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VOL. 16. NO. 62

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL At Last, a Robust Development Proposal for Rural Liberia, But . . .

See Pg. 4

COMMENTARY The Global Economy in 2014

See Pg. 4

Septic Tank Pollution Sparks Grave Concern at Bushrod Island

See Pg. 3

LOCAL NEWS

Senate Decides Today T

By J. Burgess Carter
he Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, Senator Isaac W. Nyenabo, has informed the Senate plenary that his committees mandate to delve into causes of the continuing rise in the exchange rate between the Liberian and US dollars have been completed and the report will be made today, Thursday, January 22. During their second day sitting on Thursday, January 16, the Senators voted 19 for, with two against to mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency to make a comprehensive report to the plenary

On Continuing Hike in Exchange Rate:

www.liberianobserver.com

Contd on pg. 10

Anglican Communion Shocked by Konneh Leads West Africa Primates Sudden Death Crusade to Collect
while playing tennis--one of his favorite pastimes. The Provincial Secretary Canon Anthony Eiwuley said he had received confirmation of the Archbishops death from the family. He added that, in time, he planned to

Senate Chair on Banking & Currency Isaac Nyenabo

BUSINESS Liberias Business Climate Thrills MG Official

See Pg. 9

Contd on pg. 10

GOL Revenues
-Amid Budget Shortfall
inance Minister Amara Mohammed Konneh will today, Thursday, January 22, lead

a major crusade against delinquent taxpayers to collect government revenues. The aggressive domestic revenue

Contd on pg. 10

SPORTS Samukai May Lead Liberia Basketball Association

See Pg. 11

Archbishop Johnson was an Anglican bishop for over two decades, but was only elected Primate & Archbishop of West Africa in September 2012

See story on Pg. 14

By Jan Butter with additional reporting by Bellah Zulu, ACNS (Anglicannews.org)

he Anglican Communion is reeling at the sudden death of the Primate of The

Church of the Province of West Africa yesterday (Tuesday). Archbishop Dr. Solomon Tilewa Johnson, 59, was also Metropolitan Archbishop of the Internal province of West Africa, and Bishop of Gambia. A popular figure both home and abroad, he died in Fajara

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DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 23, 2014

World News

Syria Geneva II Peace Talks Witness Bitter Exchanges

Anti-government protesters staged a mock funeral, calling for an immediate ceasefire

(BBC) UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: Syrians must come together to save their country, protect their children and find a peaceful path to a better future Syrias government and main political opposition have traded bitter accusations on the first day of a major peace conference in Switzerland. The opposition and US said President Bashar al-Assad had no legitimacy and must step down from power. Syrias foreign minister had a terse exchange with the UNs Ban Ki-moon over the length of his speech and said only Syrians could decide Mr Assads fate. The conflict has left more than 100,000 dead and millions displaced. The summit is discussing the Geneva communique which lays out a political transition plan for Syria. Wednesdays initial meeting, involving speeches from 40 or so foreign ministers - has now ended. The direct talks are scheduled to begin in Geneva on Friday. At a fractious evening news conference, during which there were repeated calls for calm, Mr Ban spoke of the suffering in Syria, saying: Enough is enough. The time has come to negotiate. He said that the really hard work begins on Friday, adding: We have a difficult road ahead, but it can be done and it must be done. Mr Ban dwelt on the Geneva communique, which calls for a transitional government in Syria, saying he was disappointed with the attitudes of both the Syrian government and its ally, Iran. UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi said he would speak to the Syrian government and opposition delegations separately on Thursday and that he hoped both teams would meet in the same room on Friday.

(BBC) Two protesters have been killed in clashes with police in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Prosecutors confirmed they had died from bullet wounds. They are the first fatalities since anti-government protests began in November. Wednesdays clashes began after police moved in to dismantle a protest camp. After talks with President Viktor Yanukovych, one opposition leader, Vitali Klitschko, threatened to lead protesters on the attack. Today they [the police] are preparing to clear us out of the Maidan (Independence Square), Mr Klitschko declared. We must do all we can to stop them clearing us out. He said the president could end the stand-off by calling early elections but that tomorrow, if the president does not respond... then we will go on the attack, to roars of approval from the crowd. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Ukraine said it had revoked the visas of several Ukrainians who were linked to the violence. It did not give names, but said it was considering further action against those responsible for the current violence. The clashes took place on the day that new anti-protest laws come into force. Parliament approved the laws last week, triggering renewed protests which spilled into violence on

Two Protesters Killed in Kiev Clashes

Page 2
Foreign Briefs

South Africa
(BBC) A rare blue diamond has been discovered in a mine in South Africa. The 29.6-carat stone was recovered by Petra Diamonds at its Cullinan mine, about 40km (25 miles) north-east of Pretoria. This stone is one of the most exceptional stones recovered at Cullinan during Petras operation of the mine, the company said. Petra unearthed a 25.5 carat blue diamond which sold for $16.9m (10.3m) in 2013. The latest discovery is also expected to sell for a high price. The Cullinan mine is famed for the production of blue diamonds The stone is an outstanding vivid blue with extraordinary saturation, tone and clarity, and has the potential to yield a polished stone of great value and importance, Petra said in a statement on Tuesday. Cullinan mine has produced hundreds of large stones and is famed for its production of blue diamonds - among the rarest and most highly coveted of all diamonds.

Demonstrators were setting tyres on fire and throwing them at security forces
Sunday night. Hundreds of people have been injured, though some of the violence has been blamed on a little-known far-right group, Right Sector. The anti-government movement started in protest at Mr Yanukovychs decision in late November to pull out of a landmark treaty with the EU, but has expanded to demand his resignation. Wednesdays violence began in a small area around Hrushevskyy Street, a road leading to government buildings and also close to the main protest encampment at Maidan (or Independence Square). Shortly after 08:00 (06:00 GMT) - following a relatively peaceful night - police stormed the protesters barricades on Hrushevskyy Street. The police later fell back to their positions after fierce clashes with protesters, but by the afternoon had pushed on through the barricades. Protesters again hurled petrol bombs and stones while riot police responded with stun grenades and rubber bullets, the BBCs Duncan Crawford reports. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters have gathered in Independence Square. There was a crush at one of the narrow entrances into the square when protesters trying to get in met protesters who were trying to get out to fight the police, our correspondent says. At least two ambulances were seen carrying away the wounded. Black smoke caused by the burning of tyres was billowing over Kiev, and video footage showed armoured vehicles moving into the area. Officials confirmed the deaths of two people who were found with gunshot wounds earlier on Wednesday. The general prosecutor said their bodies were found close to the scene of the clashes. One of them is thought to be Sergei Nigoyan, a 20-yearold ethnic Armenian who reportedly joined the protests in Kiev in early December. Medics for the activists say at least one person had multiple wounds and claimed he had been killed by a police sniper.

Pakistan
(BBC) Gunmen have shot dead at least six guards who were escorting a Spanish cyclist through Pakistans volatile Balochistan province. They were about 50km (31 miles) west of the provincial capital Quetta, in the district of Mastung, when they were ambushed. Cyclist Javier Colorado was slightly hurt after falling off his bike. A message on Facebook said he intended to continue his trip from Europe on into Asia and the rest of the world. The attack happened close to the scene of a bus bombing on Tuesday that killed 28 Shia pilgrims. This remote part of western Pakistan is plagued by kidnappings and drug traffickers as Balochistan ethnic nationalists wage an insurgency for more autonomy.

Ethiopia Joins Somalias African Union Force

Ethiopian troops have been in and out of Somalia for many years, protecting its border
(BBC)--More than 4,000 Ethiopian troops have been formally absorbed into the African Union force in Somalia. They will be responsible for security in the south-western regions of Gedo, Bay and Bakool, the AU said. Ethiopias contribution takes the AU force to the 22,000-strong level mandated by the UN Security Council. Ethiopian forces have been operating in neighbouring Somalia for several years, helping the UN-backed government fight the alQaeda-aligned al-Shabab group. Last year, the UN chief Ban Ki-moon asked for a surge of extra troops for the AU force in Somalia, known as Amisom, fearing reversals in advances made over the last few years. Together with government forces, Amisom, has driven al-Shabab from some key cities, including the capital, Mogadishu, in August 2011. The BBCs international development correspondent Mark Doyle says the troops from the Ethiopian army one of most battle-hardened in Africa - will be based in Baidoa, some 300km (185 miles) north-west of Mogadishu. There was a flag ceremony on Wednesday morning in the town to welcome them and hand over the security of the region. The Ethiopian deployment will permit Burundian and Ugandan forces to move into parts of Lower and Middle Shabelle, the AFP news agency quotes an Amisom statement as saying. Ethiopia first entered Somalia in 2006 to remove the now-defunct Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), which had ruled most of southern Somalia for six months that year. Al-Shabab emerged as the

radical youth wing of the UIC as it battled Ethiopian troops. Our correspondent says that in the 1970s, Somalia and Ethiopia fought a bitter war over their border area and as a consequence many Somalis, who are fiercely nationalist when faced by any foreign forces, have a particular hatred of Ethiopians. Nonetheless, Amisom will welcome the new troops on its side, he says. Its soldiers are hit almost daily by al-Shabab roadside bombs, ambushes and rocket attacks, he adds. The first contingent of Amisom troops arrived in Somalia in March 2007, with Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda now providing the forces soldiers. Despite Amisom gains, Islamist fighters still hold sway over many small towns and much of rural Somalia where they have imposed a strict version of Islamic law. They also control a number of small coastal ports which they use for the lucrative export of charcoal, which fetches high prices in Arab Gulf states.

Lebanon
(BBC) - An attack by a suspected suicide car bomber has reportedly killed four people in a Hezbollah stronghold in a Shiadominated suburb of Beirut. Flames were seen pouring from the facade of a multistorey building, along with large plumes of smoke. The blast, in Arid Street in the southern Haret Hreik district, left at least 20 injured, reports say. There has been a spike in sectarian tension in Lebanon blamed on the conflict in neighbouring Syria.

DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 23, 2014

EPA, MOH, Stakeholders Urged to Take Swift Action

large ruptured septic tank being used by a group of Lebanese business people in the Vai Town Community on the Bushrod Island continues to generate grave concern amongst residents, environmentalists and health personnel. Affected residents and health workers in the area are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Healths Occupational Health Department (OHD)

Septic Tank Pollution Sparks Grave Concern at Bushrod Island

residents and health workers, the odors from the waste in the septic tank pose serious health and environmental hazards to the detriment of the Vai Town Community. Some of the residents interviewed by the Daily Observer claimed the septic tank burst open about two weeks ago and those connected to it continue to the treat the unsanitary situation with blind eyes. Besides children and other vulnerable groups coming in direct contact with the wastes and toxic air from the septic tank, there are other challeng-

Page 3 3
Mr. Sylvester B. Fahnbulleh of Vai Town expressed serious concern over the unsanitary conditions being caused by the waste leaking from the burst septic tank. He appealed to the EPA and Ministry of Health to take swift action to revert the health hazard in the area. Im deeply frustrated over this unsanitary situation resulting from this damaged septic tank. Our children are being exposed to multiple air and water borne diseases as a result, Fahnbulleh lamented. Another resident, Madam Fematta M. Konneh called on the EPA and its partners to immediately come to the aid of the affected residents of Vai Town in the interest of health and good sanitation. Our people must be rescued from such dehumanizing conditions, Madam Konneh cautioned.

By Edwin M. Fayia III

Burst septic tank and old sewer pipe-line posing health & environmental hazards in Vai Town, Bushrod Island
to institute steps and action on the end-users to repair the damaged septic tank. According to the affected

es for health facilities in the community. Owing to the congested nature of houses where the septic tank is situated, if urgent steps are not taken to repair the damage an outbreak of multiple diseases could soon occur in the densely populated community. The affected residents also underscored the need for the EPA, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders not to sit by idly and wait for a disease outbreak before putting pressure on the end-users to take action to remedy the sanitation threat being posed by the cracked septic tank.

