Defendants Guilty In Ecobank- Central Bank US$1.1M Case in Liberia

By  M. Welemongai Ciapha, II 07/06/2010 -

Source: http://www.frontpageafrica.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=11100&z=3

Monrovia -

A 12-member empanelled jury at Criminal Court “C”, Temple of Justice in Monrovia Monday rendered a unanimous guilty verdict against Mars Jusu Paasewe and his brother Richard Paasewe in the US$1.1 million case.

Records from the court revealed that defendant Mars introduced Richard to the deal for the transfer of the money from the account of the government of Liberia (GOL) to a private account at the Ecobank.

State Prosecutor M. Wilkins Wright told the jurors that the case is about forgery, theft and conspiracy.

Gbotee Peabody, one of the accused, was acquitted of the charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery and theft of property on grounds that Mars, who is the principal defendant, had testified that they were tortured and frightened with snake during an investigation at the headquarters of the National Security Agency (NSA) to lie on Gbotee.

Outlining the theory of the case, M. Wilkins Wright, who is the chief prosecutor for the GOL, told the jurors that the case is about forgery, theft and conspiracy.

Cllr. Wright further told the court that each of the three defendants played a major role in transferring the money.

The state lawyer stated after Gbotee had called Mars and provided details of the plan, Mars informed his brother Richard that an account could be opened in the name of E-Jee Sirleaf, where the money would have been transferred.

He argued that Gbotee processed the forms, which enable them to do the withdrawal of US$2,000 from Ecobank’s Vai Town branch.

On the issue of the defendants’ claim that Cllr. Wright told them to admit to guilt because of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s interest in the case, Cllr. Wright clarified that his action was predicated on the defendants’ sister request to help her two brothers out of the trouble.

Defense Witness Mars Jusu Paasewe was found guilty

“The CBL is not on trial. I went to the prison compound, but I did not tell them to lie. I went there [and] that’s my job. Their sister and I went there and asked for me to help them. I told their sister that the evidence government has against them was cogent,” Cllr. Wright clarified.

He contended that the accused should be brought down guilty of the crimes charged, because if they could forge the president’s signature to withdraw money from the bank, they can even forge her signature to declare war.

He asserted that the acts of corruption are not only carry out by government officials alone, but any act of dishonesty as in the instant case.

“Government is asking you to bring a guilty verdict,” he added.

However, one of the prosecutors, Theophilius C. Gould, informed the jurors not to be carried away by ‘sentiment’ that NSA has a snake to scare suspects.

Cllr. Gould, a long time criminal lawyer, noted that the defendants themselves admitted to the crimes of forgery, theft and criminal conspiracy.

He further maintained that the defendants wanted to embarrass the President of Liberia.

“Criminals have the propensity to destroy this jurisdiction, but you have to set the record straight,” Cllr. Gould averred.

The defense led by David Woah, however, took a different trend in his argument, stating that Charles Sirleaf told the accused that the only way he would help them was to open an account in the name of E-Jee Sirleaf, which he could control.

Atty. Woah told the jurors that Charles used the name of one Gbotoe, different from the defendant Gbotee.

He argued that when Richard was arrested, as one of the defendants, he told the personnel of the NSA that it was Charles (the president’s son) who opened the account for his trust fund.

According to Atty. Woah, a transfer of money from a bank to another bank cannot be made possible without the assistance of an insider.

“Remember, if you convict these defendants, you will be prosecuted for the untouchable. They are innocent,” Atty. Woah contended.

For his part, Atty. S. L. Lofen Keaneh, also a defense lawyer, closing the arguments, said Charles lied and deceived the defendants the he has a trust fund called E-Jee Sirleaf at Ecobank.

The case was presided over by judge James N. Gilayeneh. The final judgment is expected to be handed down five days from Monday.

The state was represented by Cllr. J. Daku Mulbah, Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah, Cllr. Samuel K. Jacobs, Atty. Stephen J. H. Zargo, while the defense team was headed by Atty. David Woah, Atty. Dallama Solunteh and Atty. L. S. Lofen Keaneh.

‘Taylor Will Destroy’ Liberia -‘If He Returns’, Patrick Kennedy Says

07/06/2010 - Moses Varfee Kowo

Source: http://www.frontpageafrica.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=11099&z=3

CAUTIOUS EMBRACE: Representative Patrick Kennedy(D-Rhodes Island) says he appreciates the fact that former Liberian President Charles Taylor might be having a lot of support on the ground but warned all Liberians should see the bigger picture of a democratic Liberia.

