EDITORIAL pg 4 TOP STORIES

LETTER

UP-LED GOVERNMENT JUST DOESNT GET IT! MEDIA-SHY GAC WRONG FOR POSTWAR LIBERIATRAFFICKER NABBED
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs Assertion in her ninth State of the Nation Address Illustrates why her administration has lost the war against Corruption

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

LENIENCY FOR TAH EX FOREIGN MINISTER APPEALS TO HIGH COURT

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CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014 MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014 L$86.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1

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These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.

VOL 8 NO.523

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Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

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Monrovia -

ith 258 days left until the 2014 Senatorial election, the political field in nearly all the 15 counties of Liberia are already crowded even with some candidates still holding consultations and yet to publicly declare their intentions. Quite interestingly, Montserrado County so far has the least number of candidates who have expressed their intention to contest. So far, out of the five names known publicly, some are mere wannabes with certainly no hope of clinching the single spot in a densely populated Montserrado county which election is dubbed as daunting and very close to contesting the presidency of Liberia. Concluding a catalogue of contesting candidates in all the 15 counties of Liberia, it has been noted that Montserrado so far has fewer candidates than all the other 14 counties with the George Weah candidacy factor cited as a fear factor hampering the political ambition of individuals. Weah is a big factor not only in the Montserrado senatorial election but the entire country as he has on two occasions 2005 and 2011 caused stir in the body politics of Liberia contesting the presidency in 2005 before coming down the ladder in 2011 to contest as vice presidential candidate. In Weahs entire political contest, he has won Montserrado County with good margins and the county has thus been described as his stronghold and that of his Congress for Democratic Change. In 2005, the CDC won both senatorial seats and the highest number Representatives seats. In a senatorial by election in November 2009 following the death of CDC elected Hannah G. Brent, the party reclaimed its spot with Geraldine D. Sheriff defeating financially potent Clemenceau Urey of the ruling Unity Party. In 2011, the CDC won the lone senatorial seat and a number of representatives, further proving the popularity of the party in Montserrado. Montserrado County is located in the northwestern portion of Liberia. It is one of 15 counties that comprise the first-level of administrative division in the nation, it has four districts. Bensonville serves as the capital with the area of the county measuring 1,909 square kilometres (737 sq mi), the smallest in the country. As of the 2008 Census, it had a population of 1,144,806, making it the most populous county in Liberia. Created in 1847 at the foundation of the country, the county is the oldest in Liberia. The most populous city in the county is Liberias capital, Monrovia with 1,010,970 residents. The county is bordered by Bomi County to the west, Bong County to the north, and Margibi County to the east. The southern part of Montserrado lies on the Atlantic Coast. Located on the coast in the northwestern third of Liberia, Montserrado County is bordered by three counties. The Atlantic Ocean makes up the countys southern border, while Bomi County lies on the western border. Bong County is to the north and Margibi County to the east. The land is mainly alluvial soils, primarily clay, washed seaward from the streams and rivers of the interior valleys. In the lowlands on the coast grow palm trees, mangrove woods, and savanna grasslands with tropical forest covering the interior hills and valleys. Rivers include the St. Paul, Mesurado, Du, and Po. The climate is tropical with dry and wet seasons. Annual precipitation measures approximately 75 inches (190 cm). From May to November is the rainy season, followed by the dry season from December through April. During the dry season winds from the Sahara Desert called the Harmattan create wild temperature fluctuations from December to the beginning of March. Careysburg District and Todee District are the two statutorily created districts in the county.[ Greater Monrovia District and St. Paul River District are also recognized, but are not officially recognized as administrative districts. There are 21 townships, seven cities, one borough, and two chiefdoms contain with these districts. Administration varies by subunit with a governor running the borough, mayors in charge of cities, commissioners administering townships, and superintendents controlling districts. Todee Districts population is 32,695 with farming the primary economic activity. The district is run by chiefdoms and clan systems, as the county contains a large number of native African communities. The most populous district in the county and the nation, Greater Monrovia District, is home to 1,010,970 people. The district is made up of all the communities surrounding the city of Monrovia, but not the capital itself. Employment is mainly informal, small scale trade and government employment through the national government or foreign governments. The population has members of each of Liberias 16 main tribes. St. Paul River District is the second most populous district in the county with 63,541 residents. Residents are primarily Christians and a member of the Bassa, Dey, or Kpelle tribes. Farming and fishing are the main economic activities along with some small scale trading. In politics the impossible are likely to happen as FPA now looks at the candidates lining up to challenge Weah in his stronghold come October. Weahs Number Game CHALLENGES: Weah, a name acclaimed to African and world football fans surprised the world as his first ever political statement after years of successful football career was to announce his bid for the presidency of Liberia, the highest and most powerful position in the country.

From top to bottom- in October 2005, the entire world stood still and watched as many were convinced that post war Liberia was at the verge of been headed by one of the worlds greatest football icons, soccer legend George M. Weah, whose popularity was incomparable to any of the other 22 contesting candidates in the plebiscite. Liberian politicians including current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf all feared the popularity of Weah as he held Monrovia and Liberia hostage every time he carried out political rallies on his newly formed Congress for Democratic Change. During the first round of voting in 2005, Weah accumulated 275,265 votes an equivalent of 28.3% % of the total votes, followed by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf with 192,326 votes, 19.8%. Victory was almost certain for Weah as he received the highest support from opposition politicians including Winston Tubman of the National Democratic Party (NDPL), Alhaji G.V. Kromah of the All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP) and several other political parties pledged support to him during the second round of voting. Runoff did not go the way of Weah, as his CDC was defeated by Sirleafs Unity Party, accumulating 327,046 votes, 40.6% with Sirleaf winning 478,526 votes, 59.4%, a result Weah and partisans rejected, protesting fiercely on the streets of Monrovia. Calm returned to Monrovia following the intervention of the regional body, ECOWAS, the United States Embassy and other foreign friends who prevailed on Weah and supporters to abandon their action for the sake of nurturing the fragile peace in Liberia following years of civil wars. Education played a big part in Weahs failed presidential bid in 2005 after he pronounced on public radio that he was not a high school graduate at the time. Weah and his CDC went back into their political closet, consoling themselves that Madam Sirleaf will be too old to pursue a second term of office, hoping that Weah could have easy passage to State Power in 2011 in the absence of Sirleaf. The CDC political leader and followers belief was further supported by public pronouncement by President Sirleaf that she was only seeking one term of office. How Sirleaf Wrecked Weahs Presidency Quest In January 2010, Weahs dream of sitting at the Executive Mansion after the 2011 elections was dashed when President Sirleaf while delivering her state of nation address to a joint session of the 52nd National Legislature ignored her earlier promised not to contest a second term of office by pronouncing her bid seeking second term of office. Opposition leaders including Weah, Nimba County Senator Price Y. Johnson and now Information Minister Lewis Brown frowned that in doing so, she had broken a promise made during her 2005 campaign to only serve one term if elected. Sirleaf was re-nominated as the Unity Party's presidential candidate at the party's national convention on 31 October 2010 in readiness for the 2011 elections. Weah, still facing education stigma, ran for options to help him to the presidency but failed in his first attempt to have Cllr. Charles W. Brumksine as his vice presidential running mate. The two held secrets meetings in Liberia and abroad under the canopy of forming a common front to dethrone Sirleaf at the polls but all the talks foiled with news that none of the two men were willing to become a vice presidential candidate to the other. The CDC political leader searched everywhere looking for a suitable running mate to match incumbent Sirleaf and her ruling Unity Party at the 2011 plebiscite but the search led him to Cllr. Winston Tubman a presidential candidate on the ticket of former

ruling National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL) in the earlier 2005 elections. One Step Down After several meetings between Weah and Cllr. Tubman, the pronouncement was finally made by Cllr. Tubman when he declared that he and Weah agreed to form a common front in the 2011 elections, accordingly to enable him (Tubman) grow Weah to succeed him as President. Tubman, already facing political unrest in the NDPL, could not join Weah and the CDC single-handedly as he quickly took over a small political party- Liberia National Union (LINU) party of former Liberian Vice President Harry F. Moniba. CDC and LINU hurriedly entered a coalition that paved the way for Cllr. Tubman to be accepted by partisans and supporters of the populous CDC. At a public flare political convention, Cllr. Tubman was endorsed by the newly formed CDC and LINU coalition to serve as presidential candidate for the CDC while Weah settled one step down the line to Vice Presidential candidate. The CDC ran a campaign under the popularity of Weah and not Tubman as rival Sirleaf stated in one of her interviews that Tubman was riding on the popularity of Weah as according to her Tubman could not go out to run campaign alone. According to observers, the Tubman -Weah collaboration hurt the CDC with some partisans claiming that Tubman is an offspring of the elite True Whig Party as his father William V. S. Tubman ruled Liberia for years. The numbers did not count in the favor of Tubman and Weah as they were defeated during the first round of polling with a huge margin even though they claimed there was vote rigging from some parts of Liberia where the CDC did not have observers at polling centers. Sirleaf and the Unity Party could not accumulate the 50% plus one vote required by Liberias electoral law for upright majority and had to settle for runoff. The CDC decided to boycott the runoff announcing nationwide protest against the results of the election. Violence ensued resulting in bloody fracas between partisans and supporters of the CDC and state security forces. Deaths and injuries were reported as state security forces used live bullets and tear gas to disperse protestors. The dust settled and Weah and CDC officials accepted to work with the Government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf bringing to end weeks of protest in Monrovia and other parts of Liberia. Two Steps Down After the 2011 election, Weah and President Sirleaf held meetings some of which according to inside sources centered on Weah succeeding Sirleaf in 2017 if he prevailed on his supporters to stay calm and allow peace prevails. Weah even accepted the post of Peace Ambassador of Liberia offered him by President Sirleaf, taking on the task of reconciling Liberians after years of division on ethnic, political and other lines. Still performing the job of Peace Ambassador which he started off with a football match involving some of Africas legendary footballers held at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Weah has again turned to politics, announcing his bid for senatorial seat of Montserrado County. Appearing on a popular radio talk show recently, Weah said-I want to be senator for Monrovia., a statement that was widely criticized as many believe Weah is still politically immature despite his hasty American education which has led him to now be a Master degree holder. Weah critics argue that Monrovia is the