MOT and Others Launch Early Warning System

By Gloria T.Tamba
Development and Adaptation to Climate Change, is expected to last until 2017. Welcoming the guests to the launch of the project, Minister S. Tonorlah Varpilah said the day marks the beginning of the implementation of the four-year Early Warning System project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). Minister Varpilah said the project is one of three priority climate change adaptation projects prepared by the Government of Liberia in 2007 through its National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) under the United Nations Frame work Convention on Climate Change (U FCCC), which was submitted to GEF for possible funding. The NAPA process was spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), he said. The Min. of Transport disclosed that his Ministry conHe said the objective of the project is to strengthen Liberias climate related monitoring capabilities and early warning systems to ensure the availability of information for responding to climate shocks and planning adaptation strategies for climate change. He said, The EWS has three key outcomes they are: Increased capacity of meteorological and hydrological services and associated networks to monitor and predict extreme weather, climate related hazards and climate trends. Efficient and effective use of tailored climate appropriate information can be communicated to enable informed decision making and to increase awareness in the government, private sector and local communities of the major risks associated with climate change. The available information could then be used when formulating development policies and strategies. Mr. Torori disclosed the total grant amount awarded to the project as $US6.7 million in LDCF funding with co-financing in kind from the Government of Liberia through its line ministries and agencies and US$200,000 cash from UNDP. He said the projects formula-

he Ministry of Transport, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and others Wednesday, January 22, launched the Early Warning System (EWS) Project that stands to strengthen Liberias capability to provide climate information. The EWS project was organized by the Ministry of Transport and approved on October 7, 2013, by the Government of Liberia. In the meeting, where the project document was signed, representatives of the Ministry of Planning and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there, while the UNDPs Resident Coordinator signed the project document. The EWS project, launched Wednesday, January 22, under the theme: Strengthening Liberias Capability to Provide Climate Information and Services to Enhance Climate Resilient

Transport Minister Varpilah and the UNDP Deputy Country Director programme Mr.Torori addressing the audience

siders the EWS project very important to sustainable socioeconomic development of the country because the project is aimed at building the infrastructure of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSS). It will enable us provide weather and climate information and services to sectors such as health, agriculture, energy, transport (air, land and sea) environment, water resources, and the general public, he averred.

Minister Varpilah called on all Ministries and organizations to work in promoting the project, which he referred to as the first project ever in Liberia under his leadership as Transport Minister. At the same time, the UNDP Deputy Country Director (Programmer), Mr. Cleophas Torori, described the launch of the EWS as another milestone in the relationship existing between the UNDP and the Government of Liberia.

argibi County Health Officer, Dr. Hawa Moore-Kromah says despite numerous challenges facing the health sector, the Margibi County Health Team (MGCHT) was able to make considerable achievements in the past year. According to her, during the year 2013, some of the major achievements made by the team included the extension of the inpatient facilities, the operation theater as well as the emergency room. The Liberia News Agency, quoting a copy of a summary and achievements of health activities in Margibi County for 2013, indicated that there were, however, delays in the delivery of medical supplies from the central supply chain unit of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOH/SW). She said the MCHT, like any other county facility involved with the implementation of essential health services at primary and secondary levels, placed emphasis on all maternal and child health services. These in-

Dr. Kromah on Margibis Health 2013 Achievements

cluded the provision of access to skilled facility based delivery services, administering of appropriate malaria prophylaxis and treatment of pregnant women and maternal and infant nutrition and family planning services, among others. Additionally, she disclosed that during the past year, other developments, including infrastructure and the drug depot at the C. H. Rennie Hospital in Kakata, were completed with funding from the MGCHT and Save the Children-Liberia. Other project implemented included the construction of seven hand pumps, the Velley Town Maternal Waiting Home, the construction of four community latrines, and the construction of four bucket wells undertaking by Oxfam. Dr. Kromah indicated that major renovation work was carried out at the Peter Town Clinic in Kakata Dolo Town, Cotton Tree, the Mother to Child Health (MCH) Unit at the Worhn Clinic was extended, and the new Tucker-ta Clinic was constructed with aid from Save the Children Libe-

ria. Even with all the development undertaken in 2013, Dr. Kromah still called for an increase in budgetary allotment and the provision of logistics including vehicles, drugs and

medical supplies. She said, in the absence of the timely provision of the necessary logistics and drugs to the county health team, the efficiency of Margibis health delivery system would be set-

tion, dissemination and validation were marked by a structured, strategic and inclusive approach with extensive consultations and discussions with stakeholders. Mr. Torori also emphasized that the project is in line with Liberias United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNDP Country Program Document (CPD) for 2013-2017, the UNDP,CPD 2013-2017, the NAPA and the Agenda for Transformation (Vision 2030). He assured his organizations commitment to the EWS project and promised to work with other ministries and organizations in moving the project forward for better development and to achieve the long term goals and objectives of the project. Other Responsible partners of the EWS project are the Ministry of Lands Mines and Energy (LME), Hydrological Services, Internal Affairs (MIA),National Disaster Relief Commission (NDRC),Agriculture Ministry (MOA)Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA), National Ports Authority (NPA) Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (PEA).

back and the provision of much needed health services to resi-

dents of the county would be stifled.

gree holder and they are running a high school. Can one BSc Degree holder alone teach a high school? he queried. Mr. Mantor also called on money lenders in Ganta to cooperate with his office to ensure effective teaching; because some teachers are in the habit of taking loans. Upon receiving such money, they abandon their duties and do something else. Many teachers who get cash from these money lenders sometimes take 10 months salary advance and go to their villages and abandon classes, he explained. Before they give loans any of my teachers, my office should be notified, he asserted. In Ganta, there are two money lenders, Pheree Dekpah and Sam Brown. Their businesses are patronized equally to banks in Ganta.

By Ishmael F. Menkor

Problem in School System Begins with Teachers: Ganta City DEO

public schools under his control. I am going to start with the teachers first. If they are supposed to be in class at certain time and dont show up, what do you expect the students to do? he asked rhetorically. I am going to go from school to school to see the attendance roster of teachers; their time in and time out, he added. Mr. Mantor said, If the student is in uniform doing different things in the street during school hours, the principal should be able to answer the question, why? In the Ganta School System, parents prefer sending their children to private schools rather than public ones because on many occasions, students attending public school are seen roam-

he newly assigned District Education Officer of Ganta, Mr. Lynol Mantor has disclosed that many of the problems in our school system today were due to laissez-faire(lax) attitudes of school administrations and their teachers Making the disclosure to reporters recently, Mr. Mantor said based on his observation on school campuses he had visited in his district; school administrations and teachers are not committed to their duties by being punctual. He added that he is going to be very tough on teachers attendance records and make sure that they are fully intact in all

ing the campuses during school hours when they are supposed to be in classes learning. One of the reasons for students roaming their campuses during school hours is government paid teachers who are teaching in more than two schools daily. This situation makes it hard for them to be to their various classes on time. I will make sure schools that are lacking teachers are being staffed adequately; and schools that are overstaffed be staffed evenly, he asserted. If any school doesnt meet up with the criteria for a high school by bringing qualified staff, I am going to cut the school down to Jr. High level, he added. I have observed that some schools have only one BSc De-

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Thursday, January 23, 2014
Who are the real beneficiaries of this money?

Page 4

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

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

We need 73 million dollars for each of the districts in Liberia I coming buy more cars and get more jues The Speaker is right... You love one who loves you

At Last, a Robust Development Proposal for Rural Liberia, But . . .

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alex Tyler, has proposed the allocation US$73M in the 2014/2015 National Budget for direct district impact projects across the country. Our Legislative Reporter Keith Morris was listening keenly as the Speaker, whose mother and father hail from rural Bomi County and Arthington, Montserrado County, respectively, explained his proposal. The intent, he told the joint opening session of the 3rd sitting of the 53rd Legislature, is to fund roads, schools, clinics and other meaningful projects at local government levels in order to foster developmental activities in rural areas. Speaker Tyler urged his fellow Representatives and the Senate to see the need to allot such critical resources to the 73 electoral districts. Contrasting his proposal with the County Development Funds (CDF), he said this was one of the ways we believe that much needed development resources can be decentralized. According to him, appropriating the necessary funding would tackle several challenges facing the countrys interior, including, deplorable roads and bridges, poor health facilities and schools lacking the most basic facilities, which can be found in most schools around the world. This is in contrast to what the Speaker referred to as the Executive Branchs US$5 million allocated in the 2013/2014 national budget for direct district impact projects. His current proposal, he said, will directly benefit the people, some of whom, I dare say, have never before in their entire lives, felt the influence of their government, going as far back as 1847, and the founding of the Republic. Few would argue with Speaker Tyler, most especially on his last point, that so many of our people in rural Liberia have never felt the impact of their government. Believe it or not, this is one of the tangible reasons why many Liberians lack the urge to be patriotic. You love one who loves you; but how can you love in return when you never feel the impact of the others love? So Speaker Tyler has made a very strong point: there is need to pay particular attention to rural Liberia, district by district. But will it take more, or less than US$73 million? Where did the Speaker get his figure from? That is the first question. The second is, where will this new money come from, given the current economic downturn facing the country, as reflected in the rapidly disappearing Liberian dollar? The Legislature will seriously have to engage the key financial players in the Executive Branch, including the Finance Minister and the Central Bank Governor, to determine how new money can be raised to rescue rural Liberia. Third question: whatever amount is eventually allocated for rural Liberia, who will control it? The Legislature, or the Executive? We have seen what happened to the County Development Funds (CDF)how the Legislators scrambled over it, many demanding that the lion share be given to them individually. As in the famous case of Montserrado County lawmaker Edward Forh and former Montserrado County Superintendent Grace Kpan. Supt. Kpan secretly recorded Rep. Forh as he told her how they could divide US$400,000 among themselves. Rep. Forh is heard saying on tape, which has now become a famous saying around Monrovia: I eat some, you eat some and the Minister eats some. Fourth question: who is to determine how whatever money is allocated will be spent, district by district? Who conceives the development plans? Who determines the prioritiesaid to farmers, clinics, schools, roads, water, electricity, housing, health and sanitation? And finally, when the money is allocated and the projects defined, who gets the contracts to do the implementationforeigners, who will no doubt take the lions share of the money back to their countries, further diminishing the Liberian dollar? Or locals. If locals, how sure are we that they can DO THE JOB SATISFACTORILY AND ON TIME? Or will the projects end up another Jallah Town, Monrovia road that frustrated President Sirleaf in the incipience of her administration? These are serious questions to ponder as the Legislature commences its debate on Speaker Tylers robust proposal.

My district needs hospital...

