CEMESP, Demands West Point Shooting

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pg 7
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Aviation News News Extra
VOL 8 NO.689
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014
see PG 2
CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA
MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of
the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The
rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials
banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source:
Research, Policy and Planning Department,
Central Bank Liberia,
Monrovia, Liberia
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
BUYING SELLING
L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1
L$85.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
EBOLA - pg.6
KENYA, AIRWAYS
RESUMING LIBERIA
ROUTE OCTOBER 24;
AIR IVOIRE ON COURS

pg 6
p5

I
N
S
I
D
E

News Extra EBOLA
EBOLA
HAZARD PAY
GAINS
REVERSAL
Foreign Minister Augustine
Ngafuan tells United Nations
General Assembly that the Deadly
Ebola outbreak has set Liberia
back in motion with progresses
achieved put on hold.
MARKING RIGHT
TO KNOW DAY

CLOSING
THE DEFICIT
COULD EBOLA PROVIDE A LIFELINE FOR AILING LIBERIAN ECONOMY?
International large accounting frms, KPMG and PwC, to manage the Ebola Trust Fund he set up to
fnance the Ebola campaign. Classifed documents reviewed by FPA shows that more than US$106 million
dollars being mobilized are all being directed at containing the Ebola epidemic, while the reminder 200
million dollars or more could be used to target strategic investment in community empowerment and
infrastructure projects around health, social works, and economic revitalization.