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capital city of Liberia and no wonder why an individual aspiring to be senator for Montserrado County will express his desire to be senator for Monrovia. Weahs pronouncement comes outside an official convention of the party with the party occupying the position of senior senator of Montserrado County. CDC senator Joyce Musu Freeman Sumo has also expressed her desire to contest re-election, pairing her against CDC political leader Weah. Weah supporters say his desire to contest the senatorial seat in 2014 is intended to emulate the United States President Barrack Obama style of ascending to state power-from senator to president as they believe that his three years as senator should he win the election will help him become President in 2017 but on the other way round Obama came from Senator before contesting the presidency of the United States. Whichever way, Weahs political sojourn is the other way around jumping at the top, after failing, settling for second and downward to third with attempts to go back to the top. CHANCES: One political observer say Weah is politically confused and his state of confusion running from one political post to another will impact the chances of the opposition CDC climbing to state power should the party stick to Weah as its presidential candidate come 2017. But to the senatorial election, no true politicians will believe that Weah can be defeated in Montserrado County. Should Weah hold unto his political ambition with the current names of Weahs opponents, all strange in Liberian politics, Weah is certainly destined for the capitol building.

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publicly stated that he will be physically involved in a renewed mobilization procuress to collect revenue but one of his strong revenue men is contemplating a top political post at the Capitol. Johnson already has color printed stickers placed on vehicles around Monrovia and Montserrado County, propagating his senatorial bid. Critics believe that Johnson as a young and ambiguous individual should first show his ability to occupy such high profile position by helping the Liberian Government to collect the needed revenue to support its 2013/2014 budget rather than using valuable time to campaign for political position, printing stickers when the time is still far away. Critics say if Johnson cannot confront the challenges ahead of him now, what difference can he make in Montserrado County with plethora of needs is a lingering question for the young politician. CHANCES: Johnson is popular amongst the youth and student population mainly from the University of Liberia but it remains to be seen how he can do what his political master, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf could not do to Weah in exclusively Montserrado County over two elections. Even Sirleaf who won two successive elections could not beat Weah in Montserrado County but howbeit, Johnson wants to make history this time around. BENJAMIN SANVEE CHALLENGES: Sanvee served as Youth Advisor to the government of Liberia during the reign of former President Charles Taylor. While NEC is yet to declare campaigning officially open, Sanvee like other aspirants has been flirty with the idea. His political ambition received a boost recently when his candidature was endorsed by Liberty Party political leader Charles Brumskine. The name Sanvee has been missing on the political landscape for years but political experts are predicting that this election could be an opportunity for Sanvee to sit on the political pedestal of marketing and win over a new wave of supporters. With the George Weah factor scaring aspirants in Montserrado, Sanvee is looking the other way, forming friendship with the Liberty party that joined forces with the ruling Unity Party in the second round of the 2011 elections. Cllr. Brusmkine could not keep secret his admiration for the candidacy of Sanvee, saying Ben is armed with the resources, intellectual as well as human resources to win this election. I am going to be the first person to cast my ballot for him except that I

benefits a few, the senatorial aspirant observed. CHANCES: Sanvee like other youthful candidates have the support of some segment of the youth population but the task of beating George Weah at the ballot box in Montserrado County is a mountain to climb and history will be made if Sanvee and others can successfully win the upcoming senatorial election. Yet, the election presents a platform where he and others can test their popularity in Montserrado County and opt for a Representative seat come 2017. ALI SYLLA CHALLENGES: Sylla, a social advocate and commentator is one of the strange political bedfellows surfacing in the politics of Montserrado. Sylla has no known political history to take on the herculean challenge of wooing voters in populous Montserrado County especially against Weah but Sylla told FPA recently that he is aware of the many challenges facing the Liberian society but that those challenges can be overcome when the right people are given the chance to contribute, and that he will be campaigning based on his record. "I am committed to this process", he said. The Social Advocate and Commentator told the audience at a local center in Monrovia when he declared his candidacy that his focus is to work with other well-meaning Liberians to improve the living conditions of the Liberian people. He dispelled the notion that his affiliation with the ruling Unity Party will reduce his chances of winning where he said on the contrary, Mr. Sylla, the Unity party has performed creditability well despite so many challenges.

INCUMBENT JOYCE M. FREEMAN SUMO CHALLENGES: Sumo won the 2005 senatorial election on the ticket of the newly-formed CDC where she obtained 86,008 votes out of total 658,009 valid votes representing 13.3%.The CDC was making its debut on the political landscape of the country. No doubt Sumo got a nine- year lucrative job on silver platter in the most populous county of the country as it was no secret that electorates in 2005 in Montserrado County voted on the basis of the CDC logo instead of individual candidates. Sumo will face a difficult task beating Weah during the primary of the CDC as the party is built around the popularity of Weah. Her relationship with the CDC has soured in recent time as the party frowned on senator Sumo recently after she printed campaign materials for the impending election without the consent of the party. This action by Senator Sumo is evil, andas suchwe have written the National Executive Committee informing it about this violation. We wrote the senator about her action and she is expected to appear before the committee member to answer to these inquires. Senator Sumos action in printing T-shirts bearing her picture and the emblem of the party violates Section 2.6 of the partys constitution, Jefferson Koijee of the Youth league of the CDC said recently. He maintained that CDCs law is clear on when and how a particular candidate is allowed to use the emblem of the party. Our partisan has violated the election laws of the country and we want to send this as a warning to all members to desist from this unlawful behavior, the CDC Youth League leader indicated but Senator Sumos Political Officer, Hilary Mentoe, declined to speak on the allegation, stressing that the senator was not in office for the office to adequately address the matter. CHANCES: It is very difficult to contemplate the chances of incumbent Senator Sumo with Weah in the race. She is defiant stating that she can win re-election without the support of Weah but that means she will have to first win Weah during primary, if not successful she will have to look for a new political home to battle Weah at the polls. STEPHEN JOHNSON CHALLENGES: Johnson is currently a Deputy Commissioner at the Bureau of Customs and Exercise at the Ministry of Finance. He once served as student leader at the state owned University of Liberia. Johnson currently has several social media including Facebook pages campaigning for his senate position. One of his pages Stephen Johnson for the Montserrado County Senate is a platform where his supporters discuss his candidacy. With the country national budget experiencing shortfall in the tune of over US$47 million, Johnson is not busy strategizing how he and others at the Revenue Department can help to tackle the revenue collection headache facing the country but pushing his political agenda across Monrovia. Finance Minister Amara Konneh has

He explained that under the Unity Party-led government, Liberian democracy is gradually taking shape, a success he attributed to the exemplary leadership of President Sirleaf. Responding to question whether he will submit himself to a debate; Mr. Sylla said that he was willing and ready to participate in any debate that centered on national questions. He emphasized that such debate should include all sectors of the Liberian society especially the civil society organizations. Such fora, according to Mr. Sylla, will provide the opportunity for the proper evaluation of will- be candidates. Mr. Sylla expressed his candidacy when he was provide the platform by the Liberian Destiny Debaters. CHANCES: Sylla like other candidates could use the impending election to introduce himself to Liberian electorates hoping to exploit future political chances. He could make political history if successful in defeating Weah come October. Musa B. Dorley CHALLENGES: Dorley is a former employee of the General Auditing Commission of Liberia. He was dismissed for unspecified reasons and his effort to pursue a legal redress is yet to yield results. Dorley is currently unemployed but he maintains that he has the grass root support.

am not from Montserrado and I cannot vote here but in Buchanan. I am going to support him. Sanvee himself has been showcasing his charismatic intellectualism delivering speeches centered on the Liberian economy. Recently, Sanvee speaking on the title; Jobs, The Economy and Putting Montserrado back to Work stressed the importance of a public private partnership as the reigning economic concept and ideology that government should provide the environment indicating that foreign and domestic companies have failed. In some of his many political messages Sanvee says Government must become an investor along with the private sector in creating the growth and development that we need. Our neighbor Sierra Leone is doing it and they are enjoying double digits growth and increased development. The overall verdict on this kind of thinking is massive unemployment, high level of poverty and an economy that only

CHANCES: It will be a miracle how an unemployed Dorley will carry out political campaign in Montserrado County. Politics is a game of the unexpected and Dorley hope of becoming senator is a big dream which if achieved could be a record in Liberian politics for ages.