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

The Global Economy in 2014

By Klaus Schwab
GENEVA At the dawn of a new year, the world is in the midst of several epic transitions. Economic growth patterns, the geopolitical landscape, the social contract that binds people together, and our planets ecosystem are all undergoing radical, simultaneous transformations, generating anxiety and, in many places, turmoil. From an economic standpoint, we are entering an era of diminished expectations and increased uncertainty. In terms of growth, the world will have to live with less. To understand the implications of this, consider the following: If the global economy grew at its pre-crisis pace (more than 5% per year) for the foreseeable future, its size would double in less than 15 years; at 3%, doubling world GDP would take about 25 years. This makes a significant difference to the speed at which wealth creation occurs, with profound effects on expectations. We ignore the power of compound growth to our detriment. As for uncertainty, the worlds four largest economies are currently undergoing major transitions. The US is striving to boost growth in a fractured political environment. China is moving from a growth model based on investment and exports to one led by internal demand. Europe is struggling to preserve the integrity of its common currency while resolving a multitude of complex institutional issues. And Japan is trying to combat two decades of deflation with aggressive and unconventional monetary policies. For each, the formulation and outcome of complex and sensitive policy decisions implies many unknowns, with global interdependence heightening the risk of large unintended consequences. For example, the US Federal Reserves policy of quantitative easing (QE) has had a major effect on other countries currencies, and on capital flows to and from emerging markets. When QE was launched, it was the least flawed of the available policies, and it averted a catastrophic global depression. But its downsides are now apparent, and its abatement in 2014 could fuel further uncertainty. The Feds QE policy, and variants of it elsewhere, have caused the major central banks balance sheets to expand dramatically (from $5-6 trillion prior to the crisis to almost $20 trillion now), causing financial markets to become addicted to easy money. This has led, in turn, to a global search for yield, artificial asset-price inflation, and misallocation of capital. As a result, the longer QE lasts, the greater the collateral damage to the real economy. The concern now is that when the Fed begins to taper QE and dollar liquidity drains from global markets, structural problems and imbalances will resurface. After all, competitiveness-enhancing reforms in many advanced economies remain far from complete, while the ratio of these countries total public and private debt to GDP is now 30% higher than before the crisis. This source of uncertainty coincides with weakening performance in many emerging countries. Back in 2007, emerging-market growth was expected to outpace that of advanced economies by a wide margin, before converging. Today, the advanced economies contribute more to global GDP growth than emerging countries, where growth is forecast to average 4% in the coming years. Economic conditions are slowly improving in high-income countries, but a range of downward pressures may persist for years. The US economy, for example, remains stuck in a subpar recovery: inflation is too low and unemployment is too high. Official data have often been better than expected, reflecting how resilient, adaptive, and innovative the US economy is, but pre-crisis consumer-spending and growth patterns are unlikely to recur. Improvements in the eurozone are real but tenuous. The good news is that the disaster predicted by many pundits has been avoided, and the recession is coming to an end. But improvement does not mean resurgence: achieving the robust growth needed to reduce high unemployment, lower the debt/GDP ratio, and improve the fiscal outlook remains elusive. The greatest risk for the eurozone in the foreseeable future is not a disorderly exit by some countries, but rather a prolonged period of stagnant growth and high unemployment. Meanwhile, the emerging-market slowdown may well persist, particularly in the largest economies. Over the past 15 years, the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) have achieved remarkable progress, but their reforms including new banking regulations and currency regimes have been among the least difficult to implement. So-called second-generation reforms, which are more structural in nature, are vital to long-term growth but much more difficult to realize. Elimination of subsidies, labor market and judicial reforms, and effective anti-corruption measures are politically charged and often are blocked by powerful vested interests. The global growth slowdown is taking place against a backdrop of rising economic inequality, owing to labors declining share of national income a worldwide phenomenon, resulting from globalization and technological progress, that poses a serious challenge to policymakers. Systems that propagate inequality, or that seem unable to stem its rise, contain the seeds of their own destruction. But in an interdependent world, there is no obvious solution, because the high mobility of capital fuels global tax competition. Even in stronger-performing countries, such as the US or the United Kingdom, faster GDP growth has yet to boost real incomes. In the US, for example, median household income has fallen by more than 5% since the recovery began. More generally, lower growth is fueling popular protest and social unrest, particularly in countries that were growing rapidly (for example, Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa), owing to the impact of rising living standards on expectations. In such a charged social and political context, reviving high-quality economic growth is crucial. But where will it come from? Technological progress is a distinct, but highly uncertain, possibility. Many disruptive technologies (for example, advanced robotics, next-generation genomics, energy storage, renewable energy, and 3D printing) could drive future growth, but their full potential can be realized only in the distant future. With most governments facing fiscal constraints, officials are reluctant to consider projects that might increase public debt. But there is some low-hanging fruit productive investments that would boost long-term growth and therefore pay for themselves. A focus on four areas, in particular infrastructure, education, green energy, and sustainable agriculture could yield high economic and social returns. Ultimately, however, the path to sustained growth requires not just new policies, but also a new mindset. Our societies must become more entrepreneurial, more focused on establishing gender parity, and more rooted in social inclusion. There simply is no other way to return the global economy to a path of strong and sustained growth. About the Author Klaus Schwab is Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Thursday, January 23, 2014

Page 5 4

By Matenneh-Rose L. Dunbar
We are yet to determine that place A spot where we will state the truth With open hearts to accept our faults Seeing all of us as one people by God With human equality right and dignity Just because we are of the same stuff Place Of Honesty.... We Seek We simple as a group of easy goers Vent our hates for the season propel us Hungry souls are bent low in plain lack Gather the lot of the inner clique to share In nasty water lodged corners families hides That they have nowhere to protect their kids Place Of Honesty. We Strive We deserve a land rich like our mountains Rivers filled with stones that the world crave Forest God grown with massive costly trees Plain lands that yield yellow golden rocks Valleys planted with ore needed everywhere Rains so much we will feed every child a liter Place Of Honesty. We Survive

Place Of Honesty

Ellen Joyce and Catherine Mighty Women

By Matenneh-Rose L. Dunbar
We watched as the world clapped for them We breathed a relief over their loud victories We hoped high as we felt meekness was fixed We echoed the freedom of mighty all women We hold our breaths with excited jubilation We mother the broken villages to stability Ellen Joyce and Catherine .. Mighty Women We lobbied endless in West Africa for a deliverer We ran and slept in the open streets for years We destroyed our own kith and kin like a plague We killed men of same tribe who lived near us We burnt churches with living people in them We fought ethnic civil war that made no reason Ellen Joyce and Catherine .. Mighty Women We stand on the precipice of a women ruled world We lay the stage for concrete peace non violence We oversee from the bleakest to the glamorous We take in our strides those rejected and frail We settle discontent in the jaws of massive guns We entrench democracy for tiny feet yet unborn Ellen Joyce and Catherine .. Mighty Women

not your money I cannot be your Oil when your Oil is not your Oil I cannot be your Iron Ore when your Iron Ore is not your Iron ore I cannot be your Diamond when your Diamond is not your Diamond I cannot be your Gold when your Gold is not your Gold I cannot be your Timber when your Timber is not your Timber I cannot be your Forest when your Forest is not your Forest I cannot be your Rubber when your Rubber is not Rubber I cannot be your Seaport when your Seaport is not your Seaport I cannot be your Airport when your Airport is not your Airport I cannot be your Food when your Food is not your Food I cannot be your Cloth when your Cloth is not your Cloth I cannot be your Shoes when your Shoes are not your Shoes I cannot be your Skin when your Skin is not your Skin I cannot be your Hair when your Hair is not your Hair I cannot be your Nail when your Nail is not Nail I cannot be your Eyebrow when your Eyebrow is not your Eyebrow I cannot be your Eyelashes when your Eyelashes are not your Eyelashes I cannot be your Eye when your Eye is not your Eye I cannot be your Lips when your Lips are not your Lips I cannot be your everything when your everything is not your Everything I cannot be your anything when your anything is not your Anything No! I cannot just be yours when yours is not your

MESSENGER OF PEACE
s our nations leaders continue to aspire for sustainable peace in Liberia, Messengers of Peace (MOP)Liberia, from its embryonic stage in 2008 has remained committed to peace in Liberia. There is no bigger sign of this commitment than our foundation values of advocacy for Peace Education and nonviolence through the concept of volunteerism. We remain the bearer of peace messages and take the lead role for Peace Advocacy involving youth in Liberia. One of the hallmarks of MOP-Liberia is the meaningful involvement and active participation as well as engagement of young people in advocacy programs for peace. At MOP-Liberia, what we have discovered in our nascent years of existence is that at the heart of most Liberian youth is the quest for peace to prevail. Our values, as presented last week, are centered on preparing young people in schools and communities for peace and non-violence through the transfer of knowledge and skills. In keeping with those goals, young people are actively involved in peace building initiatives such as the 21 Days of Peace Activism in Liberia Community Sensitization Campaigns and formation of peace clubs in schools. They are also challenged to find a practical application of acquire information during the mentoring programmes. We are always willing to do the little things that contribute to the attainment of sustainable peace in Liberia. MOPLiberias vision is to become

With Leroy M. Sonpon III

Our Commitment to Sustainable Peace

Gwendolyn Myers, Executive Director, Messengers of Peace-Liberia (MOP)

one of the great Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), youth driven, voluntary movement in Liberia and the Sub-region which stands for key peace values and is not afraid or reluctant to stand up for peace and non-violence. MOP-Liberia is a conscientious objector to any form of violence anywhere in the world. It remains committed to the key peace values of hard work, building trust, honesty, tolerance and respect for human dignity and diversity. As MOP enters its sixth year of operation, it has earned a reputation for not just being passionate but is recognized as an organization with a compassion for peace and is an advocate for non-violence. These are traits valued by several institutions (The Carter CenterLiberia, Liberia Peacebuilding Office, United Nations Mission in Liberia, United Nations Volunteer Programme, International Alert, Shirley Ann Sullivan Educational Foundation) and more international and local partners that MOP collaborates with as we execute our programmes on Peace buildings in the country. MOP takes very seriously its responsibility to provide a peace loving and child friendly environment for young people from different cultural backgrounds in all learning environment in Liberia. Our mission is to inculcate our shared values to young people in the various peace clubs (in schools and communities) spread across the country. It is our expectations that young people who benefit from our programmes and inculcated with our core values would be great examples of the dedication and commitment that MOP-Liberia stands for. Peace, above all. Peace First. Let Peace Prevail.

Written by Leadeh Gboko-Gbowe

If Eye was made to see Let it be If Nose was made to smile Let it be If Tongue was made to taste Let it be If Skin was made to feel Let it be If Ear was made to hear Let it be Let everything be as it was to be If I was born to lead Let it be If you were born to lead Let it be If He was born to lead Let it be If she was born to lead Let it be If it was born to lead let it be If we were born to lead Let it be If they were born to lead Let it be Let everybody be as he was to be If I was born to serve Let it be If you were born to serve Let it be If He was born to serve Let it be If she was born to serve Let it be If it was born to serve Let it be If we were born to Serve Let it be If they were born to serve Let it be Let everyone be as he was to be And let all be as they were to be

LET IT BE

By Matenneh-Rose L. Dunbar
Made of all but little bones for a frame all soft like a roll of neat white tissue Tucked and packed like a postcard Mailed to a distant land for a dear one Beneath all of this is the cracked shell All broken and covered in flow of tears Tender Soul Near to my inner core the tear felt most It is natural to be feeble when it all rocks Breathe out the rivers of sac emotions Make room to dry patch for new growth Forget the pretense that clouds the skies Look forward through changed seasons Tender Soul Entreat the shames to valleys but rise up Bang the shots of naked hatred about you Cover the menacing tug of riots with words Placid as streams in nature attract grandeur Humbly the persistence for better enlarges Pulse at every leaf sway enjoy the intricacy Tender Soul

Tender Soul

The County Meet

By: Lekpele Nyamalon
Under one hut Come all tribes Blinded by a ball- just a ball One round little object Chased by 22 little men In a circus Looking for a goal The oldma listens to a radio somewhere in kpatawee And hears a goal on the radio! She jumps like a leopard! Spreads her lappa, smiling like a full new moon And folds her hands, praying that the game ends there! What a County Meet! When the Counties meet Men act like boys Jumping over fences Like helicopter troopers Nimba meets Lofa Bong meets Bassa GrandGedeh meets Sinoe Liberia Wins the medal Hurry up County Meet! When are you coming back?

Tanzania base
By: Lekpele Nyamalon Your name sends a chill Your face sends a silent cold, traveling through spines, like needles Hidden under the enclaves of CARI, Deep in the bosom of Bong! When men, like chicks, ran to your arms for shelter You opened a door, hid them under your feathers From the gnashing sounds of gunshots and stray bullets Bringing a relief, life was about to breathe again! In the darkest of dark, You pushed them out to the wolves Shut your huts Took off your doors Demolished your windows Unmasked your face And, like a coward, you fled Oh Tanzania base! Why? You could have left us alone! Let the lions devour us then! Or, we would have buried ourselves alive! But you gave us hope, masked by terror! And left us out to dry Wish your name could vanish like a dream Oh Tanzania base, you are a beast!

I CANNOT BE YOURS, NO!