Monrovia -

If U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy(D-Rhodes Island) had his way, former Liberian President Charles Ghankay should stay as far away from Liberia as possible.

Kennedy, one of eight U.S. lawmakers in Liberia on a three-day working visit to Liberia told reporters after a session with members of the national legislature that it would dangerous for the political future of Liberia if Mr. Taylor is allow to return to the country.

Members of the U.S. delegation with their Liberian counterparts shortly after a meeting Monday. The U.S. lawmakers are on a three-day visit to Liberia.

Congressman Kennedy’s comments come amid ongoing debate and a dark cloud over what the future of Liberia would be in the aftermath of Mr. Taylor after the ongoing trial in the Hague.

Representative Kennedy said he appreciates the fact that Mr. Taylor might be having a lot of support on the ground but warned all Liberians should see the bigger picture of a democratic Liberia.

The issue was resurrected recently when the political leader of the Congress for Democratic Change(CDC)George Manneh Weah declared that he was not opposed to Taylor returning to Liberia.

Weah, in a Radio Netherlands interview said that if Mr. Taylor were acquitted it means he is set free.

Said Weah: "Liberia did not send Charles Taylor to the Hague neither accused Charles Taylor of any crime. So if Sierra Leone accused Mr. Taylor of a crime and he is in the Hague and is acquitted and Liberia also has nothing against Mr. Taylor, he is a free citizen and I think he must go back to his country."

Taylor, who departed Liberia in August 2003, after he was offered asylum, declared shortly before his departure that "God willing, I will be back." Many political observers and die-hard Taylor supporters have been struggling to decipher the meaning of Taylor’s statement.

Taylor, who did not receive financial support from the U.S. during Presidential rule blamed the country's troubles during his term on foreign meddling but challenged the U.S. to help in Liberia and painted himself as a martyr who would be exonerated by historians. "Because Jesus died, we are saved today," Taylor said. "I want to be the sacrificial lamb. I am the whipping boy. It's easy to say 'It's because of Taylor.' After today, there will be no more Taylor to blame."

No Appreciation for Sirleaf, Kennedy BemoansCongressman Kennedy’s comments come amid ongoing debate and a dark cloud over what the future of Liberia would be in the aftermath of Mr. Taylor after the ongoing trial in the Hague.

The son of one of America’s long serving Senators Edward Kennedy called on Liberians to support the work of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf whom according to him has led a crusade in the international world for support to Liberia and to wave the country huge debt burden.

Said Kennedy: “President Ellen Johnson has a good approach with international financial institutions. If it was not for President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf this country will not be moving as fast as it is now, some people don’t really appreciate that.”

Kennedy further stated that some people need to tell others that this means good thing for Liberia. “The other thing they need to say is that in spite of the trial of Mr. Taylor, people might like the guy but it doesn’t means he is a good person in terms of what he represents in this politics .if he ever to make it back to the country, he will destroy the credibility of Liberia in the international community, the way they will look at his return to the country form people who know and like Liberia , the United states is a part will comment on that because right now as I said Liberia is at a very formative period and somewhat in a dedicate period in the development of its economy, so the wrong message by the people will destruct and sent a wrong message by the people here to the world at the time when everything is important” ,Congressman ended his statement to journalists on capitol.”

The issue of Taylor is emerging as a major political stake in the upcoming 2011 elections. Many observers point to the recent declaration by Weah in support of Taylor’s return to Liberia as a sign that Weah is reaching out to Taylor National Patriotic Party base.

In the aftermath of the 2005 presidential elections, Taylor’s ex-wife Jewel Howard Taylor took the winner of the presidential elections, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to task for reneging on her pledge that she would not turn Taylor over for prosecution. Ironically, Weah’s CDC and NPP recently struck a deal to join forces in the 2011 elections.

From 1989 to 1997, Charles Taylor was leader of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), a rebel group that fought in Liberia to overthrow the government of Samuel K. Doe. From 1997 to 2003, Taylor was the democratic president of Liberia. In August 2003, based on an agreement with African Heads of State, Taylor left office after rebel forces had come close to entering the Liberian capital, Monrovia. He was granted political asylum in Nigeria. In March 2006, Taylor was transferred to the custody of the Special Court for Sierra Leone where he now faces trial.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield

Although the trial is being held in The Hague, Mr. Taylor is still being tried by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The trial is taking place on the premises of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Taylor is charged with 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Sierra Leone from November 30, 1996, to January 18, 2002. The Prosecutor alleges that Mr. Taylor is responsible for crimes which include murdering and mutilating civilians, including cutting off their limbs; using women and girls as sex slaves; and abducting children adults and forcing them to perform forced labor or become fighters during the conflict in Sierra Leone. Mr. Taylor has pleaded not guilty.