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Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

COMMENTARY
The Case of New LACC Boss

Commentary

UP-LED GOVERNMENT JUST DOESNT GET IT!

WITNESSING AN UNPRECEDENTED TRANSITION

Paul M. Kanneh/paulkanneh5@gmail.com/0888022040
will be day dreaming. That is why we believe that the new LACC boos approach of preventive measures through awareness and establishment of smaller anti-corruption groups at different level in society will greatly impact the fight against corruption as opposed to just going after people for prosecution. Who is Cllr. James Verdier? As per his brief profile,Cllr. James Verdier is a dedicated human rights professional whose experience in democratic governance, justice and security issues including skills in crisis prevention, recovery and management have rendered him versatile and invaluable in the Liberian society. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of Liberias Anti-Corruption Commission, Cllr. Verdier took Interestin working in conflict, post-conflict environment to assist prevent crisis, facilitate recovery, promote justice and democratic governance; and increase access to justice. He holds LL.M in International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame Law School, South Bend. He is also a holder of LL.B, Laws from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia and Bachelor of Act degree in Political Science. As lawyer, Cllr. Verdiers profile indicates that he is an Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia and lectures on human rights law, international law and property law. Working with the Law School, Cllr. Verdier is helping in the areas of capacity development to upgrade programs, facilities and academic standards. Before his appointment at LACC, James Verdier served as Justice & Security Programme National Officer of the United Nation Development Program, Liberia. At UNDP, he also served as Rule of Law Project Manager/Justice & Security Programme responsible for providing technical and operational support to the implementation and monitoring of Rule of Law project as well as Mapping out national and international actors involved in rule of law/access to justice, and provided support in forging partnerships with UN agencies, national and international NGOs and donor community. On the international scene, Cllr. Verdier briefly worked as Research Fellow with International Human Rights Law Group now Global Rights, Washington DC where he designed new approaches and projects for the Africa Programs department, researched and documented cases of war crimes and completed research project to incorporate AIDS in human rights advocacy in all regions of Africa. Additional, the new LACC boss also briefly affiliated with Carter Center in Atlanta, USA in the capacity as Research Scholar with the mandate to monitor human rights, transitional justice and democratic processes in specific African countries and compiled weekly situational reports for former US President Jimmy Carter and other executive of the Center. Currently, Cllr. Verdier is the Vice President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) and Senior Counsel and Managing Partner for Verdier & Associates.

UP-LED GOVERNMENT JUST DOESNT GET IT!

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs Assertion in her ninth State of the Nation Address Illustrates why her administration has lost the war against Corruption
PRESIDENT ELLEN Johnson-Sirleafs declaration during her ninth State of the Nation Address Monday that her administration is looking forward to a reorganized and re-energized General Auditing Commission that is media shy and committed to a good governance process which ensures the highest level of integrity and a commitment to uphold the public trust, validates from our perspective the fear many local and international stakeholders have been harboring for some time now, that the administration has been paying lip-service in the fight against graft all along and that GAC was being weakened to silence it. THE STATEMENT further illustrate why the UP-led government have lost the war against corruption it vowed to eliminate en route to capturing state power. Because of high level official corruption, major countries like USA and Britain have not provided direct budgetary support to the Government of Liberia as they are doing in Tanzania, Ghana and several other countries in Africa. IT SADDENS US that the administration in its bid to appease the international community, continues to put up a face that it is sincere in the fight against graft but does a 360 when it comes to backing up its words with action. WHILE WE welcome the Presidents declaration that her administration is willing to work the Joint Public Accounts Committee of the national legislature which has initiated public hearings on the reports of the GAC, this is not enough, especially when the administration is totally against the publication of audits in the media. CONTRARY TO SIRLEAFS assertions that her administration has made improvements on key corruption indicators, the fact remains that donor nations remain skeptical about the administrations declaration. For example, the British governments Department for International Development (DFID) has made it clear corruption in both Liberia and Sierra Leone takes many different forms. It ranges from the everyday, such as demanding bribes to use basic services, to the larger scale misuse of public goods for private gain by public officials. In Sierra Leone this is a major challenge, with data on the control of corruption showing the country to be well below the sub-Saharan African average. A 2010 survey by the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission showed that the majority of Sierra Leoneans have experienced some form of corruption, with 94 per cent rating it as a problem. BOTH COUNTRIES lie in the bottom 40% of the World Banks Control of Corruption Index, with Sierra Leone in the bottom 25%. In its Corruption Barometer, Transparency International ranked Liberia as the most corrupt country in 2013, with such reports making the headlines on major local and international papers including Americas largest selling national paper, USA TODAY. DFID HAS made it quite clear that it will follow the British governments policy of value for money by supporting strategic management and greater transparency in the minerals sector, ensuring tightened contract management and controls in the UKs support to infrastructure and work closely with the government and the donor community to monitor and support the implementation of the governments anti-corruption strategy. IT IS IRONIC that Liberia the benefactor, resists transparency and accountability but one of its key donors, DFID which is committed to transparency, results and value for money is now making it easier for taxpayers and citizens in its partner countries to follow the money by publishing details of all its new programmes and of all transactions over 500 on the DFID website. YET PRESIDENT SIRLEAF continues to trumpet the fact that her administration is anti-naming and shaming, which many believe is the only remedy in helping to curb graft in a nation emerging from war. A reorganized General Auditing Commission (GAC) has initiated 57 audits for 2013, giving us an opportunity to break from the lethargy of inaction on past reports that were challenged. Our Constitution and laws are clear on accountability in the use of public resources. We will therefore require that work plans of the GAC go beyond the Executive to include the other two branches of government. WE ARE AFRAID that if the Sirleaf administration continues down this path, Liberia and the international community will remain trapped in repeated refrains of godzillion agencies set up to fight corruption with much more of the same practices. IT IS A FOREGONE conclusion that the UP-led governments failure to prosecute corrupt officials by protecting them from audits and baby-sitting those crying foul to the very anti-corruption agencies, the government is looking to have its cake and eat it, at the expense of the Liberian people.

nlike others who take transition as war, the incoming Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson humbly sat and listened as his predecessor; Cllr. Francis Johnson Allison explained her challenges and experiences in fighting corruption during her five years tenure as head of Liberias Anti-Corruption Commission. Everyone including me anticipated condemnation response from James Verdier as is always the case with many successors of public offices in Liberia. But what we would see and hear on the wonderful day of November 22, 2013 would be a different transition for which, many now hail both Cllr. Francis Johnson Allison (Predecessor) and Cllr. James Verdier (Successor). And for sure, to the surprise of everyone, the incoming Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission boss responded with praises on his predecessor. What the meant to some of us is that the new LACC boss designate is a mature and responsible individual with a broader understanding of transition vis--vis administrative and political issues. Specifically, Cllr. Verdier said he will build on the experiences of the past regime to do his work. Verdier acknowledged that his predecessor was an experienced lady with integrity, something most Liberian professionals would not love to say about their predecessors. The unique thing about the two individuals is that, both of them once headed the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC). It is also interesting to note that at JPC, Cllr. Allison took over from Cllr. James Verdier just as Verdier is now taken over from Cllr. Allison, which makes history to repeat itself. Though they may differ in ideologies in terms of administration, policy and implementation strategies, probabilities are that they will respect each other legacies as a demonstration that they once served the same institution with the objective of promoting human rights and rule of law in Liberia. Cllr. Verdier stressed that one cannot fight corruption in isolation. Therefore, he intends to work with other fraud fight institutions in sharing information including evidence of corruption and other malpractices in government. He at the same time maintained that corruption fighting institutions are not enemies, adding that his administration will focus more on preventive measures, and prosecutes only when the need arises. This statement, for some of us, spoke volume of the young lawyers understanding of Liberias problem of over hundred years of living and working with corruption at all level within the Liberian society where prosecution for corruption is yet to make significance impact. For example, Public Administration 201 tells me that Liberian Governments operated a spoiled system for 126 years, from 1847 (the day of independence) to 1973 and that it was not until 1973 that the late and last AmericoLiberian President, William R. Tolbert embarked on Civil Service Reforms. With this, anybody fighting corruption in such a society without considering intensive public education and awareness campaign
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Commission. The Presidents statement suggests that she wants the current GAC to deviate from this best practice standard, although she also commented that she has drafted a new GAC new law that will bring GAC on par with other supreme audit institutions. This contradiction. BECAUSE OF THE LIMA DECLATIONS INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS, in 2008, the British Government through DFID demanded that the Government of Sierra Leone removed all laws prohibiting the publication of audit reports and the prevention of the Auditor General from communicating audit information to the media, civil society and the people of Sierra Leone. DFID threatened to withhold all direct budgetary support to the Government of Sierra Leone until the Audit Act of 1978 was amended to remove the restrictions. The Government of Sierra Leone obliged and in 2009, the Auditor General of Sierra Leone began publishing audit reports and also created a website to finally publish more than 10 years of audit reports. DURING her Monday, 24th January 2011 which was the last during the tenure of former Auditor General Morlu, President boasted, For our part as a government, the first stage in fighting corruption was to expose and uncover it. To do so, we needed a strong and independent audit mechanism. This is why, while serving as Chairman of the Governance Reform Commission in the Transitional Government, I personally prepared the Act that made the General Auditing Commission (GAC) an independent institution, operating without fear from the powers that be. This led to the creation and the activation of the General Auditing Commission, which has been unwavering in its commitment and dedication to the fulfillment of its mandate. INTERESTINGLY, President Sirleaf credited the GAC for uncovering and exposing corruption, which was done through the media. Today, she is crying for a media shy GAC.

