HIGH SCHOOLKID HEADLINES NOCAL OIL ROUNDTABLE

-Speaker Tyler Boycotts presentation of Mr. Estrada Bernard, III

Law & Order pg 8a TOP STORIES

HIGHER LEARNING FUNDS FALL SHORT

GAC AUDIT FAULTS SAYS CUTTING UNIVERSITY FAILS TO ACCOUNT FOR US$508,626.00, WVST REVENUE INVALIDATED

Corruption Watch

pg 8b

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

BUYING MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2014 SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2014 L$83.00/US$1 L$83.00/US$1 L$83.00/US$1

SELLING L$84.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

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

VOL 8 NO.552

PRICE L$40

FACING BRIBERY INQUEST

I had gone to a nearby office, outside of my office building, to conduct business and was returning to my office when I was approached by three unidentified men who informed me that I was wanted at the LACC office, immediately. I inquired if they had any document or warrant for my arrest in their possession and they responded in the negative. Mr. Clemenceau Urey, Former Chair, National Oil Company of Liberia
Corruption Watch pg. 5

EX-NOCAL CHAIR, CLEMENCEAU UREY, FORMER LAWMAKER MAKE FIRST LACC APPEARANCE

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Monday, March 17, 2014

A copy of the report now in possession of FronPageAfrica came to the following conclusion: The investigation has established that the administrative actions already taken by the President against Mr. Robert Kilby, former Auditor General of Liberia, and Madam Pearine Parkinson, former Director General of the General Services Agency, for their respective roles that led to the awarding of the two contracts to ISCI were appropriate and supported by the findings of this investigation. The LACC investigation was borne out of a July 5, 2013 written communication sent down to the Enforcement Manager from the chairperson of the LACC, Cllr. Frances Johnson-Allison instructing a full scale investigation into circumstances surrounding the awarding of a contract by the General Services Agency(GSA) suggestive of a conflict of interest(corruption). The contract was awarded to a firm called Independent Software Certification Incorporated allegedly owned by former Auditor General Robert Kilby. The LACC wrote: The communication from the Executive Chairperson of the LACC revealed that the alleged act of conflict of interest (corruption) surfaced on July 4, 2013 when the Director of the General Services Agency (GSA), Madam Pearine Davis Parkinson appeared at the Capitol Building for Budget hearing, which revelation was carried in the July 5, 2013 editions of several print and electronic media. In light of gravity of this allegation, which had been widely circulated by the local dailies and the electronic media institutions, a team of Investigators was forthwith ordered to proceed with the investigation. The LACC stated in its findings that two companies associated with former Auditor General Kilby represented by Mr. Nasser Panks won two contracts from the GSA. That the contract for the construction of a Catalog System valued at Ninety Seven Thousand Six Hundred Eighty United States dollars (USD 97,680.00) was won by Independent Software Certification Incorporated represented by Mr. Nasser Panks and executed in its behalf on December 3, 2012, the findings stated. The findings noted that a second contract for the construction of an Asset and Fleet Management, Tracking and Reporting System valued at two hundred twenty thousand, nine hundred United States dollar (USD 220,900.00) was also won by Independent Software Certification Incorporated represented by Mr. Nasser Panks and executed on its behalf on December 3, 2012. The LACC findings indicated that Robert Kilby represented the Independent Software Certification Incorporated at a demo representation while he was already serving as Auditor General. That the three firms namely; Independent Software Certification Incorporated, Professional Services Incorporated, Prospect Consultancy Group were selected and each asked to do a Demo of its design at the GSA main offices on Monday August 27, 2012, in the presence of USAID-GEMS observes, in persons of Nicholas Leach and Murphy Gardiner: Mr. Robert Llewellyn Kilby presented for and on behalf of Independent Software Certification Incorporated. That the former Auditor General of Liberia, Mr. Robert Llewellyn Kilby was confirmed as Auditor General of the Republic of Liberia on August 23, 2012, the report stated. The report indicated that at the time of the demonstration at the GSA, Mr. Kilby was still a ninety (90) percent share holder at the ISCI and remained so until October 2, 2012, when he allegedly sold his shares to his brother, William P. Kilby. The findings stated that Mr. Kilby while serving as Auditor General still worked on behalf of the ISCI company that though Robert Kilby was nominated by the President on August 20, 2012, confirmed by the Honorable Liberian Senate on August 23, 2012, thereby assuming the full authority and responsibilities of the Office of Auditor General, he proceeded to perform a demonstration during the bidding process on August 27, 2012, at the GSA on behalf of ISCI and subsequently informed Mr. Nasser Panks that they (ISCI) had won the bid for the contracts at the GSA. Although former Auditor General Kilby had allegedly sold his 90% shares in ISCI to his brother William, the report observed that strangely Mr. Nasser Panks was designated to sign two contracts at the GSA in the total amount of US$318,580.00. Findings hook Kilby, Pearine The investigation established that though it was public knowledge and the then Director General of the General Services Agency, Madam Pearine Davis Parkinson, knew or had reason to know that Robert Kilby was nominated by the President on August 20, 2012 and confirmed on August 23, 2012 and still 90% share holder in ISCI, she allowed the then Auditor General Robert Kilby, to perform demonstration during the bidding process on behalf of his company (ISCI) which subsequently led to the awarding of the two contracts to the company (ISCI). Stated the findings That considering the findings above, the investigation says that the conduct of Robert Kilby during the bidding and the awarding processes of the two contracts to ISCI constitutes a clear case of conflict of Interest thereby violating Executive Order #38 which came into force January 6, 2012. For Pearine, the report noted that she breached her fiduciary duty by failing to exercise due diligence. That the conduct of Pearine Davis Parkinson during the bidding and awarding processes of the two contracts to ISCI clearly constitutes a gross breach of her fiduciary as she failed and neglected to exercise due diligence during the bidding and awarding processes, stated the report. In the wake of the now leaked LACC report many are now wondering why the Executive Mansion continues to push a special committee to override the functions of the Ministry of Justice. Some political observers say the underlining factor lies in the fact that committees such as one set up to probe an existing findings of a government entity undermines the fight against corruption and raises more question than answers regarding the will of the ruling government to end graft.

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monrovia t didnt take long for Pearine Davis-Parkinson to almost land back on her feet, shortly after her dismissal as head of the General Services Agency. Parkinson, who together with disgraced Auditor General Robert Kilby were removed from their positions over a conflict of Interests case by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf would soon find her name among a list of new appointments as an Ambassadorat- -Large. The backlash which followed the September 10, 2013 announcement forced the Executive Mansion to immediately take down the statement announcing Parkinsons appointment. What puzzled many anticorruption activists only a couple of days later was the setting up of yet another presidential committee to further investigate yet another corruption story. The Executive Mansion had in August announced the setting up of a Special Presidential Committee headed by progressive icon Conmany Wesseh, to "further investigate" the findings of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on Dismissed Officials Kilby and Parkinson. The attempt to bring Parkinson back into government fold, some say, may have been the driving force behind the committee in a bid to override the Ministry of Justices finding and open a clear path to vindicate Parkinson for a new post in government. The play bolstered an early comment by Senator Clarice Jah(Liberty Party, Margibi) who suggested in a secret recording by Ellen Corkrum, the former head of the Liberia Airport Authority(LAA), that fake independent investigation committees are sometimes established by the President for the sake of making things appear the right way in the eyes of the public. Senator Jah in the recording attempted to convince the pair

to disregard any independent investigation/audit but rather allow she, Senator Jah, the President and the Click to stage a fake investigation; thereby keeping intact President Johnson Sirleaf and her governments secrets regarding corruption. FrontPageAfrica has now learned that the findings of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Justice arrived on the presidents desk just days before Parkinsons ambassadorial appointment.

The Ministry of Justice was established to amongst others- to procure the proper evidence for, and conduct, prosecute, or defend all suits and proceedings in the courts in which the Republic or any officer thereof. As to such officer, is a party or may be interested, Institute all legal proceedings necessary for law enforcement, furnish opinions as to legal matters and render services requiring legal skills to the president and other agencies of the Executive Branch of Government.

FrontPage COMMENTARY EDITORIAL NOT POLITICAL JOBS BUT PRIVATE

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Monday, March 17, 2014

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Commentary

must either take steps to end this madness or bags, resign their posts and stop wasting the expectations. The buck stops here. THE NOCAL board must take steps to end this madness or members should might as well pack up their bags and stop wasting the Liberian peoples time, resources and expectations. MEMBERS OF THENATIONAL Legislature in Liberia were clear in telling the National Oil Company of Liberia(NOCAL) that there would be no more bidding or attempts to sell remaining oil block in Liberia. THAT MESSAGE APPEARS to have been lost on Dr. Randolph McClain, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of NOCAL, who during a presentation in Johannesburg recently conducted a power point presentation, reiterating his commitment to launching a licensing round, earlier promised for the third quarter of 2014, comprising at least 11 licenses including blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 29 and 30 in the Harper basin, together with blocks 6, 7, 16 and 17 in the Liberia basin. Also in the frame are more than 20 blocks in the ultra-deep which have now been demarcated ready for licensing, although it is not certain whether these would be included. THIS IS WHY we are baffled that NOCAL chose to issue a statement last weekend dismissing as malicious falsehood and bad journalism stories being run in some local newspapers of late, accusing him of undermining the ongoing oil sector reform process. IN THE STATEMENT, Dr. McClain made it clear that at no time has he undertaken any activity that would undermine the integrity of the ongoing reform in the oil sector as alleged by some local newspapers. His presentation in South Africa proved otherwise. HOW CAN NOCAL put out a statement, suggesting that Dr. McClain is very much aware of his responsibilities as well as his obligations and limitations regarding the sector, and will do nothing to compromise neither the interests of NOCAL nor those of the government regarding the reform process, when he usurps the function of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy. THE LAW IS CLEAR that the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, not the NOCAL CEO, shall, subject to the recommendation of the petroleum regulatory body and the approval of the president, have the following responsibilities under this act which shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of the act: The general management of the Petroleum resources and the administration of this Act; Issuing Petroleum regulations; Opening up new areas for Petroleum operations; Making such decisions and issuing approvals as required in connection with the tender and award of Petroleum agreements; Granting Petroleum rights and amending or revoking the same. THE LAW CLEARLY STATES that prior to opening up for Petroleum operations agreements areas that have not been previously subject to Petroleum agreements, the Petroleum Directorate shall at the request of the Minister, conduct (i) an evaluation of preliminary geological, geophysical and geochemical data of such areas, and (ii) an assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the conduct of Petroleum operations in and around the subject areas, and shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposal. In relation to the conduct of any such impact assessment, the Petroleum Directorate shall consult with the relevant Ministries or agencies in respect of any matter falling within the scope of functions and responsibilities of the Ministry or agency in question. ACCORDING TO THE LAW, the Lands, Mines and Energy Minister, not the NOCAL CEO, shall give due consideration to the technical evaluation and the impact assessment report shall decide whether to open up the subject areas for Petroleum operations and whether to impose any exclusions, restrictions or other special conditions in connection with the opening up of the areas in questions. Nowhere does the new law mention NOCAL in the process as coordination with GOL in the tender process. Liberian peoples time, resources and members should might as well pack up their

The National Oil Company of Liberia board

LIE CATCHES UP WITH MCCLAIN, NOCAL

OPENING BID ROUNDS FOR OIL IS WRONG!

SECTOR INVOLVEMENT OF THE LIBERIAN DIASPORA

Rev. Torli H. Krua, harlankrua@gmail.com, Contributing Writer

hen President Sirleaf addressed the National Legislature in January 2014, she urged lawmakers to address the issue of "dual citizenship" for the Liberian Diaspora. As a member of the Liberian Diaspora who stands to benefit from the dual citizenship initiative, I would like to go on record to characterize the dual citizenship initiative as irrelevant to sustainable development in post-conflict Liberia. If the goal of development President Sirleaf articulated in her 2014 address is attainable, then advancing dual citizenship legislation should not be a priority of government. In fact, the President's efforts should be focused first on justice, security and equal opportunities for Liberian citizens at home. Those who left Liberia did so in search of justice, security and equal opportunities. As the Liberian economy is in the hands of foreigners, the 2nd initiative ought to focus on incentives for Liberians in the private sector beginning with visa waiver requirements for the Liberian Diaspora (Nigerians, Gambians & other ECOWAS citizens in Europe & America do not require visa to enter Liberia but many members of the Liberian Diaspora the door to Liberia is closed with visa requirements firmly in place before they travel to Liberia. Madame President, would you please open the door to the Liberian Diaspora? Let's begin with democracy, the foundation for justice, security and equal opportunities that encouraged Liberians to travel overseas. The Sirleaf administration, from the beginning of her terms in office, struck a blow at the very core of the republican form of democracy by excluding citizens from electing local government officials who control many basic aspects of their lives. The president argued and won the authority to appoint mayors and city councillors, adding to her already vast powers which include appointment of all ministers and heads of public corporation. This act has rendered the republic impotent by usurping the powers of citizens to vote for local government posts like mayors. In obtaining the power to appoint government officials in nearly all aspects of government, President Sirleaf is working to establish power in the hands of the elite few from the Diaspora. If we consider the amount of members from the Diaspora represented in high-salaried positions within the Sirleaf Administration, one can conclude that the administration has done more to enrich members of the Diaspora than it has done to improve the quality of life for ordinary Liberians. The administration set its own standards for who can work in government (including educational requirements that would be unavailable to ordinary Liberians) as well corresponding salaries and benefits that far exceed those paid to public servants across America. For a country with an annual budget of $583 million, Liberian representatives earn at least $84,000 per year while cabinet ministers and heads of public corporations can take home up to $180,000 excluding benefits such as gas slips, medical benefits, and housing privileges. In Massachusetts, where the
v