Liberian Public Health Workers Get Death
Beneft and Increment in Salaries
Page 2 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Monrovia-
T
he National Legislature, the frst of Government has
always made the wrong headlines in Liberia, ranging
from reports of receiving brown envelopes to ratify
concessions agreements to taking gratuity to confrm
presidential appointees, amongst others.
Ongoing negotiations for sale of some of Liberias oil bloc
recently rocked the legislature with reports that the body has
been holding secret meetings with offcials of the National Oil
Company of Liberia in a bid to hastily ratify agreements for the
sale of oil blocs in the wake of the outbreak of Ebola.
With the oil blocs sale deal yet to be concluded some members
of the Legislature are at the center of a questionable payment of
US$25,000 from NOCAL to the body for legal fees.
In an attempt to justify that the body is acting in line with the
input of the population, the Legislature recently carried out a
nationwide consultation on draft oil laws in the emerging oil
sector of the country.
After expending over US$900,000 to carry out the consultation
with a full report yet to be made public, some lawmakers have
found themselves in the web of a questionable payment for legal
fee to a lawyer.
FrontPageAfrica has gathered that lawmakers including,
Representative Adolph Lawrence, Speaker Alex Tyler and
a lawyer, Attorney-At-Law Michael M. Allison, Managing
Director of the BRICS Mano River Union Legal Consultants
are amongst some individuals under probe by the Liberia Anti
Corruption Commission, although the anti graft body has stated
it will make public comment on the saga soon.
Speaker Tyler confrmed to FPA Tuesday that the LACC is
investigating the payment. When contacted, Speaker Tyler said
the LACC is investigating, so I cant say anything because I do
not want to prejudice the investigation.
Cllr. James Verdier, Chairman of the LACC also confrmed that
the commission is investigating the situation and will make its
fndings public.
We arrested a situation at the bank and we are investigating
right now, we will make the fndings public, Cllr. Verdier told
FrontPageAfrica via mobile.
He could not confrm nor deny whether the Commission has
the money in its possession but said proceeds from the arrest is
under investigation.
We are investigation the proceeds, and as a commissioner,
when investigators are on the feld, we do not interfere until
fndings are made available to us, said Cllr. Verdier.
In terms of investigation, proceeds are money or physical assets
obtained from an event or activity.
According to investigation, Lawyer Allison was contracted
by the Legislature to provide legal advice on the nationwide
consultation for a fee of around US$12,500, a service he is said
to have performed.
Legislature overcharged NOCAL?
Close legislative sources confded in FrontPageAfrica that
the lawyer was contracted for US$12,000 but the Legislature
informed NOCAL that the amount for the legal fee was
US$25,000.
A source at NOCAL confrmed that the company prepared a
check of US$25,000 to the lawyer including withholding tax
and after deducting withholding tax, the amount was reduced to
a little over US$22,000 but at the other end Speaker Tyler is said
to have mandated Attorney Allison to encash and take delivery
of his US$12,000 and return the remaining amount.
Attroney Allison according to sources was adamant that he was
receiving lesser amount than what was stated on the cheque
issued in his name, something that accordingly prompted
Speaker Tyler to order Representative Lawrence, who heads
the Committee on Natural Resources to accompany Allison to
Eco Bank Liberia to receive the balance of the money after the
deduction of US$12,000 by Allison.
How the LACC was alerted about incident and by whom remains
unknown but sources hinted that while at the bank to encash
the money, Attorney Allison raised disagreement over allowing
Representative Lawrence to take delivery of the remaining
portion of the money, resulting in an argument and upon leaving
the bank, LACC agents were already waiting outside where
they arrested the situation.
The whereabouts of the amount remains a doubt but confrmation
by the LACC Chairman that the Commission is investigating
the proceeds of the situation, indicates that the commission
could be in possession of the money.
Representative Lawrence is currently said to be out of the country
raising further suspicions on the LACC ongoing investigation
with one of the key individuals who was physically at the bank
now out of the country.
Who authorized payment?
As the LACC investigation continues, there are other questions
regarding the cheque issued to Attorney Allison through the
Legislature.
According to internal fnancial rules at NOCAL, the CEO and
either one of the Vice Presidents have to sign cheques in such
huge amount as US$25,000.
Sources have hinted FPA that senior offcials of NOCAL signed
the cheque authorizing the payment and company had said it did
nothing wrong in the payment.
In a press statement signed by Cyrus Wleh Badio, Director for
Public Affairs at NOCAL, the company stated Since the onset
of the oil sector reform process, the National Oil Company of
Liberia (NOCAL), has collaborated and continues to collaborate
with the Legislature in the formulation of a new Petroleum Law
and the NOCAL Act. As part of the collaboration, NOCAL
would support consultants involved with this endeavor. It is
within this understanding that the Legislature requested the
support to three consultants. NOCAL responded by making
disbursements to the three (3) consultants contracted by the
House of Representatives to provide expertise to the process
in keeping with contracts signed between the House and the
consultants.
NOCAL stated that the disbursements were in line with internal
fnancial framework to ensure transparency and the company
had done nothing wrong.
Stated NOCAL Disbursements made to individuals or
institutions that render services to NOCAL are done in strict
compliance with the internal fnancial framework put in place
to ensure transparency and accountability at the company. The
transactions in question were no exception. NOCAL has done
nothing wrong.
Sources have also hinted that several cheques in huge amount
have been issued by NOCAL to individuals in violation of
existing laws as the PPCC where in the case of Attorney Allison
the company did not see any publication of the award of service
contract to the lawmaker before making payment.
Who violated PPCC Law?
With statement from NOCAL that it did nothing wrong, the
lingering question is who broke the PPCC requirement that
provides for publication of contract award for services when the
estimated value is above US$10,000.
The PPCC threshold states Contract awards shall be published
when the estimated value of the contract is above: a. In the case
of contracts for the procurement of goods, US$25,000 b. In the
case of contracts for the procurement of services, US$10,000
c. In the case of contracts for the procurement of works,
US$50,000.
The payment to Allison was US$12,000 and thus above the
PPCC law threshold of US$10,000 which requires publication
and neither the Legislature which makes the law and NOCAL
acted to uphold the law in this instance.
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 3
Peterlyn Killen RN ( MSN/MHA); petose@hotmail.com
EBOLA A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR LIBERIA
FrontPage
v
Commentary
EDITORIAL
THE DECISION by Kenya and the Ivory Coast to ease travel
to countries hit by the deadly Ebola Virus is a great frst step to
erasing travel worries for passengers unable to book fights to
neighboring West African states.
THE FEW who can afford have been coughing up US$2,000
on SN Brussels and Royal Air Maroc, the only two airlines still
fying out of Liberia.
FOR ALL THE RIGHT reasons, countries which took steps to
protect their citizens acted out of fear and the unknown when
they decided to slash fights to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone,
regional neighbors hit hard by the outbreak.
IT DID NOT HELP matters that Patrick Sawyer, a 40-year-old
consultant with the Ministry of Finance, who was en route to a
conference, collapsed upon arrival in Lagos, Nigeria.
SAWYER, WHO HAD previously lost his sister to the virus, had
displayed symptoms of Ebola during travel and arrived in Lagos
on July 20, where he was immediately quarantined. He died fve
days later, and preliminary lab results say he tested positive for
Ebola.
THE SAWYER WAS CASE was the frst for an air traveler and
immediately raised questions as to why Liberia authorities did not
do more to prevent him from boarding a fight to another country.
IT WAS LATER gathered that Sawyer denied to Nigerian doctors
that he had come in contact with anyone who had the deadly virus.
WHAT FOLLOWED LATER was a series of airline cancellations.
Out of the 590 monthly fights scheduled to Guinea, Liberia and
Sierra Leone, 216 were cancelled, according to OAG, an airline
data provider. Although 14 cases of Ebola have been reported in
Nigeria, fights to and from the country have not been affected.
Liberia has been hit greatly by the cancellations. Air Cte DIvoire,
Nigerias Arik Air, Togos ASKY Airlines, British Airways,
Emirates Airlines and Kenya Airways have together cancelled a
combined 76 scheduled fights to Guinea, 70 to Liberia and 70
to Sierra Leone. Air France had previously cancelled fights to
Liberia before the outbreak hit its peak.
THIS IS WHY we welcome the decision by the Ivory Coast
president Alassane Ouattara who declared last Friday that
his country will lift the controversial suspension of fights to
countries stricken by the Ebola virus to show solidarity with the
nations affected by the lethal outbreak. Outtara said the initial
decision to suspend fights was prompted by uncertainty about
the threat, which he called a terrible problem for the people of
west Africa. When Ebola frst broke out, people got panicked,
he said. Obviously we rushed to make certain decisions. Now
that everything is under control there is no case of Ebola in Cote
dIvoire (Ivory Coast) I have decided that next week we will lift
the suspension of fights and the maritime suspension.
IVORY COAST IS ALSO opening a humanitarian corridor
so that people who want to enter Ivory Coast can be checked.
The country has also contributed $1m to the international anti-
Ebola effort. Ouattara, who addressed the United Nations general
assembly on Friday, said initial concerns were prompted by
Ivory Coasts shared borders with two countries Guinea and
Liberia hit by Ebola. I think we are the only country that has
two Ebola countries to its borders and we have to really work on
its prevention and we are very grateful to President Obama the
centres for disease dontrol has sent two experts to work on this
control, he said. We are trying to work on specifc measures to
contain and to prevent.
WE HOPE THAT OTHER African brothers and sisters will
see the need now to resume fights to countries hit hard by the
outbreak.
Today it is Liberia, tomorrow
COMMENTARY
EASING
THE EBOLA
TRAVEL
FEARS
O
ver the recent months, Liberia has been in a state of
confusion as it relates to Ebola. At this point the damages
are evident, hence, a good guideline to help stir the nation
in the right direction is eminent. Its imperative that experts
understand the mental effect and state of mind of the citizenry involve,
in order to provide adequate help.
Psychological dimension:
The frst step is the mental perception and acceptance of this plague.
For many Liberians, this is like the stages of grieving that according to
psychologist are experienced by people from all work of Life. Death
in itself forces people to self-evaluate, create fear and panic. These are
the fve stages of grieving, which unfortunately does not happen in a
specifc order and differing for each individual.
1. Denial and isolation- in the minds of many Liberian this cant be
real, its a conspiracy or witchcraft. It cant happen to a Liberian only
our neighbors, this is where the government has to focus on awareness
and present the real facts and realistic statistic to the nation. No sugar
coating the fact, the sooner people realize the truth the quicker it can be
accepted and worked upon. The various media outlets in Liberia must
have detail pictorial and video of the last and horrible stages of Ebola,
Liberians have to see to believe. These video images must be ran daily
until people begin to accept.
2. Anger- The nations should expect a lot of anger, citizens are mad
because their love ones are dying and they feel helpless. Needless to
say the government and any close relatives will feel the wrath of this
anger.
Solution- Limit errors and communicate openly, dont be a nation that
is too big to say sorry publicly. No one is Liberia is an expert therefore
the right people and experts must be put in the right place immediately.
This is not the time for trial and error, recognition or fame, Ebola runs
like a wild fre if not contain will continued to viciously spread.
3. Bargaining- This is when the nation and its citizenry will try to ask
for help, some may even threatening the government that if they dont
do certain things they will in turn do X,y,z etc. Hence can be seen by
health care workers abandoning their post, and /or citizen rioting.
Suggested Solution:
Have a medium for people to expressed themselves and reveal the
actual death of their love ones without any harsh re-course. Provide
for health care workers the right PPE and a better compensatory
salary structure to help mitigate the risk. In modern countries people
are highly compensated to work in hazardous and hostile working
environment. This has to be a win-win situation for the nation and
health care workers.
4. Depression- For many years to come Liberians will be sad, depressed
and probably angry, and would blame themselves and the nation .this is
normal with time, appropriate actions, counseling, it will be lessened.
Suggested solution- The government of Liberia must have expert
psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers throughout the counties
who will be able to properly counsel the citizen of Liberia about the
disease, what is being done to improve the situation, dealing with
loss of loved ones, life as we know it and how to handle any future
plagues. Non-essential medical personnel who dont understand the
human behavior must refrain from interfering in this process to prevent
confusion and un-resolve issues that could later cause mental break-
down and affect the stability of our nation as exhibited by the irrational
behaviors of some recently in West Point (New Kru Town).
5. Acceptance- When the Liberian citizens have learned to trust the
process put in place by the medical experts, international aid workers
and evidence of signifcant decreasing rates of infections, deaths and
probable eradication. In addition the stability and return to normal daily
activities. Most especially when the nation is seen as working as a team
at a national level. Suggested solution: Prove to the citizens of Liberia
that the nation care by implementing the right medical protocol and
utilizing all resources allotted for this particular plague. The integrity
of the government and international bodies will be greatly scrutinized,
hence, it is imperative that transparency at all level of the process must
be revealed to the world at large daily or weekly. A progress chart must
be distributed weekly to the nation and the world at large about methods
implemented and its results. People in authority will have to learn to
be more empathetic, sympathetic and considerate through their action,
thoughts and utterances. This is not the time for defensive behavior but
unity and actions leading to resolution of the crisis. These behaviors
greatly enhances and embrace acceptance.
Actions:
After reviewing various literature about Ebola in other countries and
steps taken to eradicate, the most challenge I foresee in our nation is
the high literacy rate seen in Liberia. The social media and materials
must be tailored at a 3 grade reading levels or lower for people to
understand. Health Care workers in each county must have an Ebola
information center to explain the disease in the local vernaculars, for
increased understanding. The Local radios must disseminate info daily
from health care offcials in various Upon residing and working in
Liberia in various healthcare and non- healthcare positions for over
4 plus years, its obvious that our health care practices and universal
precautions techniques are poor, as evidence by major heads of our
health care system and workers falling victims of this disease. Experts
should be employed in various health care institution throughout the
country to teach, enforce and monitor the right standard practice to
prevent further health care workers demise. Liberia has a vast amount
of land spaces on the Robert feld highway and other areas that are
isolated and far away from the public. This also applies to various areas
in the various counties to prevent transport and further contaminations
from the sick and dead. This is where the crucial keys containment and
isolation comes into play. I would suggest that the nation set-up a tent
city in those areas away from the main capital to treat Ebola victims,
hence, the vast majority of the public is not expose and people can
discreetly dropped off their love ones for treatment without stigma and
dead bodies without fear, not
too many people would be watching these isolated facilities and people
privacy can be protected. Law enforcement help would be needed to
protect health care workers and families complying with these efforts.
Therefore, after this plague is over the nation can burn these tent and
prevent reinfection compare to using buildings that may not be properly
decontaminated due to our poor health care standards, hence, may
lead to re-infection. Every district must have a representative that the
people can trust and their confdentiality are sealed to have a successful
reporting process/ medium that can be channel to the right agency.
All government and non-government agency must play a specifc and
active role in this process for the nation to fght collectively. There
should not be an overlaps of role or too many cooks in the same kitchen
this can lead to mis-trust. A weekly report about objectives and goals
assigned to each agency must be channel to the Executive Branch for
accountability and performance. All agencies members not meeting the
national objectives must be terminated, it cant be business as usual as
Ebola waits for no one, and will make the nation pay for every mistake
and lack of deliverables.
Future guidelines:
1. Liberia must employ competent and experience health care worker
from all over the world, specifcally Liberian to help rebuild and train
fellow health care workers in the country. The training and practices are
old, outdated and not adhere to.
2. Every Liberian hospital must be mandated to conduct mandatory
continuous training sections every three months for all health care
employee to ensure property standards and training and inspectors
verify.
3. Liberia must form a private organization comprising of competent
health care professionals who shall audit and grade every health care
organization through-out the nation and post public grade sheets, to
include infection rate, death toll etc. every three months as seen in
modern hospital. This will lead to prevention, instead of cure which
can be costly for a nation.
4. Liberian healthcare professionals must be held accountable for
malpractice moving forwards
5. Health Care colleges must be held at the highest standard, the
Ministry of Education must begin to validate the curriculum and
standard in these institutions as human lives are involve.
6. Liberia needs to attract competent and highly qualify health care
professional to create standard and better awareness for future events.
7. All other infectious disease to include Ebola must be added in the
medical curriculum moving forward.
8. The counties health care programs must be strength to provide care in
the rural area, hence, not transferring contagious cases to the city. This
will aid isolation and prevent the spread as seen in Lofa to Monrovia.
9. The entire nation must get weekly or monthly update of what the
nation will be doing and have done to improve the health sector Liberia.
10. One caution is, no matter how much money anyone has in Liberia,
critical illnesses happens in the middle of the night, no plane gets into
Monrovia at night or right away even during the day time it takes
hours, every citizen must have to rely on the local health care team to
stabilized him or her, if they are incompetent and left to be incompetent
the nation will perish from preventable and treatable illnesses.
11. Our health care system needs revamping and new technology.
Liberia will face another medical crisis MAMA Liberia must be
ready to save it citizens. Cheap is expensive which is why Liberia is
now spending millions instead of thousand had the right health care
systems being implemented over the years.
12. To our new counterparts the US Military, Liberia says a hearty
welcome please incorporate the help of experience Liberians on your
team who understand the nature, mind-set and lay of the land they can
be of great access to make your effort successful.
Remember Liberians: THIS IS NOT THE DISEASE OF THE POOR
OR DIRTY IT IS FOR ALL CLASSES. ARROGANCE AND EGO
WILL LEAD TO MORE DEATH. THE REALITY IS EBOLA LIVES
NEXT TO EVERYONE IN LIBERIAN NO EXCEPETION!!!!
A GOOD MOVE BY
IVORY COAST & KENYA
Page 4 |
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Wednesday, October 1, 2014
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E
DITORIAL TEAM
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
The Reader's Page
WILSON ZEHYOUE WORKS AT UNITED NATIONS
Ngafuan, I see no truth in your entire speech. That's a complete dried dog
story. Ebola just broke up few months ago. The virus should not be used as
an excuse for your failure . I am quite sure the UN members just laughed at
you for delivering such an abstract report . What better have the government
done after 10 years when Liberians are still living in extreme poorvity .
Let people hear their ears yah, you all have failed Liberia and the Liberian
people . Anybody reading your speech will see corruption in it for sure .
EWORYONWON HARRIS UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA
Did I hear the Accountant saying that gains reversed........which gain if I
may ask? before Ebola president Sirleaf stated that the education system in
Liberia is a mess which implies that it was non existence, the health care
system was non-existent indicative of the fact the ordinary masses were
dying from curable disease while the minister and his family and other
offcials got medical services outside Liberia. Before Ebola there was no
electricity while the minister used government fuel and generator. I can go
on and on and names that there were no reversal of gains but the deplorable
living condition of the people have grown to horrible and acceptable level.
ministers make up to 20k while the few masses that are working make atleast
90.00 but again I and so many will not be surprise if such bold face lie from
a uncompassionate minister and his boss that have no interest in the Liberian
people welfare but to line their pocket.
EDWARD ROYE TOP COMMENTER LIBERIA COLLEGE
Minister, you didn't mention the way forward for the Liberia. the people
u r talking know more about Liberia and the Ebola situation than what u
tried to tell them. we expected to present a blueprint of the way forward
from the Ebola situation. You mentioned nothing about capacitating the
manpower(health) problem. please, lets avoid making people to feel sorry
for us when we can do something about ourselves. Guinea has Ebola amidst
this Ebola crisis, it held investment conference with the Moroccans, air
France continues to fy there and guinea is still attracting other investors to
her country. Why should it be Liberia to tell the world of how bad situation
has become. that we should be begging and telling the people to feel sorry
for us. lets cross this bridge, mehn and stop the crying baby thing. the UN
awaits to receive practical recommendation for the way out of this crisis, do
not try to impress or lecture them
IBRAHIM W. VARMAH STELLA MARIS POLYTECHNIC
Edward, is it the Minister that is making "people to feel sorry for us"? What
will say when US President Obama, UN Secretary General and even the
WHO Director said similar things and continue to say it? Mr. Roye, are
you aware that Liberia is the only hardest hit country whose capital is an
epicenter which is the frst national capital city to ever be hit by an Ebola
outbreak? Air France still goes to Guinea cuz Conakry is not hit ; besides
what will you say of Air Ivoire and Kenya Airways' promise to return?
PLEEBOCOLLINS25 (SIGNED IN USING YAHOO)
Ibrahim W. Varmah yes, Liberia has become the poster child for the Ebola
because of the government negligence. Offcials fying out of the country for
cut on their fnger. Guinea is hit but the word here is competence and ability.
All these cashiers from the US and the ones who cannot read a page trying to
impress us with what they know. What gains is he talking about? The river
toilet in Soniwen or the Western Union line that Liberians need before they
can eat? Everyone of them have failed and now they standing in front of the
Un crying and begging. Our offcials have no dignity.
MAMADEE KAMARA MONROVIA, LIBERIA
Perhaps some people have ears that they don't use to hear. Speaking of
way forward, the Minister said Liberia and other affected countries have
one option and that option is to fght Ebola with all of the resources they
can muster. SN Brussels still comes to Liberia in case you didn't know. Air
Moroc and other airliners will come as well. For some of you doomsayers
and defeatists , what you wish for Liberia is the worst but you are dead
wrong because Liberia will rise and shine in spite of the current Ebola crisis.
The Minister did not deceive the world yesterday, he put it correctly; our
people are dying and we still need more help. Did you want him to say that
we are building rooms in the skies or would you have preferred him lie like
some of you would do at whatever little chance you get? I do not need any
personal favors from Ngafuan but I respect the man because of his love for
his people and will avail myself to defend him when ignoramuses and sheer
non entities who can hardly peep beyond their noses, venture out to impugn
his hard earned reputation.
CLARK DENNIS PACKAGING CLERK AT INTERSTATE BATTERIES
Looking for excuses. What signifcant impact the government made prior to
the Ebola outbreak? The few nurses we had before the Ebola outbreak were
already complaining of less pay why you guys greedy siphon the country
resources, teachers were complaining of unpaid arrears and salaries, price
basic commodities were let loose, the US rate was skyrocketing, economic
crisis was on the increase, there was no electricity, safe drinking water,
unparalleled civil servants income, poor education system, infation, etc. Our
country will survive of this disease but let it not be used as excuse for this
useless government failure
NGAFUAN: LIBERIAS
GAINS PERHAPS ALREADY
REVERSED DUE TO EBOLA
V
eteran Liberian, Albert Portes letter to President Tubman
August 25, 1951, on the use of Liberias treasury to
purchase the frst luxury presidential yacht (463-ton vessel
with a passenger capacity of thirty-six which required an
international crew, a separate bureau within the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and an annual of $125,000.00). (published in Thinking about
the Unthinkable things the Democratic Way, Monrovia 1967 pp. 22-
23)
Dear Mr. President:
Ever since I read a copy of the Listener in which you published your
message to the Legislature convoking the special session, I have been
thinking and trying not to think, and feel urged to let you know some of
the thoughts that have been passing through my mind, sincerely hoping
and believing that it will be taken in the real democratic spirit, realizing
fully, as I know you do, that ultimate success or failure in a democracy
rests not only upon the President, but upon each citizen as well.
Liberia is classifed among the undeveloped countries of the world. She
lacks some of the basic minimum requirements, and needs much more
than she can muster at the present time for her internal development.
And although this is so, we are undertaking to spend $150,000 for the
purchase of a yacht for the use of the President. In addition to this, it
will require a tidy sum for its upkeep. It is my humble opinion that at
the present stage of the countrys development, this amount could be
more proftably used towards real development with more permanent
results. Yes, other countries have these things and in time as our country
is developed we too will have some of them, but I think we should
concentrate upon fundamentals.
Unfortunately, the citizens of this country do not feel free to express
themselves upon vital questions affecting them, but sit by and grumble
the people dont mean anything. I am afraid that even in the
Legislature there is a great reluctance if not the absence of the free
expression of thoughts and opinion, especially where the President
is concerned. To tell the truth, it has required a huge effort on my
part to have expressed my thought here. So I have no justifcation in
condemning the reluctance in others.
This only bring to face to face with great responsibility weighing so
heavily upon the President, which could be lightened if the people felt
free to express themselves and their views were taken in the right spirit.
Very sincerely your,
Albert Porte
________________________________________
President Tubmans response to Albert Porte
Dear Mr. Porte.
Your letter of August 25th in which you informed me that you have
been worried since you read the copy of the Listener which carried my
Special Message to the Legislature and my reference to the purchase of
a Yacht for the President of Liberia have been received.
You state in your letter that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
should be utilized for some other more benefcial purpose and not
for the purchase of a yacht for the President of Liberia, and that some
people are grumbling but that they do not come forward and state their
dissatisfaction, even some Member of the Legislature you state.
I appreciate you candor in the matter, but I am in total disagreement
with your views expressed and method of thinking on the subject.
I take the liberty to tell you an experience that I had in 1939 at which
I was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The Legislature and
the Supreme Court were to be opened and for two weeks they could
not get a quorum. An American ship came in the Captain name was
Mr. Bogden. He knew me personally and therefore agreed to bring me
to Monrovia, but refused to take any other Member of the Legislature
or Member of the Supreme Court. I pleaded with him to take the other
Members but he insisted that he would not.
Finally, he asked me the following question: Justice Tubman, do you
mean to tell me that your Government has no means to by which she
can get Members of the Legislature and the Supreme Court to the Seats
of the Legislature and the Supreme Court except they are transported
there by our ships or some foreign ships? Although embarrassed, I
had to reply in the affrmative. He then asked another question: If your
President desire to come to Cape Palmas, you mean to tell me that he
could not come unless our ship or ships of some other line brought
him? Again, although embarrassed, I had to reply in the affrmative.
Hen then came forth with the last question: Then Justice Tubman, do
you think you should have a President, a Legislature, or a Supreme
Court if the Members of these bodies have had to be transported to the
seats of the Legislature and the Court by foreign craft? This question
baffed me and I could not answer it.
I narrate this experience of mine to show you the difference in the
thinking of civilized people about the type of thing that you are
objecting to.
On the other hand, you and the rest of the grumblers, although I do
not know who they are but they seem to be known to you, make no
contribution or make so little contribution to the resources of the country
that you should be ashamed to talk about the public expenditure.
How much taxes have you or any of the grumblers paid into the public
treasury from 1944, when I took offce and met the net revenues at One
Million Dollars, to the present? By recommendation to the Legislature
of measures to increase the revenues which they approved, within
seven years it is expected that revenues will reach eight to tem million
dollars at the end of the year. How much taxes of any kind or fnancial
contribution have you or the grumblers put into the revenue to cause
this increase? Have you or any of you contributed towards the Income
Tax, the Ticket Tax, the Injury Tax, the Sales Tax or the Proft tax? Have
you paid your Real estate Taxes; if so in what amount?
It might interest you to know that I paid Income tax of more than Two
Thousand Dollars for the last year alone. Firestone paid nearly Three
Million Dollars Income Tax.
The people who pay taxes in the country and would be entitled to
interpose objections are those up country, the foreigners and few of
your element who really do pay taxes. The grumblers are the set who
contribute nothing for the protection, right and beneft of citizenship
which they enjoy.
Now you just sit down and forget that it is you and begin to think what
fnancial contribution do you or have you made to your country.
Your spirit appears to me to be anarchical I remember during the last
Administration, you were critical and censorious of it. When it comes to
the present Administration, you are occasionally censorious and critical
of it. I have never known you to compliment any administration, but
you always look for what you think to be weak spots in it. I think this is
an evil spirit and an evil eye which will not do you or the country any
good. Supposed every or most persons had the same spirit, what would
happen to the country!
It may be necessary to inform you that in 1949, without consultation
with me, the Legislature voted One Hundred Thousand Dollars to
purchase a yacht for the President> I did not do so but delay it because
I felt the revenue had not reached where I wanted them; now the
revenue justify it. I made contacts to get one but found that the One
Hundred Thousand Dollars could not purchase it. I therefore requested
the additional Fifty Thousand Dollars and the same has been approved,
and I will but the yacht.
During the early days when the founding fathers frst came here, they
had ships which were not owned by Government but by private citizens
and companies. That industry was permitted to die out and for more
than sixty to seventy years there was not a solitary means of transport
from one point to another until recently when I succeeded in procuring
two airplanes for Government since private citizens could not do it.
And now we have an Airline in the country and the planes land airstrips
built by Government.
I will but the yacht without regard to the grumbling of you grumblers.
That yacht will be used for the recreation of the President from his
onerous duties that have been increased by more than one thousand
percent since 1944, and may invite you to accompany me on one of
my cruises that you might get a beneft of some rest from your onerous
duty as a school teacher and which may possibly broaden your vision.
Kind regards,
Sincerely yours,
W. V. S. Tubman
EXCHANGE BETWEEN ALBERT PORTE AND PRESIDENT TUBMAN
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 5
International large accounting frms, KPMG and PwC, to manage the Ebola Trust Fund he set up to fnance the Ebola
campaign, Classifed documents reviewed by FPA shows that more than US$106 million dollars being mobilized are all being
directed at containing the Ebola epidemic, while the reminder 200 million dollars or more could be used to target strategic
investment in community empowerment and infrastructure projects around health, social works, and economic revitalization.
Monrovia -
A
s the world
deadliest outbreak
of the Ebola Virus
Disease continues
to paralyze Liberia, Sierra
Leone and Guinea, claiming
over 3000 lives and infecting lot
more people, the international
community seem to be stepping
up to the plate in equal measure.
Liberia, which is currently
at the epicenter of the crisis
is fast mobilizing resources
compare with its neighbors,
seeing a whopping 106 million
raised to date and close to over
200 million expected in direct
budget support and normal aid
spending. With this funding,
Liberia could potentially close
its chronic defcit that has
strained the fscal space for the
previous two years.
When the crisis started initially,
Liberia Minister of Finance
and Development Planning,
Amara Konneh announced that
the government had lost an
estimated $12 million dollars
from March to June 2014 and
the fgure has risen times to 120
million.
Addressing the media, Konneh
said the, the Ebola outbreak
has signifcantly impacted
economic activities throughout
the country with domestic food
production, mining activities,
and service sector all declining.
Concessions companies have
scaled down operations as
expatriates depart the country
for fear of contacting Ebola.
With public and private
institutions maintaining only
essential staff in order to avoid
close contact in work places,
productivity in the various
sectors of the economy is
being adversely affected. This
has resulted to low revenue
performance, while expenditure
demand has increased.
Preliminary estimates indicate
real GDP for 2014 is projected
to decline from by about 3.4
percentage points to about
2.5 per cent from 5.9 per cent
growth estimate projected by
the IMF.
Classifed documents reviewed
by FPA shows that the over 106
million dollars being mobilized
are all being directed at
containing the Ebola epidemic,
while the reminder 200 million
dollars or more could be used
to target strategic investment in
community empowerment and
infrastructure projects around
health, social works, and
economic revitalization.
Of the 106 million already
mobilized, contributors include
the African Development Bank,
World Bank, International
Monetary Fund, Chinese
Government, European Union,
JICA, USAID and domestic
contributions to the Liberian
government Trust Fund.
Though a signifcant portion of
the spending is being fnanced
through international and
other aid agencies, the over
200 million committed budget
support resources would be
rollout through the government
budget process.
F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
CLOSING THE DEFICIT
COULD EBOLA PROVIDE A LIFELINE FOR AILING LIBERIAN ECONOMY?
A major contributor to this fund,
the International Monetary
Fund, said over the weekend its
board agreed that Guinea will
get 41 million dollars, Liberian,
49 million dollars while Sierra
Leone will get 40 million
dollars.
The IMF said the fund would
help cover the immediate share
of the balance of payments and
fscal needs currently estimated
at about 100 million dollars for
each country.
This paper has learned also,
that the African Development
Bank is fnalizing an
additional facility of up to
68 million dollars to support
the governments economic
recovery efforts in the midst of
the crisis.
Recently, Liberias Minister
of Finance and Development
Planning Amara Konneh said
the defcit calculated for the
frst half of the budget year was
nearly 120 million dollars and
called for urgent international
assistance to bridge the
defcit. In two separate op-eds
published in the Economists
and the Wall Street Journal,
Konneh painted a quite gloom
economic picture and was
instantly called out by critics
for overhyping a crisis that has
virtually paralyzed normality.
Pleading for direct budgetary
support, he said The reason
this economic threat is so
great is because of the controls
needed to fght the disease. Save
for the two airports remaining
open in Liberia, our borders
have been closed, schools and
markets shut, the movement
of people restricted, affected
areas quarantined, and troops
stationed on the streets. All of
this means a virtual economic
standstill.
In the medium term these funds
will support basic economic-
recovery measures. Yet once
the immediate outbreak is
contained and the threat to
public health has ended, we
will struggle to recover from
Ebola's wider impact without
signifcant assistance. What we
needand what the U.S. can
offeris economic growth that
creates stable jobs and decreases
the number of itinerant, semi-
employed citizens who wander
from village to village seeking
work andthrough no fault
of their ownmay well have
increased the spread of the
disease.
And as aid fow begins to trickle
in an economy desperately
in need of lift, it is becoming
apparent the once constrained
fscal envelop is getting a lift
badly needed. But just how
this support is going to change
the situation of desperately
poor people lacking jobs and
livelihood is the 100 million
dollar question Mr. Konneh and
his team will have to answer.
With close to nine years
in leadership, job creation
continues to elude the
administration as poverty
grows incrementally. Critics
are worried that this new lease
created by an unfortunate
disaster is likely to blow up
in fames just as previous
economic programs and
projects.
But Konneh thinks differently.
Speaking exclusively to
FrontPage Africa, he countered
and said It would be very wrong
to begin on this basis. Yes, I
agree we have been challenged
to create the jobs needed to
resuscitate our economy, but
these have not been the function
of lack of investment, spending
or planning. The concessions
we have attracted, hold the
most viable prospect of creating
those jobs and most of these
concessions are still running
slowly and until we reach
gestation, not much workforce
would be needed. Specifc to
Ebola, we recognize a lot of
people and communities have
lost livelihood opportunities and
we seek to focus investments
during this period on creating
opportunities for community
works and employment. We
need to invest in hardest hit
communities by building
local infrastructure, creating
access to markets and building
confdence for people to return.
We are concluding an economic
recovery plan and we intend to
resource this plan, Konneh
said speaking exclusive to FPA.
He told FPA he was vindicated
by raising the alarm bells on
the damage to the economy
and working behind the scenes
to ensure Liberia, the hardest
hit Ebola Country, attracts
most of the fnancing to assist
it not only deal with the crisis
but mitigate the damage in its
aftermath
On broader accountability
around Ebola fnancing, he said
we clearly understand and
appreciate public concerns for
transparency over the usage
of this fund. It is right and
proper. But we cannot approach
this by thinking people have
committed any wrong simply
because someone says, there is
no impact or some says people
have stolen. As announced, this
process would be the subject of
an independent audit and we are
moving in that direction but its
early days and we need to give
this process time. Violators of
the public fnancial protocols
will be punished.
Frontpage has also learned
from sources closed to Minister
Konneh that he is in talks
with two international large
accounting frms, KPMG and
PwC, to manage the Ebola
Trust Fund he set up to fnance
the Ebola campaign. The frst
disbursement of $5 million
from the Fund generated has
generated too much public
debate on accountability in
recent weeks. The Minister
Finance, according to sources
has demanded full fnancial
reports from all entities that
received resources and is in
talks with the General Auditing
Commission to audit them. He
warned last week that anyone
who is caught abusing Ebola
resources will be persecuted
and sent to jail.