NO GOVERNMENT, especially one emerging from a war started as a result of the very vices now eating at its core, can expect taxpayers from foreign governments to continue throwing funding their way for corrupt officials to pocket. WE TAKE note of the Presidents statement that she has a new draft bill to bring GAC on par with other Supreme Audit institutions but her statement on Monday calling for a media shy GAC contradicts her quest to bring GAC on par. IN THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF AN AUDITOR GENERAL FOR THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, signed off by the President of Liberia and the international community under GEMAP, one of the responsibilities of the Auditor General of Liberia is Enhance the effectiveness of public accountability through the release of relevant and timely audit reports to stakeholders (including the media and civil society) to actively promote and follow up the recommendation of said audit reports. Part of the European Union funding to the GAC was to promote and coordinate GAC activities with the media and civil society. PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACT, OF 2009 (6) stipulates that, the Auditor General shall publish the audit report in the Official Gazette and make it available to the Legislature and the public within one month of the completion of said audit report. At 11: 15 AM, August 26, 2009, the President signed into law the Public Financial Management Act, making it binding on the Auditor General to publish audit reports within one month of completion. ONE OF THE CARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE SAI according to INTOSAI Lima Declaration) is that the Auditor General can report directly to the media. The Lima Declaration is the international best standard for all Supreme Audit Institutions, such as the General Auditing

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COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

CORKRUM TAPE FALLOUT? LIBERIAN PREZ SNAPS AT POLICE CHIEF
GEORGE SLUE This is what you get when you have people who don't know what they do or pretend to not know what they are doing in trusted positions. Sack every one of them - replace them with tribal chiefs - better than so called corrupt educated dummies. GEORGE ALONZO KAMARA George Slue My dear friend did I heard you well "sack everyone of them?" HAHAHA if this president ever decide to function in this great way, expect to see/hear a lot of thing that was in hidden. Just move your heart cause it will never happen. maybe you want her to exchange them. JOHN WILLIAMS If this really happened then it is surely a disgrace to the government and a disservice to the country and its people. If Massaquoi is no longer trusted then sack him. But to publicly disgrace and belittle a Police Director says a lot about security in the country. Does he still command respect in his office? Why is he still holding on, despite what appears to be total disregard for me? Factions within the security sector could be disastrous for Liberia. For the good of the country, I suggest that certain things be considered - Ellen should publicly/ privately demonstrate or spread the information that Massaquoi still enjoys her confidence or just relieve him of his position. Or Massaquoi should just resign to help preserve the unity and respectability of the police and security sector in general. JAY WION So you miss my eulogy to Nelson Mandela and the fske African leaders who attended his funeral but are scolded/ lectured by Obama. Here my hour long rebuke to the corrupt, and some murderous leaders of Africa, including our own Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia. It is on CD and get your copy while supplies last..Call the Liberian African News Service, LANS--518-5561343. Jay Wehtee-Maotee Wion. PONSFORD ANTHONY HANSON I personally think Chris should have resign his post after Ellen C expos him but I don't know who's giving advise. He did what he did in good faith but his part of a Government-if he know what I mean. HELLENOLDEN I just cannot understand what is going on with Madam President regarding this her Police Chief. In as mush as I will not hesitate to publicly rebuke the Police Chief for his unprofessional conduct, I disagreed with the Prison Chief to say he can order the arrest of the Police Boss of the Republic of Liberia. Who the hell was he talking about? The Police Chief? He was out of his mind so to speak. What did he do wrong on the ground of the prison ground? GEORGE ALONZO KAMARA What do we expect when power drunk is ruling the nation after we have boasted upon our Havard highest educated, world bank economist, united nations ex employees. With all of these, leadership change to ruling ship. lock of development has the lowest power supply but still citizens are unable to benefit, The # one government that is living on international nations taxes hold for functions, now the most west part police director/ defense minister who should has the knowledge of protecting the country is selling their mouth for Ellen C Bude. I think I will have to fly in there to purchase this nation from these most corrupt leadership that Liberia ever has. I has the knowledge that Musa will agree to sell this country to me.

EX FOREIGN MINISTER APPEALS TO HIGH COURT

C. D. B. Kings Building Broad and Gurley Streets Monrovia, Liberia January 28, 2014 The Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia Temple of Justice Capitol Hill Monrovia, Liberia Your Honors, I have the honor to extend New Year Greetings and best wishes for the upcoming year as the esteemed Supreme Court of Liberia lays down its decisions that will guide and determine the future of our Beloved Liberia - Mama Liberia. In this regard I have followed the press and your decisions on the suspension of the Minister of Justice --Christiana Tah. Not being a lawyer, I am writing you in the capacity of a private and senior citizen today, who, some 35 yrs ago, as a young professional and technocrat, found herself amongst the leadership (Ernestine and Clara Cassell, Lotte Mae Phelps, myself and some then senior Liberian women citizens) of Liberian women who recognized the need to speak out and voice our concern as we took a stand and reacted formally--thru a petition to the national legislature ---on their decision regarding the removal of Liberia's first woman circuit court judge--Her Honor, Judge Emma Shannon Walser through a Joint Resolution of the Liberian Legislature, that removed her from the judgeship. Accordingly, Your Honors, this comes to plea for consideration of a lighter punishment for the Minister than the six months suspension of her license to practice law. I am aware that the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), and others have given their opinions on the Minister of Justice issue and the dismissal by your distinguished body of the Minister's request for re-argument. Notwithstanding, as a woman and a senior citizen, I cannot just sit here and hold my peace. You are our Supreme Court, from whom there is no judicial appeal. However, we the citizens of Liberia, whom you so ably serve, can appeal to you. I am therefore asking/pleading for your good selves to have some mercy and grant a lighter punishment. The entire Liberian government is being affected by this decision. A short while ago the world focused on Liberia about our educational system and the failure of the students applicants to pass the University of Liberia exams; then there was the transparency international designation of Liberia as amongst the most corrupt nations; then the corruption 101 publication' and now we are in the news again with this suspension of our Minister of Justice -a woman - in the government of Africa's first woman president .The world is asking -- what is happening in Liberia? As a former public official and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs I am equally as concerned as Your Honorable body is, about the image of our country. I am also very concerned, as a former cabinet minister, about the ability of the Minister of Justice to function if she does not have her law license. Her hands are tied, she is being prevented from effectively acting in our (the citizens') best interest. As Minister of Justice, she is also in charge of our national security, and as this year we have national elections for senior senators, which as usual elections are accompanied with many security issues, she needs to be fully functional to stabilize the peace of this nation. These are my focus of this senior citizen's appeal. I trust that this intervention by me does not prove cause for contempt as I am simply making an appeal for leniency. Though I am not a Lawyer to address the esteem Supreme Court, I come to the Honorable body as a senior citizen and former member of a cabinet of the Republic of Liberia in good standing, who is a patriot and passionate about this our nation, as is this Court, and the future that we are leaving for the next generation. Indeed the Legacy of this generation of Liberians to future generations is something that concerns us all and hence this appeal. I trust that this private citizen appeal will be received in the same spirit of patriotism and national concern, that it is being given. With considerations of my highest esteem, Respectfully Submitted, Olubanke King-Akerele, Senior Citizen of Liberia; Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of Cabinet of the Republic of Liberia; Former Minister of Commerce and Industry (RL)

The displacement of people without immediate impact and the distribution of poverty by harsh policy, are what the president knows well.....I listened to her saying expansion is expected to take place soon on the Tubman boulevard and other roads around the country, as such people will be victimized in the process. Let it be cleared emphatically that I do not oppose the expansion of roads that made increase trade and other economy activities. But however, I see this as a mere bluff talk owing to the fact that homes of Liberians were in similar case, destroyed few years ago by the same government on the Somalia drive, up to now, the Somalia drive road still remains narrow and there has being no expansion contrary to the promise that was made. Interestingly, Liberians were displaced in their own home land in the absent of war and nature disaster.Hundreds of poor Liberians some of whom that were already frustrated on the difficulty of Life in Liberia,were made homeless in central Monrovia and its surroundings by similar policy when the popular hard-working unethical Mary Broh was the city Mayor of Monrovia....The behavior of this Government has forced me to believed that it is not civilize. A civilize Government is the government that creates suitable conditions and alternatives for its people before carrying out such a policy, a civilize government is a government that breaks people homes with an immediate plan of doing what is expected.These are things that President Jerry John Rawlings of Ghana, President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva of Brazil and other reform leaders around the world did. Doing so reduces the tension of those you are leading including the victims.....such a mature approach accords you respect even if not 100%. Also,going into other issues in her address, I heard the President boosting on the most talk about Mount Coffee Hydro dam in Harrisburg and that we are expected to get current by December 2015. That sounds very comical in my hears and I am convinced that we may not get current by the time specific and even beyond because that was the same mood and tone she spoke in, in 2006 that Monrovia will have been electrified within six(6) months. As a historian who studied the past, analysis the present and predict the future; I see the electricity issue as an orchestrated plan intended to scrape money from donors and the international community. Let me at this critical juncture appreciate the government on her foreign policy at the same time encourage her to do more domestically to effect the lives of Liberians....We too deserve good life...... Randall M. Dobayou II. randallmassaquoi@yahoo.com

"PRESIDENT SIRLEAF STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS: CONTINUATION OF MOUTH TALKS AND UNFULFILLED PROMISES, AS LIBERIANS STILL LIVE IN CHRONIC POVERTY"....