annual budget is $36 billion dollars, lawmakers earn $62,000 yearly. In New Hampshire with a budget of $11 billion dollars, senators and representatives earn $100 yearly. In both cases, lawmakers receive no cars, gas slips, body guards, or other tangible benefits. The Sirleaf administration's standards are unrealistic, given the revenues generated by Liberia. The salaries and benefits will, in practice, only benefit Liberians of the Diaspora and these policies are helping to create an elite ruling class. If members of the Liberian Diaspora advocating for dual citizenship are sincere about their goal of positively impacting Liberia, they only need to look at the Lebanese and Indians who control the Liberian economy without being Liberian citizens. Many of these foreign businessmen in Liberia are not known for their university degrees but for their entrepreneurial prowess. Some of these foreigners don't even have a college degree but have been in business since they were children. The Sirleaf Administration and the Liberian Diaspora know that folks overseas have many benefits and opportunities not available to ordinary Liberians. If development of Liberia and assisting the millions of Liberian citizens living in extreme difficulties are the goals, then the Administration has more than enough tools to make that happen without restricting everything to mere political jobs with outrageous and unsustainable salaries and benefits. In addition to foreign merchants, there are many Peace Corps Volunteers and missionaries who have devoted their entire life serving Liberia without demanding citizenship. Anyone can serve and new legislation are not a guaranteed that folks will serve. Even a position in government is not necessary to serve. Instead of pushing for dual citizenship, which has the potential to strengthen the stronghold of an elite few in Liberian society, the Sirleaf administration should instead push for policies that will open opportunities up for ordinary Liberians. First, Liberians must be allowed to participate fully in a democracy governed by the people. Liberians need to have the power to elect their own mayors and city councillors. Second, the administration should pursue other important avenues of democracy including ballot initiative. Ballot initiative is a measure employed by citizens of many countries to keep their government in check. Over 20 states in the United States, Switzerland and the European Union have ballot measures that allow citizens to propose legislations and hence directly have an input in the laws of the land. In Liberia, big companies can often influence some government officials to promote laws that benefit their commercial interests. With ballot initiatives, citizens can directly propose and vote on legislations without the permission or approval of the president or the legislature. Although not a single country in Africa has implemented ballot initiative, this should not stop Liberia from being a trailblazer and becoming the first to implement ballot initiative on the continent.
a reform that will ensure that our future generations are protected. THERE IS NO need to rush to sell oil blocks now without taking into consideration not only Liberias future but the welfare of generations yet unborn. THE NOCAL board must take steps to end this madness or members should might as well pack up their bags and stop wasting the Liberian peoples time, resources and expectations.

THAT THE NOCAL CEO without oversight from the board and the legislature, took it upon himself to unilaterally declare bid rounds for oil blocks open when the legislature has put a freeze on bidding, speaks volumes. THE NATIONAL LEGISLATURE must take this matter serious and bring Dr. McClain to book for his unilateral action. WE ARE CONFUSED over why Dr. McClain is in a rush to open new rounds of bidding for oil blocks when NOCAL is yet to put in place

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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB

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The Reader's Page

Monday, March 17, 2014

MANNY EMMANUEL

GOVERNOR MILLS JONES SUPPORTERS DESCEND ON LAWMAKERS

COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

CODE OF CONDUCT BILL NO WITCH-HAUNTING I BEG TO DIFFER

The Editor,

YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

political interests? I would say that the Speaker - like every government official - is already governed by existing regulations on the care and use of public funds so he does not need to restrict other people's rights just because he fears they might violate the law and misuse public funds. Even the Honorable Speaker exercises significant control of public funds as specified in Article 34 and in the management of the budget allotted to the House and to the office of the Speaker. Speculation that he might have political ambitions beyond his current role should not lead to the passage of a law that would limit any of his rights or the rights of future speakers. The Liberian constitution in several Articles, including 30 and 52, sets forth specific qualifications which, when met, would qualify a person to run for elected office. In Article 30, it says: "Citizens of Liberia who meet the following qualifications are eligible to become members of the Legislature. a) for the Senate, have attained the age of 30 years and for the House of Representatives, have attained the age of 25 years; b) be domiciled in the country or constituency to be represented not less than one year prior to the time of the election and be a taxpayer." Any person who meets the above criteria can run irrespective of what their current or previous position is or was. Note that there is no such phrase as: "must not have served ..." in the list of criteria. It is therefore unconstitutional for the Legislature to attempt to impose that kind of restriction when it was neither implied nor specified by the constitution. This argument is strengthened by the provisions of Article 84 which states: The Legislature shall by law provide penalties for any violations of the relevant provisions of this Chapter (Chapter VIII - POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS), and shall enact laws and regulations in furtherance thereof NOT LATER THAN 1986; provided that such penalties, laws or regulations shall not be inconsistent with any provisions of this Constitution. There are two important elements of this provision that immediately press my, and should also press your, consciousness. The one is whether the framers of the constitution intended the Legislature to continue tweaking statutes related to political parties and elections. My answer to that would be, probably, because Legislators are allowed to amend statutes as well as the constitution provided they follow certain procedures. For example, the constitution provides, in Article 91, that it can be amended by "(1) two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of the Legislature or (2) a petition submitted to the Legislature, by not fewer than 10,000 citizens which receives the concurrence of two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of the Legislature, is ratified by two-thirds of the registered voters, voting in a referendum conducted by the Elections Commission not sooner than one year after the action of the Legislature." The other element is whether Legislators are allowed to enact laws that are contrary to constitutional provisions. My answer to that is stated in Article 84 above and Article 2 which reads: "This Constitution is the supreme and fundamental law of Liberia and its provisions shall have binding force and effect on all authorities and persons throughout the Republic. Any laws, treaties, statutes, decrees, customs and regulations found to be *INCONSISTENT* with it shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void and of no legal effect. The Supreme Court, pursuant to its power of judicial review, is empowered to declare any inconsistent laws unconstitutional." The CBL and Code of Conduct bills now before the President for consideration do not completely conform to the provisions of our constitution. The only viable option for the President is to veto the bills on grounds that they do not conform to the provisions of the Liberian constitution. The bills violate Articles 2, 3, 11,43,56 and 91 of the Supreme law of the land. The Legislature cannot pass a statute that disagrees with the constitution; exercise powers reposed in the Executive Branch; pass a law that targets specific individuals while leaving similarly situated persons free to exercise the rights removed from the targeted person; or use a statute to amend a portion of the constitution. Kullie K. Kennedy, kulliek@gmail.com

This thing make me sick when people who know better refuse to accept the truth. People leave Liberia and come to the west and get all the best education and go back to Liberia to make fool of the poor people. If you know you can win a election without CBL post or money ,than just leave. LET US LOOK AT LIBERIA AS A SICK CHILD THAT NEED HELP AND NOT A GROUND OR PLACE WHERE WE CAN GO AND GET RICH OVERNIGHT AND COME BACK HERE WITH THE MONEY AND BUY ALL THE BIG HOUSES AND CARS. RAYMOND SUMO CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY, LIBERIA The Legislature and the Executive have worked together to fight political corruption in this case. I believe Dr. Jones knows better but he brought this on himself and members of the board, and other government agencies such as finance is on the radar for similar bill. Civil society and their supporters should get ready again. In fact Dr. Jones helped the President and the legislature to pass this bill into law. I am only disappointed in our civil society, some learned Liberians who were on the wrong side of history, and some of our young people who were bused to the legislature on behalf of Dr. Jones. There are so many ills in our society that the civil society could tackle, but no money in those areas. ARTHUR DAVID FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY I am not a fan of this Legislature, but I support them fully on this CBL Act. If someone at the CBL wants to run for President, let them resign and run. Dividing public funds to gain political leverage is a disease and must be stopped. If this fellow has sincere intentions in jump starting the Liberian economy and empowering Liberian small businesses, then why is there all this noise about a law targeting him. Let the future Bank Governors worry about this bill. Let him go on and do his job. To continue using these poor, uneducated and uninformed people is a crime. SAYKU KROMAH CIY OF PHILADELPHIA AT RETIRED Well, CBL Board Members, the ball is in your court. Over a year ago, I shared with most of my friends that Gov. Jones had outsmarted the corrupt politicians with presidential ambitions by designing this loan scheme to headstart his presidential campaign. I admonished them that unless they stopped him, given. The level poverty, he was the next President. I even raised this with some members of the Legislators, but I did not foresee them using a sledgehammer to kill a fly. Well, Gov. Jones, it looks like the other crooks outsmarted you. To have directly stopped the loan scheme, would have put them in antagonistic position with the market women, but the way the have done it is Checkmate. Now lets see if the loan scheme will continue with the same level of enthusiasm. the level of poverty. NYEMADE WANI AVERAGE JOE AT POWER TO THE PEOPLE Why don't you sit down in Philadelphia and stop writing nonsense you know nothing about. Our useless, greasy incompetent Senators know that Jones is the man to fix this mess of a country they have created. They are targeting only one person because he has a chance of becoming president. Out new constitution can remove their nonsense. I say give them only 2 years in office and let them read a book in front of the entire country so we can see if they are educated. These people will destroy our country. NOBODY should be restricted from running for president. If a former warlord can win our election and former rebels can now call themselves honorable, Mills Jones who was never a rebel or a warlord can be president. The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

Although the passage of a Code of Conduct bill is arguably the best thing that has come from our Legislators in recent years, I have to point out that it is at best an imperfect instrument and at worst a document that - at least in part - discriminates. In a March 11, 2014 article published by Front Page Africa, the Honorable speaker of the House of Representatives is quoted as saying that the code of conduct bill was in "furtherance of the consistency of article 77 (b) of the constitution of Liberia", I am compelled to disagree and to set the record strait. To begin with, the code of conduct encompasses a wider range of issues than those specified in 77 (b). So, I hope that the Speaker will accept that he misspoke when he made that allusion. Article 77(b) states in part: "The Legislature shall enact laws indicating the category of Liberians who shall not form or become members of *POLITICAL PARTIES*." I therefore fail to see how the authority to regulate political parties can be equated to the power to remove constitutionally guaranteed rights such as the right to be equally treated as specified in Article 11. The constitution does not require a person to be a member of a political party in order to run for elected office. In Article 78, it says that independent candidates can run for office so long as they meet the criteria set forth in Article 79 - meet the minimum registration requirements laid down by the Elections Commission and are registered with it. Continuing, Article 78 says, an "independent candidate" shall be a person seeking electoral post or office with or without his own organization, acting independently of a political party. The authority to regulate cannot be construed as a power to deprive in this instance because the law of the land in Article 79 prescribes in part "No association, by whatever name called, shall function as a political party, nor shall any citizen be an independent candidate for election to public office, unless: [...] b) the membership of the association or the independent candidate's organization is open to every citizen of Liberia, irrespective of sex, religion or ethnic background, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. If the constitution guarantees that all Liberians can choose which party to belong to, then the Legislature cannot say that some Liberians cannot engage in political activity or prescribe a limitation on such activity. The Speaker is also quoted as saying, "The bill is meant is to save the country, most especially the cash-driven syndrome that is being adopted by most Liberian politicians." What I infer from this statement is that the Speaker's sole focus in this discussion is the political aspect limiting the number of players on the field so that it is tilted toward politicians (particularly Legislators already in power). Note that the persons who would be barred from contesting for public office are not Legislators. They are currently serving, or will sometime in the future serve, in branches of government other than the Legislature. Would these persons then be deemed equally treated as politicians or other Liberians not in government at this time if the bill became law? Article 11 of the Constitution says no - "All persons are equal before the law and are therefore entitled to the equal protection of the law." The Speaker continued that the bill "discourages people with political intentions from lavishing government funds to accomplish their 'selfish' political interests." The questions then becomes, did the Speaker not have political intensions when he was first elected Speaker? Did his election as Speaker make him prone to lavishing public funds to accomplish his own

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Monrovia -

Monday, March 17, 2014

wo former senior officials of the Government of Liberia, former lawmaker Alomiza Ennos Barr and former Chairman of the National Oil Company of Liberia Clemenceau Urey have made initial appearance before the countrys anti graft body, the Anti Corruption Commission of Liberia as probe begins in a bribery saga involving the National Oil Company and some members of the erstwhile 52nd National Legislature of Liberia. Both Urey and Barr were spotted at the LACC on Friday afternoon where they had brief interactions with some officials of the commission. Urey says LACC Actions unacceptable Urey says he will comply with ongoing investigation by the LACC but is insisting that NOCAL is not run by one individual and as such the action of LACC is unacceptable to him. In a statement, Urey stated It should be remembered that a public corporation is not run by one individual but a board and a management, who act in consultation with higher authorities. Hence, the action of the agents of the LACC is unacceptable. I believe that the LACC, its agents and investigators are under a duty to be civil and courteous to all who are being investigated or who are aiding an investigation. Its agents should not be over zealous in executing their orders and infringe on and violate the rights of others. It behoves all of us Liberians to always and at all times demonstrate to the world that we are a nation of laws and not of men. Anything less will lead to chaos and be detrimental for our young democracy. According to Urey, when he was cited by the Public Accounts Committee at the National Legislature he complied and under oath he told the body what he termed the whole truth. I would like to bring to the attention of the public that when I was cited by the Audit Committee of the National Legislature, I fully cooperated with that body by immediately and promptly appearing before it. Under oath, I told them the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In like manner, I answered the call of the LACC as soon as I was cited. I intend to cooperate with the LACC until this matter is resolved, Urey

FACING BRIBERY INQUEST

I had gone to a nearby office, outside of my office building, to conduct business and was returning to my office when I was approached by three unidentified men who informed me that I was wanted at the LACC office, immediately. I inquired if they had any document or warrant for my arrest in their possession and they responded in the negative. Mr. Clemenceau Urey, Former Chair, National Oil Company of Liberia