Monrovia-
T
he Center for
Media Studies
and Peacebuilding
(CEMESP) has fled a
Freedom of Information Request
to Army Chief of Staff Daniel
D. Ziankahn for a copy of the
investigative report relating
to the August 20th shooting
incident in West Point to be
disclosed to the Public domain
in allaying the rumor mill that
has greeted the failure to make
it public.
CEMESP is of the view that the
issue is human rights related
which cannot be shrouded
in secrecy on the basis of
exemption clauses as contained
in the FOI Act 2010.
Executive Director Malcolm
Joseph therefore entreats the
army leadership to respect the
dictate of law and disclose the
said report within statutory
period. He argued that where
secrecy is allowed to cloud
the said report, conspiracy
theories and falsehood will dim
whatever good intention the
army leadership is predisposed
to in instilling discipline in the
new army.
President Sirleaf recently
forwarded the report to Brigadier
General Ziankahn. This followed
the submission of said report by
the Board of Inquiry appointed
by government to probe the
incident which resulted into
the injury of a teenager and the
death of another teenager Shaki
Kamara.
CEMESP says the failure of
government to make public
the fndings of the report is a
violation of the publics right to
know especially the residents of
West Point who have borne the
greatest brunt of the August 20th
shooting.
CEMESP has questioned
President Sirleafs decision to
have the Independent National
Human Rights Commission
conduct a parallel investigation
into the August 20th incident as
though the there is credibility
crisis in what has been released.
Malcolm Joseph says this action
amount to misuse of scarce
resources as it is a duplication of
function, which is ill time.
MARKING RIGHT TO KNOW DAYCEMESP, DEMANDS WEST POINT SHOOTING REPORT
`FILES FOI REQUEST TO THE ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF
Page 6 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com
EBOLA HAZARD PAY
Monrovia-
T
he government of
Liberia and public
healthcare workers
across the country
reached an understanding about
the total amount that the health
workers would receive while
engaged in the fght against the
deadly Ebola virus.
Speaking during a signing
ceremony held at he edifce of
the Liberia Medical and Dental
Council (LMDC), Acting
Finance and Development
Planning minister Amara
Konneh said the government has
agreed to pay hazard benefts
including death to families of
those who lost their lives since
the outbreak began. He said
healthcare workers have borne
the brunt of the epidemic that
started since March.
When Ebola Struck, it was our
healthcare workers who that
were hurt the most. These men
and women, are the soldiers on
the frontline of this fght, said
Minister Konneh.
We have reached an
understanding; the government
will cover the hazard pay, death
beneft for all of our healthcare
workers and also non-healthcare
workers that are involved in the
Ebola response, he said.
Finance Minister Konneh said
when the outbreak began in
March of this year in Foya Lofa
County; the health ministry in an
early response dispatched a team
of health workers from Monrovia
to Foya, to work with local health
workers on the initial response.
He said as the disease got out of
control, the scope of the health
workers expanded from Foya to
other areas thus the enormity of
the task they had to perform.
Those healthcare workers
that left Monrovia for Foya,
were paid Daily Subsistence
Allowances at the government
rate. And since the duration of
Ebola is not known, the workers
stayed a longer period and were
paid their DSA for that period,
well around US$1500, he said.
He said the government could
not continue to pay DSA as the
outbreak became unceasing,
something he said if continued
could cost the government
around US$100Million in one
year and it could not afford that.
At the same time, our healthcare
workers were dying. They were
responding but they were not
properly protected so that they
could respond effectively, he
said. It was in all of us interest
for them to take a step back for
the government and our partners,
along with the healthcare
workers to really think about
Ebola and thats what weve
done.
He said the Liberian government
has modeled its payment plan
based on what is paid by other
countries in the region. He said
Liberia has gone a step higher
than Sierra Leone and Guinea
in terms of what will now be
paid to health workers and non-
healthcare workers in Liberia,
responding to the Ebola fght.
He said for every Ebola Treatment
Unit, there would be a supervisor
who would be paid US$850
above the regular salary. He said
all medical doctors working on
the response in the country will
get US$825 and ETU managers
and general practitioners will
receive US$450 hazard pay and
nurses and lab technicians will
get US$435 above regular salary.
F
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PAGE
EBOLA
Liberian Public Health Workers Get Death Beneft and Increment in Salaries
Minister Konneh said that case
investigators, social workers
and Ambulance drivers would
get US$350. He said Hygienists
and logisticians working in
healthcare facilities would
receive US$300 above their
basic salaries. The minister
said drivers, contact tracers and
securities would get US$250.
The minister said data offcers
will receive US$75.
Weve realized that we need to
recruit more people, more contact
tracers, we are targeting 50,000
for the social mobilization part;
the number is going to increase,
he said.
We did not leave anybody
behind in this process. The
rate we have just announced,
Im pleased to report, we
have managed to program the
US$52Million we received from
the World Bank two weeks ago,
to pay for some of this.
Minister Konneh stated that
the government is looking at
defeating the deadly Ebola virus
in six months and this he said
would cost US$30M just for
health workers benefts.
He said death benefts for health
workers who died fghting the
disease is put at US$5,000 per
person.
We will start processing
tomorrow, retroactively for all
the healthcare workers who have
died of Ebola; to their families,
he said.
The ministry of health will work
to identify the family members
and then we will process the
payment. I have instructed my
team to process it in a matter of
ten days, so the families can get
the money.
He said the hazard pay is as of
September, 2014 adding that the
war on Ebola is a six months war.
He said the funds to pay these
health workers are not going
to go through the regular
government payment system but
an established donor trust fund
mechanism styled the Public
Financial Management Reform
Process.
We encourage these healthcare
workers who dont have a bank
account to open one and get on
direct deposit, he said.
We also recognize that we dont
have banks all over our country,
for the September payment, Im
going to be forming a team along
with the ministry of health along
with the Liberia Medical and
Dental Council and empower
them with vehicles and logistics
to go across the country to see the
living bodies of the healthcare
workers who are not on direct
deposit before we pay them.
He said the internal audit system
will be brought into the process
for complete transparency
adding that anyone who tampers
with monies intended to fght
Ebola including hazard pay will
be prosecuted and sent to jail.
Speaking on behalf of the health
workers across the country, the
head of the LMDC, Dr. John K.
Mulbah thanked the government
for reaching the decision to pay
the health workers both death
beneft and hazard pay. Dr.
Mulbah said the government did
not take a unilateral decision on
the benefts for health workers
but reached the decision in
consultation with health workers.
We are here to receive the good
news. Despite the bullet from
Ebola the health force of Liberia
never retreated, he said.
We are brave because we want
to save the lives of our people.
We took oath to save lives.
We want to say here that we
appreciate the risk beneft. You
say six months, we even want
this epidemic to end within a
weeks time.
The signing represents a major
step in the governments move to
fght the deadly Ebola virus but
the question remains, how soon
will health workers receive these
announced benefts




Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 7
Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
F
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PAGE
NEWS EXTRA
GAINS REVERSAL
Monrovia -
L
iberias Foreign
Minister Augustine
Kpehe Ngafuan says
much of the progress
achieved by the Ellen Johnson-
led government may have
already been reversed because
of the impact of the deadly Ebola
outbreak.
Addressing the 69th Regular
Session of the United Nations
General Assembly in New York
Monday, Minister Ngafuan
lamented that Ebola has made
Liberia a sad story amid dark
clouds which have befallen the
nation in the midst of a menacing
virus.
The Minister recalled that only
a year ago, President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf addressed
the body on a positive note
highlighting signifcant
achievements in the past and
lofty aspirations for the future.
But today he said the country is
being consumed by Ebola.
Today I have become the
purveyor of a different kind of
story a sad story. Over the past
six months, a dark cloud has
been hanging over the Liberian
landscape such that instead of
reporting on economic growth,
we are constrained to report
economic decline.
The Minister averred that
implementation of virtually
all pillars of Liberias Agenda
for Transformation (AfT) has
been placed on hold, and gains
are perhaps already being
reversed. Instead of devoting
attention to regional integration
through facilitation of power
and transportation projects, we
are now talking about regional
cooperation to deal with a deadly
enemy. The market woman
who traded goods and services
across borders a year ago is now
constrained to remain within the
borders of her country and suffer
the consequences of economic
inactivity.
Todays reality, the Minister,
noted is a far cry from a year
ago when Liberia had just
celebrated ten years of peace
in August 2013; and, in spite
of some challenges, was still
registering remarkable progress
on the path of socioeconomic
development. The country
had transitioned from the
emphasis on stabilization to a
focus on transformation within
the framework of a long-term
development agenda christened
Vision 2030.
The President also informed
the Assembly that the Mano
River Basin comprising Liberia,
Guinea, Cote DIvoire, and
Sierra Leone was at peace and
was pursuing regional integration
through initiatives that would
facilitate connectivity in our
power and transport systems,
thereby enhancing cross-border
trade in which our market
women are mostly engaged.
She even reported on how a
small contingent of Liberian
peacekeepers, who are today still
in Mali, had contributed to the
laudable UN peacekeeping effort
that created an environment
for stability and democratic
transition in that country.
Minister Ngafuan cautioned
that the overall consequences
of Ebola, beyond its immediate
health impact and become a total
crisis. It is an economic crisis,
a social crisis, and a potential
political and security crisis.
Indeed, its deleterious impact has
been very wide and very deep,
he said, causing a 3.4 per cent
slide in economic growth and a
potential 12 per cent economic
decline in 2015.
Minister Ngafuan said since
the Ebola outbreak, the
Government of Liberia has
taken a host of measures,
including the declaration of a
state of emergency; suspension
of schools; and with the
constructive involvement of
all stakeholders, including
pastors, imams, chiefs, elders,
youths, government offcials
and opposition politicians,
have stepped up awareness
and prevention campaigns to
address the crystallized denial
and deeply rooted traditional
and cultural practices that create
a fertile ground for the spread
of the disease. We have also
committed and will continue to
commit signifcant portions of
our own paltry resources to the
fght.
But despite the measures, which
have been buttressed by the
World Health Organization
(WHO), the US Centers for
Disease Control, Medecins Sans
Frontieres (MSF), the Samaritans
Purse and a legion of bilateral
and multilateral partners, Ebola
has confounded expectations and
sprinted faster than the collective
efforts, snuffng out the life
candle of more than 1,800 of our
compatriots with a total of nearly
3,500 infected.
Cumulatively, women,
constituting a majority of our
health workforce and being the
main caregivers in our deeply
traditional society, have been
disproportionately affected.
Sadly, as Ebola widens its deadly
circumference, it is creating
a trail of traumatized orphans
across the country, which
includes that ten-year old kid
from Barkedu, Lofa County, who
is the last person standing in a
family of twelve. Our already
limited pool of health workers
has further reduced because 89
of them have fallen victim to
the virus, out of a total of 182
infected.
As a result the Minister said,
the resultant panic that arises
from health workers seeing
their colleagues die from Ebola
has precipitated the closure of
many health facilities across the
country. As we and our many
international partners struggle
to douse the wildfre caused by
Ebola, we have been left with
inadequate resources, time and
personnel to attend to other
routine illnesses like malaria,
typhoid fever and measles,
thereby causing many more
tangential deaths. An increasing
Foreign Minister Augustine Ngafuan tells United Nations General Assembly that the Deadly
Ebola outbreak has set Liberia back in motion with progresses achieved put on hold.

number of pregnant women are
dying in the process of bringing
forth life. In short, our public
health system, which totally
collapsed during years of confict
and was being gradually rebuilt,
has relapsed under the weight of
the deadly virus.
The virus, Minister Ngafuan
said has taken a toll not just
politically, but economically
resulting in a 3.4% downward
slide in economic growth, from
a high of 5.9% to a low of 2.5%
in 2014 with some experts
predicting that, if not contained
quickly, Ebola could cause a 12%
decline in the economy in 2015.
Domestic food production,
mining, transport services, the
construction and hospitality
industries, trade and many other
productive components of our
economy have all registered
signifcant reversals.
Concessionaires have scaled
down their operations, causing
a large contingent of expatriates
to leave the country. As a
result of the slowdown in
economic activities, our revenue
generation capacity has been
seriously undermined resulting
in a nearly 20% downward
revision of our budget for
Fiscal Year 2014/2015. In spite
of this depressing domestic
revenue outlook, our country
has been dedicating a hefty
portion of its scarce resources
to the fght. Consequently, our
ability to provide for basic social
services and continue to fund
key development projects are
signifcantly diminished.
The Minister said the suspension
of fights as well as the travel
and other restrictions/sanctions
imposed on Liberia and other
affected countries, contrary to
expert advice from WHO and
others, did not only undermine
the humanitarian efforts aimed
at quickly containing the disease,
but also aggravated the adverse
economic effects of the Ebola
crisis.
The Minister paid homage to
pledges by some member states
to relax, travel restrictions
and the announcement of the
resumption of fights to Liberia
and Sierra Leone by Air Cote
DIvoire within a week, and
of Kenya Airways hopefully
sometime in October.
The announcement of
contributions and the airlift
of critically needed protective
equipment and supplies to Liberia
and other affected countries by
many governments, international
NGOs, corporations, and
philanthropists. The expressions
of solidarity have taken many
forms and we are deeply grateful
for all of them.
But Minister Ngafuan cautioned
that these efforts and those
earlier provided by many other
governments and institutions like
the African Development Bank
(AfDB) should not lead Liberia
toward complacency because the
country has not yet achieved the
twenty-fold increase in response
recommended by the experts to
contain the disease.
Additionally, while we struggle
with the frst war of actually
disrupting the transmission
of Ebola, we, along with
our bilateral and multilateral
partners, must begin to prepare
for the second war of tackling
the longer-term socio-economic
impacts of the Ebola crisis
building and capacitating a new
public health system that can
robustly deal with any future
health challenge, catering for the
increasing numbers of orphans
and other traumatized and
impoverished family members,
and quickly raising resources
to address a legion of socio-
economic, political, security
and other challenges made more
acute by the presence of Ebola
Monrovia-
C
hief Justice Francis
Korkpor has called on
magistrates in the frst
court of instance in
the country to use the safeguards
under the law by taking into
consideration options for arrest
and detention as part of the
Judiciarys measures in fghting
the deadly Ebola Disease.
He made the call Tuesday when
he met with magistrates in the
bailiwick of Montserrado County
and some offcials of the Justice
Ministry at the Temple of Justice
where the Ebola epidemic issue
was the subject of concern.
A week ago similar call was
made by Chief Justice Korkpor
to all magisterial courts around
the country to only arrest and
detain those who commit non-
bailable crimes to include ,
murder, rape and armed robbery.
At Tuesdays meeting Chief
CHIEF JUSTICE KPORKOR URGES MAGISTRATES
TO ARREST, DETAIN WITH DISCRETION