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Monroviall hell reportedly broke loose at the Ministry of Public Works Tuesday when a near fist-fight erupted between embattled Minister Angelique Weeks and Deputy Minister for Technical Services Victor Smith in the ministrys compound. It is unclear what triggered the argument which eyewitnesses spurred a shouting match between the pair which drew onlookers on the scene as both senior officials traded nasty insults which included cussing each others parents. Since taking over the ministry last September, Weeks has reportedly refuses to use her official office and has instead shared office with Smith, the Deputy for Technical Services. The fight between the pair comes in the wake of mounting tension pitting the minister at odds with her principal deputies, prompting allegations that Weeks has been micromanaging the ministry with very little input from senior staff toward agenda items/issues Some of Weeks peers say she is oppressive and domination of meetings; intolerant, does not allow for competing views and opinions and lacks a clear plan-of-action for the Ministry. Some employees point to Weeks poor working relationship as a key reason for the problems which hit boiling point. They argument was intense with each cursing each others ma and pa and in the end, Deputy Minister Smith told the Minister to (bleep) her job and drove out of the ministrys compound. Weeks has also been taken to task over her callous use language; profusely abusive, insulting and accusative toward others and engaging in physical interaction with some personnel while being condescending to and disdainful of the senior staff. In recent weeks, sources say Weeks has falsely accused some senior staff and employees of leaking information to the press and lately to Clemenceau Urey about his relative Henri Ureys contract not being renewed. Part of the problem some say is that Weeks lacks confidence and faith in the ability of the senior staff and employees and fails to delegate responsibility with authority; refuses to take advices from anyone including the deputy and assistant ministers as well as other technical staff. Weeks reportedly offended her deputies recently when unilaterally took it upon herself to made a number of changes at the ministry, reassigning the Director of Human Resources and Training at the Ministry has been reassigned as Director for Warehouse. Transfer letters were also issued to the Financial Comptroller (Abraham Samukai), transfers were also issued to Deputy Comptroller, Joseph Y. Forkpa, Procurement Director, B. Wion Kanteah, Assistant Director for Logistics, Joe V. Dixon and the Director of Human

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GOV'T NEWS

Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

FISTFIGHT AT PUBLIC WORKS

It is unclear what triggered the argument which eyewitnesses spurred a shouting match between the pair which drew onlookers on the scene as both senior officials traded nasty insults which included cussing each others parents.
Hundred United States Dollars) of this amount, a total of US$3,209,918.00 (Three Million Two Hundred Nine Thousand Eighteen United States Dollars) has been allotted but only US$1,624,629.94 spent, or 50.61%, US$83,394.05 with LPO in process or 2.60% an unspent balance of US$1,499,560.01 or 46.72% as balance in allotment, the Comptroller stated in the midterm budget performance report. Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance notified the Ministry that the timing for the US$1,499,560.01 had expired and therefore such funding can no longer be provided to the Ministry. The comptrollers communication indicates that the Public Works Ministry has not been able to plan for the expenditure of funding allotted the Ministry by National Government amidst the plethora of development needs across the country. The lingering feud at the Ministry of Public Works is just one of many strain relationships in the Sirleafled government. Critics have in recent weeks taken the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia and the Minister of Finance to task for failing to work together in the wake of rapid inflation and economic woes. Tension at the Ministry of National Defense between Minister Brownie Samukai and his former principal deputy Othello Warrick led to Warrick being shipped to the Executive Protective Services as Director.

MINISTER, DEPUTY TRADE MA & PA INSULTS

Resources & Training Vincent B. Smith. Like the Financial Comptroller and his deputy, the Procurement Director and his Assistant have been transferred to the Division of Human Resources for re-assignment. The Director of HRT, Vincent Smith has been transferred to the Ministrys Warehouse as Manager. No valid reason given for these changes except for the frivolous excuse that it is part of internal reforms. Letters were issued after official working hours with immediate action taken in changing the locks to various offices concerned.

A meeting with President Sirleaf last week has apparently failed to repair the damaging ties amongst Weeks and her peers. During the meeting, the president reportedly appealed to the deputies to work along with Weeks to end the impasse at the ministry while raising questions over the state of affairs of the ministry and ongoing projects around the country. The president was reportedly notified among other things of a number of lapses at the ministry, notably the lack of coordination at all levels. One source told FPA there has not

been any meetings held since November 2013 about 3 months in-between. Senior staffers have accused Weeks of running an oppressive regiment and being intolerant to others and does not allow for competing views and opinions. FrontPageAfrica reporter this week that the ministry failed to spend more than US$ 1 million in the midterm of the current 2013/2014 fiscal budget forcing the Ministry of Finance to return to money to the government coffers owing to a budget shortfall. In a January 8, 2014 communicated addressed to Hon. Zack G.W.

Sharpe, II, Acting Minister of Public Works, the Comptroller of the Ministry, Abraham B. Samukai indicated that the ministry was unable to spend the budgetary allocation for the midterm budgetary period with close to 50% remaining unspent. The communications read: With compliments, I am pleased to furnish you the midterm budget performance for fiscal year 2013/2014 for the Ministry of Public Works. The fiscal year 2013/2014 approved budget is US$5,392,850.00 (Five Million Three Hundred Ninety Two Thousand Eight

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BUSINESS

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Page 7

FIRM DECLARES GOLD DISCOVERY IN GRAND BASSA

Sarama Resources Defines 14km-Long Anomalous Gold-In-Soil Trend & Intersects In-Situ Gold Mineralisation in Trenching Programs in Central Liberia
geologically prospective features identified by an airborne geophysical survey conducted by the Company in 2012. The anomalous zone is broadly defined by the 95th percentile of returned assays. Within this zone, several areas up to approximately 2km in length and 1km in width are defined by elevated gold-in-soil values. Several other anomalous zones, 1.5km in length, were partially identified in the east of the property, with soil geochemistry surveys set to continue to fully investigate the trends. Trenching Identifies In-situ Gold Mineralization An initial trenching program consisting of 7 excavations in north-south orientations was completed in Q4 2013, focusing on the southern portion of the 14km-long western anomalous zone and in the eastern-most anomalous zones. The targets were principally generated from the soil geochemistry survey, but were also co-incident with active artisanal gold mining sites and several geologically prospective features identified by an airborne geophysical survey conducted by the Company in 2012. The eastern trenching program returned several encouraging intersections including: 29m @ 0.82g/t Au, including 9m @ 2.05g/t Au in GBTR005 ; 37m @ 0.51g/t Au, including 8m @ 1.54g/t Au in GBTR007 ; and 22m @ 0.42g/t Au in GBTR006 . Results indicate the presence of broad low-grade zones of gold mineralization which demonstrate good continuity along strike. It is also encouraging to note the presence of higher grade zones within the broad intersections. The walls of the trenches were sampled at uniform 1m intervals over their length at a depth of approximately 2-3m below surface. The weathering environment is similar to that observed at the Company's exploration properties in the west of Liberia, with high rainfall influencing the upper part of the regolith profile, leading to disaggregation of the upper part of the regolith profile. In this environment, the Company believes it is probable that near-surface geochemical and physical dispersion of in-situ gold has occurred at the level of trench sampling (2-3m depth). Initial trenching in the southern portion of the western anomaly did not return any significant intersections, but subsequent phases of work planned will test the area more comprehensively. Sarama's President and CEO, Andrew Dinning, commented: "We continue to be encouraged with the potential being shown on all of our Liberian properties, with all three now having kilometre-scale gold-insoil anomalies and promising trench results. We have identified drill targets on both our Cape Mount and Gbarpolu properties and we look forward to completing preliminary exploration at Grand Bassa to allow the next steps to be determined. Liberia continues to be an important jurisdiction for Sarama and continues to provide exciting optionality for our shareholders." Sarama Resources Ltd is a West African focused gold explorer with substantial landholdings in Burkina Faso, Liberia and Mali. Sarama's flagship properties are situated within the Company's South Hound Project area in south-west Burkina Faso. Located within the prolific Hound greenstone belt, Sarama's exploration programs have built on significant early success to deliver a maiden Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 1.5 Moz gold1. Outside of Burkina Faso, Sarama is focused on consolidating a number of under-explored landholdings in other emerging and established mining jurisdictions. Incorporated in 2010, the Company's Board and management team have a proven track record in Africa and a strong history in the discovery and development of large-scale gold deposits. Sarama is well positioned to build on its current success with a strong financial position and a sound exploration strategy across its property portfolio. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements Information in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward-looking information. Such forwardlooking information includes statements regarding the Company's future exploration at its Grand Bassa property and the maiden Mineral Resource estimate for its flagship South Hound Project. Actual results, performance or achievements of the Company may vary from the results suggested by such forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such factors include, among others, that the business of exploration for gold and other precious minerals involves a high degree of risk and is highly speculative in nature; Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, they do not have demonstrated economic viability, and there is no certainty that they can be upgraded to Mineral Reserves through continued exploration; few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; the actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. There can be no assurance that any mineralisation that is discovered will be proven to be economic, or that future required regulatory licensing or approvals will be obtained. However, the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration activities, the sufficiency of funding, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold and other precious metals, that the Company will not be affected by adverse political events, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain further financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Sarama does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws. Notes - Soil Geochemistry Soil geochemistry results are reported as processed data for a population of raw assay results. The effects of mechanical and chemical concentration, weathering, and the topographical and vegetative settings have not been presented and therefore results reflect a first-pass exploration phase. No top-cuts were applied to assay grades. Sarama undertakes geological sampling and assaying in accordance with its QA/QC program which includes the use of certified standard reference materials, uncertified blank reference materials and field duplicates. Gold assay work was undertaken by the SGS S.A. laboratories in Monrovia, Liberia and Tarkwa, Ghana. Assays are determined by aqua regia digest of a 50g charge, followed by solvent extraction and an AAS finish with a 2ppb Au lower detection limit. Soil samples were collected from holes with a nominal diameter of 200mm which were manually excavated to a depth of approximately 400500mm. Holes were spaced on a combination of regular grids measuring 800m (east-west) x 50m north-south) and 400m (east-west) x 50m (northsouth). Field samples of 2-3kg were collected from each hole, after which a sub-sample was produced by sieving for assaying. The gold-in-soil anomalies represented for the Grand Bassa property were delineated using the 95th percentile of the samples' Au grade population (Au >20ppb). Notes -Trenching Trenching results are quoted as lineal intervals. Given the early stage of the exploration programs, the nature of the mineralization is not well understood and as a consequence, true mineralization width is not able to be determined. The reported composites for trenching were determined using a cut-off grade of 0.20g/t Au to select significant and anomalous intersections, with a maximum of 4m internal dilution being incorporated into the composite where appropriate. No top-cuts were applied to assay grades. Isolated mineralized intervals less than 2m in length have not been reported. Sarama undertakes geological sampling and assays in accordance with its quality assurance/quality control program which includes the use of certified and uncertified reference materials and field duplicates for trenching. Gold assays for the trenching were undertaken by the SGS S.A. laboratory in Monrovia,