Mr. Taylor is charged on the basis that he allegedly backed Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels fighting in Sierra Leone; that he had links with senior leaders in the RUF—such as Foday Sankoh, Sam Bockarie (a.k.a. Mosquito), Issa Sesay, and others—in addition to a second warring faction, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC); and that he was responsible for Liberian forces fighting in support of the Sierra Leonean rebels.

FEUDING OVER LIBERIA’S DEBTS: Ghosts Of OAU ’79 In 2011 Political Play

By Rodney D. Sieh

07/05/2010
Source: http://www.frontpageafrica.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=11097&z=3

BLAME GAME: While many have been laying the bulk of the blame on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, research by FrontPageAfrica suggests that there were other players-other than Sirleaf involved at the highest level of the process during the period the loans forgiven last week, were acquired. Besides Sirleaf, Stephen Tolbert - brother of the president also served in the capacity as Minister as did Edwin Williams and James T. Phillips. Sirleaf did serve as the principal minister (Deputy minister of expenditure and debt services) under these minister before she was elevated to the position as minister.

Monrovia - An old ghost from Liberia’s pre-war past is slowly making its way into the debate of the 2011 political discourse. When the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund announced last week its full support for US$4.6 billion debt relief for Liberia, the post-war government seized the moment as a major accoplishment of its five-year reign. While supporters have been trumpeting the achievement as a key ammunition heading into the 2011 presidential and legislative elections, at least one opposition party appears to have found a potential loophole. Looking to score political points, Charles Brumskine’s Liberty Party, In a statement last week, laid much of the blame on the incumbent president when it said, it was constrained to implore President Sirleaf and her government to consider mistakes of the past, during which she was Minister of Finance and a senior policy and decision maker of government, that resulted in such enormous debt of which the people of Liberia, their children, and grandchildren have been saddled for so long.”

So where did all the billions go? Depending on who you ask, there are a lot of blame to go around surrounding the billions of dollars in debt forgiven by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund last week.

For years, conflict and mismanagement left Liberia with a large debt burden of $3.4 billion, owed to multilateral development banks, bilateral creditors, and commercial creditors. In April 2009, most commercial creditors agreed to accept three cents on the dollar for $1.2 billion in outstanding debt. Liberia has made strides to improve public financial management which led to fulfillment of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative last week.

Months after he ended decades of Americo-Liberian rule, Master Sargeant Samuel K. Doe refused to pay the debt but later spearheaded a campaign requiring government employees to pay one dollar each from their paychecks toward paying off the debt. Dr. Togbah Nah Tipoteh, who was Minister of Planning and Economics Affairs at the time, says Doe’s initiative was partly successful. Says Tipoteh: “After election. Doe said Liberians should pay one dollar each to pay off the debt – and many Liberians did.”

In September 1981, Doe seeking to silence his critics and reassure foreign investors or Liberian businessmen of stability, appointed Colonel Harrison Pennue, a former corporal and Doe loyalist as head of a People’s Redemption Council(P.R.C) committee charged with collecting $36 million owed by private debtors to the defunct Bank of Liberia. Doe came under severe criticism when his government was taken to task for failing to turn over a cent of the funds collected to the central bank.

Time Magazine reported that year that at the same time of Pennue’s committee issues, Doe met with Western diplomats and businessmen to inform them that shakedowns would stop, Pennue ordered his bodyguards to hold down the manager of the government-controlled radio station while the colonel flogged him with a belt. The man's crime: passing Pennue's car. which was stopped along Monrovia's main street. Doe finally jailed Pennue for four days as a "warning" to other P.R.C. members.

But despite the P.R.C.'s excesses, the U.S. Government remained supportive of the regime. While total foreign aid was drastically slashed by the Reagan Administration, U.S. annual assistance to Liberia leapt from $8 million during the last year of Tolbert's presidency to $68.3 million in 1981, an increase, at a time of general retrenchment. Washington, according to Time Magazine, explained at the time that there was "no visible alternative" to the Doe regime.

Dr. Tipoteh recalls that Sirleaf, minister at the time also served as Deputy Minister prior to becoming Minister. “Even she has admitted that a lot of the aid came under her watch,” Tipoteh explained.