F CORRUPTION WATCH EX-NOCAL CHAIR, CLEMENCEAU UREY, FORMER LAWMAKER MAKE FIRST LACC APPEARANCE
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stated. Urey declared that he worked with a Board and other official at NOCAL and there is no indications in the audit report that he converted funds into his personal use. Stated Urey Hence, I cannot comprehend why the LACC is taking such action against an individual who was working with members of the Board of NOCAL, the Management and others who were motivated only the their burning desire to seek the National Interest; one how took a bankrupt company, with $250.00USD in its bank account, employees unpaid for more than six months, a domestic debt of about half a million U.S. dollar, and left a bank balance of thirty one million U.S dollars, one hundred ninety thousand and eight cents ($31, 190,000.08), when I was removed from office, in addition to many other contributions from which Liberia through NOCAL is benefiting from today. I did not personally benefit from the transaction being investigated; Liberia did. There is nowhere in the audit report showing that I converted a diem form NOCAL to my personal use. Former Lawmaker Barr also told reporters she does not want to comment publicly because the matter is now legal but her lawyer, Attorney Kuku Dorbor, who also served as lawmaker of the 52nd National Legislature where her client Barr also served angrily threatened to sue journalists who publish her photos. Both Bah and Dorbor were defeated during the 2011 general and presidential elections after serving as lawmakers for six years. Ben Kolako, head of Public Relations at the LACC told frontpageafrica that the two (Urey and Barr) were invited by the LACC as the beginning of investigation into statement made by Urey that

NOCAL paid money to the Legislature for the passage of oil reform laws. The investigation just started, they will be called upon when needed while investigation continues, Kolako disclosed. Urey and Barr were invited based on findings of an audit conducted by the General Auditing Commission of Liberia (GAC) in which NOCAL is said to have made payments for lobbying to some lawmakers for the passage of laws for the emerging oil sector. The audit report stated that Barr serving as lawmaker at the time signed for and received US$40,000 while other payments were purportedly made to the lawmakers totaling US$118,400 as lobbying fees. At a recent public hearing on audit reports issued by the GAC on the operations of NOCAL, Mr. Urey admitted that the oil regulatory body gave thousands of united sates dollars to the legislature through some lawmakers as lobby fees. Did it reluctantly Urey Said: We did it reluctantly. It is not something we wanted to do. We did it in the national interest to get those agreements ratified, but what I can say here to you today is that when the second payment was done, I was not in the Country and when I heard about it I got angry. The GAC in recommendations regarding the payment for lobbying fees stated that the NOCAL purportedly paid US$118,400 as lobbying fees. I recommended that the US$118,400.00 purportedly paid as lobbying fees be refunded to NOCALs coffers by Madam Alomiza Ennos Barr, Member of the House of Representative, James Kaba, Chief Clerk of the House of Representative, and Dr. Fodee Kromah, President of NOCAL. Except for a payment received

and signed for by Madam Barr in the tune of US$40,000.00 and another payment signed for by Chief Clerk Kaba in the tune of US$1,500.00, there was no evidence of receipt by the National legislature of US$76,900.00. On the basis of the information and clarification provided by Chairman Urey, I recommended that Dr. Kromah refund the amount and that the Minister of Justice employs the necessary legal means to remedy the fraud and the contravention of Liberian laws, the Auditor General indicated in one of the recommendations contained in the NOCAL audit report. The 52nd National Legislature was constantly accused of taking bribes before ratifying concession contracts and other investment agreements. During the sitting of that body, over 50 contracts and concession agreements were signed with nearly all turning out to be fiasco as some of these concessionaires are yet to even begin operations and others have collapse within short time frame. Experts say the lawmakers did not do due diligence in ratifying some of the contracts and concessions. Governance Commission Chairman, Dr. Amos Sawyer recently declared that the commission would do a formal complaint to the anti graft body for further investigation into admittance by Mr. Clemenceau Urey that NOCAL reluctantly paid lobbying fees in an amount of over US$118,000 to the National Legislature for the passage of some bills for the oil sector of Liberia. Serving as one of the discussants at a public hearing at the Capitol Building for the Code of Conduct Bill, Dr. Sawyer said such action as payment of lobbying fees needs to be investigated by the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

SPECIAL STATEMENT FROM MR. CLEMENCEAU B. UREY, SR.

REGARDING ACTION BY AGENTS OF THE LIBERIA ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION AGAINST HIM AT HIS OFFICE ON MARCH 14, 2014

Monrovia, Liberia-march 14, 2014- This statement goes out to inform the peace loving people of Liberia and the general public of an incident that occurred on today, March 14, 2014 at about 11:00a.m at my offices located on Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor, Monrovia, when agents of the Liberian AntiCorruption Commission (LACC), in their attempt to forcibly take me to the LACC, assaulted and manhandled me.

I had gone to a nearby office, outside of my office building, to conduct business and was returning to my office when I was approached by three unidentified men who informed me that I was wanted at the LACC office, immediately. I inquired if they had any document or warrant for my arrest in their possession and they responded in the negative. I then requested permission to enter my office with the intention of taking my medication and obtaining my phone to call my lawyer but they refused and blocked the entrance to my office gate, thereby preventing me from entering my office. I told them that they had no right to prevent me from entering my office building or seeking advice from my counsel. I also informed them that the whole process was improper as I had not been charged of committing any crime and that there was no write of arrest to forcibly take me. They then began to assault me and pulled me from my office gate in an attempt to force me into their vehicle. I then sent to my office for I told him, therefore, that they did not need to call me. my phone and called my lawyer who advised me to That I would call him as soon as I talk to Counselor Tweh. I met with Counselor Tweh, presented the meet him at the LACC office. draft to him and called the agent immediately When I arrived at the LACC office, there were upon my return from Counselor Twehs office. I several photo journalists awaiting my arrival who informed the agent that I had presented the draft to began photographing me. The reason for this whole Counselor Tweh and was awaiting his response. I episode I was later told was that a statement was also informed him that I had cancelled my trip to needed from men and that they had information that Nairobi to attend to this urgent matter at hand, the I was leaving the country on today, Friday, March LACC investigation. 14, 2014. I assured him that I would present a copy of this During our first visit to the LACC my lawyer, statement to him (the LACC) as soon as my lawyer Counselor James E. Pierre, informed the had reviewed same. To my utmost surprise, the investigation Board that I would prepare a written three LACC agents appeared at my office, as stated statement from which they could question and seek earlier, and in their attempt to forcibly take me to clarification from me. However, he was going on a their office assaulted and manhandled me. medical trip to South Africa and would not be back until March 22, 2014. In the meantime, he would I would like to bring to the attention of the public ask his partner, Counselor Oswald Tweh, to work that when I was cited by the Audit Committee of with me in ensuring that the statement was prepared the National Legislature, I fully cooperated with and delivered to the LACC, which Counselor Tweh that body by immediately and promptly appearing before it. Under oath, I told them the whole truth agreed to do. and nothing but the truth. In like manner, I answered I prepared the drafts statement on yesterday, March the call of the LACC as soon as I was cited. I intend 13, 2014. Just as I was about to take the statement to to cooperate with the LACC until this matter is Counselor Tweh, I got a call from one of the agents resolved. who inquired as to whether the statement promised had been prepared. I informed him that working on the statement was priority for me. That I was anxious to put this matter behind me, because I had already cancelled a business trip to Nairobi, Kenya and would have to cancel others if this matter was not resolved quickly.

for more than six months, a domestic debt of about half a million U.S. dollar, and left a bank balance of thirty one million U.S dollars, one hundred ninety thousand and eight cents ($31, 190,000.08), when I was removed from office, in addition to many other contributions from which Liberia through NOCAL is benefiting from today. I did not personally benefit from the transaction being investigated; Liberia did. There is nowhere in the audit report showing that I converted a diem form NOCAL to my personal use. It should be remembered that a public corporation is not run by one individual but a board and a management, who act in consultation with higher authorities. Hence, the action of the agents of the LACC is unacceptable. I believe that the LACC, its agents and investigators are under a duty to be civil and courteous to all who are being investigated or who are aiding an investigation. Its agents should not be over zealous in executing their orders and infringe on and violate the rights of others. It behoves all of us Liberians to always and at all times demonstrate to the world that we are a nation of laws and not of men. Anything less will lead to chaos and be detrimental for our young democracy. A more detailed statement will be presented in the local dailies next week.

Hence, I cannot comprehend why the LACC is taking such action against an individual who was working with members of the Board of NOCAL, the Management and others who were motivated _________________________________ only the their burning desire to seek the National Clemenceau B. Urey, Sr. Interest; one how took a bankrupt company, with Former Board Chairman, NOCAL $250.00USD in its bank account, employees unpaid

Monday, March 17, 2014

INFORMATION MINISTER BROWN CLEARS THE AIR BUT LAWMAKER BOUNCES BACK
Irresponsible, an adjective which was used by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf against what she called unfound media reports in her controversial letter to House Speaker J. Alex Tyler, is defined in the Oxford dictionary as not showing a proper sense of responsibility or not having or showing maturity or good judgment, as per the Merrian-Webster dictionary. In the aftermath of a staggering revelation by Maryland County Representative Bhofal Chambers that the executive branch of government spent over US$200 millions to foreign firms in the name of lobbying and public relations, claims and counter claims have ensued between members of the executive and the legislative branches of government. Citing the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Rep Chambers recently asked his colleagues in the lower house of the National Legislature to probe an alleged spending of over two hundred million US dollars by the Liberian government through the executive for lobbying and public relations which was never approved by the Legislature according to the laws of the country. However, days after his communication to the house plenary, Chambers inquiry received green light when the august body swiftly constituted a committee chaired by Rep. Gayah Karmo of Bomi County to investigative the matter and report findings in two weeks. Chambers alleged exposure appears to be elevating what observers see to be a complete rigmarole between members of the two branches in the Liberian government with President Sirleaf now spearheading the debunking team. While Chambers and Moses Acarous Gray, another lawmaker of Montserrado county have vowed to leave no stone unturned to unearth what is purportedly being referred to in some quarters as the Ellen gate, Sirleaf has not hide her dissatisfaction regarding what she termed as irresponsible and unfounded media report that her government was spending millions to foreign lobbying and public relations firms in the USA at the detriment of the many poverty stricken Liberians. In an apparent angry and frustrated tone through a communication to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, dated March 7, 2014, the Liberian leader did not only debunk Chambers allegation but said the assertion by the Maryland County lawmaker was posing the post war country to a potential harm. Said Sirleaf: It is simply preposterous to believe that with a budget under US$600 million and under a transparent and accountable financial system, the government could spend such an amount. The President went on to say that , the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs has provided evidence that the only lobbying done by Liberia is limited to the US firm KRL, for which a total amount of US$ 368,209 was spent over the period 2007 to 2013 averaging US$52,601.00 per annum. But what has raised yet another eyebrows and debates in several quarters and social media sites followed when Sirleaf expressed the following comments to Speaker Tyler while falling short of correctly spelling the name of the Maryland County lawmaker: I am compelled to bring to your attention the case involving the potentially great harm that Liberians may suffer as a result of the statement made by Maryland County Representative Bhofor Chambers regarding an irresponsible and uninformed report that Liberia spends US$200 million in lobbying fees. While falling short of indicating who authorized the specified PR fund, the Liberian leader in her letter to the house went on to add that Liberias Ambassador accredited to the United States of America, Mr. Jeremiah Sulunteh, who is now in the country to participate in the US-Liberian partnership Dialogue confirmed the concerns expressed by friends of the Liberian government in the US congress who may believe that the statement made by the legislators has to have been verified. Political observers believe that Sirleafs choice of word went a little high while addressing issues that directly linked to one of the legislators to alarming grave accusation. Even Chambers and Gray have termed the presidents communication to the house as insulting. I think the president should have used other adjectives than irresponsible for the fact that if the media report is irresponsible as she sees it then she is simply referring to the Hon. Man as irresponsible because the media did not invent the report but quoted the lawmaker who was also quoting another report from the USA. What would happen if Dr. Chambers should have written such a communication to the presidency? Would she be comfortable with it? Simeon Freeman used it some weeks ago and we all did not support him to refer to the president as irresponsible, Solomon Gray, a political analyst. While the debate continues as to whether the Liberian leader did insult the Maryland County lawmaker, Information Minister Lewis Brown went another length, sometimes simple English route to clarify the controversy surrounding the Presidents latest communication to the lower house. Said Brown at the Ministrys regular press briefing on Thursday, March 13, 2014 in Monrovia: You will think that this would be English enough to be understood but we are now in political season and sometimes we permit the narrowness of our politics to obscure the best interest of our country. The act of politics is a noble business that

DID SIRLEAF INSULT CHAMBERS?