Vancouver arama Resources Ltd. is pleased to announce that soil geochemistry surveys at its Grand Bassa exploration property in central Liberia have successfully identified several anomalous gold-in-soil trends, the largest of which extends for 14km along strike. The Company's exploration program has also intersected in-situ gold mineralisation in follow-up trenching programs, giving credence to soil geochemistry survey results. Grand Bassa Property Exploration Sarama's exploration activities in Liberia have primarily focused on the Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Grand Bassa exploration properties (refer Figure 1). Sarama holds an 80% interest in these properties and can earn up to a 90% interest, subject to the achievement of certain milestones. The Company's exploration at the Cape Mount Project and the Gbarpolu property in the west of Liberia has yielded encouraging results and recent activities at the Grand Bassa property in central Liberia are continuing this theme. The Grand Bassa property is located in previously unexplored Archean-aged terrane, approximately 35km south-west of the high-grade Kokoya deposit for which a positive pre-feasibility study was recently conducted (refer AmLib Holdings Plc news release, August 12, 2013). Identification of 14km-long Anomalous Gold-in-Soil Trend at Grand Bassa Sarama has received assay results for a soil geochemical survey undertaken on parts of the 299km Grand Bassa exploration property in 2012 and 2013. A principal sample grid spacing of 800m (east-west) x 50m (north-south) was used for the surveys with several areas being sampled at a higher density (400m x 50m spacing) after being identified as high priority targets based on structural setting, airborne geophysical results and prevalence of artisanal mining activity. The survey identified a 14kmlong anomalous gold-in-soil trend in the western portion of the property, parallel to a regional structural feature (refer Figure 2). The anomalous zone is also co-incident with several

Liberia. Assays are determined by fire assay methods using a 50 gram charge, lead collection and an AAS finish with a 0.01g/t Au lower detection limit. The trenches were generally designed on a north-south orientation and were excavated to follow the topography of the area. The trenches were approximately 2-3m deep and were wall sampled on uniform 1m intervals, approximately 750mm from the floor of the trench. Individual samples weighted approximately 3kg and were collected by hand. Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the preparation of the Company's Mineral Resource estimate is based on information compiled or approved by Adrian Shepherd. Adrian Shepherd is an employee of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd and is considered to be independent of Sarama Resources Ltd. Adrian Shepherd is a chartered professional member in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43101. Adrian Shepherd consents to the inclusion in this news release of the information, in the form and context in which it appears. Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the Company's exploration activities in Liberia is based on information compiled or approved by John Mpambije. John Mpambije is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a Chartered Professional member in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralization under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43101. John Mpambije consents to the inclusion in this news release of the information, in the form and context in which it appears.

Page 8 | Frontpage

Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

O
Monrovia -

me residents of the Duport Road Kissi Town community have accused Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson of being behind the demolition of their homes and a church. The residents say they suspect Senator Johnson of being behind the demolition because prior to the demolition process, the lawmaker always complained about being disturbed by the noise from a nearby church in that area. The residents also told FrontPageAfrica that on many occasions, the Nimba lawmaker carried officers of the Liberian National police (LNP) on them during Church service, accusing worshippers of disturbing his(PYJ) peace. Mr. Edwin Flomo, Chairman of the Kissi Town Community explained that without prior notice or warning, residents woke up early Monday morning and saw their homes being destroyed by Earth moving equipment under the guise that authorities were opening alleys. Said Flomo: Surprisingly for us, we only saw this machine breaking our homes and when we asked they said the action was mandated by the Paynesville City Corporation. Our properties are private properties and the way they laid out the alley was unfair because they came into our

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LEGISLATIVE BEAT

property. Flomo noted that over fifteen homes were destroyed, leaving closed to fifty inhabitants displaced. I slept in the dirt last night because I had to pick my clothes and other household utensils that were buried in the dirt. We need some intervention; we cannot continue to live like this where people will use position and influence to suppress the ordinary people, he said.

SENATOR JOHNSON ORDER THE DEMOLITION OF OUR HOMES, DUPORT ROAD RESIDENTS LAMENT

For his part the pastor of the demolished Church of Christ said Senator Johnson on numerous occasions had complained that his church service always disturbed him which caused him to have many sleepless nights. When contacted authorities of the PCC denied that their actions were being backed by Senator Johnson. Ms. Jannie Jallah, Communications Director of

the City government the action by the PCC is part of plans by the city government to reopen alleys in the city which will include the breaking down of homes and other illegal structures in the alleys. On the issue of the church allegations of constant harassment by Senator Johnson, she said the PCC is not aware of any such complaints but said the city government has in the past

received complaints of city disturbances but not from the church. Said Jallah: It is impossible for Senator Johnson to order the PCC to carry out demolition. If the people have problem with Senator Johnson, that is their personal issue and the PCC should not be drawn into it. Senator Johnson described as baseless the accusation by the residents on grounds that the action by the PCC is part of an

order given all city mayors by President Sirleaf to carry out massive demolition and open alleys. Said Senator Johnson: I am not a city government employee; I am a Senator. I have nothing to do with that. The people of the area wanted their alleys to be open and that is why they open it.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

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OBITUARY

SUNRISE OCTOBER 1, 1957 AND SUNSET JANUARY 25, 2014

Mr. William K. Kruah, former Comptroller, GAC The General Public is hereby informed that Mr. William K. Kruah is no longer in the employ of the General Auditing Commission, (GAC). Any individual, group of individuals or institutions doing business with Mr. Kruah in the name of the GAC will be doing so at their own risk. Signed: The Administration General Auditing Commission

Monrovia - The Foday Kamara. Jerry C. Brown and Chesson families of Brewerville announce the death of Mrs Lillian Brown Kamara commonly called Darling or Darm, a resident of Brewerville city who died on Saturday January 25, 2014 at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. She is survived by her husband, Foday Kamara, Son, Foday Suma Kamara in the United States, Fornessa Salamatu Kamara Knuckles. Her sisters, Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull and Cerue Brown Banks of Brewerville, Musu Brown Sando and Joyce Pinchu Brown Armah of the United States and Brother, Jerry C. Brown of Atlanta, Georgia, USA and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be announced later. For inquires contact the following: Foray S. Kamara 231-880513077 Mrs. Fornessa Salamatu Knuckles - 0016784680731 Mr. Foday S. Kamara, Jr 0016784680731 Mrs. Joyce Pinchu Armah - 0016186088142 Mr. Jerry C. Brown 001-770-444-3222 Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull 0886 578 981

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Buchanan, County -

Grand

Bassa

SAIDs Food Enterprise Development (FED) in collaboration with a Liberian NGO Community Youth Network Program (CYNP), Advancing Youth Program (AYP) and the Government of Liberia on Saturday, January 25th climaxed a Back-toSchool Garden Program in Grand Bassa County, awarding three out of 20 schools from across the county that participated in nine-month long agriculture skill training. The training begun in April 2013 and brought together 2500 students or youth farmers who were trained in improved agricultural techniques such as land preparation, nurseries, transplanting, harvesting and storage while the young farmers attended night school learning how to read and write basic arithmetic skills. According to the Executive Director of CYNP, the project implementer, the program was a pilot project. Junior Toe said Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Margibi and Montserrado counties will also benefit. At the indoor program held in Buchanan, the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Junior Program Officer for Liberia, Santiago Quinones said the government needs to turn its eyes to the agricultural sector of the country and called on Liberians to change the image and perception of agriculture. The FAO staff said Liberians must stop seeing agriculture as a low income and high risk career while he called on the government to explain the positive side of farming to the youth. USAID Deputy Mission Director, Barbara Dickerson also noted that agriculture is