From Tolbert to Sirleaf

While many are laying the bulk of the blame on Sirleaf, research by FrontPageAfrica suggests that there were other players-other than Sirleaf involved at the highest level of the process during the period the loans were acquired.

Besides Sirleaf, Stephen Tolbert - brother of the president also served in the capacity as Minister as did Edwin Williams and James T. Phillips. Sirleaf did serve as the principal minister (Deputy minister of expenditure and debt services) under these minister before she was elevated to the position as minister.

But prior to the OAU 1979 summit, President Tolbert lobbied at an OAU conference for Liberia to host the OAU Summit in Liberia so that he would be its Chairman. This was approved hence the OAU summit of Heads of States and Government was held in Liberia. Among the projects undertaken for the summit were: New terminal built at RIA together with a VIP Lounge and a Hotel; Road paved from RIA to OAU center via Monrovia and Gardnerville; New bridge constructed (Johnson street bridge); New ministry of foreign affairs constructed; New conference center constructed in Virginia; 50 new villas constructed in Virginia for the 50 heads of states attending the conference; Hotel constructed at the center in Virginia for guests; New road constructed and paved from Monrovia to Bensonville - the president home; 50 Mercedes Benz purchased from Germany for the 50 heads of states. a ship; chartered from Germany to transport these vehicles to Monrovia; To accommodate additional guests, two floating ships were leased from abroad and used as hotels for about a month.

Doe Govt approached Paris Club on Debts
A former Finance Minister who preferred anonymity for this report informed FPA that all of the projects were financed from loans obtained from foreign governments, World Bank, ADB and IMF and mainly Commercial Banks with high interest rates.

According to the minister, when Sirleaf became minister, the government of Liberia leased the Penthouse at the top of the Ministry of Education - Broad Street for her and the lease was paid for up lease up to the time of the coup. When the coup occurred GOL loan obligations to creditor nations and banks was about US $2.5B - Dr. Tipoteh was made Minister of Planning while Perry Zulu was minister of Finance.

When Doe became Head of State, a freeze was placed on loans on the government - both banks and government. The Doe government had to approach the PARIS Club - Creditor nation debts for rescheduling as well as the LONDON Club for the rescheduling of Banks debts. “Several times GOL was in Paris and London to do this,” said the former minister.

But while many have laid the blame on Sirleaf, Doe was not completely shut out. During his reign, Doe received GRANTS for the United States Government to build the police and AFL barracks; The US Government also gave GOL through USAID - annual grants known as ESF (Economic Support Fund) to assist reducing some its debts. These funds were reportedly handled by the US Embassy and USAID.

Psychologically, a plus
Emmanuel Gardner, a former Minister of Planning and Economics Affairs says most of the funds borrowed went toward infrastructure development: “During the Tubman and Tolbert eras there were no roads as a result those monies went toward building infrastructures. Most of the money went into infrastructure development largely. But the mere fact that the debt is not on our head again, psychologically, it is a plus.”

The debate over where the monies went resurfaced last week when the opposition Liberty Party cautioned the ruling Unity Party government against making similar mistakes which put Liberian in the position to accumulate millions of dollars in debt. The party went on to note that much of the debt forgiven was accumulated during the period when the current President Sirleaf was Minister of Finance. In fact, critics say, those debts were acquired particularly during the summit of the Organization of African Unity(OAU) and Sirleaf was the principal technician in acquiring those debts.

Sirleaf Admits on Kuwait Loan
Welcoming the IMF and World Bank announcement of debt relief last week, President Sirleaf took responsibility only for one of the debts, when she said during her recent visit to Kuwait, she and the Kuwaiti government spoke about a loan signed 32 years ago for road construction, and how to clear up that debt.

Said Sirleaf: “Back in 1978, I personally went to Kuwait and signed that loan myself, for US$6.7 million. We built the Cape Mount road from that money, and that road is still good today. But because we didn’t pay back the loan, the debt has grown to US$12 million. The Kuwaitis want to come back to help us with other roads, once we settle this matter.”

Ironically, critics of the post-war government point out that much of the debts incurred by Liberia have been described as commercial and was accumulated during the hosting of the 1979 summit of the Organization of African Unity(OAU) during which time, infrastructures like Hotel Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and multiple villas were constructed to host African heads of states during the period because there were not sufficient hotels. The Government of Liberia went as far during the time to acquire a floating boat which it rented and used as lodging for some of the international guests.

The irony, critics say is that after the Tolbert years, Liberia received very little in terms of loans in the administrations which followed. During the Samuel Doe, Charles Taylor eras there were no loans and Liberia had to shift attention to the Paris Club.

