take care of themselves, and many have engaged in Susu to generate monthly payments to help their childrens education, commented George Young of New Kru Town. They have

By Omari Jackson

Beach workers in a morning service

eral years ago, leaving him as the bread-winner for his two siblings. Recently, West Point Commissioner Miatta Flowers expressed fear of a potential cholera outbreak, if the Beaches & Waterways project is not resumed to protect the beach. Several beneficiaries interviewed yesterday expressed appreciation for the resumption of the project. S. Eric Outland, 35, of New Kru Town said, I thank God first then President Sirleaf and then Commissioner Binyan Kessely for restoring our job. I appreciate President Sirleafs effort to give us a chance to be able to make a living, said Sylvester D. S. Gelegbeh, 36. John Nyanti, ll, a freshman student at the AME Zion University said, Im happy for President Sirleaf to give us our jobs back. Representatives from the various communities who met with the president included Thomas Tweh, (West Point), Edwin G. B, Kanneh, Joseph Karnway, (Mamba Point) and Daniel Robert and Matthew G. Greave (ELWA).

William Pajibo and his brothers

tions began. New Kru Town representative George A. Young told the Daily Observer in a telephone interview right after the meeting that it was the best news for the various communities. Young, who represented The Beaches & Waterways Project is part of the Government of Liberias Poverty Reduction Strategy and a priority of the Governments Agenda for Transformation. It is also meant to provide employment opportunities for residents of no temptation to be on the street. William Pajibo, 20, of New Kru Town told the Daily Observer, I have been able to put my two brothers through school, working for the project. Pajibos parents died sev-

Published by the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), 23 McDonald Street, P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia, Liberia; Tel: 06 812-888; 06 578476; and 06 472772; Printed by the Observer Printing Press; Bai S. Best, Marketing Manager; Lindiw Khumalo Yasiah, Business Strategist; Publisher & Managing Director, Kenneth Y. Best.

TUESDAY, DEC. 31, 2013, vol. 16, No.46indd 1

12/30/13 11:25 PM