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EDUCATION

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Page 9

important for Liberias food security and nutrition as well as very important for the countrys economic growth. At the same time, Deputy Ministry of Youth and Sports for Vocational and Technical Training, Boakai Jalehbah used the occasion to emphasize the importance of vocational skills and how it also enhances agricultural activities. Mr. Boakai Jahlebah said the problem of unemployment in the country is because of the lack of an exotic capacity to pierce through the employment market. He said over the past 100 years Liberia has mainly focused on the supply side of training the population by training people in economics, accountant, sociology, political science and other social

USAID BACK-TO-SCHOOL GARDEN COMPETITION ENDS IN GRAND BASSA

sciences. Its hard time that we table our vocational and technical training policy to focus on the demand side, he said. The Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Training at the Youth Ministry said most foreign investments coming in the country are agricultural related companies and that those companies are to value jobs in the technical and vocation sector. He asserted that the skills that these investments required are not what the country has. He fears that if nothing is done, multinational companies will have to look to other nationals who have the expertise, something that is already happening. Minister Jalehbah also said agriculture is a fundamental property of the entire body of vocational and technical training in the country that can intervene in the existing unemployment situation by providing substantial opportunities. When we conducted the most recent labor demand survey in the 15 counties, one of the vocational trainings that stood up was agriculture. It became the senior most source of employment and to solve unemployment issue of our young people in the country, Deputy Minister Jalehbah said. He continued: One of the ways we can intervene in the unemployment market , it has to be through agriculture. To secure a perfect ground for agriculture development

strategy will address vocational and technical training in our country. To reach that middle income country in 2030, we need to take some steps in convening national programs, national policy prescriptions in our vocational and technical training programs. I will present to the President, at least for the first time, National TVAC draft legislation, Min. Jahlehbah said. For their part, the students thanked the program sponsors for training them. Grace Nyenatee of the Buchanan SDA High School and Etta Briggs of the Gorblee High School, District Three who also give testimonial remarks on behalf of the students, recounted how the training has changed their lives. Student Briggs said during the training she improved her reading and writing skills, while Student Grace said attending the training has change what she will do after graduation from high school. She said the thought about becoming an in our country is to became accountant but will now switch with the involvement of to agriculture because of how a comprehensive national the training impacted her. Three cash prizes were given Technical- Vocational Policy. Minister Jalehbah thanked FED to the top schools following and its partners for initiating numerous evaluations and the program and lashed at the assessments during the training. perception amongst Liberians Gorblee High School won the that vocational training first price (LD$50,000), Little opportunities are for academic Bassa School came second drop-outs. He said it needs to (LD$20,000) and The Liberian stop. He said the ministry and Christian High clinched the partners are now drawing up third place (LD$10,000). The policies which will integrate program had 10 schools and academic and vocational 10 Alternative Basic Education education at secondary schools sites in Grand Bassa County. in the country. Mr. Jahlehbah The group was judged assured that by February this according to their ability to year, his office will have a adopt new agronomic skills, validated national technical harvest yields, team spirit and and vocational policy for innovation. agriculture and vocational training in the country. This comprehensive national

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF

Her Excellency Madam Johnson-Sirleaf President Republic of Liberia Ellen Dear Madam President: We the executives and members of the above mentioned organization which is the umbrella institution of all concern youth, student, elders as well as women groups of Sinoe County is pleased to present to your Excellency this petition that aim at providing political, social, and economics redemption to our people in Sinoe County. We have no that doubt that upon perusing this communiqu through this medium you will conscientiously and positively act, because we believe in your leadership ability and your agenda for national transformation most especially, your utmost quest of leaving a positive and an inedible mark on the scene of history across the globe, with Liberia being a point of focus. Your Excellency, Madam President, we have also realized that wishing to leave a great achievement on the scene of history requires you to live with a purpose and a purpose you must strive for, we have also seen your surmountable efforts and strives you have made and continue to make on the throne of our nation in transforming our country. These efforts and strives which include but not limited to the followings: equal opportunities for all Liberians, equal social and political participation, press freedom and free expression, economics growth and inclusion, participatory democracy and development , the decentralization of national government policy and above the fight against corruption. To achieve these goals as you have started achieving some already as a president and as a nation, with some remain a challenge, there are two cardinal things that are required; a. The involvement of the citizenry in fighting corruption collectively and the strived for equal social, geo-economics growth and inclusion as well as developmental initiatives. b. The next point is the prompt action of the president in dealing with individuals who you have entrusted to exercise certain functions of the presidency but with the goals remaining the same. Your Excellency, having considered all of the above indicated points, we the people of Sinoe County is demanding the unconditional relieved of Mr. J. Milton Teahjay as superintendent of Sinoe County. The decision to immediately replace Mr. Milton Teahjay is based on the following undeniable reasons: a. Mr. Milton Teahjay has made himself a political graven image that he demanding all sinoeans to bow down to; b. Mr. Milton Teahjay is in the constant habit of suspending chiefs and districts commissioners and superintendents who questioned his ability for his senatorial ambiguity; c. Not only suspending local public officials on many occasions dismisses them without any justifiable reason in accordance with the laws, not only those in the local public sector of our county, but the superintendent is also on record of chasing people who are in the employment of private sector investment of our native inheritance. An action which is in Sharpe contradiction to your national agenda for transformation, with specific emphasis on equal opportunities, equal participation, the empowerment program, political emancipation as well as geo-social and geoeconomics growth and inclusion and decentralization of central and developmental initiatives; d. Madam President, your vice jurist is also in the constant habit of putting huge demands before concessionaires that are operating in the county and its parts adjacent, such as huge consignment of petroleum products on the bimonthly basis to satisfy his personal comfort at the detriment of ordinary people in the county; e. Your Excellency, this superintendent is also on record of bridging the budgets laws. An action which is counterproductive to the national financial reform policy, a reason for which he was condemned by the National Legislature most especially, the lower house of the first branch of government; f. This superintendent is also on record of denying certain tribes their just benefits from the county development funds on grounds that they are supporting Mr. Mobutu V. Nyenpan in his concocted quest to be re- elected as a senator of the county; Madam President, That Hon. J. Milton Teahjay is unconditional replaced as Superintendent for Sinoe County base on his failure to provide better leadership that gear toward peace and reconciliation and community development; Your Excellency, Madam President, considering your good political intention in putting our beloved country on the international scene we believe that such a character is not competent to serve such a position under your administration in our government. We the youth, students, elders and women of Sinoe County are eagerly awaiting your positive and your Iron Lady prompts action on this matter as we, the citizens of the county will no longer sit to see an authoritarian parading in the corridor of power at the disadvantage or the common people we trying to redeem. We remain committed ensuring that positive decision is taken for the sake of our enslaved and impoverished people. Our ink will never get dry until our goals are achieved. We also want to be cleared that this statement and recommendation herein meets the consensus of the people of Sinoe County. (Youth, Women, elders and the students community) and is 100 percent independent, free from political influence and not intended to promote any politician in and out of Sinoe at the detriment of the ordinary people of the county. Any person or group of individuals that will play on the people of Sinoe and their developmental projects will meet the full resistance of the people through any means in accordance with the laws. We will no longer sit to see our scholarship and development funding being thwarted for personal benefit by those in authority; once again, we remain committed on ensuring that the county, this time around get its just benefit instead of few individuals benefiting from it. DONE IN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, SINOE COUNTY, and REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA ON THE 20TH DAY OF January, A.D. 2014. Signed: Sampson H. Kamayan SPOKESMAN/SYSC Kpayan Statutory Dist Gabriel Baccus Panton Secretary/ SYSC Juarzon Statutory Dist. Jackson Tobga Dugbe River Dist. Elder Peter Nagbe, Snr Jedepo Statutory Dist. Mot. Esther Toe Sinquin Statutory Dist. Timothy Tue Butaw Statutory Dist. Oliver Mennoh Greenville Commonwealth Dist. Matthew Swen Jaedae Statutory Dist.