Written by Leadeh Gboko-Gbowe, and dedicated to Liberians
I cannot be your money when your money is

DAILY OBSERVER

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Page 6

Group Five is a diversied Construction, Infrastructure Concessions and Related Services group engaged in resources, energy, real estate and infrastructure delivery with a growing client base in SA, the rest of Africa and Eastern Europe. As a result of the company being awarded the New Liberty Gold Contract in the Grand Cape Mount County, the following vacancies have become available at the Structural, Mechanical, Piping and Platework (SMPP) division of Group Five:

Senior SMPP Planner: Technical qualication with 10 years site experience, minimum 5 years planning experience, Primavera P6, commercial experience, must have experience in setting up an initial programme and ability to keep it up to date.
with at least 10 years SMPP experience.

Professional Plate/Tank Welder: Ability

to weld 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G. Relevant recognised certied with 5 years experience.

SMPP Construction Site Manager: Professional qualication

Mechanical Fitter: Be responsible for

Assistant SMPP Construction Site Manager: Minimum 5 years experience in managing SMPP construction sites and relevant formal qualication. SMPP Quality Inspectors: Welding 2 qualication, Data book compilation, and 10 years SMPP construction experience are essential. Must have the ability to monitor the site installation and ensure compliance with requirements by performing inspections and verication of documentation to ensure the implementation of the Project Quality Plan. Senior SMPP Quantity Surveyor: Relevant degree and minimum 5-8 years experience in a SMPP construction environment, with knowledge of NEC and FIDIC suite of contracts and excellent commercial acumen. SMPP Field Engineer: Engineering degree with 3-5 years construction experience and the ability to ensure quick resolution of engineering problems/queries arising on site through effective liaising, monitoring, recording, execution and management thereof. HR and Administration Manager: Senior Secondary WAEC Certicate or equivalent plus minimum 3-year business qualication (preferably nancially-related) and 5 years work experience with at least 3 years at administrative supervisory level in Finance and HR. Construction background is preferable. SMPP Health, Safety and Environmental Ofcers:
Senior Secondary WAEC Certicate and relevant formal Health and Safety qualication, SAMTRAC, rst aid certicate and 5 years construction site experience with the ability to organise and implement the project HSE system on site. from theft and ensure security is optimised to meet requirements, as well as manage and coordinate all logistics. Security qualication and at least 5 years relevant experience in security and logistics are essential.

installment and alignment of mechanical equipment. High School Certicate or equivalent with relevant recognised qualication and at least 5-7 years experience in mechanical tting are required.

and erecting of steel structures as per drawing specications. High School Certicate or equivalent with relevant recognised qualication and at least 5-7 years experience in boilermaking are essential.

Tank Builder: Be responsible for tting, installation

Master Rigger: High School Certicate with relevant

Building the world one piece at a time.

recognised qualication and minimum 10 years experience in rigging, of which 5 years must have been in managing a team of riggers. Must be able to complete rigging study and supervise the team to load, ofoad and install mechanical and structural equipment. installation of mechanical and structural equipment. High School Certicate or equivalent with relevant recognised qualication and minimum 5-7 years experience in rigging are required. providing effective collection and delivery services to the site within the required timeframe. High School Certicate or equivalent qualication and a drivers licence are essential.

Rigger: Be responsible for loading, ofoading and

Driver (Light Duty Vehicle): Be responsible for

Driver (Heavy Duty Vehicle): Professional driving

Security and Logistics Manager: Protect the construction site

Crane Operators: High School Certicate, relevant

qualication with the ability to assess loads against given permissible load requirements and plan road transport service delivery that meets specied requirements. operators licence with accredited training for mobile cranes, plus a Code EC (11) licence and 2 years operating and driving experience.

Mechanical Supervisor: Senior Secondary WAEC Certicate or

Group Five is a Leader in Safety, and Environmental Management within the construction sector.

Structural Platework Supervisors: Senior Secondary WAEC Certicate or equivalent with at least 5 years experience in construction in a structural platework supervisory role to oversee, manage and report on site construction, procedures and staff as well as Group Five clients and SHEQ standards.
5 years experience in construction in a piping supervisory role to oversee, manage and report on site construction, procedures and comply with Group Five clients and SHEQ standards. experience and construction material control experience in receiving, tracking, recording, reporting, storing and issuing all materials for construction. all items under stores control. High School Certicate or equivalent with 3 years SMPP construction site experience, plus Stores Control and Management qualications are required.

equivalent with at least 5 years experience in construction in a mechanical supervisory role to oversee, manage and report on site construction, procedures, and comply with Group Five clients and SHEQ standards.

Fork Lift Operators: Be responsible for loading and

Piping Supervisor: High School Certicate or equivalent with at least

Scaffold Erector: Be responsible for erecting scaffolding. Relevant recognised Scaffold Erection certication required, plus 5 years working experience.

Scaffold Inspector: Be responsible for erecting and certifying scaffolding. Relevant recognised Inspection and Scaffold Erection certication required, plus 5 years working experience.

ofoading materials and containers on trucks with a forklift on site. High School Certicate or equivalent qualication with a valid Lifter drivers licence are essential.

Surveyor: Ability to calibrate and operate total station, theodolite

SMPP Material Controller: Construction qualication, SMPP site SMPP Stores Managers: Receive, store, monitor and dispatch

Professional Pipe Fitter: Be responsible for tting and installation of

pipes as per drawing specications. High School Certicate or equivalent with relevant recognised qualication and at least 5 years experience in pipe tting (6G).

Security Guards: Minimum 5 years working experience with a recognised security company, the police force or the military. A clear criminal record is a prerequisite.
structural steel buildings under the guidance of supervision, minimum 2 years relevant work experience.

Plant Mechanic: Highly qualied Diesel Mechanic with auto electrical experience to optimally maintain all construction site cranes, vehicles and generators. Formal qualication with 10 years, construction site experience.

and dumpy level. Relevant degree, AutoCad Draughting and minimum 8 years construction site experience.

Steel Erector: Ability to read structural drawings and to erect

www.groupve.co.za

Professional Welder (Coded): Appropriate experience in coding for industrial construction and minimum 3 years welding experience. Professional Structural Welder: Ability to operate CO machinery, SMAW welding technique and minimum 5 years experience with relevant recognised certication.
2
Human Communications 105612

Suitable candidates should e-mail their CVs to liberiajobs@groupve.co.za or fax to +27 86 557 1931 Applications should be received by no later than 28 February 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and successful candidates will be mobilised per site requirements.
www.humanjobs.co.za

DAILY OBSERVER
Peace Corps/Liberia Education Programming and Training Specialist (ED PTS)
REPORTS TO: Programming and Training Manager (PTM) POSITION BRIEF: The ED PTS serves as a member of the Programming and Training (P&T) team and supports 80-100 Volunteers in training, program, administration, and other Volunteer support issues. The ED PTS has responsibility for supporting the planning, development, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Liberias programming and training activities. The ED PTS will support all P&T related activities for the Education Project with support and direction from the Education Program Manager (ED PM) and PTM. During the Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) cycles, the PTS will be the full-time technical trainer for the Education Project and will receive support and direction from the TM and ED PM. The ED PTS also represents Peace Corps Liberia with governmental officials and representatives of non-governmental and host country organizations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Project and Program Support Site Development Site Visits Administrative Program Support Volunteer Program Support B. Development and Implementation Of Training Activities C. Administrative and other Volunteer Support D. Grants Coordination and Management E. Information Resource Center Management F. Safety and Security QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Education: Bachelors degree in education, project management, community development or relevant field. Experience: Three years progressively responsible experience in Education field and/or community development. Trainer of trainers and adult training experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Knowledge of and experience with adult education, education in Liberia, and participatory community analysis for development. Strong experience with group facilitation, session plan design, and cultural adaptation & sensitivity training. Computer skills with Microsoft Office required. Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to manage and administer small grant programs. Position requires a valid Liberia drivers license and ability to drive a manual vehicle (stick shift). ED PTS must be available and willing to travel throughout Liberia approximately 50-60% of time either accompanied by PM or alone. For a complete Statement of Work please send a request to pcjobs@lr.@peacecorps.gov. Submit a letter of interest, resume and three reference contacts as attachments via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov. No phone calls please. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained at the guard stations of the Peace Corps Office in Congo Town. 1 December 2013

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Page 6a 8

APPLY FOR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Apprenticeships available in many trade areas with Liberian and international companies, including:
Bookkeeping Hotel Management Carpentry & Masonry Electronics Beauty Nursing Interior Design Sales Auto Mechanics IT and Computers Administration Catering

Looking to jump start your career? Need experience?

JOB VACANCY
Post: Location: Contract Duration: Closing Date: Co-Director Monrovia (with periodic visit outside Monrovia) Until 30th September 2014 February, 10th 2014

Background:

On August 25, 2013, coinciding with the countrys 10 years of peace celebration, the success and excitement from 2011 was repeated and extended. Under the motto Liberia, Rising. Together more than 1,200 athletes, about 1,000 tireless volunteers and thousands, and thousands spectators lining up on the course to cheer for and applaud the runners turned the Liberia Marathon 2013 in an incredible civic event. This year Liberia will host her third Liberia Marathon. This official, 26.2 miles, street running race hosted in major cities all over the world, will provide constructive role models, foster community cohesion and offer Liberians the chance to compete internationally and transform the countrys image. Our aim is to stage an open, inclusive and uplifting public event in Monrovia, which strengthens Liberias developing success story, helps transform how Liberians and others see the country, and provides a catalyst for charitable and commercial activity in Liberia. Our long-term vision is a mass public event, where runners participate for charity and the public good in an internationally respected annual race that also develops elite distance runners to represent Liberia on the world stage. More information on www.liberiamarathon.com and facebook /LiberiaMarathon

and many more!

Main tasks & responsibilities:

How does it work?

1. Mercy Corps is offering 3-month apprenticeships to match YOUR skills An apprenticeship can give you on-the-job experience, build your skills, and give you the chance to secure a job. Find the apprenticeship which matches your experience, education and interests from Mercy Corps Apprenticeship Catalogue. 2. Mercy Corps provides a stipend of $3 per day for the duration of the apprenticeship We provide a stipend to help facilitate your transport. You can focus on work! 3. Build your skills through training and mentorship During apprenticeships, Mercy Corps will provide you with business skills training. Your host business will also designate a mentor to give you feedback on your work and provide you with training and advice. 4. Apply today to the apprenticeship which matches your interest and experience Find the opportunity which suits you from the Apprenticeship Catalogue posted at one of the following locations. Fill in an application form and submit to us! If successful, you will be invited to interview. Mercy Corps office, Sinkor Gardnerville Town Hall New Kru Town Administrative Building Call 0886 106 172 for more information, or email wajavon@ lr.mercycorps.org

In the context of the goals laid out above, the following section lists the various objectives, duties and expectations of the Co-Director of the Liberia Marathon:

The right vision for the marathon, and annual project plan Effective financial stewardship of the Liberia Marathon Raising money and delivering sponsorship value Assembling and leading the Organizing Committee Building and maintaining effective strategic stakeholder relationships Delivering a secure Marathon Delivering a safe marathon Delivering a successful and well-attended marathon Representing the Marathon externally Protecting the marathon and ensuring compliance Contributing to the Marathon sustainability and legacy Protecting the long-term vision and values of the Liberia Marathon
Graduate degree from a recognized University Excellent skills in accounting, administration and event/project management Capacity to speak/read/write English on a professional level Proven leadership, communication and interpersonal skills Character of willingness to work and ability to fit into a team environment, team management experience Advanced networking and stakeholder management skills Can demonstrate trustworthiness and commitment to complex projects Can demonstrate they are a team player, task-oriented, with organizational and time management skills, independent and entrepreneurial Excellent computer skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint & Internet).