Justice Korkpor indicated that
the Judiciary will not go about
disseminating information
to the public regarding the
precautionary measures against
the Ebola virus in the country
rather the third branch of
government the Judiciary should
also contribute immensely to the
fght against the deadly virus.
In the course of the meeting
he continued that he was not
ordering the Magistrates to
perform their duties outside of
the scope of the law but rather
was encouraging them to play
a meaningful role in exercising
discretionary powers taking into
consideration Sections 10.12 and
13.5 of the Criminal Procedure
Law.
Both sections of the Criminal
Procedure Laws allow
magistrates or judges to
surrender to their legal counsels
those defendants charged with
offences which bear lesser
penalties.
The application of the
discretionary powers must be
done on a case by case basis
given the facts and circumstances
prevailing said Chief Justice
Korkpor.
In the wake of the cut down
of non- essential staff at
the judiciary as part of the
governments measure to stop
the deadly virus from further
spread, the head of the Judiciary
also called on the Magistrates to
be punctual on duty at all times
stressing that any magistrate that
does not report to work on time
and absent himself from job will
be considered non-essential staff
and that stringent administrative
measures will be instituted
against those in the habit.
Touching on other measures
taken in the face of the outbreak,
he also indicated that the
Judiciary has held deliberation
with the Liberian National Bar
Association (LNBA) and that the
issue of the reduction of jurors
and sequestration was addressed.
With the initial 15-man jury
and three alternates, they
resolved that the number of
jurors be reduced to nine with
three alternates out of the same
number meaning that only six
jurors are considered to bring
down a verdict in a jury trial.
He extolled the cordial working
relationship with the Justice
Ministry and the Liberian
National Bar Association
(LNBA) regarding efforts in
planning a meaningful role in the
fght against the deadly Ebola
virus.
Commenting on the Chief
Justices request the Magistrates
agreed to exercise judicial powers
as enshrined in the statutes and
promised to use discretionary
powers when it comes to
arrest, summon and detention
of defendants taking the Ebola
crisis into consideration.
On behalf of the Justice Ministry,
Montserrado County Attorney
Daku Mulbah and Assistant
Justice Minister for Litigation
and acting Solicitor General
Augustine Fayiah assured the
Judiciary that the ministry will
collaborate with the Judiciary in
fostering efforts aimed at playing
one of the pivotal roles in the
fght against the deadly Ebola
that continues to claim lives
across the country.
Page 8 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
VACANCY
Background
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) was established by an Act of Legislature in September 2013 for the purposes of assessing and collecting national revenues
as specifed in the Revenue Code of Liberia and other related laws; administering, accounting, auditing, enforcing revenue collection laws and regulations; and
educating taxpayers to facilitate tax and customs compliance. The Authority replaces the Department of Revenue (including the Bureau of Customs and Excise and
Bureau of Internal Revenue) of the Ministry of Finance. The LRA mission is to professionally, fairly, transparently and effectively collect lawful revenue; facilitate
legitimate trade and social protection for the people of Liberia.
The Liberia Revenue Authority now seeks to recruit highly qualifed and motivated individual for the below positions:
1. Security Manager (1)
2. Security Supervisors (2)
3. Security Offcers (5)
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) now invites eligible and qualifed individuals to express their interest for these positions.

JOB PROFILE

I. POST INFORMATION
INSTITUTION:

DEPARTMENT:

POSITION TITLE:

SUPERVISORS TITLE:


SUPERVISION GIVEN:



CLASSIFICATION:

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

EFFECTIVE DATE:
Liberia Revenue Authority

Administration

Security Manager

Deputy Commissioner General Administrative
Affairs

Overall supervision of the entire security
management staff, including the contract guard
force

Manager

Permanent

TBD

II. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
Under the leadership of LRA senior management team, the Security Manager will be
accountable for the overall management and control of the Security Management Section.
This includes but is not limited to the provision of management oversight and supervision of
the contract guard force.
III. JOB PURPOSE
Maintains a safe and secure environment for LRA staff, assets, visitors and facilities;
establishes and enforces professionally sound security policies and procedures to
accomplish stated management security objectives of the LRA; provides management
oversight of the contract guard force; and trains and mentors staff.
IV. MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops and executes approved comprehensive security plans for the
Security Management Section to ensure the protection of LRA employees, assets,
visitors, and facilities by:

A) Serving as the Section Head of the Security Management Section responsible for
designing and implementing comprehensive annual operational security plan for the
LRA, as well as individual performance plans;

B) Serving as technical advisor to LRA senior management team on all security-related
matters;

C) Ensuring that all incidents be reported immediately through the chain of command to
the Commissioner General;

D) Ensuring that the LRA Headquarters Security Command Center (CCTV) is monitored
24/7 both electronically and physically;

E) Ensuring that all electronic monitoring/surveillance equipment are functional at all
times and manned as appropriate in accordance with policies and standard operating
procedures;

F) Ensuring that all security policies and procedures are consistent with national
applicable laws and also LRA mission statement;

G) Ensuring adherence to all policies including access control policies with respect to
staff and visitors at LRA Headquarters;

H) Ensuring fair and transparent enforcement of standard operating procedures;

I) Investigating all security-related incidents at LRA facilities, including but not limited to
theft, damage, or loss of government property. This does not include tax
investigations;

J) Referring all allegations of misconduct regarding LRA employees to the office of
Professional Ethics Division (PED) through the chain of command for investigation
and providing assistance as necessary;

K) Updating, developing and implementing best emergency evacuation/response
practices and testing operational readiness; and

L) Preparing and submitting annual security report to DCGAA.

2. Managing Financial and Human Resources by:
A) Providing management and supervisory control of the contract guard force by
ensuring adherence to contract, updating, establishing and enforcing Guard Orders
or SOPs;

B) Establishing a system in coordination with HR to issue photo identification cards to
employees;

C) Instituting LRA guard training program; and

D) Ensuring that the contractor trains their assigned guards regularly.

3. Manages the performance of staff:
A) Providing strong leadership and holding subordinates accountable;

B) Instituting disciplinary measures when warranted; and conducting an annual
evaluation of subordinates under his/her supervision; and

C) Ensuring that staff adheres to the Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct and
related rules and regulations.

4. Liaises with other government agencies and the private sector by:

A) Developing and building professional relationships with other law enforcement
agencies to include the police and immigration;

B) Ensuring that all incidents which occur at LRA facilities involving the violation of the
Liberian Penal Code are reported to the police;

C) Liaising with other private sector security officials;

D) Responding to all incidents regarding LRA motor vehicle accidents and coordinating
with the police, including insurance companies, and preparing relevant reports; and

E) Collaborating with other sections/divisions within the LRA and addresses safety and
security concerns.

5. Secures revenue proactively by:
A) Conducting periodic security assessments of all LRA Rural and Urban Collectorates
to ensure the safety and security of staff and revenue collected. If warranted,
preparing and submitting written recommendations for security upgrades or
enhancements to senior management;

B) Implementing security policies and procedures in order to protect government
revenue; and

C) Conducting capacity building activities to increase employee motivation and
productivity.



THE OFFICER MAY BE CALLED UPON FROM TIME TO TIME TO
PERFORM OTHER DUTIES IN KEEPING WITH HIS/HER POSITION NOT
IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION.




V. REQUIRED COMPETENCE
Knowledge
Knowledge designing and implementing comprehensive security policies
and procedures.

Demonstrated experience managing or supervising a security guard force
and/or law enforcement personnel.

Knowledge of physical security, understanding the role and power of
private security.

Experience in the use of electronic surveillance/monitoring systems.

Knowledge of the Liberian Penal Code and the Criminal Justice System.

Knowledge of human rights issues, policies, and frameworks.

Experience managing subordinates in results-driven settings.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Skills

Strong leadership skills.

Possess ability to analyze information to develop a complete picture of
security situations.

Excellent investigative skills.

Ability to develop and build relationships with law enforcement and
corporate security officials.

Excellent report writing and communication skills.

Ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.

Ability to delegate work to subordinates and set deadlines.

Excellent team player.

Excellent problem solving skills.

Contacts
Police, Immigration, Ministry of Justice, Courts & corporate security
officials
Working
Places
LRA Headquarters, Urban and Rural Collectorates.



VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education BA in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement or related field. Masters degree
in Criminal Justice a plus.
Professional
Certification
Possession of certificates in specialized training in security or law
enforcement; diploma from certified police or military training academy.
Experience Must have at least 15 years of public law enforcement or corporate
security experience, including 5 years in management and supervision.
Experience managing and supervising security guard force is an added
advantage, Must have experience designing and implementing security
policies and procedures. Investigative experience is not required, but is
desirable.
Additional Position is contingent upon background investigation results.
Compliance with confidentiality requirements is mandatory.

















JOB PROFILE

I. POST INFORMATION
INSTITUTION:

DEPARTMENT:

POSITION TITLE:

SUPERVISORS TITLE:

SUPERVISION GIVEN:


CLASSIFICATION:

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

EFFECTIVE DATE:
Liberia Revenue Authority

Administration

Security Supervisor (Guard Force)

Security Manager

Daily supervision of LRA Security Officers
and contract Security Guard Force.

Supervisor

Permanent

TBD
II. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
Under the direction and supervision of the LRA Security Manager, the Security
Supervisor Guard Force coordinates and supervises the contract guard force, including
LRA security officers assigned at LRA facilities under his/her command.

III. JOB PURPOSE
Maintains a safe and secure environment for LRA staff, assets, visitors and facilities;
enforces professionally sound security policies and procedures to accomplish stated
management security objectives for the LRA. Provides close supervision and
management oversight of the guard force.

IV. MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The primary role of the Security Supervisor (Guard Force) is to ensure that the
contracted security firm (guard force) strictly adheres to the following duties
and responsibilities at the LRA by:

A) Preparing and executing an approved security plan;

B) Posting security guards at the designated offices, exits and entry points and
other assigned areas 24/7;

C) Ensuring that all assets on the premises of the designated properties are fully
protected from theft and vandalism;

D) Ensuring that the CCTV and other electronic surveillance systems are fully
monitored electronically and physically by trained guards and LRA security
officers stationed at the Command Center;

E) Ensuring that individuals and vehicles are professionally screened at restricted
areas;

F) Ensuring that absolutely no selling or peddling of any kind occurs and that no
alcoholic beverages are present on the LRA premises. The guards will be firm,
courteous, efficient and tactful at all times while in performance of their duties.
They will never engage in arguments with any staff or visitors, and will refer all
disagreements and misunderstandings to the Shift Supervisor;

G) Ensuring that no security officers ever show up for work under the influence of
alcohol or any other controlled substances. Should this occur, the security guard
in question will be dismissed for the day and disciplined accordingly;

H) Ensuring that subordinates are held accountable for their actions and
recommending disciplinary action if and when necessary;

I) Ensuring adherence to the approved security plan by all employees, and
preparing incident reports on any security breaches by any staff;

J) Ensuring that each visitor is properly tagged with a visitors badge before
accessing the building, and are directed or escorted to the specific locations they
intend to visit;

K) Ensuring that each and every security guard on official duty at the designated
properties is neatly and sharply uniformed and carrying required equipment while
on duty;

L) Ensuring that security guards are trained in the use of fire extinguishers in the
event of an emergency. Additionally, ensuring that security guards perform their
duties during emergency evacuations of LRA premises;

M) Ensuring that security guards carry on routine patrol of the designated areas of
the LRA;

N) Ensuring that security guards are issued protective equipment to include
handcuffs, whistles, batons, charged flashlights, and rain coats;

O) Ensuring that any allegations concerning LRA employee misconduct are referred
to the Professional Ethics Division (PED) through the chain of command in a
timely manner;

P) Ensuring that the contracted guard force supervisor prepares and submits a
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 9
monthly report. An Incident report is required for all security related incidents
occurring on the LRA premises. Additionally, all incidents involving the violation
of the Liberian Penal Code are to be reported to the Liberian National Police; and

Q) Ensuring that contracted guard force supervisor provides a weekly guard work
schedule for review and concurrence.