Page 10 | Frontpage

Monrovia t was a moment of mixed reactions as President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered her 8th state of the nation address Monday. Some heaped praises while others criticized the Liberian leader for several unfulfilled promises inlcuding failure to fight corruption, amongst others. While women from Bomi County were praising President Sirleaf for helping to pay tuition and fees for their children through a loan she provided them sometimes ago, some citizens were expressing disenchantment over the presidents era. Hardship is common in the various communities. Many Liberians cannot afford a days meal least to think of the required three square meal. Albert S. Doe, a University student blames President Sirleaf for the poor living standard of majority of the population. Student Doe, Co-Chairman Press and Propaganda of a university based student movement; the Student Integration Movement (SIM) says he will always blame the President for the way the government is being run as a regime for elite few whose actions are not impacting the lives of the common Liberians in a positive way. Says Doe anything the unit does the leader is responsible, so everything that is happening in the country she is responsible. Even though Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has mapped fourteen communities to be electrified before June this year, Doe points out that electricity is one of the many things government officials are enjoying while many Liberians are still using candles, a

NO LEGACY?
Prosecute corrupt government officials student leader Challenges Sirleaf
Massa F. Kanneh masskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625
prosecuted then, at least that will be her legacy for Liberia Doe believes. We remembered that madam Sirleaf says that corruption was her first public enemy. She felt that corruption was going to be minimized but corruption is right under her sleeves, she is so embarrassed so it becomes very difficult for her to prosecute those who are closer to her, he added. When will papa come? Richard Holder, a youth leader is also concerned that for close to 9-years now president Sirleafs promised of job creation has not be fulfilled. In retrospect, Holder said Madam Sirleaf said Papa was going to come home and the children will be happy because papa will bring something home but yet jobs are hard to find. Many young people are graduating from Universities today but many remain or are seen selling because they cannot find a job to do the twenty thousand jobs madam Sirleaf promised to the Liberian people each year is nowhere. He recalled that president Sirleaf once told the Liberian people that parents were going to get jobs and return home with something for the children to celebrate. He added that most Liberians are now surviving on gambling especially a sports betting company known as Winner. In various communities because there are no jobs, young people are busy playing Gambles while few people are enjoying the countrys money. Madam Sirleaf had a platform but where are they? No running water, no electricity, no good education. She is discussing failure not success, Holder observes. Holder said that it was unfortunate that one had to be identified as a unity party member before being allowed into the Capitol Building where the President delivered her State of the nation address. I have been denied access to the Capitol Building premises by the organizers, the youth leader lamented. In president Sirleafs deliberation she among several things, touched on corruption stating that the Liberia Anti corruption commission should be given prosecution power by the National Legislature. The President also called for the establishment of criminal court F to try corruption and corruption related cases, indicating that it requires commitment to fight corruption.

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CORRUPTION WATCH

Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

situation that results in fire outbreak on a regular basis. I remembered Madam Sirleaf saying that small light today, big light tomorrow why should that not be equally distributed? The so called government officials are enjoying light as the common people are there

burning candles which is not fair. The LEC, he says is planting light poles that are not durable with some falling causing death and injuries to pedestrians. President Sirleafs legacy at stake Doe says if president Sirleaf

wants a legacy she needs to prosecute corrupt government officials. Since time is no longer in madam Sirleafs favor let her be serious to try to prosecute corrupt government officials, those who are roaming here drinking liquor, let them be

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FLYING WITHOUT WINGS Liberian Business Man Tipped To Win Prestigious

Award From Tsingtao Beer
Gboko John Stewart, Contributing Writer
Tsingtao overseas business partners are in the invitation list set up by Tsingtao Brewery. No one else is qualified to represent Africa but you. You will be granted an award by our Chairman during the meeting. Nyanneh says he is honored to receive such a prestigious award. I never knew that this would probably come. I wasnt thinking about it, he says. It shows that something good can come from Liberia. Quizzed why he was tipped for this honor, he intones that it his commitment to the company. Initially when I approached them, they were skeptical because according to them, Africans are backsliding when it comes to business. But theyve seen that Im committed and very serious about the business. They were skeptical because I came from a war torn country. Out there, it is very difficult to entrust someone with business who comes from a war torn nation. As a Tsingtao distributor, Wilson has the pattern rights for the trademark Tsingtao Beer on the Liberian market. He is the sole importer and distributor of the Tsingtao Beer on the Liberian market and he has being doing so for the past two years nonstop.

NEWS EXTRA

bout six years ago in a Birmingham bar in United Kingdom, Wilson Nyanneh, a Liberian footballer sits drinking a green bottle of Tsingtao Beer. To his amazement, the beer tasted better than other brand he had drunk. He made a mental note to court the company so the brand would be supplied on the Liberian market. That dream became a reality and Wilson has been tipped by the company to receive the companys global distributor award. Tsingtao Beer was founded in 1903 by German settlers and now claims about 15% of domestic market share of the Chinese economy. The beer is produced in Qingdao in Shandong Province (and more recently in other breweries owned by the company as well). The Tsingtao brand is sold in 62 countries and regions around the world and accounts for more than 50% of Chinas beer exports. According to the company's financial figures from 2010, Tsingtao saw a 6.6% year on year revenue increase from sales to Hong Kong and other overseas markets. According to a letter from the company, Wilson has been invited by the company to attend its 2014 Tsingtao Global Distributor Annual Meeting to be held on 27th and 28th Feb 2014 at the beautiful Yalong Bay in the resort city of Sanya. Only nineteen

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

COMPETITIVE LEAGUE?
NPA Anchors coach rates current season high since Bility took over as title race continues on Wednesday.

Sport

Frontpage

11 Page 15

SPORT BRIEF
LIVERPOOL DUMPS EVERTON 4-0

A. Macaulay Sombai, sombai121@gmail.com

By: A. Macaulay Sombai, sombai121@gmail.com- 0777217428

verton's miserable record at Anfield continued as Daniel Sturridge scored twice -- and missed a penalty for his hat trick -in a 4-0 rout for a Liverpool side that proved far too strong for their neighbours. PA PhotosSuarez wrapped up Liverpool's thumping win over Everton. Liverpool took the lead on 21 minutes as skipper Gerrard leaped highest to head home. Romelu Lukaku was then stretchered off with an ankle injury, and Everton's night continued to deteriorate rapidly as Philippe Coutinho set up Daniel Sturridge to make it 2-0, and Sturridge added a third with an instinctive lob to all but wrap up the game inside 35 minutes.

REAL MADRID REACH SEMIFINALS

PA Anchors coach Jerry Anderson believes the ongoing Liberia Football Association (LFA) first division national league is the most competitive league he has seen since Musa Bility became LFA president on March 20, 2010. Anchors, who were promoted to division one last season, has had a purple patch on their return, hovering two places above the relegation zone after 14 matches, but coach Anderson is untroubled about facing the drop to division two. I have told my players that a draw [a drawn match] should be the only setback for us. They should try their possible best to win at least five out of the eight remaining matches including todays game with LPRC Oilers. The league is tough. I think it is the most competitive league I have seen under this administration. There are no weak and strong teams now. So well not win all our matches but we must not draw the remaining matches, he added. NPA is eight-placed and has won a game and two defeats since the second phase began in the New Year.

Meanwhile, the league will continue in and out of Monrovia on Wednesday. At the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) on Lynch Stree, Watanga FC will engage Mighty Blue Angels, who got their first league win over Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) on Sunday, in the opening match while LPRC Oilers will take on NPA Anchors.

At the Blues Field on Lynch Street, defending champions BYC should put aside that defeat when they host Jubilee FC. There will be three matches in Margibi County. Red Lions will be lifted by Sundays win over Monrovia Club Breweries when they take on Keitrace at the Nancy B. Doe sports pitch in Kakata while Invincible

Eleven meet LISCR FC in Unification Town. And Ganta Black Stars can make it two wins from two matches when they square-off with Breweries, who sustained a defeat at the hands of Red Lions. On Tuesday, FC Fassell defeated Aries 2-1 in a second division cracker at the ATS.

Defender Aloysius Samujeala opened the score for Fassell on 25 minutes but Boakai Passewe equalized in the 59th minute. Amos Kollie restored Fassells lead in the 67th minute but coach Matthew S. Julutweh will be unhappy that his team didnt put the game to bed after a host of missed chances.

eal Madrid ground out a 1-0 victory over Espanyol to seal their safe progression to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 aggregate triumph. Jese Rodriguez scored the only goal of the return leg in the seventh minute as the Bernabeu faithful were subjected to a lacklustre performance by the home side, who made changes but still had the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos in the starting XI. However, as long as the lead remained at two goals Espanyol were always in with a chance, particularly against an off-colour Madrid, but the 77th-minute dismissal of Victor Sanchez for a second yellow card finally took the fight out of the visitors. The win completes one half of a possible all-Madrid semifinal, with Atletico in line to meet Carlo Ancelotti's men in the final four should they complete the job against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, having won the first leg 1-0. In the other half of the draw, Barcelona look all but assured of their place in the semi-finals as they

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VOL 8 NO.523

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

Sports

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LEAGUE?

COMPETITIVE
See PG 14 & 15
NPA Anchors coach rates current season high since Bility took over as title race continues on Wednesday.

SYMBOL OF DARK DAYS

Mt. Coffee Hydro Plant Rehab Finally Underway

FrontPage

Spot News
H
ege Hertzberg, Norwegian Ambassador in Liberia whose country has pumped the highest amount needed to fund the rehabilitation works, reminded Liberians Saturday of the dark days that left the country crumbling to its knees.

She said the reconstruction of the hydro means a turning point for Liberias energy sector and its development drive. The sight that we saw from that helicopter is a terrible example of what civil war can do to a country. Liberias GDP per capita declined by 90% in 25 years from 1980 to 2005 and they have also estimated that it will take 19 years just to recover back to the original level, she said. She said the long years that the country waited to realise its dream of fixing the hydro shows how difficult and cumbersome, the path from war to peace and stability and prosperity is for any country that has suffered like Liberia. The Norwegian Ambassador said that Liberia is on an irreversible path to progress and the launch of the Mt. Coffee rehabilitation works speaks volume to what the country would benefit when it is completed in 2015. Our common goal is that through this project, in not too long future, the children of Liberia will do their home work at home, she said.

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