Requirements & assets:

Liberia Marathon Trust offers:

Part-time contract leading to full time Competitive remuneration depending on experience and education Outstanding and unique event management experience Outstanding, national level leadership experience Networking opportunities

Applications: Tuesday 21 Saturday 26 Jan 2014

If you are interested, please email your Well Written letter of motivation and CV to jobs@liberiamarathon.com before 10 February 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. For more information please visit www.liberiamarathon.com

How to Apply:

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Thursday, January 23, 2014

n our selection of Central Bank Governor Dr. J. Mills Jones as PERSON OF THE YEAR, we stressed the fact that the vast majority of Liberians live in abject poverty in their own country, while only a few Liberians and most foreigners, including Lebanese, Indians and Fulas, are very rich. We also mentioned a handful of Liberians in business, but not in the mainstream or leaders in their particular lines of business. Every aspect of business, with the probable exception of rubber, is dominated by foreigners. That brings us to this big oneRUBBERwhich has over the years put a lot of money into the pockets of a few Liberians, making some very rich. The exceptions, of course, are the big rubber concessions, Firestone, Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC), Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), Cavala Rubber Company (CRC) and the Guthrie Plantations. We fortunately have quite a few Liberians who are rubber planters and have over the decades done well for themselves and their families. The first Liberian to make serious money from rubber was James (Jimmy) Francis Cooper, the first Liberian to start planting the highly lucrative crop. He was Secretary of the Interior under President C.D.B. King in 1926 when Harvey S. Firestone started his rubber plantation along the Farmington River in what is now Margibi County. Jimmy Cooper was the grandfather of many, many Coopers, including former Deputy Agriculture Secretary Sam Payne Cooper, geologist Bismark Cooper, Journalist Chauncey Cooper and former Chief Justice of Liberia Henry Reed Cooper. Mrs. Mildred Cooper Reeves, former General Manager of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment, now a CBL Governor, is Jimmy Coopers great granddaughter. Young Carrine Richards Barnes, a leading Liberian architect, who currently supervises the renovation of the Executive Mansion, is also a granddaughter of Jimmy Cooper. As Secretary of the Interior, Jimmy Cooper was the man to whom Harvey Firestone turned to recruit workers to run his highly labor-intensive rubber plantation. Most of these workers initially hailed from Montserrado, Bong, Lofa and later Nimba counties. In appreciation for the Interior Secretarys invaluable help, Mr. Firestone encouraged Jimmy Cooper to plant rubber, too. And Mr. Cooper was not selfish. He got other Liberians involved in the rubber industry. The Daily Observer once found in the United States Archives a letter from Louis Arthur Grimes, Attorney General under Presi-

dent King, Secretary of State and later Chief Justice under President Edwin Barclay and President W.V.S. Tubman. In that letter, Mr. Grimes thanked Jimmy Cooper for encouraging him (Grimes) to plant rubber. President King, too, planted rubber in Lower Careysburg (King Farm) and so did his successor, President Edwin Barclay, whose rubber farm was near the Firestone Hydro in the same Farmington community. An American researcher and author came to see the Daily Observer publisher little over two years ago and told him what he thought of Mr. Firestone leading Liberian officials into planting rubber. This, said the author, who has probably now completed his book on the American rubber industrialist, was the genius of Harvey Firestone. By encouraging most Liberian officials, past, present and future, to plant rubber and make money, Mr. Firestone got all of these officials on his side, convincing them that they, too, and not Firestone only, could become rich from rubber. That immediately brought all of these Liberian decision makers to his side. Tubman, who succeeded E.J. Barclay as President in 1944, also became a big rubber planterwith farms both in Totota, Bong County, and in his native Maryland County (Bonike near Pleebo). We understand that Tubmans farm was developed by his relative, Willie Tubman, a prominent Maryland business tycoon, commonly called Bor Willie. According to his son, former presidential candidate Counselor Winston Tubman, Bor Willie was the one who planted Tubmans rubber, since the President was too busy running the affairs of state in Monrovia. But Tubman paid regular visits to his native Cape Palmas, especially at Easter, when he worshipped at Mount Scott United Methodist Church, the church into which he was born. Bor Willie also became a major rubber planter in Maryland. He was also the father of Cllr. Robert Tubman, their older brother John and their eldest brother Conway Tubman. All of the boys at one time attended the Booker Washington Institute. They have three sisters, Laurentine, Grace and Antoinette (Aunty). Other Marylanders who planted rubber included A. Dash Wilson, who became Chief Justice. The Speaker of the House in the 1930s, Benjamin Greene Freeman, became the leading rubber planter in Careysburg, followed by his brother, father of Ben III, former Liberian Ambassador to La Cote dIvoire, and also by J.D. Jackson, the Ureys and others. Ben Freeman, like Henry B. Duncan and R.S.S. Bright, jumped out of the box and in-

vested in real estate on Benson Street, Monrovia (old Defense Ministry) and Payne Avenue, Sinkor. Freemans successor as Speaker was Richard A. Henries, who also planted rubber in Bong and Bomi Counties. All of these lawyers (Freeman, Henries, etc.), became, of course, Firestone lawyers, too, further entrenching Firestone in Liberian political culture. R.S.S. Bright, a former Secretary to President Edwin Barclay, was joined in the rubber business by the Presidents Driver, a man name Mr. Walker of McDonald Street, father of Dwalu Dougbavan Walker, a popular Monrovia boy in the 1950s and 60s. He had younger brother and both of them are now deceased. But the rubber farm, which Mr. Richard Bright helped run following Mr. Walker seniors death, made Dwalu a fairly well to do youngster among his colleagues in Monrovia, most of whom were of poor parentage. Dwalus younger brother has a surviving daughter. Many members of President Tubmans first Cabinet also planted rubber. These included Tubmans first and second Vice Presidents, Clarence Lorenzo Simpson and William Richard Tolbert, Jr.; and first Treasury Secretary, William E. Dennis, Sr., who made money from rubber in Borlorla, near Kakata. Following his resignation from government in 1954, Mr. Dennis was four years later succeeded by the highly educated Charles D. Sherman. Mr. Sherman, too, became a major rubber planter. He joined many other leading families to plant rubber on the Bong Mines road, in the heart of the Liberian rubber belt. These included his eldest brother Arthur, former Director of the Bureau of Mines and Geology, John Lewis Cooper, many other Coopers, Mrs. Thelma Reeves, ex-wife of former Secretary of State Gabriel Lafayette Dennis, and Mrs. Sara Frances Maximore Beysolow, wife of Circuit Court Judge J. Daniel Beysolow. The Beysolows were parents of former Commerce Minister Miata Beysolow, her brother Kona and other siblings. Colonel Isaac Whisnant, a senior official in the Liberian Frontier Force (now Armed Forces of Liberia), was also a rubber planter; so was Tubmans first Public Works Secretary Henry B. Duncan, and Interior Secretary J. Samuel Melton. All three menWhisnant, Duncan and Meltonbuilt their farms on the road leading to Salala. Speaking of Firestone and the future, something else happened. In 1959 the University of Liberia graduated its first specialists from the College of Agriculture and Forestry. In the class were two young men who emerged as rubber planters, Elfrick

Rubber Planters in Liberian Business

A Slight Revision

Page 4 Page 6b

: Mr. Harry L. Morris with his wife Wilma (at right) and their young son Bill, being paid a visit by world rubber tycoon Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., founder of Liberias Firestone Plantations Company. This visit by Mr. Firestone was a tacit indication of the great respect he had for Harry Morris as one of the worlds preeminent rubber planters.
K. Porte, first son of Albert, and Charles Edward Cooper, grandson of Jimmy Cooper and son of Jimmys first son Jesse. Firestone wasted no time in approaching Charles Edward to offer him a job as one of the first Liberian Superintendents on the Firestone Plantation. But the young man told the Firestone management he was not interested, because he already had plans to take over his grandfather Jimmy and Edward s father Jesses farms. But Firestone was undeterred. They immediately approached President Tubman, seeking his intervention. The President sent for Charles Edward and gave him an offer he could not refuse. So Charles Edward joined Firestone and remained there until 1990 when the civil war broke out. Of course, Charles Edward worked his father and grandfathers farms part time and even started his own. Then the war. Today, Jimmy Coopers farm is no more. Its unattended trees have been lost to the rapacious charcoal producers. It was this very serious love affair between Firestone and Liberian officialdom that over many decades consistently kept Firestone workers wages low. Many feared that if Firestone increased its wages, local rubber planters would lose their workers to Harbel, the Firestone capital named for Harvey and his wife Annabel. That kept Firestone workers partially impoverished for generations. And many of them are still poor, though unlike workers on many leading Liberian rubber plantations, Firestone workers do have reasonably good housing, educational and health facilities. Rubber King of the World In the early 1930s a Liberian teenager named Harry Lyons Morris returned home as the eldest of his siblings to be with their mother, Mrs. Maude Morris, at the funeral of his father, John Louis Morris. Mr. Morris, who served in many Cabinet positions dring the King administration, was also a small rubber planter. Morris Farm opposite the Cocoa Cola Factory was his first farm. He also had a small farm in Kakata, near the Du Bridge. Being the eldest, Harry, then a junior in high school in the USA, did not return to complete his studies. Instead, he remained at home to help take care of his mother and siblings. It was during that period that he took over his fathers rubber farms, then later planted his own. Harry worked very hard and grew the biggest rubber plantation of any single planter. By the mid-1950s Mr. Morris was acclaimed the Rubber King of the World. Mr. R.S.S. Bright, once Secretary to President Edwin Barclay and later Liberian diplomat in the USA and at the United Nations, also planted rubber, on the Firestone Road in Kakata. He, too became a major rubber planter who, unlike Mr. Morris and other planters, invested heavily in real estate in the prime diplomatic enclave of Mamba Point. In this initiative, Mr. Bright followed the example of Henry B. Duncan, who built the initial buildings that now house the Mamba Point and Cape Hotels, both owned by Lebanese. A few other rubber planters, including Arthur and Charles Sherman, also heavily invested in real estate, though not in the Mamba Point area. Harry Morris farm, now run by his son Bill, is still the largest in Liberia and probably the world owned by one family. Bill has moved the farm one step further. He now processes his own rubber, and no longer needs to sell rubber to Firestone. Morris rubber is shipped directly to foreign markets. This is a significant development that could, with the infusion of more capital, pave the way for the manufacture of rubber products in Liberia. We end this piece on Liberian rubber on a painful note. Liberia is no longer Africas leading producer of natural rubber. We understand it is now La Cote dIvoire, which also holds first place in coffee, cocoa and oil palm production on the continent. It is not known when Liberia will start investing again in tree crops and help Liberian rubber, coffee and cocoa planters to reestablish their farms. Rubber trees throughout the country were destroyed during the 14-year civil war by illicit and rapacious tapping and cutting down of the trees for charcoal production. For special and strategic reasons, both the Firestone and Morris plantations were left intact during the war. In the case of Morris Farm, it is because son Bill remained on the plantation throughout the war. Thank God for a son who looked after his fathers business.