2. Managing financial and human resources by:
A) Directing security officers to conduct security related investigations and preparing
required reports;

B) Instituting regular in-service training courses for security officers;

C) Ensuring that contractor trains their assigned guards regularly; and

D) Preparing work schedule and assignments.

3. Manages the performance of staff by:

A) Conducting an annual performance evaluation review based on established
standards;

B) Providing strong leadership and holding subordinates accountable, and instituting
disciplinary measures when warranted;

C) Ensuring that staff adheres to the Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct and
related rules and regulations; and

D) Ensuring that no security officers ever show up for work under the influence of
alcohol or any other controlled substances.

4. Liaises with other government agencies and the private sector by:

A) Responding to all incidents regarding LRA motor vehicle accidents and
coordinating with the police, including insurance companies, and preparing
relevant reports;

B) Developing and building professional relationships with other law enforcement
agencies to include the police and immigration;

C) Ensuring that all incidents which occur at LRA facilities involving the violation of
the Liberian Penal Code are reported to the police;


D) Collaborating with other sections/divisions within the LRA and addressing safety
and security concerns; and

E) Developing and building relationships with private security officials.

5. Secures revenue proactively by:

A) Conducting periodic security assessments of the guard force operations in the
Rural and Urban Collectorates to ensure the safety and security of staff and
revenue collected. If warranted, preparing and submitting written
recommendations for security upgrades or enhancements; and

B) Enforcing security policies and procedures in order to protect government
revenue.

NB: THE OFFICER MAY BE CALLED UPON FROM TIME TO TIME TO
PERFORM OTHER DUTIES IN KEEPING WITH HIS/HER POSITION NOT
IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION.
V. REQUIRED COMPETENCE
Knowledge
Knowledge of enforcing security policies and procedures in a
government or corporate environment.

Knowledge of physical security operations, police/security patrol
procedures, and the role and power of private security.

At least ten years of experience as a senior security officer.

Experience in the use of electronic surveillance/monitoring systems.

Knowledge of human rights issues, policies, and frameworks.

Experience supervising subordinates in results-driven settings.

Knowledge of scheduling work, time & attendance and preparing
security logs.

Knowledge of the Liberian Penal Code and the criminal justice
system.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Skills

Strong leadership skills.

Ability to handle critical incidents.

Possess ability to analyze information to develop a complete picture
of security situations.

Excellent investigative skills.

Excellent report writing and oral communication skills.

Ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.

Ability to delegate work to subordinates and set deadlines.

Excellent team player with proven problem solving skills.

Contacts
Police, Immigration, Ministry of Justice, Courts & corporate security
officials.
Working
Places

LRA Headquarters, Urban and Rural Collectorates

VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education BA in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement or related field.
Professional
Certification
Possession of certificates in specialized training in security or law
enforcement; diploma from accredited police or military academy.
Certification in First Aid and/or CPR is preferred, but not required.

Experience Must have at least 10-15 years of public law enforcement or
corporate security experience, including at least 3-5 years as
supervisor. Experience supervising security guard force is an added
advantage. Investigative experience is not required but desirable.

Additional Position is contingent upon background investigation results.
Compliance with confidentiality requirements is mandatory.

JOB PROFILE

I. POST INFORMATION
INSTITUTION:

DEPARTMENT:

POSITION TITLE:

SUPERVISORS TITLE:

SUPERVISION GIVEN:
Liberia Revenue Authority

Administration

Security Officer

Supervisor

None

CLASSIFICATION:

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Security Officer

Permanent

TBD

II. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
The security officer works under the direct supervision of the Security Supervisor in the
Security and Management Section. The position is the lowest level in the Security and
Management Section.
III. JOB PURPOSE
The position involves working with a team of security officers to protect LRA staff,
assets, visitors and facilities in an efficient and professional manner at all times.
IV. MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides professional and effective security functions by:

A) Carrying out internal and external patrols, day and night, to ensure a safe and
secure environment, recording maintenance issues, potential breaches of
security or unusual occurrences in the Daily Incident Log;

B) Ensuring that people who should not be granted access to LRA facilities are
professionally and politely prevented from gaining access or escorted from
the premises;

C) Ensuring and regularly checking that LRA Headquarters fire exit doors are
free of obstructions and that the fire alarms systems are tested on a regular
basis;

D) Ensuring that the CCTV system is professionally, effectively and electronically
monitored in compliance with agreed standards;

E) Providing support in an emergency or evacuation situation, in a calm and
professional manner;

F) Where necessary, assisting in the removal of members of the public from
LRA facilities where their behavior is disruptive or presents a risk to others;

G) Detaining individuals suspected of committing an offense until the arrival of
the police on the scene; and

H) Conducting an investigation of all security related incidents assigned by the
Security Supervisors, and preparing concise and timely reports.

2. Managing financial and human resources by:

A) Attending regular in-service training program to improve security related
skills;

B) Maintaining all security related equipment and working areas to a high
standard of cleanliness and safety and ensure all defects are reported;

C) Undertaking first aid training and providing first aid services to staff or visitors
as requested; and

D) Assisting in the induction and training of new members of the security team.

3. Manages the performance of staff by:
A) Adhering to professional ethics and Code of Conduct and related rules and
regulations;

B) Reporting to duty in a timely manner; and

C) Preparing incident reports accurately in a timely manner.

4. Liaises with other government agencies and the private sector by:
A) Fully cooperating with the police during investigations at the LRA; and

B) Exercising tact and professional courtesy in dealing with LRA staff and
visitors.
5. Secures revenue proactively by:
A) Protecting LRA assets from theft or vandalism; and

B) Securing and protecting LRA confidential tax documents from public domain.

NB: THE OFFICER MAY BE CALLED UPON FROM TIME TO TIME TO
PERFORM OTHER DUTIES IN KEEPING WITH HIS/HER POSITION NOT
IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION.
V. REQUIRED COMPETENCE
Knowledge
Knowledge of physical security, and the role and limited
arrest power of private security.

Knowledge of security/police patrol procedures/practices.

Working knowledge of human rights issues.

Working knowledge of the Liberian Penal Code and the
criminal Justice system.
Skills

Excellent writing and oral communication skills.

Excellent inter-personal skills.

Experience as police or security officer.

Self- motivated with a willing and friendly approach.

Ability to assess a situation quickly, using appropriate actions
to diffuse a situation and provide effective solutions,
especially with people demonstrating disruptive behavior.

Contacts
Police, Immigration, Courts and security officials
Working Places
LRA Headquarters; Urban and Rural Collectorates
VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education High school graduate; but college education desirable
Professional
Certification
Certificates in security or police training. Certification in First Aid,
CPR not required but desirable.
Experience

Additional
Must have at least 10 years of police or security experience.

Experience as an investigator is not required but desirable.

Position is contingent upon background investigation results.

Compliance with confidentiality requirements is mandatory.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are required to electronically submit their applications to hrjobs@lra.gov.lr
with copies of all credentials appertaining to their qualification for the position applied for. Absolutely, no
hardcopies will be accepted.

Applicants will be selected through a highly competitive testing and evaluation process. Further
information can be obtained from the HR Division at the below address.

Address:
The Assistant Commissioner
Human Resource Division
Liberia Revenue Authority
Ministry of Finance, Monrovia, Liberia

Deadline: Applications must be sent by email to hrjobs@lra.gov.lr on or before Thursday October 16,
2014.