Stephen D. Kollie, stephenkollie13@gmail.com

IN HER LETTER TO HOUSE SPEAKER TYLER:

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Rep. Chambers
is always intended to lift up countries, people. Thats why we practice politics not to bring each other down and seek out the worst that is from each other. How this does insults a legislator? Irresponsible and uninformed media reports that Liberia spends two hundred million. If I have written this letter I would have probably use other adjectives. Justifying why the government hired a public relation or lobby firm in the USA Brown went on to say that even if America cant help a country no nation would want hurt from them. Continued Brown: When the people sneeze in that country, everybody else can get cold and our cold can be three times worst. Today, with thirty thousand dollars every six months, US government-Africa power initiative and host of other programs. Because these people spend their waking moments and sometimes the night knocking on doors for this country. No firm will represent a country for that amount in the United States of America. Just a day after Browns assertions, Rep Chambers again appeared on Farbric radio and its Radio LIB extension along with Rep Acarious Gray with barrage of documents to substantiate his two hundred

million claims. According to Rep. Chambers, in 2008, a company called BKSH and associates carried out a public relation service on behalf of the Liberian government for six months in which Liberia paid thirty thousand dollars (US$30,000.) Accordingly, Chambers maintained that LISCR was given eleven million seven hundred and ninety six thousand eight hundred and eighty dollars (US$11, 798, 880.00). Chambers revealed that BKSH and associates was again contracted for six months for another twenty thousand dollars (US$20,000) while going further again to LISCR for an additional seven million, nine hundred thirty nine thousand, two hundred fifty five dollars(US$7,939, 255.00) for lobbying. The Maryland county lawmaker went on to name JWI, KRL, amongst several other public relations and lobbying firms in the USA were hired by the Sirleaf administration to carryout PR and lobbying services for the country. Representative Chambers has constantly maintained that the action by the Executive Mansion to allegedly spend such an amount of money without it being allocated in the National budget through the National legislature is surmountable to the looting and exploitation of the countrys resources. I want government officials to understand that when we as legislators are asking for information, it is not personal it is our responsibility and if we ask on behalf of the people there should not be a platform for castigation and condemnation they should be careful because if they continue to do these things there will be remedied, he says. After stepping aside as co-chair of the Unity Party legislative caucus, joining the lead opposition party Congress for Democrat Change, Chambers relations with Sirleaf has often remain rocky with the lawmaker persistently keeping the government, especially the presidency feet on fire even in the aftermath of what many described as repairing bad bloods when Sirleaf walked to Chambers who remains her fiercest critic for a handshake. The President made the gesture last year after delivering one more powerful speech on reconciliation and peace during the launch of the 18-year Reconciliation Roadmap, chaired by soccer legend George Manneh Weah. At the time, Sirleaf stunned everyone when she made the unbelievable announcement: Now I will pause by doing something that I would not have done any other day. I am going to walk over and shake the hands of Rep. Bhofal Chambers. Immediately after the ceremony, Chambers authored the following statements to reporters: I am happy and will always be happy. It is not something personal between the president and me; it is on the basis of principles and emphasis differences. All of us want unity, all of us want justice; all of us want peace. I think we need Liberia, our emphasis is Liberia; Liberia first, Liberia last. With just few days in the balance for the houses committee to report back its findings to plenary of the lower house regarding the alleged spending of over 200 million in public relations and lobbying fees, it remains unclear what would be the next course of action by the legislature if any evidence should be established. However, pundits are stilling baffling whether the over three hundred thousand that has been so far admitted by the government was in line with budgetary allotments by the national legislature?

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T
DECORATION HALA HALA

By: Al-Varney Rogersalrogers2008@gmail.com

Monroviaiberians gather in numbers at cemeteries across the country to decorate their love ones and family members graves. This is done in fulfilment of a legislation that makes every second Wednesday in March a National Holiday known as Decoration Day. At the JCN Howard grave Yard in Voker Mission many people were seen cleaning, decorating and praying for their love ones while other families were at each other throat claiming graves. It was a scene of laughter for some onlookers but the story of different families claiming the same graves was the tale of the day. An aggrieved family Samuel Cummings said, His uncle died seventeen years ago adding that most decoration day they have been cleaning his grave. Cummings said, it was a surprise to them [family] to see different family cleaning his uncle grave adding that the name on the grave has change. According to Cummings, he and other family members have not been to the grave for two consecutive decorations. He said, despite that they still know their late uncle grave and two years is not enough for them to not remember his [uncle] grave. Cummings said, the information he gather from the other family is that they entomb their sister a year and the half ago. Something he thinks does not make them the legitimate owner of the grave. The other family who seems to have a fresh memory of their love one lighted a candle around the grave and begin to pray while the confusion was ongoing. In a respond for permission to conduct an interview a woman believed to be the mother of the dead relative decline an interview in these words, Look my brother you see us in confusion about my daughter grave than you asking me to talk to you if I talk with you will you help this situation I beg you we are in tears please dont bother us. A bystander Victor Paye said, the confusion about grave can be blame on the government and the community dwellers. Paye said people who live near the grave sell spot to families who are looking for place to bury adding that they clean broken graves to create new spot. Those boys living near the grave yard will clear those graves that are broken. They will clear the bones and construct a new grave. He said, with this family who leave their grave hoping to come and clean it next year will see different name on the grave adding that with this confusion is certain. Paye said government should put in place a measure that will stop such occurrence from happening adding that a body needs to be set up to regulate cemetery across the country.

Sanoyea District, Bong Countyhe Gou Primary School stands in the middle of a forest. It is a two-block primary school. The two blocks have three classrooms that can best be described as sheds, and a dilapidated principals office. The teachers offices are in each of the classrooms a corner with a table and chair. A commercial motorcycle, who took our correspondent through the thick forest that led to the school, had to stop about 20 meters to the school. The reason was obvious, getting to the school had to be done on foot because every space surrounding blocks of classrooms was overgrown with a forest of grasses as high as two feet. Crossing from where the motorcycle stopped to the front of the blocks required a lot of will power. Something becomes immediately obvious to any visitor to Gou School the scanty number of students and teachers. But a teacher soon enlightened our correspondent on the reason for this. Do you think any teacher would want to come here? Even many parents around here avoid this school and prefer to take their children to schools in the nearest big town, he said. Those who do not have the wherewithal to take their children to schools far from the area are the ones who bring their children to Gou School. The teachers at the school would not speak on record and the principal had left for the Ministry of Education in Monrovia, according to teachers. Like other public school teachers in Liberia, teachers at Gou are not authorized to speak on record to the press without an authorization from the County Education Officer (CEO). FrontPageAfrica tour of the campus established that the classrooms at Gou are merely undeveloped. They look at least 20 years old. The walls of the building housing pupils has a gaping crack on it, revealing the mud bricks under the coat of age-old cement. The roof is a tattered mess of rusty roofing sheets that has numerous holes through which sunlight stream on to the heads of the young pupils. What happens to these pupils if it suddenly starts raining? our correspondent asked one of the teachers. Anytime it starts to rain, we quickly rush them into the other two classes with better roofs, the teacher answered. The answer further explains how the school is able to manage with just three classes even though there are Kindergarten pupils and those from grades one to six in the school. Our correspondent soon learnt that the first classroom the worst is for Kindergarten and grade one pupils, the second for grades two and three pupils and

PAYING HOMAGE TO SNAKES

Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Students of Gou Public School in Bong Lament Ordeal

the third for grade four to Six. To test how this works, our correspondent entered the classroom housing students of grades 4th and 6th. The pupils immediately all stood up to perform their memorized greeting, Good morning visitor. You are welcome to our midst. God bless you. There are three rows in the classroom.What class are you? our correspondent asked a pupil on the first row. I am in grade six, he answered. When another pupil was asked on the second row, he answered. On the third row, a pupil answered, I am in grade four. Each row is for each class. There is the same set up in grades two and three classes. But that of the Kindergarten and grade one pupils is another matter entirely. The pupils sat haphazardly, each perching where he or she could get a space. Those who could not find a space on benches with their little friends took up vantage positions on the bare floor as they sang, A for Apple, B for Ball Then our correspondent learnt about a scary issue -snakes big and small, sometimes drop from the leaking roof, which has no ceiling. Our correspondent asked a pupil in one of the higher classes about the snakes. The boy said in Kpelle, We kill many snakes here all the time. Snakes are normal here. We see them regularly in our classrooms. He pointed to some of the gaping holes in the asbestos ceiling of his classroom. They sometimes drop from those places, he said. Because of the ceiling in their classroom, theirs is a better place than that of the Kindergarten and grade one pupils whose skulls are not protected from the heat coming down directly from the roof. Our correspondent stepped outside the classroom for a moment and observed that truly, the classrooms were tempting abodes for the snakes, which may need a warm place. The thick and high bush surrounding the classrooms are barely three feet away, an easy reach for any snake that needs a warm bed. FrontPageAfrica learnt that the Vice Principals office was particularly a tempting abode for some of the snakes, making the poor woman to abandon the office altogether. She has stopped staying in the office because of snakes. She sits in the classrooms when she needs to work. Bring your cutlasses tomorrow. We need to do some work on this bush, one of the teachers announced to the pupils of the higher classes. It did not seem to our correspondent that the pupils would have the power to make any difference if they were to start clearing the nearest bushes. We cannot just sit around. We still need to do something. Of course, these pupils cannot do much on this bush, but they will try what they can, he said. Gou School has a plain football field in the front of the classes, with two goal posts. But no child dares to play on the field. The bell rang at 11am. It was break time.All the pupils trooped out of the classrooms. Where are they going? our correspondent asked a teacher. They are going home, of course. There is nowhere to play here and no food vendor comes here. So, what will they be doing around here at break time? They will come back to school after break time, he said. As our correspondent watched the students jump into the grassy field on their way home, they cut an eerie sight. Our correspondent was able to see indeed how dangerous the overgrown field was as the pupils moved through it. Most of them could barely be seen above the tall grasses. Not to worry, they are used to it. Most of them grew up on farms, a teacher said. FrontPageAfrica could not confirm how old Gou School was. But it is doubtful if any further work has been done to develop the school since it was created. Few kilometers to Gou School is another rural school, Gbonota Primary School, which has also suffered years of neglect. Both schools surprisingly have a lot of things in common. Like its counterpart, Gbonota has two blocks of classroom as well but not as old as that of Gou. The worst classroom is also dedicated to the grade one students in this school.The block housing the young pupils is an eyesore that speaks of years upon years of neglect. Half of the roof of the building had become so rusted and eaten away, that it was obvious that if nothing was done soon, a strong wind may rip off the remnant of the tattered roofing sheets altogether. Reading words on their blackboard with enthusiasm, the young pupils had no idea of the danger looming over them. Our correspondent noticed a piece of old asbestos hanging precariously over the young pupils as they sat in the class. Most of them sat on small plastic chairs they brought from home because the schools wooden benches that were still in good condition would not contain all of them. When our correspondent visited Gbonota, the teachers said there had been a circular from the CEO that directed them to ensure no strange visitor or journalist was allowed to make any findings in the school. It was obvious the pupils in Gbonota are not likely to suffer the menace of reptiles as much as the Gou pupils. The vicinity of the school was not so overgrown with high and thick bushes. It is doubtful that those who included universal education as one of the millennium development goals thought about it in terms of the kind of education the pupils in schools like Gou and Gbonota are receiving. One thing is sure, though. These pupils will never look back at their primary school years with relish when they grow older. They will wish something had been done to help improve the environment in which they studied. The CEO of Bong County, Beatrice Saye, said it was not surprising that the schools were in such deplorable conditions. Saye said: These schools have suffered many years of neglect. But I can assure you that work will get to them. Our plan is to reconstruct and renovate primary schools throughout the county.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

COUNT COUNTRY FIRST JORDANIAN REVENUE EXPERT CAUTIONS CUSTOMS OFFICERS

A. Macaulay Sombai, Sombai121@gmail.com

HIGH SCHOOLKID HEADLINES NOCAL OIL ROUNDTABLE S

Monrovia peaker Alex Tyler of the 52nd National Legislature Republic of Liberia Friday boycotted a presentation by Mr. Estrada Bernard, III grandson of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at a National round table draft Petroleum law consultation. Mr. Bernard a high school student in the state of Alaska United states of America, was brought to the country by the National oil Company along with three others to make a presentation at a National event that will determine the faith of Liberians in the country emerging oil sector. The hall where the consultation was being held witnessed the absence of the speaker while the youngster made his presentation comparing Liberia to the US state of Alaska in terms of resources management and exploitation the benefits it has on the lives of citizens of that country. FrontPageAfrica has learned that the speaker deliberately boycotted because, according to him, he could not sit under the presentation of a high school kid who has no experience in the oil or gas sector and had nothing to contribute for the future of Liberia and generations to come. Though NOCAL denied being the sponsor of Mr. Bernard and the three others experts from the state of Alaska, insider told FrontPage that NOCAL refunded the delegation members plane tickets upon their arrival into the country. Estrada J. Bernard III is currently in his last year at South Anchorage High School, where he is an honours student, varsity athlete, and student leader. Mr. Bernard began his study of resource management during Anchorage School District Gifted Mentorship with Malcolm Roberts,

-Speaker Tyler Boycotts presentation of Mr. Estrada Bernard, III

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@yahoo.com

founder of Malcolm B. Roberts & Associates, a firm with expensive experience working on issues of natural resource management. Since then, their research has led them to determine ways in which resources around the globe can be managed, and how the idea of The Commons can be applied to societies around the world. Mr. Bernard authored a paper for the Institute of the North (a public policy forum), entitled: Resource Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Alaskan Parallels with Liberia. Madam Jacqueline Khoury director to the board of NOCAL in response to a question raised by a journalist as to how Bernard a high school student became a choice by the NOCAL board as one of the presenters at a very important National event that will determine the future of the over 3.5 million Liberians and generation unborn said, NOCAL was making use of the clause of the draft NOCAL law that talks about citizens participation. During his presentation, Bernard stated my father is from Liberia, I am from the state of Alaska and that is how we do it there many observers at the roundtable said such comment clearly suggest that young Barnard had no intention of having a tie to Liberia. But Khoury explained: Liberia has a Citizens participation clause in that law. This clause is very important and we are now drying to develop

how this clause give direct benefits to each and every citizen so we asked the government of Alaska to give us experts. In the course of that, I saw young Bernard on the internet. Liberia pays nothing for their expertise; they were all, including the young man, given to us by the state of Alaska to help us with our process. Added Khoury: I am disappointed in you for that is your focus of your question. This is the most important conversation that we will have for the next 15 to 30 years. Lets focus on how we will achieve the maximum benefit of our new law so we can now fund education, health, social welfare, roads, transportation and put fund aside for our people, that is the focus of our conversation thank you. Speaker Tyler used the occasion to caution Liberians to remain focus as they deliberate and prepare a final draft of a law that will impact generations to come in the oil sector. Said Speaker Tyler: For us setting up a legal framework for the oil sector in Liberia is not an option, so no amount of criticism will deter the legislature because we have a charge to keep and a duty to perform, so we are happy now that we all can embrace a process that started some months back that people thought was dishonest. The six-day roundtable draft petroleum law consultation started last Monday with a reported low turnout of expected delegates.