DAILY OBSERVER

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Page 7

For Immediate Release

he Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) in collaboration with its Independent Administrator (Ernst & Young Ghana/MGI Monbo & Company) is reconciling all payments from the oil, mining, agriculture and forestry sectors to the Government of Liberia from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. As part of its mandate, the LEITI requested all entities operating in these sectors to submit reporting templates of payments of payments made to the government for the period under review and in support of its 5th Reconciliation Report. It is important to note that after series of extension in deadlines from November 22, December 20, 2013 and January 15, 2014 the below listed companies have not submitted reporting templates as required. LEITI is therefore constrained to enforce the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group (MSG) Regulation of 2009 which in part calls for Public Censure. Failure to submit reporting templates may lead to additional sanction by the LEITI MSG. The companies concern are:

American Institutes for Research (AIR) has been contracted by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Liberia to implement the USAID-Girls Opportunities to Access Learning Plus (USAID-GOAL Plus) Project. GOAL Plus, in its partnership with the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education, is committed to improving primary school age girls enrollment, attendance, retention and completion in grades 1 through 6 of selected schools in Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa counties. In preparation of our second semester scholarship distribution for girls in sixty (60) selected schools in Bong, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties, we are seeking quotations and or proposals from vendors who are able to provide the following items as follows:

TENDER NOTICE FOR STUDENTS SUPPLIES

No. 1 2 3

Description Bath soap-Medicare Body lotion-Cocoa Buttermedium size Small size Ghana Must Go bag

Unit dozen dozen dozen

Quantity 1,575 525 580

Unit Price

Total Price

The selection will be based on the criteria of quality, reasonableness of price, the capacity to pre-finance required work or services, past performance history, and lead time. All bidders are required to submit samples of the items quoted for and copies of their current tax clearance issued by the Ministry of Finance. Interested vendors must quote for all the items. The bids must be submitted at the office of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) on 17th Street, Sinkor, Warner Avenue latest by Wednesday, January 29, 2014 up to 12.00 P.M. The bids will be opened on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 10:00 A.M at American Institutes for Research Office, on 17th Street, Warners Avenue, in Monrovia in the presence of the bidders or their representatives who wish to attend the proceedings. For any query related to this tender notice, please feel free to contact any of the following cell numbers: 0886541152 and 0886417619. In Monrovia 21st January 2014 Howard Williams Chief of Party American Institutes for Research USAID-GOAL Plus Project

Agriculture

Liberia Agriculture Development Corp Liberia Forest Product LIBINC Oil Palm Sime Darby The Liberia Company

Forestry

LAND COMMISSION
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
January 20, 2014

1. B&V Timber Company 2. Bargor & Bargor Enterprise 3. Ecowood Incorporated 4. Euro Liberia Logging 5. Geblo Logging Inc. 6. International Consultant Capital 7. Liberia Hard Wood Corp. 8. Thunder Bird International 1. Acquarian Commercial Holdings Inc. 2. Amlib United Minerals Ltd 3. Ascension Resources Ltd 4. Bukon Jeddeh Resources Ltd 5. Investment Development Corporation 6. Konblo Bumi Inc. 7. Liberia Development Initiative 8. Middle Island Resources 9. Mount Belle Resources Liberia Ltd 10. Planet Minerals Limited 11. Shankil Resources Inc. 12. Southern Cross 13. Thacket Mining Inc. 14. Viola International Inc. 15. West Peak iron Ltd.

Mining

TITLE INVESTIGATIONS SURVEY AND DEMARCATION NOTICE

he general public is hereby notified that the Land Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy will be conducting a survey and demarcation of properties, which hold claims to the proposed Roberts International Airport land in Lower Margibi County to determine who hold legitimate land claims.

The Roberts International Airport proposed land is bounded in the northeast by Borbor Dahns Rubber Farm, Boedrun Town and Sammy Kollies Rubber Farm, Sundaygar Joe Blow, and Sana Town; it is also bounded in the Southeast by the Fish Creek and the Farmington River. In the Southwest and South are December Village and Batro Village, Charlesville, Tarr Gblo Gblo, Pualabahn Town, and Zor respectfully. It should further be stated that the Land Commission will not accept any deed(s) or diagram(s) for areas lying above Fish Creek and across the Farmington River in the Southeast. Lahai Town is outside of the demarcation area.

All claimants should come along with copies of their deeds and other relevant land documents and should be present with their technical representatives on January 22, 2014 in Smell No Taste for the commencement of the demarcation exercise. The following are particularly asked to be present: Charles E. Pitchford & Theresa G. Pitchford, John G. Bestman and others, George G. Mcgee Sr., Augustus Feweh Caine, Gedeon & Joanna Gadegbeku, and Albert D. Peabody. Those with copies of their deeds and other relevant land documents that have not been submitted to the Land Commission should submit same to the office of Mr. Tiswen N. Synyenlentu, Program Officer for Land Administration, Land Commission, or present them at the site of demarcation. Contact numbers: 0886544063/0776544063 Email: tsynyenlentu@yahoo.com Signed: Arthur R. Tucker Information and Communication Officer Approved: Dr. Cecil T. O Brandy Chairman, Land Commission

DAILY OBSERVER

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Page 9 8

Farmers Cooperative Establishes Oil Palm Nursery for Farmers

Mr. Yarkparwolo, chairman of PANFAMCOS in Panta District The oil palm nursery established by PANFAMCOS to be distributed to local farmers
Having realized the need for We are no longer exporting self employment, we taught oil out of the country, so our of organizing farmers in the revenue base has dropped, he district in 1997 to prioritize stated. He added that all the oil the production of the crop to they process from the palm is earn income. Today many of consumed right in Liberia. the farmers have begun to har- There is a need that the vest and process palm nuts for government thinks seriously about creating market for our market. He mentioned that this pro- produce to encourage more cess has helped to reduce farmers in the business. poverty in the lives of many Moreover, he added that getfarmers. ting improved seeds to nurse is Many farmers including my- another major challenge. self, have owned properties The Central Agriculture Rejust from growing oil palm, search Institute(CARI) must now began to provide seeds he declared. On the constraints face by for farmers in the country, he farmers, Mr. Yarparwolo told noted. the Observer that they have He disclosed that due to lack serious challenges with mar- of improved oil palm seeds in keting the oil that is processed. the country, farmers buy seeds

ver 4000 oil palm seedlings (young plants) are currently on nursery in Bellemu, Panta District, Bong County, to be distributed to local farmers for cultivation. The business manager of the Panta Multi-purpose Cooperative Society (PANFAMCOS), Isaac B. Yarkparwolo, made the disclosure to the Daily Observer Farmer Desk on Tuesday, January 21, at his office in Bellemu Town in an exclusive interview. Mr. Yarkparwolo stated that

By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

the oil palm seedlings are intended to empower local farmers, who have developed interest in growing oil palm in Panta District and its environs. Oil palm (Elaesis Geineensis) is a native crop of Equatorial Guinea. When planted, it gets matured within three to seven years depending on the varieties. Mr. Yarkparwolo, chairman of PANFAMCOS in Panta District. It can be planted early April to May. Mr. Yarkparwolo said that more than 187 farmers from nine communities in Panta district are expected to benefit

from the seedling distribution. Beginning April to June of this year, farmers should have gotten hold of their supplies of oil palm seedlings, he disclosed. According to him farmers will be obligated to pay back the value of the seedlings in cash at a minimum rate, which he could not say. He stated that his cooperative has received supports from an international NGO, Winkrock to enhance oil palm production in his district. He disclosed that the initiative to grow oil palm started immediately after the civil crisis.

from La Cte dIvoire at exorbitant cost. Meanwhile, the PANFAMCOS business manager also disclosed that his cooperative is also involved into rubber crop farming as well as food crop. But he strongly noted that the monopoly in the rubber business poses a serious a problem for rubber farmers in the country. Our persistent calls to the government are that the moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber should be lifted to allow farmers to make more money and improve their lives. Firestone Rubber Plantation cannot be the only buyer of rubber from farmers. There must be other companies to compete with Firestone to have attractive prices for the purchase of the product, he stressed. He went as far as criticizing the government for not ensuring that rubber produce in the country by Firestone other companies is processed to create more jobs for the citizens. We cannot understand why Liberia being the largest producer of rubber in the world is yet to add value to the product, he said.

Bong Female Farmers Harvest 4 Hectares Farmland

Head of Arise and Shine, Harriette Laway showing some of the products produced by them
was cultivated through assistance from the Food and Enterprise Development (FED) program. According to her, FED has supported them with certified seed, tools and fertilizer to enhance their production. She, however, regretted the lack of support from the Ministry of Agriculture, stating that they are not working to improve agriculture in the country. I have informed the MoA about our farm project but we have not been helped. Throughout the year, the Ministrys vehicles pass this farm, which is closed to the road, without stopping to inquire, she lamented. She also disclosed that her organization is involved into vegetable production. Some of our members are growing crop like, bitter ball, watermelon, pepper and others. In his welcome statement, the Commissioner of Salala District, Karmon Kenneh, called on NGOs to intensify their support toward agriculture in his district. I have observed that NGOs works in this districts are not making the necessary impact needed on the lives of farmers, he stated. He said that farmers in his district are committed to producing more food but lack the support. According to Commissioner Kenneh, with more support given to farmers, food production will increase in the district. He stated that there are many

Women of the Arise and Shine farming group harvesting NERICA 18 rice

By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

t least 30 women calling themselves, Arise and Shine in Totota, Salala District, Lower Bong County on Saturday, January 18, harvested 4 hectares of farmland planted with improved variety of swamp rice. The variety of rice grown was the NERICA 18 (meaning new rice in Africa.) The rice harvest event was the official launch of the Arise and Shine farming group, which is an all-woman farming project.

It was attended by several distinguished personalities including the local authorities of Salala District, NGO workers and other farmers. In his brief remarks, the rice specialist of the Food Enterprise Development (FED), David Benevfel, disclosed that his institution has been working with the women in Salala District to improve their productivity. Benevfel said that his institution had supported them with seed, tools and fertilizer. He further stated that FED shall remain committed with their support to the women. Head of Arise and Shine,

Harriette Laway showing some of the products produced by them. Giving an overview of the agriculture project, the head for Arise and Shine, Harriette Laway, said the project is intended to empower vulnerable women in her district. We staged this project to help empower many of the women economically to support their families. It is a selfhelp initiative that is giving them income. We also mean to enhance food production in the district through the implementation of this project, she said. Harriette also stated that about 20 acres of swamp land

swamp land in his districts that were laid out in the seventies and that when they are developed, farmers would be empowered. Also speaking, former development Superintendent for Bong County, George Sally, called on government to prioritize agriculture with allotting more money in the national budget for agriculture. He stated that it is only by doing so that agriculture sector can be revamped. According to him many Liberian farmers are still doing farming through manual labor, adding that such system of agriculture activities will not have the country selfsufficient. He suggested that the government now become to support farmers through mechanized farming. Let the government support farmers organizations in the country with modern equipments to increase their production, he stressed. Mr. Sally, who is also one of Salala Districts potential farmers disclosed that farmers in his districts do not get farming inputs from government and partners on time. He said that it is posing a serious problem for many farmers in his district.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Thursday, January 23, 2013

4 Page 9

oneyGram (MG) regional director for Maghreb (Northwest Africa) &West Africa says he is thrilled by the growing investment climate in Liberia. Francois Peyret is in Monrovia for the first time to acquaint himself with the countrys growing money transfer market. Liberia is rich for MoneyGram and I am impressed. I am also surprised to be honest that the business atmosphere in Liberia is so good, he said. Peyret arrived in the country Wednesday, January 22, along with MoneyGram business development manager of Anglo West Africa Mrs. Kemi Okusanya. The two officials faced

Liberias Business Climate Thrills MG Official M

(R-L) Francois Peyret and Mrs. Kemi Okusanya face the media in Monrovia the media in Paynesville City; outside Monrovia where he disclosed that in 2012, MoneyGram recorded an impressive remittance into Liberia was US$378 million, a growth of over 18%. Peyret also disclosed that Liberia is the second highest recipient of migrant remittance as a share of gross domestic product (GDP). According to him, remittance flow from the United States corridor alone is estimated at about US$330 million. Of this amount, He said Diaspora remittance accounts for approximately a third of the countrys GDP, in 2011 and 2013. MoneyGram began operations in Liberia 12 years ago. But the company has been able to withstand competition from its major international and local competitors maintaining its market share. A Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) decision to allow all banks to utilize the international money transfer companies created an open market for MG. The CBL decision led MG to establish windows at all eight banks operating in Liberia thereby increasing its presence in the country. That decision was very great as it now creates in-

For Africa By Africa

A Consumer Trend to Watch Out for in 2014
After witnessing this increasing focus on Africanmade products internationally, Pedro became curious about whether this trend was also manifesting itself in Africa. She says examples of For Africa By Africa products are the Bamboo D700 tablet promoted by Nigerian company Debonair Devices, as well as a recently announced smartphone by South Africas Seemahale Telecoms and CZ Electronics. Another example is cassava-based beers introduced by international drinks companies SABMiller and Diageo in countries such as Ghana and Mozambique. Cassava is the second most consumed source of carbohydrate in sub-Saharan Africa, but the crops industrial potential has been largely unexploited. She says the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa also contributed to a growing sense of pride among

Motorcycle Dealer Frowns on Govt Decision

By Alvin Worzi

tense competition in the market, Peyret added. He said though MG is still the second biggest money transfer company in the world, the company intends to strengthen its presence in Liberia and across the African continent. Peyret told reporters that MG will engage in series of programs that will engender strong presence in the various regions in Africa. The objective of this, he said is to promote strong regional money transfer activities using MG. He also disclosed plans under consideration to launch mobile and internet money transfer programs in Liberia.

n a recent bulletin, Trendwatching.com identified a new consumer trend in Africa called For Africa By Africa, where African companies are creating products specifically for consumers on the continent. Trendwatchings African regional director Lola Pedro, who penned the bulletin, told How we made it in Africa she first got wind of this trend through Africaninspired fashion on display in the West. [In] Paris, New York, London you started to get this traction around things that are African made. Last year fashion labels EDUN and Diesel collaborated to launch their second Studio Africa collection. This collection is made from denim entirely manufactured in Africa with cotton from Uganda.