Page 10 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014


F
RONT
PAGE
EBOLA
Monrovia-
M
adam Fatuma
Zinnah an
aspirant in
the pending
senatorial election in Gbarpolu
County has donated some
medical equipment to the
chief Jallah Lone Hospital in
Bopolu, Gbarpolu County.
Madam Zinnah donation
comes in the wake of many
donors support towards the
fght against the Ebola virus in
Liberia.
Zinnah who is a prominent
daughter of Gbarpolu
County, said, the donated
items are intended to buttress
governments effort in the
wake of the Ebola crisis in the
country
The items included nine
hospital beds, chairs, tables and
hospital examination chairs.
The People Unifcation
Party (PUP) aspirant told
FrontPageAfrica that there is
a need to buttress the efforts
of National government as
it continues to seek donors
support to fght Ebola.
Zinnah said: As a daughter
of Gbarpolu, it is incumbent
upon me to come to the aid of
my people during this health
crisis. Realizing that the Chief
Jallah Lone Hospital, being
the only referral hospital in the
county, I deemed it prudent to
donate the medical equipment
in order to save the lives of the
people living in this part of the
country.
Presenting the items in
Gbopolu city, the PUP
senatorial aspirant, claimed
that as citizen of the county,
she will always try to help
people of that county with her
meager resources
The Ebola outbreak in the
country is of a concern and
therefore should not be left
on government alone. While
it true that donors support is
fowing, little contributions of
such is paramount in the fght,
she added.
She cautioned residents of
the county to adhere to the
preventive measures put in
place by the Ministry of Health
and Social Warfare by avoiding
shaking hands and regularly
washing hands something she
said will prevent spread of the
virus.
Receiving the items, Dr.
Anthony Turker, County
Health Offcer (CHO) of
Gbarpolu County commended
madam Zinnah and assured
that the donated items will be
used for its intended purpose.
He described the donation as
timely and promised to wisely
use them.
Gbarpolu County is one of those
counties joining; Maryland and
Sinoe as counties that are yet
to experience Ebola outbreak
in the past fve months but it
was recently reported that a
suspected case was discovered
in Sinoe County.
GBARPOLU COUNTY MAIN HOSPITAL RECEIVES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
EBOLA-HIT LIBERIA STARING INTO
THE ABYSS, EXPERTS WARN
Monrovia (AFP) -
W
ith its collapsed
health service,
sick and poorly
equipped security
forces and broken economy,
Ebola-hit Liberia fnds itself on
the brink of complete societal
breakdown, experts warn.
The already impoverished west
African state was on the slow
road to recovery after 14 years of
ruinous civil war ended in 2003,
following the deaths of 250,000
people.
But Information Minister Lewis
Brown recently warned that the
epidemic, which has left more
than 1,800 dead so far this year,
risks plunging Liberians back
into confict.
Many observers of the country's
latest devastating crisis, while
stopping short of talk of war,
worry about the heightened risk
of unrest in a country stalked by
death.
"We have a lot to worry about.
If we have thousands or tens of
thousands more deaths, that's
going to have a very destabilising
effect," said Sean Casey, director
of anti-Ebola operations in
Liberia for the International
Medical Corps (IMC).
A humanitarian worker, speaking
on condition of anonymity,
refects growing concern among
politicians, analysts and health
care workers over the possibility
of a "social explosion".
"There is the fear, frustration,
anger at the impotence of the
government, and the associated
economic destabilisation," he
said.
Monrovia, a sprawling, chaotic
capital city of more than one
million inhabitants, remains
under control but gives the
impression of a powder keg
that could ignite at the slightest
provocation.
Early Saturday, police came to
investigate a body left lying in
the street, the apparent victim of
a murder.
A small crowd gathered,
watching as a truck with the
word "Ebola" emblazoned on the
side pulled up, called just as a
precaution.
Suddenly the crowd began
yelling, pelting police offcers
with stones, and a brief scuffe
ensued, in which at least six men
were arrested.
The force assured locals that
they would investigate claims
that police had killed the man
because he was out during the
nighttime curfew.
The atmosphere is just as tense
outside Ebola treatment centres,
where large crowds of relatives
gather, deprived of news of their
loved ones.
"We beg the international
community to fnd a solution
before everything goes off here,"
cries Kevin Kassah, a young man
in the middle of one such angry
crowd.
- Hunger setting in -
Woefully short of manpower,
security forces do not intervene
in the protests of these seething
gatherings.
Several police stations in
Monrovia have closed after
offcers died of Ebola fever, and
a military camp on the outskirts
of Monrovia has reported around
30 sick soldiers, according to a
diplomat.
The health system -- embryonic at
best before the crisis, with some
50 doctors and 1,000 nurses for
4.3 million people -- has been hit
hard, losing 89 health workers
out of 184 infected, according to
the World Organization Health
Organization (WHO).
"A lot of hospitals are closed
right now because the staff died,"
says Casey, of the IMC.
In a stark illustration of the
crisis, the country's most senior
medical offcer is currently in
quarantine after her deputy died
of Ebola fever.
The WHO and various charities
have stepped in to fll the gap
left by the weakened authorities,
basing their activities in a new
but desperately short-staffed
"Ebola Operation Centre" run
jointly with the government.
The World Bank gave Liberia 41
million euros ($52 million) last
week towards its Ebola response,
but the government, lacking the
resources or the confdence to
manage the money, immediately
handed it over to the United
Nations for the maintenance
and construction of treatment
facilities.
In another symbol of the
breakdown of governance and
heightened tension in the capital,
a male junior fnance minister
was sacked last week for
assaulting a policewoman.
No sector of society has been left
untouched by the crisis.
Schools have been closed for
months with no reopening date
in sight, and unemployment
is soaring as both the formal
and black-market economies
collapse.
Meanwhile hunger is becoming
a problem in the streets of
Monrovia.
"Before, I was making 1,500
(Liberian) dollars (14 euros,
$17.75) a day. Now to get 500
is not easy. Everybody remains
home," says Kerkula Davy, a
father of three who sells belts to
motorists at a crossroads.
"It's not enough for food. I need
at least 800 a day."
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 11
H
ygienic environment plays an utmost role in preventing
many sorts of diseases and illnesses that might contract
human species, and other organisms living in a polluted
environment. Therefore, preserving pure environment has gotten
both local and international attentions by regulating and making
policies, which play an oversight role in achieving this end
(Friendly environment for both human and non-human species).
It is misunderstanding to look at pure environment from its narrow
perspective. For instance, having a decent house at the individual
level does not mean that ones environment is hygienic and
far from possible disease so long the wider community is being
polluted. Yes, it is important to take care of oneself in terms of
being inhygienic neighborhood. But, environmental law envisages
and looks at the pure and disease - free environment from its
broader outlook. That is; industries, preserving forest, free fow of
water ways and other factors are discussed by the Environmental
Law. Further, well regulated industries and forestry law make a
great impact on protecting public health and safety. This received
high profle intervention by the United Nations Conference on
the Human Environment (1972) in Stockholm in Sweden which
brought much broader attention to the ecosystem environment in
the world. Since then, there have been massive policy reforms in
the area of environmental protection worldwide. Nevertheless,
the issue is that, either those policies are designed in a way that
can really translate their objectives into peoples lives in terms of
protecting their health and safety or not. This is analyzed by the
article in a special reference to the Environmental Protection Act
of Liberia 2002.
EnvironmentalLaw: An overview,
Prior to giving any description to the coined Environmental
Law , it is noteworthy to have an understanding about the word
environment itself. Meanwhile, many nations in the world have
laws regulating activities that might have an environmental impact,
and they may provide defnition about the word environment with
different wordings and expressions, but in most cases the concept
and idea behind it might be same. Thus, this piece will only adopt
what Liberian Environmental Protection Act (2002)defnes. Section
3 of EPAhas described environment as the physical factors of the
surroundings of the human beings, indoors andoutdoors, including
land, water, atmosphere, climate, sound, odor, taste, biological
factors of animals and plants and the social factors of aesthetics and
includes both natural, built and cultural/historical environment;. In
other words, environment is all what human beings are exposed to
in the atmosphere they inhabit. Therefore, the coined environmental
law is a body of public law that deals with and provides rules and
measures to keep human surroundings safe from any polluted
objects or activities that might have adverse consequences on his
health and safety. This branch of law is being studied as a chapter
under International Law, because of immense contributions made
by various international regulatory bodies to ensure that the worlds
environment is protected, and signatories and the member states
of those bodies are under international obligation to ratify the
conventions, treaties and international pacts on environmental
issues.
Interconnectivity between environmental law and public
health:
It is indisputable fact that being in a hygienic environment has a
direct effect on the inhabitants in terms of their healthiness and
well-being, as it will result in the provision of clean air, healthy
waterand foodstuff. Hence, laws are there to regulate human
behaviors and attitudes towards his fellow human being as well
as to the environment he lives in. Having underlined that, in the
absence or silence of effective environmental regulations, pollution
in all its aspects might occur in the human community, as a result,
the main nutrition; eatable and drinkable will be negatively affected
and the community dwellers health will be at stake. In fact, most
of international environmental conventions and local regulations
concentrate on air pollution, and deforestation which are major
causes of lots of diseases that were not known before. That is why;
one sees nations have today stringent laws against industries that
are causing pollution and effuence.
Regulatory Frameworks of the Liberias Environmental Law:
Looking at the framework of environmental management in Liberia
has to be done from three different perspectives. First, the nations
constitution, though there is no specifc reference in the 1986
Constitution on issues of environmental protection, however, if
the constitution is read in its spirits and intended purpose it can be
extrapolated that citizens being in a healthy environment is among
top priority of the constitution as the preamble reads, indicating the
main objectives of the constitution the purpose of promoting
unity, liberty and human right . The focal point here, is promoting
human right, and right to live in a healthy environment is a head of
other basic rights, because other rights such as right to political
participation, right to free expression, right to movement etc. can
never be achieved in the absence of life, which can be threatened by
polluted environment.Besides, Chapter II, Art 9 of the constitution
discuses about the nations regional and international obligations.
Therefore, there have been multiple international conventions and
treaties on environmental issues, which Liberia is a part.Second,
enactment of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 2002,
this piece of legislation deals with variety of issues concerning
clean and pure environment in the country. More specifcally,
Section 5, provides the right to a clean environment for everyone,
and had it been neglected or compromised by any individual or
institution the petition should be lodged by aggrieved person to the
Environmental Protection Agency. Section 35, also puts a standard
for pure water and its quality. While section 36 as well deals with
air quality. Further, the Act deals with other matters that might
impact public health. Third and the last, Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) was made to be the successor of the National
Environmental Commission of Liberia (NICOLIB) frst established
in 1999 with support from UNDP and UNEP. EPA is given
jurisdictional authority to oversee, make policies and implement
laws related to environmental protection in Liberia under section
1 of the Environmental Protection Act 2003. However, its duties
and responsibilities will be addressed in another article by grace of
Almighty.
International Environmental laws related to Public health:
International law since last fve decades has been involving
extensively with exponential global pacts on issues affecting
human environment. However, this article will restrict itself on only
the United Nations Conference on Human Environment held in
Stockholm, June 5-16, 1972.Several issues were proclaimed in this
conference that really matter ecosystem environment for the human
being and his well- being. For instance, the conference proclaims
that The protection and improvement of the human environment is
a major issue which affects the well-being of peoples and economic
development throughout the world; it is the urgent desire of the
peoples of the whole world and the duty of all Governments. This
puts a foundation points out how crucial is pure and unpolluted
environment for human life and his health.
Challenges of hygienic environment in Liberia:
As a developing nation, Liberia faces lots of challenges that stymie
obtaining and effective implementation of the blue print of laws
related to environmental protection. Those challenges can be
synopsized in two major points:
Firs, Poor public infrastructure:
Friendly environment and habitable ecosystem really require basic
facilities forstandard and minimum life style for every human being,
as in presence of them polluted water and unhygienic atmosphere
will not likely be existent. Thus, human being and other organisms
that have direct or indirect effects on humans live will be protected
from illnesses associated to environmental pollution. Lets just
take asphalted road networking as an examples, this can drastically
reduce air pollution as dust during Harmattan (dry season) and
wasted dirty water in a city can be observably diminished in rainy
season. Further, another example is energy supply (electricity) or
what we called in Liberia CURRENT could help in reduction
of air pollution as people will start using electric equipment to
do things that are normally done with coal which smog might not
be in favor of our health. Hence, as this article is being written,
these basic infrastructures are in dire need to be highly improved in
Liberia as they are still sub-standard.
Second, Insuffcient public awareness:
Notwithstanding the Environmental Protection Act of 2002, puts
emphasis on public education and awareness about preserving
pure and keeping environments unpolluted , but its practical
implementation by using different means, tools and strategies that
general public always get access to are very limited and not capable
of reaching the goal. For example, some rural parts of the nation
can never have access to even the limited awareness tool that EPA
is putting effort on due to its inability to extend its activities to
the entire nation, because of lock of an adequate road networking,
and poor means of information dissemination system across the
country.
Conclusion:
This piece concludes that environment has a major role in keeping
human species and other organisms in a healthy condition. However,
it can be very harmful as well, if there is no effective and workable
rule to regulate peoples - (natural persons or legally person -
industries)- behaviors to keep environment hygienic. That is why,
both international and local efforts have been playing immense role
in solving this problem. Finally, in Liberia situation, there are still
needs to improve related infrastructures to environment in order for
the EPA to realize its intended purpose.
Endnotes:
By Mory Dukury Sumaworo, Ph.D. candidate in Comparative Laws, IIUM, Malaysia Senior
Legal Researcher @ Musedal Law Firm, Monrovia, Liberia, mory6140@gmail.com
F
RONT
PAGE
PERSPECTIVE
Mauritius: - Restriction of entry of national from Nigeria,
Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and Congo unless prior
approval was obtained from the Passport and Immigration
Offce.
Cameroon: Has reopened its borders to travellers from Senegal.
A ban remains in place on travel from Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia
and Sierra Leone.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) member
states comprising : Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania,
Zambia and Zimbabwe have stated that travellers coming
from Ebola-affected countries would be monitored for 21 days
and that travel to member countries for any gatherings would
be discouraged.
Namibia Foreigners travelling from countries affected by Ebola
are prohibited from entering the country.
Gambia: Banned persons who have visited Guinea, Liberia,
Sierra Leone or Nigeria in the 21 days prior to travel. Those
travelling indirectly from any of the affected countries to
Gambia via another country are also banned.
Gabon: Restricting the issuance of entry visas to travelers from
Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria on a case-by-case
basis.
Cape Verde: Nationals from Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and
Liberia are banned from entering the country for the next three
months. All non-residents who have visited Ebola-affected
countries, including Congo (DRC), and Senegal are banned
from entering Cape Verde.
Senegal: Has closed its land border with Guinea, while the
country's sea and air borders will also be closed to vessels and
aircraft from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Chad: Closed its land border with Nigeria at Lake Chad.
Previously banned the entry of travelers from or transiting
through Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria or Sierra Leone, with airlines
serving the country reportedly rerouting fights.
B) Flights and other transport
Countries that have implemented Ebola-related travel
restrictions:
Gambia - banned the entry of fights from Guinea,
Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Gabon - banned the entry of fights and ships from
countries affected by Ebola.
Senegal has banned fights from Guinea, Liberia and
Sierra Leone.
Cameroon has banned fights to and from Nigeria.
Chad has suspended all fights from Nigeria.
Cte d'Ivoire has banned all passenger fights from
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Nigeria has suspended fights to the country operated
by Gambian national carrier Gambia Bird.
Airlines that have restricted fights to Ebola-affected countries:
Air France suspended fights to Sierra Leone from 28
August.
Asky Airlines has suspended fights to and from
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Arik Air (Nigeria),Gambia Bird and Kenya Airways
have suspended services to Liberia and Sierra Leone.
British Airways has extended their suspension of
fights to Liberia and Sierra Leone until 31 December.
Ceiba Intercontinental, the national airline of
Equatorial Guinea, has reportedly suspended fights to West
African countries. In addition, the airline has suspended fights
to Cameroon's capital Douala from 1 September.
Emirates Airlines has suspended fights to Guinea.
Korean Air suspended fights to and from Kenya from
20 August.
Senegal Airlines has suspended fights to and from Conakry
(Guinea) until further notice
Airlines that have modifed their routes but are still operating
regular scheduled services include:
Royal Air Maroc
Brussels Airlines
(Source www.international sos.com)
HOW EBOLA HAS AFFECTED
THE AFRICAN SKIES
THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN PROTECTING
PUBLIC HEALTH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LIBERIAN
AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
Page 12 |
Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION
LIBERIA ELECTRICITY SECTOR ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
(LESEP)
Credit No. IDA 48420-2LR
Project ID: P120660
Supply, Delivery and Installation of CCTV Survillance for Bushrod
Island
IFB No: NCB/LEC/LESEP/02/2014
National Competitive Bidding (NCB)
1. The Government of Liberia has received additional fnancing from the
World Bank toward the cost of the Liberia Electricity Sector Enhancement
Project (LESEP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments
under the contract for The Supply, Delivery and Installation of CCTV
Survellance for Bushrod Island.
2. The Liberia Electricity Corporation is the implementing agency
now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Supply, Delivery and
Installation of CCTV Survillance for Bushrod Island as set out in the
Schedule of Requirements below:
Schedule of Requirements
3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding
procedures as specifed in the World Banks Guidelines: Procurement of
Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA
Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (Procurement Guidelines,
January 2011), and is open to all eligible bidders as defned in the Procurement
Guidelines. In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the
World Banks policy on confict of interest.
4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Liberia
Electricity Corporation; Attention: IT Director, olenchoejp@gmail.com cc:
tambahmayah@yahoo.com varmunyah@yahoo.com abufahmed@yahoo.
co.uk falkorniamark@yahoo.com, dbeyan2g9@yahoo.com and inspect the
Bidding Documents at the address given below from 09.00 to 17.00 hours,
Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. More information on how to
purchase bidding documents can be obtained by contacting Thelma Saunders
or Alfred Cassel at saundersthelmas@gmail.com and acassell1194@yahoo.
com respectively.
5. Qualifcation requirements include: :
a) Legal
i. Bidders must provide a Certifcate of Registration;
ii. Bidders must provide Manufacturers Authorization form.
b) Financial Capability
i. Minimum average annual turnover of US$200,000.00, calculated
as total certifed payments received for contracts in progress or completed,
within the last two (2) years;
ii. The Bidder shall also demonstrate that it has access to fnancial means
(evidence of a line of credit), suffcient to meet the cash fow amount of
USD50,000.00;
iii. Bidders must provide audited Financial Reports for the last two (2)
years 2012 and 2013, depending on the fnancial year of the frm.
c) Experience and Technical Capacity
Bidders must have successfully completed at least two (2) similar contracts
done within the last three (3) years, of similar nature and complexity. For
a joint venture partners should collectively meet this specifc experience
provided each Joint venture Partner has had relevant experience in the
component contract it is designated to perform.
A margin of preference for eligible national suppliers shall not be applied.
Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.
6. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by
interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the
address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of US$100.00. The
method of payment will be by Bankers Check in favor of LEC or paid in cash
to the Chief Accountant Offce, 1st Floor, LEC Central Offce. Alternatively, a
direct by payment into Liberia Electricity Corporation Project Account No:
10610000012034, (Swift Code No. ECOCLRLM) held with ECO BANK
LIBERIA LTD and submitting the payment advice as evidence to collect
the Bid Documents. An additional amount will be charged for deliveries by
courier.
7. Bids must be delivered to the address below, at or before, 10:00 am
local time on Monday, October 27, 2014. Electronic bidding will not be
permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of
the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address at
the end of this IFB at 10:00 am local time on Monday, October 27, 2014, in
the LECs Central Offce Conference Room on the 3rd Floor.
All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration in the form
specifed in Section IV of this Bidding Document.
8. The addresses referred to above are:

For obtaining information and bid submission:

Liberia Electricity Corporation
3rd Floor, Conference Room
Water Street, Waterside,
P.O.Box 10-165
1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

For Bid Opening:

Liberia Electricity Corporation
3rd Floor, Conference Room
Water Street, Waterside,
3
rd
Floor, Conference Room
P.O.Box 10-165
1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

Lot
No.
Description of Goods


Quantity Delivery Date
(as per
Incoterms)
1.
Supply, Delivery and Installation of
CCTV Survillance for Bushrod Island

Set 3 to 4 weeks
following date of
contract
signature

Frontpage
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 13

REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET
Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale
Henry Karmo (08865224950 henrykarmo47@gmail.com
Henry Karmo (08865224950 henrykarmo47@gmail.com
SENATE LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION
INTO EBOLA FUNDS
Monrovia-
A
United States delegation headed by Mr. Michael
Lumpkin, Assistant Secretary of the United States
Defense, Department, has paid a courtesy visit at the
Defense Ministry further pledging the US support in
fghting Ebola in Liberia and affected countries in the region.
I am here to make sure that I have a further understanding of
what we in the Department of Defense can best do to support the
USAID and the Ambassador as we support the Ebola crisis in
Liberia. The department of defense brings some new capabilities.
We bring in the ability to move things by air, and we do logistic
support in supporting the Liberian people in fghting the Ebola
virus, said Assistant Secretary Lumpkin.
Mr. Lumpkin expressed gratitude to the Liberian people through
the Minister of National Defense for the warm hospitality accorded
him and his delegation. He thanked the AFL for its support to the
U.S. Military which is helping them to be able to respond in an
expeditious manner. We have come with no fxed solution but
together we can make progress in the fght against the Ebola Virus
Disease.
For his part, Defense Minister, Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., expressed
his appreciation to the United States Government for its support to
the Ebola affected countries in the region. He particularly praised
the leadership role being demonstrated by the U.S. leadership
which, according to the Defense Minister signifes that Liberia is
not alone in the fght against the Ebola Virus Disease.
He further praised US Ambassador Deborah Malac for raising the
concerns of Liberia out there to her government.
Stopping the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease is the concern
of the Liberian Government right now. We thank the American
delegation for their support and we look forward to the engagement
with the Armed Forces of Liberia, particularly the civil military as
it stands in the engineering feld. With a team of offcers, sailors
and air men that have come show the kind of response the US
has given to Liberia, and we are very please, said Ambassador
Malac.
Meanwhile, Minister Samukai has re-echoed the Commander-
in-Chiefs statement that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)
will, as of 30th September be withdrawing the law enforcement
supportive role in the Country, turning its attention to a no civil-
oriented mission as a force for good in the fght against Ebola.
Mae Azango azama20062007@yahoo.com/0886545960
DEFENSE MINISTER
SAMUKAI APPRECIATES
U.S. SUPPORT

Monrovia-
T
he Plenary of the Liberian senate has instructed its Public
Accounts and Ways, Means and Finance committees to
launch an investigation into the disbursement report of
the fve million United States dollars sent to that body by
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the Ebola fght.
The senate in its mandate to the two committees instructed the conduct
of an investigation and report to plenary in two weeks.
As part of the committees work the body also requested an
investigation in the frst two hundred ffty thousand dollars given
to the Executive at the onset of the Ebola outbreak and all county
development funds used to fght Ebola.
Senator Joseph Nagbe (Alliance for Peace and Democracy, Sinoe
County) in an amendment to Senator Sando Johnson (National
Patriotic Party-Bomi County) motion, called for the use of the two
hundred and ffty thousand to be investigated along with the fve
million dollars.
Said Senator Nagbe: This may sound a bit funny but I am of the
strongest opinion that whatever little amount that was but the two
hundred and ffty thousand we gave back in March should also be
audited. Because by the time we authorized that money doctors and
nurses started dying and because those people died that is why our
doctors and nurses are reluctant to treat sick people.
Like senator Nagbe, Senator Nyounblee K. Lawrence (Liberty Party-
Grand Bassa County) requested that counties that have used social
development fund to fght Ebola be included into the committees
mandate.
I know that there are several counties that have used social and
county development funds to fght Ebola. I also want you to include
in the motion the audits of those Counties as well, Senator Lawrence
added.
Too early for audit
Unlike Senators Lawrence and Nagbe, Senator Peter Coleman,
Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and member of the
National Ebola task Force called on his colleagues to relax their action
to conduct audit at this early state because according to him it might
provide wrong signal about government to partners that are already in
the country that government is not transparent with their own funds.
I just want to caution my colleagues that while it is true in the spirit
of transparency and accountability that people must submit report
and we must look into the utilization, we need to take note of the
fact that the massive provision of funds that is being provided by
the international community so that it does not create the impression
that those that are utilizing the funds do not embrace the principle of
accountability and transparency, Senator Coleman said.
There have been discussions at the Legislature in the past week
surrounding the expenditure of fve Million United States dollars
by the Executive branch of government. At one point senators were
divided over calls for an audit of the money because some saw it
as being too early to investigate the executive while others say it is
necessary now.
In a communication sent to the senate last week from the offce of
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President listed the number of
agencies of government that received portion of the money for Ebola
fght but failed to provide information about how the money was
expended.
President Sirleaf further told the lawmakers in her communication
that those agencies of government that received part of the money
will be made to provide a comprehensive report on how funding they
received were spent and impact made in fghting Ebola.
The president in her communication also called on the legislature to
make additional allocation of funds to fght Ebola.
HANDICAP MAN WANTS GOVERNMENT TO CUT DOWN MONEY
SPENT ON CARS AND FIX CAPITOL BUILDING ELEVATOR
Monrovia-
M
r. Carl Victor a Handicap Liberian has frowned
on the National Legislature for failing to renovate
the elevator that got destroyed as a result of the
country civil confict.
According to Victor getting through the stairs of the Capitol
Building has being a diffcult challenge every time he visits the
building to bring to issues of National concern to the lawmakers.
Victor said: This Capitol is very unfriendly to handicap not only
the infrastructure the people in here are very un-handicap friendly
they walked with their faces in and ground and ignores people
because they feel someone has gone to beg them not everyone that
comes here is a beggar.
Victor who is a former Musician said, he had gone to the Capitol
to meet with the leadership to discuss with them ideas about how
he too could contribute to the fght against Ebola especially among
people with similar condition like him but was given no attention.
Many concerns and questions have being asked about the renovation
of the elevator at the Capitol Building but Representative Edwin
Snowe (IND-District# 6 Montserrado County) and chair on the
Rules and Orders has repeatedly claimed that the project will have
to be budgeted for and the legislature had other priorities over it
and at the appropriate time allocation will be made for the project.

www.frontpageafricaonline.com
FrontPage
PRICE L$40 VOL 8 NO.689 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014
Spot News
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 3-2 BARCELONA: MATUIDI
STRIKE SETTLES CLASSIC IN FRENCH CAPITAL
L
ionel Messi and Neymar
both got on the scoresheet
but the French champions
emerged victorious after
David Luiz and Marco Verratti also
scored
A goal from Blaise Matuidi was
ultimately enough for Paris Saint-
Germain as they beat Barcelona 3-2
in a Champions League thriller on
Tuesday.
The Ligue 1 champions were without
talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic
as well as Thiago Silva and Ezequiel
Lavezzi, but held off late Barca
pressure to end the visitors' unbeaten
start to the campaign and dampen
an historic occasion for midfelder
Xavi.
Coming off the bench to make a
record 143rd appearance in the
Champions League proper, the
former Spain international was on
the losing side after defender David
Luiz - a target for the Spanish giants
in the close-season - showed his
quality in the fnal third with a smart
turn and fnish to give PSG what
proved to be a short-lived lead after
10 minutes.
Lionel Messi was the man to restore
parity less than two minutes later in
the Group F clash as he swept home
Barca's 500th Champions League
goal, although PSG were ahead
again shortly before the half-hour
mark.
After Marc-Andre ter Stegen failed
to collect a deep corner, Marco
Verratti headed home his frst PSG
goal, with Blaise Matuidi making it
3-1 early in the second half.
While Neymar's smart fnish from
inside the area gave Barca hope,
PSG had not lost at home in Europe
since November 2006 - a record
they maintained with some stoic late
defending.
When Sergio Busquets lost
possession cheaply early on, former
Barca man Thiago Motta blazed
PSG's frst attempt over the crossbar
as the hosts began brightly.
That lively opening was rewarded
when Luiz brought down Lucas
Moura's free kick and rolled the ball
past Ter Stegen as Barca conceded
the frst competitive goal of Luis
Enrique's tenure.
PSG's joy was brief, however, as
VISIT UNCLE ZEH'S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING SERVICE ON CROWN
HILL, BROAD STREET WHERE THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST

Messi capped off a slick exchange
with Andres Iniesta to level and
end his run of three Champions
League games without a goal - the
Argentina star's longest goalless
sequence since May 2009.
Edinson Cavani was next to go
close - the Uruguayan fring over
from distance after bamboozling
Jeremy Mathieu - before Neymar
could only prod Messi's expertly
dinked throughball over the
crossbar.
Verratti then took advantage of
some questionable goalkeeping
from Ter Stegen, heading in
Motta's looping corner after 26
minutes.
While Messi came close with a
curled free kick, PSG maintained
their lead until the break and
Cavani threatened soon after the
interval as he cut inside Jeremy
Mathieu and into a shooting
position, only to slip at the vital
moment.
PSG's pressure eventually brought
a third goal after 54 minutes when
Matuidi swept home Gregory van
der Wiel's delivery from the right,
although, as in the frst half, Barca
hit back soon after.
Neymar controlled Dani Alves'
delivery on his chest and
delicately placed the ball past
Salvatore Sirigu before Xavi
came on to make Champions
League history.
Iniesta - making his 100th
appearance in the competition -
fred over late on and Marquinhos
then blocked Jordi Alba's
goalbound effort.
Substitute Munir El Haddadi
struck the post with a ferce drive,
but Barca's search for a point
proved in vain as the home side
picked up their frst win in Europe
this term.