Jordanian Revenue Expert has cautioned Liberian Customs Officers to count the interest of their country above all. Mr. Marwin Al-Farajat, a Technical Expert for revenue and customs software, Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) told a gathering of Revenue and Customs Officer that they must work towards improving their country during the course of performing their duties. Al-Farajat made the call in Buchanan City Grand Bassa County when officials and employees of the Bureau of Custom and Exercise held an honoring program recounting the numerous contributions of the Jordanian revenue expert who have contributed to the skills of revenue agents in the country. ASYCUDA is a software developed by UNCTAD in 1981 with the aimed of keeping trade statistics, facilitating trade and collecting customs revenue. Senior Bureau of Customs Officer Gabriel Montgomery told Frontpageafrica that Mr. AL-Farajat, a Jordanian has been in the country for the past five years and through his vast experience members of the Customs Department have been able to learn much about tax collection. We have come here today to honor Mr. AL Farajat for the knowledge he has imparted in us, it is a knowledge we can never forget until death and we will always remember him as a gentleman and somebody who is always ready to listen to the call of his fellow workers said Montgomery. He emphasized that everyone at the Bureau of Customs will miss the gentleman because before his arrival in the country they all were ignorant to the entire program but through his good human relationship with them they have been able to learn the system well. The majority of us at the time were totally blind to the computer automated system but through his idea we are today among those that will help our country custom system through the computer Montgomery said. The honoree Mr. Al Farajat described the action by the customs officers as a sign of gratitude not only to him but to the people of his country, Jordan. AlFarajat told the Customs Officers that the honor bestowed on him is not only from them but from the people of Liberia to the people of Jordan and its shows how grateful are the people of Liberia. Says AL-Farajat: As I am about to leave this beautiful country on the African Continent, I am not leaving with happiness but with sadness because for the past five years I have experienced how friendly, generous and grateful Liberians are but I have to leave because I was sent here to serve for five years and that time has ended He called on the Customs Officers to put into use what they have learned and hoped that they will help other to learn the system for the benefit of the country and people. In his Farwell massage he thanked the Custom Officers for the manner in which they all worked together for the common good of the country and people and urged them to always count the country first in every job they are involved in and said he hopes to one day visit Liberia.

Monday, March 17, 2014

HIGHER LEARNING FUNDS FALL SHORT

GAC AUDIT FAULTS SAYS CUTTING UNIVERSITY FAILS TO ACCOUNT FOR US$508,626.00, WVST REVENUE INVALIDATED

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CORRUPTION WATCH

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he General Auditing Commission (GAC) has presented four (4) audit reports to the National Legislature through the Joint Public Accounts Committee with copies sent to the President of Liberia in line with Auditor Generals statutory mandate as provided under sections 5.3 and 53.7 of the Executive Law of 1972. The four audit reports are (a) the GOL's Consolidated Fund Financial Statements Audit for the fiscal year 2010/11, (b) the GOL's Consolidated Fund Financial Statements Audit for the fiscal year 2011/12, (c) William V.S. Tubman University audit for the fiscal years 2009/2010 through2011/2012 and (d) GOLs Subsidies to Cuttington University for the fiscal years 2006/2007 through 2011/2012. The objectives of GOL's Consolidated Fund Financial Statements audit for the fiscal years 2010/11 and 2011/2012 were to express opinions on the Consolidated Funds financial statements for the two fiscal periods and to verify compliance with extant laws and regulations. Furthermore, reviews were undertaken to ensure that the audit satisfied the requirements of Section 53.7 of the Executive Law of 1972. The objectives of the audit of GoLs Subsidies to Cuttington University for the fiscal years 2006/2007 through 2011/2012 were, among others, to obtain assurance that: subsidies appropriated by the National Legislature and disbursed to the Cuttington University were duly managed and accounted for; and financial transactions undertaken were in line with the Budget Laws, Financial Rules of Liberia and the Public Financial Management Act and its Regulations of 2009 as well as the PPC Act of 2005 and 2010 amendment. The objective of the audit of Tubman University (TU) for the fiscal years 2009/2010 through 2011/2012 were to evaluate the integrity of the systems operated by the TU in discharging its statutory mandate, and whether in practice the systems had been adhered to. The audit thus involved reviews as would enable the GAC to appropriately report on the attainment of the Universitys mandate, in line with Chapter 53.7 of the Executive Law of 1972. The GAC observed during the audit of the Consolidated Funds financial statements for 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, that two (2) guidelines exist in governing the preparation of the Consolidated Fund financial statements e.g., the combination of Regulation I.12, Public Financial Management Act Regulations and Government of Liberia policy statement on the adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Cash Basis of Accounting. The application of the two guidelines produces two different sets of CF financial statements that cannot be reconciled with each other, thus impacting the validity of such statements produced. The reports for the two fiscal years observed no evidence to indicate that Ministries Agencies that form part of the Consolidated Fund financial statements for the period under review had prepared and presented quarterly financial statements to the Auditor-General, Minister of Finance and Comptroller General for the formulation of quarterly and yearly Consolidated Fund Financial Statements as required by law. During the audit of the 2010/2011 Consolidated Funds Statements, there was no evidence that the Comptroller and Accountant General had prepared bank reconciliations on a monthly basis. Furthermore, the reports observed that there was no evidence that daily reconciliations on the general revenue account between the Bank Payment Slips with the managers check receipt and matching the revenue to the daily collections listing and subsequently the bank statements were conducted. The Comptroller and Accountant General only submitted reconciliation for the month of June 2011 and the cashbook for April,

May and June 2011 instead of the required twelve months according to the GAC. The report observed that GAC requested expenditure vouchers for the fiscal year 2010/2011 amounting to US$135,498,835.65 for five ministries (Finance, Agriculture, Internal Affairs, Public Works and Education)from the Comptroller and Accountant General as a basis for comparison of the respective total expenditure presented in the Consolidated Fund financial statements. However, the Comptroller and Accountant General provided the GAC vouchers amounting to US$41,580,109.92 leaving a variance of US$93,918,725.75 which the Comptroller and Accountant General did not provide documentation. On the audit of the 2011/2012 Consolidated Fund Financial Statements, the report observed that the Comptroller and Accountant General did not prepare monthly bank reconciliations for the Consolidated Fund for the period under review, nor were there daily reconciliations of the general revenue account. Also, the report indicated that the GAC did not find evidence that the Comptroller and Accountant General had prepared reconciliations of revenues accruing to the Government of Liberia through direct donor funding to the recipients. On account of these omissions, the GAC could not validate the Consolidated Fund Cash Balance of a deficit of (US$20,012,000.00) reported in the Consolidated Fund financial statements for the fiscal year 2011/12. The reports noted that Ministries and Agencies that form part of the consolidated financial statements did not prepare financial statements for consolidation by the Ministry of Finance; In addition, the Ministry of Finance did not provide ledger records that could be used to formulate the consolidated financial statements. The GAC, according to the reports was thus unable to satisfy itself by alternative means the completeness of the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. On the audit of Tubman University, the GAC observed that the

Administration of Tubman University did not compile IPSAS Cash Basis financial statements for the three fiscal years under review, 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 as required by the Public Financial Management Act of 2009. The report further observed that the Revenue and Expenditure Statements as presented could not be validated due to the absence of cashbooks, trial balance, general ledgers, budget performance reports and notes to the statements amongst others that would facilitate the validation process. This limitation denied assurance that the revenue and expenditure statements as presented portrayed in all material respects, a true and fair view of Tubman Universitys operations for the three fiscal years. The report noted that the University transacted business with 34 entities amounting to US$205,461.03 and L$ 9,997,33.38 that were not registered with the Ministry of Commerce during the audit period. Transacting with unregistered entities promotes unfair competition for businesses that are legally registered and are valid tax payers. Such a move is in violation of PPC Act, 2005 provisions. The TU Audit report further noted that for the period under review, the Tubman University paid relocation allowances to 121 employees from the United States of America, the Philippines, Monrovia and other parts of the world paying a total amount of US$456,180 based on a relocation schedule that was not supported by documented and approved policy setting the criteria for such payments. For the periods under audit according to the report, Cuttington Universitys (CU) total adjusted appropriation was US$2,919,220.00. This amount included US$508,626.00 for fiscal years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 the university could not account for. As per the 2007/2008 budget laws, allotments to Cuttington University were to achieve the following objectives: provide room and board for students; give professional nursing instructions; provide recreational facilities; procure, install and commission a reliable students records information management system. Except for 2007/2008 budget, the GAC did not sight spending items in CU budgetary appropriation for the rest of the fiscal years audited. The CU Management indicated that to meet its objectives, it used portion of the subsidies to purchase petroleum products to provide electricity and assorted food items for the provision of catering services to residents of the University. The report further observed that the management of Cuttington University did not provide documents to account for a total of US$508,626.00 received from the Government of Liberia for the fiscal periods 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. The management of Cuttington informed the GAC that soft copies of the financial documents covering these two periods were unavailable because the QuickBooks accounting software that hosted CUs accounting data got corrupted. Hard copies of documents supporting the US$508,626.00 were also claimed damaged by the management of Cuttington University. The audit of Cuttington University noted that Financial Rule 23 states that payments on account of goods or services rendered shall be made only to the vendor or service provider. Third party payments in transactions of this nature are disallowed. However, examination of cash payment vouchers by the GAC revealed that there were 11 vouchers amounting to US$19,311.86 that were not paid in the name of individual or entities with which transactions were done but in the name of an employee of Cuttington University. These payments were intended to purchase local food items. Further, according to the audit report, there were 3 vouchers amounting to L$333,895.00 also intended to purchase local food items that were not paid in the name of the individuals or entities with which transactions were done in violation of Financial Rule 23. Given the significance of the matters raised in the audit reports, the GAC is therefore urging the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives, the Pro Tempore and members of the Liberian Senate to consider the implementation of the recommendations urgently, the audit reports concluded.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Monrovia t is usually said that a She does it better than a He because many women around the world are doing jobs reserved for men. Since President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ascended to the presidency, more women in Liberia are proving to do jobs men are doing, while others are holding higher positions in the country. One of such women who has risen above others in her profession, is Master Sergeant and Deputy Drum Master Gurley Merchant, leader of the AFL Band. Merchant now leads 72 persons in the New Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Band. Merchant, 60, does not look her age due to what she says is the way she swings the mace or rod with so much power during performances wowing bystanders along the way. Merchant joined the army in 1972 when she was only 21-years-old and ascended to the rank of a captain when she was retired by President Sirleaf in 2005. I have been in the Army for 39 years and I feel too proud commanding men, whom many are college graduate whereas I had never reached that level. So to see college students taking instructions from me, I feel good. And I want to thank God for allowing me to reach this far, because I am from a poor background. The band leader says she was a little bit depressed when she was retired because she had been in the army all of her life and because of the army, she was beaten and almost killed by Benjamin Yeaten, former commander of Charles Taylors NPFL in 2000. Merchant explains: Shortly before Taylor left Liberia, I was pointed out to Benjamin Yeaten, who beat me up, broke my tooth and demanded that I show him where the other army personnel were hiding. I was only saved by someone who knew him and told him that I was not any army woman but that I was in the band, or I would have been dead. Merchant says she was recalled back to the band in 2006 when the new army was being restructured. They decided to look for us because they could not find anyone to do the music we do. We play international, National, and intercontinental music. Merchant, who said she used to lead the band the old way, disclosed that she leads the band the American way, because an instructor from the white house trained her for tenth months, that she is now teaching the band. Merchant appears to take commendations from bystanders watching her performance in stride. My instructor told me that I am the beauty of the entire

AFL BAND BEAUTY OF LIBERIAN ARMY, BAND LEADER SAYS

Mae Azango maeazango@frontpageafricaonline.com

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LAWMAKER BREAKS GROUND FOR PTA FENCE PROJECT IN NEW KRU TOWN

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Merchant says she is happy to be training the AFL band and would be happy if many women will join the band because it makes them stand tall and you are respected. Looking toward the future, Merchant says she is in the process of training a younger man to take over when she leaves the stage. I was successful to have trained a younger man to one day take over from me, when the government retires me, and he is doing very well. Comparing the modern army to the army of yesteryears, the band leader said, even though the salary in the new army is attractive. But looking at the old army in comparing to modern army, the old army had discipline. Before, your under man would never refuse your command or refuse to go, when you sent him. And he wont tell you with all due respect sir, I wont do it. When our commander used tell us March to jail, we would do it without argument, but now, a soldier will look at you and say with all due respect sir, I wont do it. Merchant who has seven children, says her husband predeceased her few years back and laments that it was tough to bring up children and work in the army at the same time, but she did manage to raise her children the way she was brought up. Merchant says she plans to venture into business when the government retires her from service but hopes that more women would be encouraged to join the AFL band.