BY Jaco Maritz (Howwemadeitinafrica. com)

Africans. Born in the UK, Pedro recently relocated to Nigeria. She says Nigerians are increasingly enjoying themselves in Nigeria, rather than travelling abroad. She says the arrival of international brands in the country means people dont have to shop overseas that much. She says African products and services often add more value to the lives of people living in the continent than those produced by multinationals. She highlights the example of 2go, a mobile social network that at one stage reportedly had more users than Facebook in Nigeria. The company was founded in 2007 by two South African university students. When Pedro first moved into her house in Lagos, the painter asked her if she was on 2go, saying that it is better than Facebook. There was a value he was getting from it that he wasnt getting from

he general manager of Masarco Auto Services, Inc., Mr. Saah F. Johnson, has frowned on the Government of Liberias decision to ban motorcyclists from plying the principal streets of Monrovia. Johnson claimed, until the ban sometime last year, his Masarco was the biggest motorcycle dealer in Liberia. In an exclusive interview with Johnson, the Daily Observer was told that the governments ban against commercial motorcyclists on the main streets of Monrovia, has seriously affected many citizens, including students and those young people who use the
global versions of the same thing. She says even though many of these African companies are small and might not currently present a real threat to multinationals, it is good for global brands to take note of the For Africa By Africa trend. If you are, for example, working in Apple it

trade for ends meet. According to him, purchase of motorcycle in Central Monrovia has completely come to a halt, thereby seriously affecting his business and other dealers. Johnson said, despite the ban, government was still demanding them to pay taxes, when they are not generating revenue to adequately meet up with taxes. He stated that since last December, it takes days before someone walks in to ask about a bike, unlike the beginning and moving toward the middle of 2013 when he saw many people coming into his store every day to purchase bike. He indicated that they were finding it difficult

to respond to tax demand from the Ministry of Finance. He said they have tried to meet with authorities of the Ministry of Transport, who told them that the police decision was embraced by other ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Justice. Johnson, meanwhile, called on the Government of Liberia to lift the ban so that business can smoothly flow again thereby making him able to meet up with his tax obligation to government. I will be forced to let some of my employees go due to the constraints of slow business. If things remain difficult for us as importers and dealers in the country, he concluded.
brands that we deal with are asking us questions about Africa. Pedro says the For Africa By Africa trend is still in its infancy, but is likely to grow. Even though it is still quite niche it is definitely going to keep growing, and we will see more and more examples of it as we go through the year.

is good for you to be aware that there are brands in Africa that are producing technology hardware that you need to be aware of maybe you need to consider how you can Africanise your next product. Trendwatching is witnessing a growing interest about Africa from its global clients. A lot of the

DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 23, 2014

on the current situation regarding the continuing rise in the exchange rate by Tuesday, January 21, 2014. But the committee pleaded with the plenary during Tuesdays sitting to give it up to Thursday to be able to compile all interventions and comments from fellow Senators during last Thursdays heated debate. It may be recalled that mem-

Senate Makes

Page 10
warned that if no decision is taken now by the Senate, the situation would cause the people to take to the streets one day. The chair on the committee on Ways, Means, Finance & Budget Lofa County Senator, Sumo Kupee, who is also an economist, told his colleagues that the current situation was predicted months ago. He said there was a warning given back then stating if the Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia--at its Synod in February. A Life of Service Solomon Tilewa Ethelbert Willie Johnson was born in Banjul, The Gambia, on 27 February 1954. He attended the Wesley Primary School in Gambia from 1962 to 1966 and then Gambia High School until 1972. He started his career in 1975 as a teacher at Banjuls Gambia High School. However, after two years he applied and was admitted to Trinity Union Theological College, Umuahia, Imo State, Nigeria. In 1980 he left with a Diploma in Theology. After three years at The UKs University of Durham (1982-1985) he obtained a BA (Hons) in Theology. Twelve years later he returned to Britain to gain a Certificate in Theology from Oxford University. In 2000 he became a graduate of the Theological Foundation of Indiana in USA with a Doctorate degree in Applied Ministries. Solomon Tilewa Johnson was a deacon from 1979 to 1980, a priest from 1980 to 1990, and was a diocesan bishop from 1990. On September made by officials of the Ministry. On the budget execution, Minister Konneh informed the Legislature that there is a risk of delay in revenue of about US$47 million. He warned that further delays are expected due to the non-payment of the European Union budget support tranche of US$14 million as one of the education sector triggers was not met. He said the budget is under pressure due to the revenue delays and the additional demands on the budget of over $18 million. Minister Konneh further warned that cuts are expected in all sectors, mainly in the use of goods and services budget classification, with the exception of security, education and health. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister is urging the public that as his ministry strives to build a more robust economy with inclusive growth that will build social cohesion, stakeholders within the private and public sectors must be fully engaged in the process of economic development. That, to me, is the challenge we face and we must face it together, Minister Konneh declared. After being bombarded by lawmakers with questions on the state of the Liberian economy, Minister Konneh concluded by assuring the lawmakers rise in the exchange rate was not halted at the early stage; by December, the rate would have gone to 85 or 90. My suggestion today, is that the plenary empowers the committee to go back and conclude its work: or things will get worse. If not halted in the next couple of weeks or months, the rate might approach 90, Senator Kupee advised. 29, 2012, he was elected as the 9th Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa as well as Metropolitan Archbishop of the Internal province of West Africa. He was enthroned on November 16, 2012. He was designated Person of the Year 2012, by the Gambia News and Report Weekly Magazine who said his selection was because of his election as the 9th Archbishop and Primate of the 38 member Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA), making him the first Gambian Bishop to hold such a position. He was involved with a range of organisations and committees both in Gambia and overseas including mission agencies; educational establishments; national bodies tackling socio-economic issues; and such ecumenical bodies such as the All Africa Conference of Churches, and the World Council of Churches and the Gambia Christian Council. Archbishop Solomon Tilewa Johnson is survived by his wife, Priscilla Gladys Johnson and three children, Njilan Johnson, Jeggan Johnson and Dado Johnson. and the public that Liberias economic growth was sustained in 2013, led by iron ore exports, construction, and a strong performance in the service sector. He also said that this outlook, however, remains vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations, particularly for iron ore and rubber, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and donor assistance, including the partial withdrawal of the substantial United Nations Mission in Liberia force (UNMIL) that affects inward remittances. The drawdown of UNMIL now requires the government to divert expenditure to the security sector, and would reduce consumption of local services. Disputes regarding concession agreements, particularly in the forestry, palm oil, and oil sectors, also constitute substantial risks. Faster job creation would be necessary to ensure stability. Consumer price inflation was 8.5 percent in 2013 compared to 6.9 percent in 2012, reflecting lower international food and fuel prices. In response, House Speaker Jenekai Alex Tyler thanked Minister Konneh and his team for the briefing the legislature describing the Ministers presentation as very brilliant.

open a book of condolence to receive messages on behalf of the Province and the family. Shock and sadness People across the Anglican Communion have already been expressing their shock at his death. In an email to the Anglican Communions Francophone Network, Episcopal Bishop in charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe Pierre Whalon said, What a loss for the Province of West Africa, for the Anglican Communion and for us all. The Rt Revd Zacharie Masimango Katanda Bishop of Kindu in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Provinces Primate Henri Isingoma also told Network members how they had been saddened to hear of his death. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby today wrote to Archbishop Johnsons wife, Priscilla, and to the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana, the Most Revd Dr Daniel Sarfo, to offer his condolences and assurance of his prayers. He wrote to Archbishop Sarfo: I know that many will miss Archbishop Tilewa for

Anglican

bers of the 53rd Senate expressed rage and vented their anger and disappointment following the reading of a communication authored by Senators George T. Tengbeh and Matthew Jaye of Lofa and River Gee Counties respectively. The communication by the two Senators, dated January 15, said: We have realized over the past weeks the high

rate of the US Dollar against the Liberian Dollar. The rate seems to be increasing on a daily basis. The situation is causing the living conditions of our citizens to become difficult. In view of the above, we recommend that this honorable plenary invite the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia to appear before the Senate plenary on Tuesday, January 21, for the spread of the Gospel in his own country, his diocese, and more recently, the Church of the Province of West Africa, which he served with distinction as Primate. His immense pride in being able to represent his diocese at the Lambeth Conference of 2008 was matched by his love and compassion for those in any sort of need. He was a man of justice, and served with distinction on his countrys Independent Electoral Commission. All of this was rooted in his love for his Savior. To his wife and family, of whom he was so proud, to his church and to his country, we extend our prayers and our sincere sympathy. Anglican Ollie Sagnia was one of those who expressed their grief on the late Archbishops Facebook wall, Today we mourn but tomorrow we hope to celebrate your life and continue your work as you pass on the torch. You excelled at being a great family man and an outstanding leader, an embodiment of peace, love and humility. Your vibrancy, zeal and enthusiasm, blended with humor and wit, awed us all. You will always be our bishop. Zambian priest and Director

to explain the high rate Reacting to the communication, a majority of the Senators called for immediate actions, such as inviting the Minister of Finance and Central Bank of Liberia Executive Governor to appear before that body to present a holistic picture of the economy. Others like Maryland County Senator, H. Dan Morias, condemned the astronomical rise in the exchange rate and for Mission of the Anglican Communion Office John Kafwanka wrote, What a shock to hear about the death of Archbishop S Tilewa Johnson. You will be fondly remembered for your service to the Lord and humanity. We prayer for your family and the Church in Gambia and the whole Province of West Africa. Rest in Gods eternal peace. The many other posts on Archbishop Johnsons Facebook page and elsewhere on Social Media sites expressed shock, sadness and a very personal sense of loss from people in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, the Gambia, England, Tunisia, and Sierra Leone. Several people even changed their Facebook photo to one of the Archbishop to honour his memory. A Man of Firsts Dr Tilewa Johnson as the Ninth Primate and Archbishop became not only the first Gambian Bishop but also the first Gambian Archbishop and Primate. He was due to join members from across the Church of the Province of West Africa-from Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Liberia,

mobilization campaign by the Ministry of Finance is intended to boost the government of Liberias (GOL) revenue collection across the country. GOL insiders told our business desk yesterday that the Finance Ministry is launching this campaign in order to save the government from a prospective budget shortfall, a situation that is glaringly occurring as the GOL has already experienced a US$17.7 million shortfall in revenue collection for January, 2014. Minister Konneh has already assured Liberians that the fundamentals of the Liberian economy remain stable and strong to support vigorous collection of revenue. His assurance comes amid widespread speculation that the GOL is experiencing a budget shortfall of around US$40 million. Konneh has been criticized for poorly managing the post-conflict Liberian economy, but he has vehemently denied this allegation insisting that the fundamentals of the economy remain sound and strong amid some challenges. Speaking at the Legislature on Tuesday, January 21, when he appeared before the House of Representatives hearing on