Prior to the OAU conference, much of the road and infrastructural developments were stagnant, thus, the OAU conference prompted the Tolbert government to build roads throughout greater Monrovia – from Bushrod Island to western Liberia. From New Georgia, Gardnersville, and Barnesville to Paynesville.

Now years later, critics are pointing to the era where much of the debt Liberia has now been forgiven to suggest that the ruling post-war government should not take credit for something it created in the first place.

UP vs. LP: Differences on waivers
Taking exception to the Liberty Party’s position, the Unity Party, in a statement Sunday said while it welcomed the commendation of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her government by Executive Committee of Liberty Party for her leadership in clearing Liberia’s US$4.6 billion external debt, it was important to note that the Liberty Party was not supportive of the Sirleaf Administration when it embarked on its economic program in 2006, and is therefore most gratified that a policy consensus across party lines appears to be emerging. We therefore gratefully thank its Executive Committee for the commendation of the Sirleaf Administration for reaching the completion point under the HIPC initiative; retiring a $1,300 debt burden for each and every Liberian citizen.”

The ruling party also took issue with the opposition party’s call on the government to the fact that debt waivers obligate the assisted government to devote the waived debt proceeds to capacity development, institution building, and infrastructural development. “Unless these are begun urgently, debt waiver will not positively impact Liberia and its future,” the Liberty Party said.

Countering the Liberty Party, supporters of the post-war government explain that there is no such thing as waived debt proceeds that can be used for any purpose since this debt which consist of huge accrued interest and penalties as a result of past administrations not servicing the debt, is simply forgiven. Administration officials are quick to not that there is only a little fiscal space to promote accelerated development.

Relief key to recovery
Amid the internal wrangling over the waiver of post-war Liberia’s debt of yesteryears, the ruling party is enjoying a swarm of praise over the achievement. The U.S Department of the Treasury last week, declared that reaching "completion point" under the Enhanced Heavily-Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) recognizes Liberia's performance under its International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and its excellent progress on adopting and implementing economic reforms in the face of a challenging economic environment both domestically and internationally. "Today's decision marks a major achievement in Liberia's progress towards economic sustainability and the international community's recognition of that progress. This is a great milestone for Liberia," said Under Secretary for International Affairs Lael Brainard.

Relief of Liberia's debt burden is crucial to Liberia's recovery after years of violence and civil war. To allow Liberia to move forward in rebuilding its economy and in light of its achievement under the Enhanced HIPC Initiative, the United States intends to cancel 100 percent of its remaining claims after the September meeting of the Paris Club of international creditors, bringing the total amount of U.S. debt relief for Liberia under HIPC to more than $400 million. The U.S. has meanwhile urged Liberia's other bilateral creditors to be equally generous."

Since 2008, Treasury technical advisors have been working closely with Liberia's Ministry of Finance to implement a Code of Ethics, strengthen internal controls to deter and detect corruption, and improve tax collection procedures.

In accordance with the Enhanced HIPC Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative, "completion point" will bring cancellation of an estimated $2.7 billion in debt from the Paris Club, the IMF, World Bank, African Development Bank and other creditors. The cancellation marks the culmination of a process that will ultimately result in a greater than 90 percent reduction of the debt inherited by Liberia's government, which has been estimated at $3 billion in 2007 (in net present value terms).

With the IMF and World Bank agreeing to support cancellation of Liberia’s debt, attention will now be shifted to the Paris Club where Liberia still faces a daunting task to press for relief of debts from countries under the club’s umbrella.

In the foreseeable future though, the issue appears to be emerging as a hot bottom topic for an incumbent government heralding it as an achievement and the political opposition looking to score countering points. For now, many Liberians are basking in the glory.

Amid the debate, Tipoteh who was Planning Minister after the coup of 1980, says Liberians should at least feel good that the government has put the post-war nation in the position to burrow again. Regardless of what happens with Liberia in the aftermath of the achievement of the HIPC completion point, the road to 2011 appears to have a lot of interesting twists and turn. The latest, regarding the debt relief issue appears to be generating some traction. How the end justifies the means remains to be seen. For now though, the ruling party is hopeful that the cancellation of debts marks the beginning of the end of the post-war nation’s economic blues. For those on the outside looking in the debate over whose responsible may be in play for some time as the post-war nation prepares for perhaps the most crucial elections in the history of Africa’s oldest republic.