Danesius Marteh, Danesius.Marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

army and the public sees me first, most especially when we are doing pass in review and other marches before they see the army. Therefore my focus should not be carried by the crowd. Because I am not giving verbal instruction through the mace, which is the rod I used during performance, so if I make one mistake, the whole band will make that same mistake. The band leader says the band has never performed

outside of Liberia before, but acknowledges that many of her fans mistake her for a man from the way she moves and carries out her duties, but only smiles to her fans if necessary. Commanding seven other women in the band of which one is her daughter, and part of the newly-recruited soldiers who graduated, Ms. Merchant said most people dont want to do the job she does because they look at music as the least profession.

Monrovia he ground breaking ceremony for a fence project for the Emmanuel Johnson Junior High School, alias New Kru Town (NKT) Junior High School, has taken place in the borough. Montserrado County District #16 Representative Edward Forh, who served as chief launcher, commended the parents-teachers association (PTA) for raising L$224,000 as a start-up. Forh then led a mini rally that raised L$3,000 before he made an initial contribution of L$16,000 and a truck load of sand. He encouraged other schools to emulate their good examples. Look at all the students here today [March 8]. If you had told them that everybody will plant one block with L$10, they were going to take their recess money and make their contributions. But we relied on outsiders so much that we made ourselves to feel bad. All this good work you did, it would have gone to nothing if I had not come here. You were going to take all your efforts and put it on my head as though I [have] been supporting you since you were born. And you will be saying we put him there [as representative] and we invite him to our program but he didnt come. We cant see him. But you dont need me. You need yourself; you need God. So for you to have done what you did and raised the kind of money you have raised mean you are turning to white people [Westerns]. That is what the white people do and thats what they say we must try to do. So give yourself a big hand of applause, said the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) lawmaker. Liberian schools often request or demand for students and PTA activity fees during registration with little or nothing done with the money. But Forh thinks NKT Junior High School should be used as a case study for parents and students to demand accountability. How many schools, like this school, that have been accountableto say the money you paid, we collected it and here is it. It is only this school that I have seen. Your give this school a big hand of applause. I have been in the administration [of many schools]. We collect these monies when I have not been a part of a program where the school is accountable to the parents. This is my first time seeing it. If you dont believe it, check all the schools in New Kru Town and see if they dont have PTA fees. So, this is a good starting point and I just wish other schools can do the same. And those of you who have children in other schools, I encourage you to take this experience from here to the other schools, Forh pleaded. Emmanuel Sannah has been serving as the schools principal for a little over two-years. And Sannah told FrontPageAfrica that the ceremony was a dream comes true. I am overexcited; it has been my dream to really fence this place. And officially, this is my first project, Sannah said. Public schools have, of late, been criticized for embarking on a fence project when they dont have libraries and laboratories but Sannah thinks the project is a worthwhile initiative. It will be beneficiary because the children will be well secured. And sometimes, cars and motorbikes intrude here. That will also be prevented with the fence. We have a library but we dont have a laboratory, said Sannah, who was very grateful to the parents. Sannah, flanked by PTA chairman Morris N. Marteh, said the school will be counting on all invited guests, who didnt show-up due to their busy schedules. They include Central Bank of Liberia governor Mills Jones, National Port Authority managing director Matilda Parker, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company managing director T. Nelson Williams, National Oil Company of Liberia vice president for finance Karmo D. Ville and Liberian Business Association president Dee Maxwell Kemayah. Others are Monrovia Consolidated School System superintendent Benjamin Jacobs, Crown 50 president Samuel Thompson, Liberia Maritime Authority commissioner Binyah Kesselly, NKT governor Alice Weah, Liberia Bank for Development and Investment president John B. S. Davies, PYA member Hardine Mulbah, alumnus James Tumu and the managing directors of Monrovia Breweries Incorporated and Liberia Cement Company.

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LWI DELEGATION HAILED FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT IN THE WASH SECTOR

Prince Johnson

Mary T. Appleton

PREDICTION OR PROPHECY?
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

George Weah

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

NKT Youth Governor says PYJ will be president in 2018

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lthough shes in her late forties, she considers herself a youth and her admirers called her the youth governor of the Borough of New Kru Town (NKT). She claims to be a youth because most of her youthful years were consumed by the civil war. But there is something peculiar about this lanky lady, who isnt afraid to say what she thinks about happenings in the borough or country. Mary T. Appleton searched for this writer for more than a week to broadcast or publish her latest message to President Ellen JohnsonSirleaf, Nimba County Senator Prince John and Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) political leader George Weah. She claims to be Sirleafs friend but wonders why the president has been supposedly reluctant to see her of late. The Borough of New Kru Town treated me because of her. And shes denying me [from seeing her]. She made me today my family doesnt want to see me. Anybody I go to [for help], they say your ma that president. Then shes sending me to people who will not help me instead of helping me herself because she knows my problems, Mary said. The purported extent of their friendship took a turn for the better when Sirleaf took Marys two beautiful daughters to live with her and acquire a better education. And although Mary remains appreciative, she is still looking forward to Sirleafs help, which hasnt been forthcoming. Pharaohs dream made Joseph the leader of Egypt. And I asked God for her because it was my destiny to my mother that the child that you are going to born will be different from all your children and will carry your name to where it never goes. Taking my children, I appreciate [her for that] but still she has to help me. And if she doesnt help, who will help me because every day I can cry in her name. I can beg before I eat. I got no shelter. [Ex-NKT governor] Richard Tobiis niece burnt my house. They put it on air that I burnt my house. And I used to drink and they put me in wheelbarrow but one day cigarette didnt burn my bed sheet. But they lied on me and she accepted it. Things can happen to other people and she can pity. But I dont know why [she doesnt want to help me], Mary asked. Mary recently suffered from food-poisoned and it took Sinoe County Representative Jefferson S. Kanmoh to rescue the situation. Kanmohs L$9,700 medical bill was likened to a divine intervention by her. He the one can pity my life and give me some help. I stopped going to church because I dont have collection (offering) and clothes. I dont have anything but you [Sirleaf] can be happy to serve God. What about me? She quizzed. Since his retirement as a footballer in 2003, CDCs Weah has unsuccessfully contested two national elections. Weah lost the runoff presidential race to Sirleaf in November 2005. Serving as a running mate to Winston Tubman, the CDC boycotted

the 2011 run-off elections won by Sirleafs Unity Party. Hes poised to contest the October special senatorial elections in Montserrado County. And Mary believes Weah will be the kingmaker for the ensuing presidential elections. George Weah, the bet for me and him [is that] he can play Morocco; he can play Egypt and he can play well but that spiritual land he and I will be playing on. His mother, excuse me to say, can be Mary and his father can be Joseph and he born in the stable but he will not rule [Liberia as a president]. He can even be like King Solomon to ask for wisdom but he will not rule. He can live like Methuselah but he will not run. So let him take his heart from there [the presidency]. And if he thinks I am lying, then let him take my bet. But that bet, I was the woman who the naked on the [River Edge] basketball court because of Ellen, he stressed. And Mary was quick to add that Weah will become a senator if he decides to contest whether or not he campaigns. As a newly-registered political party, Johnsons National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) finished third in the presidential race with 139,786 or 11.6-percent of the valid votes cast. The NUDP won six seats in the House of Representatives and a seat in the Liberian Senate but does this make Johnson the president-inwaiting? To Liberian people, Prince Johnson will be the next president in 2018. If anybody doubts me then they doubt God. I am surely sure because I asked God. I know the ways in Prince Johnson and I laid it before him [God] and he [God] knows the heart of Prince Johnson. That is why he accepted my request. Prince Johnson will be a good leader for this nation, Mary pointed-out. Here are a few tips to those who may dismiss her prophecy or prediction. In the run-up to the 1997 presidential elections, Mary told then Inquirer newspaper sports editor Isaac Solo Kelgbeh that Charles Taylor would have won the elections as was evident by his support in borough. Mary twice predicted a Sirleaf victory and said an Edward Forh victory in the race for the representatives slot in 2011 was unavoidable. The strangest of things with that prophecy or prediction was that opinion polls pointed to a two-horse race between CDCs Forh and independent candidate Wesley Jlue but the self-imposed youth governor tipped a Pentecostal pastor as the nearest challenger due to the many contestants from the Kru tribe. And the doubting Thomases were pleasantly surprised when Peter Manasseh Conto, a Kpelle man on Rev. Kennedy Gbleyah Sandys Liberia Transformation Party, came second to Forh, who was reelected. So, do you still doubt her political prophecies or predictions?

Monrovia iving Water International (LWI), an international non-governmental organization, has renewed its commitment to increasing its humanitarian services to Liberia in the Water and Sanitation (WASH) sector. According to an Executive Mansion release, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LWI, Michael J. Mantle, made the assertion during a courtesy call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry office on Tuesday, March 11. He said his organization has already drilled 60 bore holes that are providing safe drinking water for rural communities and has at the same time rehabilitated 40 water wells in rural Liberia. Dr. Mantle stressed that his organization is beginning to increase its services to Liberia from just providing safe drinking water to also building latrines for rural communities particularly in Margibi County which is now its operational area. The LWI CEO informed the Liberian leader that his organization has also included in its operation, the training of community youth in managing the water resources and latrines with minimum fees charged for maintaining of the facilities which, he said, has proven to be working thereby making the community dwellers to take ownership. He thanked President Sirleaf for creating the enabling environment for LWI to provide its humanitarian services to the people of Liberia. Making remarks earlier, the organizations Senior Vice President for Global Operation, Robert Nathan Thorp, told the Liberian leader that LWI was pleased to work in a country whose President is Africas Ambassador on Water and Sanitation. Mr. Thorp said they felt obligated to promoting the WASH program in Liberia in support of President Sirleafs ambassadorial role played in Africas Water and Sanitation Program. During the courtesy call, the LWI President and CEO officially introduced its new Liberia Country Director, Mr. Kanyata Mukelabi. In response, President Sirleaf thanked LWI for all it has done and continues to do in Liberia, describing it as vital to the health and wellbeing of the Liberian people. The Liberian leader said despite the challenges in reaching out to the hamlets, ranging from deplorable roads to the lack of electricity, LWI continues to strive to give the people access to safe drinking water. She said access to drinking water has increased though sanitation is still faced with challenges; but with the support of Liberias partners, progress is being made to improve the sub-sector. President Sirleaf informed the LWI delegation that government is also engaged with other partners aimed at restoring pipe borne water to county capitals that will further increase access to safe drinking water. LWI is a faith-based global non-governmental organization in the United States that demonstrates the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water and at the same time experience the Living Water Gospel of Jesus Christ. Others on the LWI delegation that met with President Sirleaf were: LWI Rwanda Country Director, Ambaye Zekewos; Regional Communication Specialist for Africa, Sylvia Kazengwa; and Religious Advisor, Apostle James Tarr. They were accompanied by President Sirleafs Religious Advisor, Rev. Jarvis Witherspoon.

SIRLEAF COMMITTED TO PROMOTING DEMOCRACY & OPEN SOCIETY Monrovia

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the Government of Liberia remains committed to promoting democracy and an open society and is urging civil society and non-governmental organizations to partner with government in promoting development that benefits all Liberians, including civil society. According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader made the remarks when officials of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL), Governance Commission (GC), and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) paid her a courtesy call at her Foreign Ministry office on Tuesday, March 11. The meeting was organized by the INCHR in collaboration with the GC. President Sirleaf emphasized the importance of monitoring and tracking the activities of civil society and non-governmental organizations and their work so as to have a clearer understanding and appreciation of the roles and contributions of the non-governmental and civil society organizations to the Liberian society. She thanked the INCHR and the GC for organizing the meeting and civil society organizations for responding positively to the call. Earlier, representatives of the NCSCL briefed President Sirleaf about the evolution and activities of the Council and outlined several thematic areas of work. They also informed the Liberian leader about an ongoing process that involves the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, the GC, and the Council aimed at jointly developing standard operating procedures and guidelines to govern civil society organizations in Liberia. The representatives of civil society and non-governmental organizations thanked the INCHR and the GC for the level of partnership and collaboration thus far on many thematic areas of governance and service delivery. They also declared their willingness to cooperate with the GC and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs to conclude the guidelines and operating procedures. The civil society organizations also pledged to commit themselves to improved partnership with government and to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to maintain the peace, promote development and deliver quality services to the Liberian people. They praised the Liberian leader for her involvement in a dialogue with the sector and other stakeholders and assured her of their continuous cooperation with government in addressing the many challenges faced by the country. The organizers of the meeting, INCHR and the GC, assured President Sirleaf that the current joint effort will seek to improve and enhance the partnership and collaboration that is required of government and civil society to promote the development of the country and improve the lives of the people. They stressed that governance is about partnership which must at all times involve the government, civil society and the private sector because when this is done, peace, unity, reconciliation, good governance and national development can be

enhanced.

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION BASIC EDUCATION PROJECT (GPEBEP)

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

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IDA GRANT ID: 097456 PROJECT ID: P117662 NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING IFB NO.:MOE/GPEP/CW/NCB/33-36

CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR BASIC EDUCATION SCHOOLS

1. The Government of the Republic of Liberia has received grant from the World Bank toward the cost of the Second Phase of the Global Partnership for Education Project (GPEBEP) School Construction Program. 2. Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project (GPEBEP), a Unit of the Ministry of Education, acting on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Liberia, now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for theConstruction of four (4) Bidders may bid for more than one Lot but a successful bidder can onlybe awarded more than one (1) LOT only upon demonstration of adequate capacity to execute concurrently both in nature and value. The criterion for qualification is aggregate minimum requirement for respective lots. shall not be applied. 6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be obtained by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address below indicating the lot number and name. The Bidding Documents will be collected from the address below. 7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before Monday, March 31, 2014at the 3rd Street Office Ground Floor at10:00 am. Electronic bidding shall notbe permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened physically in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below on March 31, 2014 in the main Conference Room L.30, 2nd Floor, Ministry of Education, 3rd Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia at 10:00GMT. 8. A pre-bid will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education on the Room L.30, 2nd Floor, 3rd Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia at 10:00 GMT. All bidders are invited to attend. 9. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration in the form provided in Section III of the Bidding Document 10. The addresses referred to above are: For submission of application and clarification purposes only: Attention: Mr. David Woods Baysah Project Coordinator Ministry of Education/Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project Ministry of Education Building (Ground Floor Room No 020 (GPE Project Office.) 3rd Street Sinkor Tubman Boulevard Monrovia, Liberia ZIP Code: 10-1000 Telephone: 231777550234 Email:baysah.fti.cf.moe@gmail.com For Bid Submission purposes: Attention: Mr. David Woods Baysah, Project Coordinator, Global Partnership for Education, Basic Education Project Ministry of Education, (Ground Floor Room No. 020 (GPE Project Office) 3rd Street Sinkor, 1000 Monrovia 10, Liberia.