Konneh Leads

his boundless energy and the great enthusiasm he had for his ministry, in the Church, both in Gambia, in the Province of West Africa, and in the wider Anglican Communion. His gifts were not confined exclusively to the Church, and he had an active role within the national life of Gambia, serving as a member of a number of boards and committees. He was generous in his hospitality, and was always glad to welcome visitors to the Gambia, where he had served as Bishop since 1990. I know that all my colleagues, the people of the Church of England, and especially those in the Diocese of Chichester with which the Diocese of the Gambia is linked, as well as your brothers and sisters across the Communion, will be holding you in prayer and love at this time. Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon Kenneth Kearon said today, Archbishop Tilewa was a big man in every sense of the word. His great height made him stand head and shoulders over others, but so did his heart. He had a great love for the church, and worked hard

budget execution and revenue performance, Minister Konneh reiterated his assurance to lawmakers that despite the fall in the value of the Liberian dollar to the US dollar, the economy is not in trouble. He informed the House of Representatives that the economy was not in trouble as it has been speculated by pundits. The Finance Minister committed to a vigorous campaign to raise the much needed resources to finance the Governments development agenda platform under the Agenda for Transformation (AfT). The Finance Minister used the occasion to provide updates on the execution of the fiscal year 2013/2014 National budget. He acknowledged that the late passage of the national budget last year had some implications for the budget implementation and on the macro-economy. Minister Konneh explained that though the draft national budget was submitted to the legislature on time, it was not until the last week of legislative session that the draft FY13/14 was passed into law. Atop of the delay by the lawmakers to pass the budget law was a further delay by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to

Finance Minister Amara M. Konneh

sign the budget. The President signed the budget in mid-October, 2013. On the overall performance of revenue collection, Minister Konneh said out of US$296.5 million estimated to have been collected as of January 18, 2014; the Ministry has collected US$278.8 million to date; accumulating to around a US$17.7 million shortfall as of January 17, 2013. Minister Konneh assured the public that while there is no need to panic, the Ministry of Finance will do everything to ensure that resources, to the extent of collectables, are collected. According to him, the collection up to date was not a small undertaking, and, it was made possible by hard decisions and many sacrifices

Tuesday, November 5, 23, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Thursday, January 2014

Page 11 Page 4

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

Samukai May Lead Liberia Basketball Association

t may be one of the most important good news for basketball fans and teams at the beginning of 2014 as one of the long serving and passionate promoters, Abraham Samukai, is likely to lead the Liberia Basketball Association as its president. Information reaching the Daily Observer yesterday said there is a consensus among basketball leaders to petition Mr. Samukai to lead the leadership of the Liberia Basketball Association. Samo has been a good leader, considering his support to the K-Delta Basketball Team, and leading the LBA will demonstrate his commitment to push basketball to another level, a long time follower of basketball told the Daily Observer yesterday. He said the K-Delta Basketball Team has education and healthcare assistance for its members and with sports and education being encouraged in the country; his presence will bring fresh ideas to Liberian basketball.

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

-Due To Discrepancies in Membership Listing

SWAL Elections Postponed

By Omari Jackson

T
Abraham Samukaito lead LBA? Action from recent Oilers clash in Tunisia
Another former basketball player said Samukai was in the administration of former president Tarr Harris, when the organization was known at the time as Liberia Basketball Federation, LBF. It was one of the most successful administrations in basketball history, he said. It is therefore no understatement that with all things being considered, Abraham Samukai could be the man to infuse new blood into the administration of basketball in the country. Meanwhile, a source from Samukai informed the Daily Observer that basketball owners need corporate support to ease the financial burden on private team owners. During a recent interview with the Daily Observer, Mr. Samukai said the Government of Liberia must also make sports development a priority. The government, he said, has a commitment to develop the physical abilities of the young people and therefore with sports intrinsic values of fair play and respect for rules, it is in the governments interest to make their development paramount. He said much must be done in both the public and the private sector to move Liberian basketball to another level. Meanwhile, a source close to Samukai yesterday said he may consider any request by the members of the LBA to consider leading the LBA in a quest to improve on the game in Liberia. dent Mustapha Raji , Alpha Boss Sunny Neymah, Abel Sneh and Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Deputy Director General Legerhood Rennie will lead a squad against probably the tournaments favorite Red Bull led by Ambassador Weah, former Lone Star striker Musa Shannoh, Eugene Fallah Kparka of the Honorable House of Representative, and former Alpha President Theophilus Gould. The second match will see Satellite and Trojan coming face to face. National Police Director Christopher Massaquoi, Lemuel Sherman and Andy Quimie will lead a formidable squad to outdo a Trojan side that has Liberia Business Association (LIBA) boss Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, Joseph Farkollie, Willie Knuckles, and Brownie Samukai. At the same time, Red Bull will engage satellite in the third match, while Trojan and Cheetad will close the day. The organizers have meanwhile called on all football lovers to turn out to watch contemporary old-timers football where Weah, who conquered the world in 1995, will showcase his talent.

By William Q. Harmon

lpha Old-timers, probably the most organized old-timers team in Liberia has organized a top rated honor for Africa football legend Ambassador George Weah for his numerous services to Liberia and the world. A release signed and approved by Joseph Dortu and Sunny Nyemah, chairman of the organizing committee and President of Alpha Old-timers respectively, noted that the ceremony is intended to honor the Liberia Peace Ambassador for his meaningful contributions toward peace, sports, as well as his Hall of Fame award recently in Mexico. Alpha also noted that the former world footballer of the year has been in the vanguard of fostering unity and good sportsmanship among Alpha members as well as other teams of the Liberia Oldtimers National Association (LONA). The release added that a tournament which began last Sunday, January 19, 2014 at

Alpha Honors Gorge Weah

he pending elections of the Sports Writers of Liberia (SWAL) scheduled on Jan. 24 has been postponed by the Elections Commission due to some discrepancies in the listing of its membership , the commissions chairman Momolu V.O Sirleaf announced yesterday. Chairman Sirleaf took the decision after the commission had a brief but crucial meeting with candidates, outgoing officials and other stakeholders of SWAL at the Press Union of Liberias headquarters in Monrovia. The elections are now slated for Feb. 7, 2014. The listing discrepancies were unearthed by the Elections Commission as a result of a protest filed by one of the presidential aspirants, Mr. Leroy Sonpon who suspected manipulation. Chairman Sirleaf said of the 134 names presented 16 are not members, while 15 registered members were deliberately or accidentally left out. Sirleaf said to make the election process freer, fair and transparent there was a need for the election to be postponed so that the membership list could be better scrutinized and those left out included. He said the listing would be a reconciliatory listing, meaning every registered member, whether financially obligated

to the institution or inactive for a while will all be included. He indicated that the new listing should be sanctioned by the outgoing president, Fumba Kanneh, chairman of the membership committee, and the Secretary General, Roland Mulbah, who is contesting the presidency. The new official list, he said should be presented to the commission Monday Feb. 3, 2014. Meanwhile, in his protest letter to the chairman of the elections commission, Mr. Leroy Sonpon made reference on the discrepancy, especially the addition of some non-members while other active members names were left out. He therefore craved the commissions intervention to investigate and determine the validity of the list to promote the intent free, fair, transparent and independent elections

Ambassador George Weah

the Subah Town sports pitch, (the home of Alpha) in DuPort Road, Paynesville saw Cheetah thrashing Satellite 3-2 in the opening encounter. Satellite took the lead in the first stanza, but surrendered 2-3 to Alpha. In the second engagement, Ambassador Weahs Red Bull demolished Trojan 6-1 to close the days encounter. Meanwhile, the tournament will continue this Sunday with more matches. In first match, former Lone Star captain, Joe Armstrong Nagbe, LFA top flight outfit, LISCR FC Presi-

espite crashing out the African Nations Championship (Chan) at the first hurdle, Bafana Bafana will pocket about R1.3 million in prize money for finishing third in their group, it was announced on Tuesday. The prize money for Chan would total about R34m the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) said. The winner of the tournament would earn about R8.1m, the runner-up about R4.3m, and the third and fourth placed teams about R2.7m each. The losing quarterfinalists would take home about R1.9m each, the teams placed third in the group stage R1.3 million each, and those placed fourth in the group stage about R1m

Bafana Pockets R1.3m for Chan

each. The tournament, which is being hosted by South Africa, ends on February 1.

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

SWAL Election Commission Chairman Sirleaf Lerato Chabangu

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VOL. 16. NO. 62 THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

You love one who loves you; but how can you love in return when you never feel the impact of the others love?

ormer employees of the National Iron Ore Company (NIOC) are threatening to disrupt operations of Western Cluster Liberia as a way of registering their concerns about delays in settling their severance benefits. The National Iron Ore Company operated in the Mano River Community in Grand Cape Mount County and near Tubmanburg in Bomi County in the 1960s and closed in 1985, following what government termed at the time as a downturn in the price of iron ore in the iron and steel industry. A strong-worded document from the former workers indicates that 1,820 workers have been on the waiting list to be settled since 1985,

-As Former NIOC Workers Plan to Disrupt Activities

By Joaquin Sendolo
but government has not addressed their plight; which they say will now result in actions rather than mere talk. A special government notice under the signature of former Finance Minister Nathaniel Barnes, also notes that the National Iron Ore Company is principally owned by the Government of Liberia, but closed its operations in 1985 as a result of a downturn in the iron and steel industry, leaving 1,820 employees unsettled in their severance and other benefits. According to this document, copies of which are in the possession of this paper, government and the employees reached an agreement that if NIOC would resume operation, the same employees would be employed as required by law and best practice guiding economic recession and employment. Moreover, it states that if

Western Clusters Operation Threatened

any succeeding company comes to take over the mines, the former workers would be paid their benefits from funds provided by such company. James T. Mafalon, Chairman of the former NIOC Workers Union told this paper that during closure of the company, expatriates were paid their benefits after which government made a promissory note that upon resumption of the company or any other company that may take over, their benefits would be paid. According to Mr. Mafalon, they were present when a concession agreement was signed between the Government of Liberia and Western Cluster in 2011, and an upfront payment was made in the tune of US$40.5 million to government. The disenchanted workers union chairman stressed that government was informed about the unsettled benefits of the former workers, but since then they are yet to see
hands. When he attempted to take the scissors from the victim,

PRICE: LD 40

Man Dies over Marijuana Fight in West Point

By Abednego Davis
were arguing when he used a pair of scissors to stab him in the left side of his chest on the Kru Beach in the New Kru Town community. Jalloh was found unresponsive on the Kru beach Thursday, January 9 and was rushed to the John F. Kennedy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor upon arrival. At the Court Wednesday, January 22, Defendant Barrie was later remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison to await trial, because the crime is a non-bailable offense under Liberian Penal Law. During investigation, police said, Barrie explained that prior to Jallohs death, he and the deceased joined money to buy marijuana to smoke. When the victim was going to buy the marijuana Barrie left the area to buy cigarettes. Unfortunately, when he returned the victim--- who he met cutting the marijuana--refused to give Barrie his share of the drug. Because of that, he got angry and decided to seize the victims five Liberian dollars lying on top of the marijuana. While in the process, Jalloh took the scissors and cut him twice on the back of his both

Mr. Mafalon: We will disrupt activities of Western Cluster without surrendering.

the fulfillment of the promise made with document to substantiate. The workers union chairman said they would not surrender to any piece of advice at this time but would halt and impede every activity of the company taking over NIOC to ensure that their benefits are made available. Mr. Mafalon alluded the case is in court pending investigation, but alleged that government lawyers are playing delay tactics in order to draw attention from it. He said the radical step would certainly draw governments attention to their plight since it (government) does not respect the diplomatic channel the workers have been following over the years. When contacted via mobile phone on January 22, 2014, Press and Public Affairs Manager of Western Cluster, Ansu Conneh, said the company cannot make any comment on matters between government and the former workers.
they got into serious fight and it was when the victims chest fell on top of the scissors.

man who allegedly fled after stabbing his friend to death for marijuana in their West Point Community was on Wednesday, January 21, surrendered to the Monrovia City Court for prosecution. Mohammed Barrie, 30, a Guinean national has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder by the Court. Barrie and his victim Amadou Jalloh, also a Guinean,

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.

THURSDAY, JAN. 23, 2014, vol. 16, No.62indd 1

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