Lot No.

Description of Project

Package No. MOE/GPEP/CW/NCB/33/14

Bid Security Bid Securing Declaration Bid Securing Declaration Bid Securing Declaration Bid Securing Declaration

Construction of Pennokon

Elementary School (BES) in Putu District, Grand Geddeh County Construction of Kaffeh Elementary MOE/GPEP/CW/NCB/34/14 School (BES) in Barrobo (Nyanken), Maryland County Construction of Welso Elem. & Jr. MOE/GPEP/CW/NCB/35/14 High School (BES) in Sasstown District, Grand Kru County Construction of Draoh Public MOE/GPEP/CW/NCB/36/14 School (BES), Central Kpanyan District, Sinoe County

Construction period 10 months from date of effectiveness of contract

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the World Banks Guidelines: Procurement under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits (dated May 2004 revised October 1, 2006 and May 1, 2010), and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. 4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Offices of the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project (GPEBEP), Ministry of Education at the address below from 09:00 17:00 hours GMT each working day. 5. Qualifications requirements include: i. For Basic Education Schools Experience as prime contractor in the construction of at least three works of similarvalue, nature and complexity in the last five years; Average annual turnover amount of construction works performed during the last five years of at least US $250,000.00. Evidence of access to Financial Resources of at least US$ 100,000.00. Detailed qualification requirements are stipulated in the bidding document. A margin of preference for eligible national contractors/joint ventures

Page 12 | Frontpage
Secure Risk Bldg., 4 Floor Broad & Lynch streets Monrovia, Liberia.
th

VEGA Liberia DCA Program Statement of Work: IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist Position: IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist Program: Liberia Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) Program Location: Monrovia, Liberia Duration: 2.5 years Target Start Date: April 2014

2006 NISSAN MAXIMA SPORTS EDITION

FOR SALE

Monday, March 17, 2014

IESC the International Executive Service Corps is a US based not-for-profit with a focus on supporting private enterprise in developing countries. We have worked in partnership with local people in 130 countries - mainly with the generous support of USAID - designing, implementing, managing and evaluating a wide range of market driven solutions along the entire value chain of a company or industry. We are proud that we have helped create more than one million jobs throughout the world, leaving behind a legacy of increased economic stability and skills, burgeoning private businesses, and strengthened public and private institutions where they are needed most. In Liberia, IESC implements the Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) program. This four-year program is funded by USAID through a Leader with Associate Award under the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA). The program works with commercial banks and SMEs to facilitate increased access to commercial finance. Under this program, IBEX is seeking an Enterprise Development Specialist (EDS). This is a ful l -time position based in Monrovia and anticipated to last through the end of 2016. Under the supervision of the Chief of Party (COP), the Enterprise Development Specialist will work with organizations and enterprises from five new sectors, infrastructure, construction, general merchandise/Trade, transportation, and hospitality chains. The EDS will conduct outreach to educate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the role of credit in growing businesses and cultivate a pipeline of SMEs that would benefit from debt financing. Working with these SMEs, the EDS will provide counseling and technical assistance to improve their credit readiness and develop their loan application and supporting documentation. The Enterprise Development Specialist will be responsible for keeping accurate records of their activities and reporting them to the programs Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. The EDS will also follow up with IBEX clients through periodic visits to their business to assess progress and identify potential impediments. Qualifications Fluency in English; At least five years of professional work experience in one or more of the following sectors: infrastructure, construction, general merchandise, transportation, and th hospitality chains; Secure Risk Bldg., 4 Floor Broad & Lynch streets Monrovia, Liberia. At least two years of business management experience;
International Service Corps 1900 m M Street NW Ste 500 Washington, DC 20036 202.589.2600 Executive University degree in business anagement, accounting, finance or related field; iesc.org Previous experience conducting training or capacity building;

Black on Black Black Exterior with Black Leather Seats

ENGINE: 6 CYL TRANSMISSION: AUTOMATIC DRIVETRAIN: FWD 3-POINT SEAT BELTS 4-WHEEL INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL AIR CONDITIONING ALLOY WHEELS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS CD (6-DISC CD CHANGER CASSETTE CENTER CONSOLE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS CLOCK CRUISE CONTROL CUP HOLDER DOOR POCKETS DUAL-ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL FOG LIGHTS FRONT AIRBAGS (DUAL) FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS (DUAL) SPARE TIRE INTERMITTENT WIPERS KEYLESS ENTRY LEATHER STEERING WHEEL POWER LOCKS POWER MIRRORS POWER OUTLET POWER STEERING POWER WINDOWS BOSE SOUND SYSTEM READING LIGHTS REMOTE TRUNK RELEASE REMOTE WINDOWS SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS SPLIT/FOLDING SEATS STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS SUN/MOONROOF THERMOMETER TRACTION/STABILITY CONTROL TRIP COMPUTER

How to Apply: Please submit a detailed resume and a brief message summarizing your interest and qualifications to IBEXCOP@gmail.com or jobs@iesc.org with IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist in the subject line. Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please. IESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Strong organizational, writing and communications skills; Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize work, and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines; Ability to travel throughout Liberia; Prior experience working on a donor-funded development programsespecially USAIDwould be a plus.

Secure Risk Bldg., 4 Floor Broad & Lynch streets Monrovia, Liberia.

th

IBEX Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Liberia Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) Program Monrovia, Liberia 2.5 years April 2014 IESC the International Executive Service Corps is a US based not-for-profit with a focus on supporting private enterprise in developing countries. We have worked in partnership with local people in 130 countries - mainly with the generous support of USAID - designing, implementing, managing and evaluating a wide range f market riven solutions along DC the entire value chain of International Executive Service Corps 1900 Mo Street NW d Ste 500 Washington, 20036 202.589.2600 iesc.org a company or industry. We are proud that w e have helped create more than one million jobs throughout the world, leaving behind a legacy of increased economic stability and skills, burgeoning private businesses, and strengthened public and private institutions where they are needed most. The International Executive Service Corps (IESC) is seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist for its Liberia Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) program. IBEX facilitates access to credit among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia through conducting outreach and providing technical assistance to banks and SMEs. This is a full-time position expected to last until April 2016. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the IBEX Chief of Party (COP), the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for ensuring accurate collection and timely reporting on IESCs IBEX program activities and results. The M&E Specialist will take the lead on all aspects of program monitoring and evaluation. Specific duties will include: Executing the revision of results framework, performance management plan, and performance indicator reference sheets (PIRS) for the USAID-IBEX Project in concert with IESC HQ and Liberia Monitoring and Evaluation Program (L-MEP); Strengthening and developing monitoring and evaluation tools and processes, incorporating feedback from data quality assessment results; Providing training and technical support to program staff regarding sound M&E procedures; Ensuring the chief of party and project staff understand their roles and responsibilities for project monitoring and evaluation including data collection and data analysis; Developing procedures that seamlessly integrate M&E efforts into regular management and technical activities Contributing to the development of program deliverables, including annual workplans and quarterly reports;
Entering quarterly program data into Performance Indicators Database System (PIDS); Ensuring reliability and accuracy of programmatic data; and Overseeing the identification and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.

Position: Program: Location: Duration: Target Start Date:

VEGA Liberia DCA Program Statement of Work: IBEX Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Liberia

Qualifications: Fluency in English; International Service Corps 1900 M Street NW Ste 500 Washington, DC 20036 202.589.2600 Executive University degree, preferably with a focus on economics, international development, statistics, or social science research methods; iesc.org At least five years of experience working on donor-funded development programs; At least three years of prior experience performing monitoring and evaluation for USAID-funded programs; Strong organizational, writing and communications skills; Strong writing, quantitative, analytical, and research skills; Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize work, and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines; Ability to travel throughout Liberia; Working knowledge of geographic information systems would be an asset; Previous experience with Environmental Mitigation & Management Plans (EMMPs) would be a plus. To Apply: Please forward a letter of interest and current resume to IBEXCOP@gmail.com or jobs@iesc.org, with M&E Specialist in the subject line.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Frontpage

Page 13

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Republic of Liberia Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP); Ministry of Finance Credit No.: IDA50260 Assignment Title: Security Consultant The Republic of Liberia has received a Financing from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) toward the cost of an Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing for consulting services. The consulting services (the Services) include the following: Develop comprehensive security plan for Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) HQ. Develop structure, job profiles and standard operating procedures for the Security Unit to be established in the LRA including operating forms etc., and also for the external security firm. Oversee installations of electronic security systems, such as closed circuit surveillance, entry controls, burglar alarms, ultrasonic motion detectors, outdoor perimeter microwave alarms etc. Work closely with Donor TA on the development of the technical documents and on all LRA security matters Any other security related assignment leading to the establishment of the LRA. The assignment is for five (5) months. The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible individuals (Consultants) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice or related field. A Master degree is a plus 5 years working experience in Management position performing similar functions of security systems development & planning. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers , January 2011 (Consultant Guidelines). The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours - 0900 to 1600 GMT. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 19th March, 2014. Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP) Attn: Mr. Bernard Jappah, PFM Reforms Coordinator Ministry of Finance, 4th Floor Broad and Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tell: +231886512462 E-Mail: bjappah@liftliberia.gov.lr Cc: ivanofei@hotmail.com

Page 14 | Frontpage

IN BRIEF SERBIA'S CENTERRIGHT TO TIGHTEN GRIP ON POWER IN VOTE, PROMISING REFORM

BELGRADE (Reuters) erbia's center-right Progressive Party bid to cement its grip on power for the next four years in a snap election on Sunday, promising an economic overhaul of the ex-Yugoslav republic as it embarks on talks to join the European Union. Opinion polls suggest the party may win more than 40 percent of the vote, a haul unprecedented in the almost 14 years since Serbia came in from the cold with the ouster of strongman Slobodan Milosevic. Party leader Aleksandar Vucic, a former ultra-nationalist and once feared Milosevic-era cabinet minister who converted to the cause of EU membership in 2008, is likely to become prime minister.

KERRY PRESSURING THE WRONG SIDE: ISRAEL MINISTER

Jerusalem (AFP) n Israeli minister on Sunday said Washington's top diplomat was "wrong" for pressuring Israel in peace talks, a day before Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas visits the White House. His remarks came two days after US Secretary of State John Kerry criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated demand that the Palestinians recognise Israel as a Jewish state. "John Kerry is wrong because he is putting pressure on the wrong side," said Environment Minister Gilad Erdan, who is considered close to Netanyahu. "Kerry should be asking Abu Mazen (Abbas) why he is stubbornly refusing to recognise Israel as the Jewish state," he told public radio.

Beijing (AFP) alaysia said Sunday that police had searched the homes of the pilots of a missing jet and examined a home flight simulator after revelations that the flight was deliberately diverted triggered a full-scale criminal probe. As a multi-nation operation began a new push to locate the vanished Boeing-777 somewhere within a vast arc of land and ocean, criminal investigators sought other clues to the fate of the Malaysia Airlines plane. The transport ministry said police searched the pilots' homes on Saturday and were examining the captain's home flight simulator, but cautioned the public "not to jump to conclusions". In line with "normal procedure", police were probing all the missing plane's 239 passengers and crew, as well as engineers who may have had contact with the aircraft before take-off, the ministry said in a statement. The police action followed Saturday's startling revelations that the plane's communications systems had been manually switched off before the jet veered westward and flew on for hours. Briefing the press, Prime Minister Najib Razak declined to use the word hijack, but said the new data suggested "deliberate action" by someone on board -- raising more perplexing and deeply troubling questions about the plane's fate. "Who? Why? Where?" was the front page headline of the Malaysian governmentcontrolled New Straits Times. For anguished relatives, the news was a double-edged sword -- holding out the slim hope that hijackers had landed

PAGE RONT

WORLD NEWS

Monday, March 17, 2014

NORMAL PROCEDURE
Malaysia jet's 'deliberate' diversion triggers pilot homes search
and Nicobar Islands and in the Bay of Bengal pending fresh instructions from Malaysia. Expert opinion that disabling the communications system required specialist knowledge intensified scrutiny of Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah and his First Officer, Fariq Abdul Hamid. Friends and colleagues of both pilots have testified to their good character, but questions have been raised over the simulator Zaharie installed at home -- even though aviation commentators have said this is not uncommon. Fariq's record was queried after a woman said he had allowed her and a friend to ride in the cockpit of an earlier flight. The alternative scenario -- that the cockpit was taken over or the pilots coerced -- opens a Pandora's Box of possibilities as to who might be involved and with what motive. Two passengers who boarded the plane with stolen EU passports have been identified as Iranians by Interpol, who said they were most likely illegal immigrants who did not fit terrorist profiles. The fact that most of the passengers on board the Beijing-bound flight were Chinese has raised speculation of involvement by militants from China's Muslim ethnic Uighur minority. the plane somewhere, while ushering in another agonising open-ended waiting period. Relatives of Bob and Cathy Lawton, a missing Australian couple, said they were horrified by the notion of a drawn-out hijack ordeal. - What did they put up with? "That's one of the worst things I could have hoped for," Bob's brother David Lawton told News Limited newspapers. "Even if they are alive, what did they have to put up with?" The scope for speculation is as broad as the new search area that stretches from Kazakhstan to the southern Indian Ocean. India on Sunday suspended its search around the Andaman

- Still early days Security experts warned against reading too much into partial data. "We still really don't have a lot of evidence to go on," said Anthony Brickhouse, a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators. "We don't have any wreckage, we don't have the plane itself, we don't have a lot of electronic data from the aircraft." The search is now focused on two flight corridors -- a northern one stretching from Thailand to Kazakhstan and a southern zone from Indonesia towards the southern Indian Ocean.

KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) unmen killed more than 100 people in an attack on three villages in central Nigeria, an area where longstanding disputes over land, religion and ethnicity often erupt into violence, two local government officials said on Sunday.

HERDSMEN KILL 100 IN ATTACKS ON NIGERIAN VILLAGES

Simferopol (Ukraine) (AFP) rimeans took to the polls on Sunday for a referendum on breaking away from Ukraine to join Russia that has precipitated a Cold War-style security crisis on Europe's eastern frontier. Cossacks and self-defence militias were seen patrolling some polling stations and Russian flags were being flown everywhere from city buses to convoys of bikers roaming the streets. Ukraine's new government and most of the international community except Russia have said they will not recognise a result expected to be overwhelmingly in favour of immediate secession.

CRIMEA HOLDS REFERENDUM TO SPLIT FROM UKRAINE

"This is a historic moment, everyone will live happily," Sergiy Aksyonov, the local pro-Moscow prime minister, told reporters after casting his ballot in the regional capital Simferopol. "We will celebrate this evening," Aksyonov said, after a man waving a blueand-yellow Ukrainian flag and demanding it be put up inside the polling station was pushed away by security guards. The Black Sea peninsula is inhabited mostly by ethnic Russians and has been seized by Russian forces over the past month after Ukraine's uprising, plunging US-Russia ties to their lowest point since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989

Monday, March 17, 2014

FROM TAX EVASION TO MULTIPLE CHARGES

Sports

Frontpage

Page 15

Is LFA President Musa Bility qualified to stand in the ensuing elections on March 22?
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

LOCAL SPORT BYC WHIPS RED LION IN LFA FIRST DIVISION CHASE
A. Macaulay Sombai, Sombai121@gmail.com

he elections committee of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has released the final list of candidates ahead of the 19th ordinary congress in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County from March 21-22. At a news conference on March 6, Malcolm Joseph disqualified incumbent vice president for operations Adolph Akwe Lawrence, who was temporarily barred on February 27, for what he called double nomination by Gardnersville FC. Ex-Invincible Eleven vice president Alfred Sayon was also disqualified for the same offence in keeping with chapter 25, article 58.2 of the LFA statutes. The committee reaffirmed its decision to disqualify ex-Fulani FC President Alieu Bah in keeping with chapter 21, article 45.4 of the statutes. It means FC Fassell President Cassell Kuoh, whose qualification was questioned by Small Town, is poised to succeed Lawrence. Small Town vice president Samuel Nagbe and LISCR FC president Mustapha Raji has objected to the disqualification of Lawrence and qualification of Kuoh to the elections appeals committee led by ex-Supreme Court Associate Justice Karmo Soko Sackor. A host of candidates, including eight incumbents, are seeking a place in the coveted and reconfigured 10-man executive committee. In a series of articles, we will present the facts and you can judge whether Joseph embarrassed his hard-earned reputation as a civil society activist, a respected media trainer and Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) vice president for technical affairs in the pre-electoral process. In part one, we are asking whether LFA president Musa Bility, who was cleared to seek reelection unopposed, is qualified to stand in these elections. Chapter 21, article 45.4 clearly defines the criteria in order for anyone to be qualified as a candidate. It states that the president, vice presidents and members of the executive committee (EC) shall not be younger than 25 years. The president must have been president in one of the members of the LFA in the last two years before the elections. The 10 other EC members must have been president, vice president or general secretary of one of the members of the LFA in the last two years before the elections. The president and vice presidents shall have a minimum qualification of a bachelor degree while the other 10 EC members shall have a minimum qualification of a high school diploma. Concluding, it says they shall not have been found guilty of a criminal offence. They shall have the Liberian nationality and shall have residency within the territory of Liberia. So did Bility pass those streamlined processes? Bility, who runs two business empires in addition to his footballing portfolio, has been found guilty of tax evasion. Hes the president and chief executive officer of Srimex Enterprises/ Gulf Trading, a company dealing in petroleum products and cement, and owner of the Renaissance Communications Incorporated, which includes Truth 96.1 FM, Real TV and Renaissance newspaper respectively. Lawyers at the tax division of the Ministry of Finance first pressed the charge of US$368,910.52 of unpaid taxes against Bility in November 2010 but it was reportedly compromised when Bility was appointed as Montserrado County chairman for the reelection bid of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in the run-up to the 2011 presidential and legislative elections. The case resumed at the tax court under the jurisdiction of the then presiding Judge Eva Mappay Morgan tax in June 2012. At a hearing in July, defense lawyers Aaron Kparklin and Paul Duan argued that government has substantial evidence that although Bility had unpaid taxes of US$488,910.52, he made a part-payment, which reduced the amount to US$368,000. But Cllr. Theophilus Gould admitted that his client owes US$180,000 and not the more than US$368.000. Passing on the issues in July, then Judge Morgan ordered the defendant to pay the US$190,800.00. More to count five, movant/plaintiff submits that respondents/ defendants (Bilitys) request on June 18, 2013 for stipulation beginning on June 30, 2013 up to December 30, 2014 is yet to be submitted and implemented as proposed; this attitude on the part of defendant/respondent has deprived government of needed revenue. Movant/plaintiff also says that since defendant/respondents counsel requested your honor on the 13th day of September A.D. 2013 to work along with the prosecution team and derive an amicable payment arrangement, said arrangement has not been made due to the numerous delays on the part of defendant/respondent and his counsel, submitted attorney-at-law Samuel Y. Zaza, senior tax persecutor of the Ministry of Justice. And recently, Judge Mozart A. Chesson ordered the seizure and sale of assets as well as the closure of Bilitys businesses in a writ of execution, from a hearing judgment, which is yet to be implemented. Unlike in Germany where tax court judge Rupert Heindl, dubbed

F
Bilitys legal team, attorneys-at law Swahilo Sesay and Arthur Johnson, requested for a separate trial at a pre-trial conference on December 18, 2013
"judge merciless" by the press for jailing a pensioner, sentenced Bayern Munich ex-president Uli Hoeness to a three-and-a-half year jail sentence on March 13 for tax evasion, transgressors in Liberia avoid jail due to their political and or presidential connection by repaying what they have gained illegally. Criminal or civil offense? Tax evasion is a criminal offense under the penal code, chapter 50, sub-chapter F (economic sabotage) section 15.80 (fraud on the internal revenue of Liberia). Section 90-A of the Liberia Revenue Code as amended in 2011 says a person, who willfully evades or attempts to evade tax imposed under this code, commits a felony and upon conviction, in addition to any other sanctions that may be provided by law, the person is subject to a fine of not more than L$200,000; imprisonment for not more than five years or both. A person willfully evades or attempts to evade tax if, with intent to evade or defeat tax liability or tax payment, the person (1) files or causes the filing of a tax return or declaration that is false in a material way; (2) conceals or removes assets applicable to the collection thereof; (3) fails to account for or pay over when due taxes previously collected or withheld or received from another with the understanding that they will be paid over to the ministry; (4) willfully fails to file a tax return or declaration when due and (5) otherwise attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax. Chapter 19, section 1903, section 12(b) states that taxes that have not been paid by the due date can be sued for and recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction by the minister of justice acting in an official capacity in the manner provided for in subsection(c). According to subsection (c), if a person fails to pay tax when due, the minister may file with the clerk or registrar of a court of competent jurisdiction, a statement certified by the minister setting forth the amount of tax due by the person. The amendments to the revenue code of 2000 are new provisions stated in Section 6 of the Consolidated Tax Amendments Act of 2011, approved September 14, 2009 and published November 1, 2011. Chapter one, sub-chapter B, section 51-C says if the taxpayer is convicted of willful failure to file a tax return in a criminal court proceeding as authorized under the criminal justice law of Liberia, the penalty under sub-section (a) is doubled and the taxpayer may also be subjected to a term of imprisonment of up to five years. Bility, ex-board chairman of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), was indicted in August 2013 along exLAA managing director Ellen Cockrum, Liberian Bank for Development and Investment president and vice president John B. S. Davies, III and Gloria Menjor by the grand jury of Montserrado County. Also indicted was the president of the First International Bank (FIB) for various crimes, including theft of property, economic sabotage, criminal conspiracy and facilitation in connection to a US$30 million deal to rehabilitate the Roberts international airport. But his legal team succeeded in convincing Criminal Court A Judge Blamo Dixon at a pre-trial conference on December 18, 2013 for a separate trial, which should have started on February 12, 2014. Davies and Menjor were earlier granted separate trial in keeping with chapter 15.10 of the criminal procedure law. FIB President Wole Sodipe and Jeremi Tegli and Justin Ogugua were found guilty of economic sabotage following the banks restitution of US$56,750, which it reportedly wired to Melvin Johnson, to the court. Dixon denied the motion filed by the lawyers of the FIB to quash out the writ of arrest for Sodipe and fined it US$10,000 and US$300 for all involved in the saga. Drawing from precedent, Bility, assuming he wasnt guilty and didnt admit to tax evasion, wouldnt have contested the ensuing elections. In an electoral code released to Kenya in April 2011, Fifa barred those with pending court cases of any nature. Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) president Iya Mohammed was elected unopposed in a June 19, 2013 poll despite facing charges of embezzling funds at the state-owned Cotton Development Company (CDC). State auditors say the CDC lost millions of dollars when Mohammed, who has been held in prison since June 10 pending trial, was managing director. Prosecutors say he could be held for up to six months before trial while investigations continue. But Fecafoot elections appeals committee invalidated the process two days after Fifa president Joseph Sepp Blatter gave his seal of approval following an appeal filed by one of the defeated candidates. In July 2013, Fifa quickly moved to set-up a normalisation committee headed by former minister of education and sports, Joseph Owona, to organise elections to be held by 31 March 2014. So, Fifa must act now for the good of the game and for the world.

resh from elimination in the ongoing continental competitions, both BYC and Red Lion faceoff in a domestic league match with BYC venting their elimination anger on their opponent. Striker Prince Saydee early minute goal against Red Lion on Wednesday in the Liberia Football Association (LFA) first division chase gave his side Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) more zeal as the match ended 2-0 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS). Saydee goal came in the eight minute through a dangerous shot from the left extreme of the opponents goal. BYC players maintained their lead and total ball control until the first half ended where Red Lion could only fight to defend in an effort to avoid conceding goals making much advances at the opponent goal. Red Lion led by their Captain goalkeeper Mulbah Urey frustration increases after one of their players Gross Sloboh was red carded for misconduct but they made five attempts but none could materialize. Amos Amoako could have made it 1-1 for Red Lion in the 56th and 59th minutes from the 25 and 30 yards free kick respectively but could only manage a shot off the bar and BYC goalkeeper Nathaniel Sherman easily saved the second free kick due to the poor manner in which the ball was kicked. BYC midfield led by Benjamin Gbamy helped his side to take total control of the entire match with absolute ball possession, shot on target forcing several saves from by goalkeeper Urey until in the 60th minute when substitute Lamine Jabateh made the score 2-0 through placement after he received a splendid pass from a teammate in the six yard box of the Lion. BYC made two changes by bringing in Jabateh in place of Teku Nahn and replacing Saydee with Trokon Myers and their captain Francis Jallabah received a yellow card for going contrary to the rules of the game. Red Lion carried on three changes bringing in Bobby Williams in place of Morris Kabbah and replacing Dominic Jlateh with Amara Sakor while Jenkins Wesseh went in for Alvin Maccornel. The match was handled by central referee Isaac Montgomery, number one assistant Francis Sannoh and number two assistance Elisha Johnson, match official was Bill Kennedy and Match commissioner Spencer Harris.

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
VOL 8 NO.552

FROM TAX EVASION TO MULTIPLE CHARGES

Is LFA President Musa Bility qualified to stand in the ensuing elections on March 22?

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

Sports

PRICE L$40

Spot News MICHAEL WEDS CHARLOTTE M

FrontPage

Mae Azango maeazango@frontpageafricaonline.com

r. Michael S. Samukai made his intentions known over the weekend, when he took the hands of lovely Charlotte P. Dennis as his lawful wedded wife, at the Bethel Cathedral of Hope Church in Sinkor. The ceremony brought together family members, friends and well wishers, with exhortation delivered by, Rev. Peter Inuwa, while the exchange of marital vows was performed by Rev. Dr. Wolo Belleh. Preaching on the Theme: Keep it from the book of 1 cor. 13:5-13, Rev. Peter Inuwa said Jesus told a lady at the well that she had been married five times and the man she was living with was not hers. Which meant the lady could get a man to marry, but could not keep any, because something was missing that made the men to leave. Whatever you had that attracted your partner to you, keep it and you will have a happy marriage life. Many of you women usually dress sharp and look good with new hairdo every week, when you are not married but as soon as you are married, you start to tie lappa over your breast in the home. After the wedding, the bridal party went for a ride and picture taking, while the crowd went to the Executive Pavilion on Broad Street in Monrovia.