Our Liberators In Retrospect: Where Did They Go Wrong? (Part I)

Written By Alfred Johnson

7/14/2010

“….The reason is that many of our heroes’ refusal or inability to know went to take off the veil of idealism and allow themselves to be guided by realities, made them to adopt policies that were too extreme like the “Africa is for Africans” philosophy promulgated by Marcus Garvey. This lack of guidance from reality also impaired their abilities to design and maintain a leadership structure that was reflective of their believe in freedom and democracy and a viable longitudinal blueprint that who have immensely benefited generations of Africans…” -Alfred Johnson

From Kwame Nkrumah’s “I speak of freedom “speech to Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela and disadvantaged South Africans’ victory over Apartheid in South Africa. From Julius Nyerere’s demonstration of “flashing verbalism” at the OAU’s 1964 Summit and his bloodless struggle for an independent Tanganyika to Ahmed Ben Bella’s improbable yet unwavering struggle for an independent Algeria, Africa has produced some of the greatest advocates of social justice the continent and mankind has ever seen; individuals, who, against all odds, questioned the status quo and implicatively declared “normalcy, never again.” They did not just inspire their people to believe in the possibilities of equality, independence, and self-reliance but unrelentingly worked to make it come to fruition.

The continent (Africa) also paid host to two of the greatest champions of non-violent struggles including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Indian founding father Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. In fact, the latter’s (Gandhi) inspiration for a non-violent struggle is inextricably linked to its test and success in Africa, precisely, South Africa where he succeeded in bringing national and eventually international attention to the inhumane treatment of Indians in South Africa.

However, more than half a century later and following series of successful independence struggles, our people are still sweltering with what Dr. King called “the heat of withering injustice.” The continent future remains as beclouded as it was in the earliest part of the twentieth century; Senseless civil wars, coups upon coups, famines and starvation, high mortality rates, unimaginable division, and the list goes on. The ironies involve are inexplicable. A continent with abundant natural resources yet many of its people continue to wallow in the valley of impoverishment. It is the cradle of civilization but also the scene of barbaric acts. Additionally, (as previously stated) it is the birthplace of some of the greatest advocates of social justice and freedom humanity has ever seen, yet, the staging ground for bloody coups and home of vicious dictatorial regimes.

These painfully ironic but indisputable facts have generations of Africans and the world at large asking, what went wrong? How can a continent with such history be the face of irony? Did our champions refuse to understand that the fight and victory over Colonialism was just the beginning and not the end? Were they (African Liberators) unctuous in their independent fight; exploiting our people’s grievances and legitimate concerns and using it as a springboard to political prominence? Where did they/we go wrong and how can we learn from their mistakes and positively shape the destiny of our continent.

From all indications, champions like Nkrumah, Lumumba, Olympio, Barclay and the rest initial intentions were genuinely grounded in their desire to liberate their people (us) from imperialistic rules to self-governance, empowerment, and determination. In the case of Pres. Edwin Barclay, his intention was to move away from the policy of “us v them “and extend a hand of mutual respect to indigenous Liberians, soliciting their opinions on issues of national concern. Sadly, those good intentions, in many instances, did not work as evident in the present state of our continent.

The reason is that many of our heroes’ refusal or inability to know went to take off the veil of idealism and allow themselves to be guided by realities, made them to adopt policies that were too extreme like the “Africa is for Africans” philosophy promulgated by Marcus Garvey. This lack of guidance from reality also impaired their abilities to design and maintain a leadership structure that was reflective of their believe in freedom and democracy and a viable longitudinal blueprint that who have immensely benefited generations of Africans.

Like Michael Eric Dyson, author of I may not get there with you, a book in which he gave readers a comprehensive understanding of Dr. King’s inspiring intellectualism and his moral failings, I am cognizant of the fact that this piece will not receive the nicest of response from some of my fellow Africans. Reason being, we find it revulsive and continentally unpatriotic to bring into the spot light, the flaws of our heroes. However, I take refuge in my unflinching belief that as the next generation of (public and private sectors) African leaders, any attempt to change the trajectory of our continent is contingent upon our ability to understand our past; objectively analyzing the achievements and failures of our founding fathers because in their history lies many of the fundamental causes and solutions of and to our problem(s). Moreover, it is an established fact that these people were not saints they had flaws and they knew it as apparent in this quote from Mandela “…I want to be known as Mandela, a man with weaknesses, some of which are fundamental and a man who is committed” (think exist).

LEAD Organizing For Liberia

Media Talking Point.

What is LEAD Liberia?
• LEAD Organizing For Liberia is part of LEAD Liberia, a non—partisan political group that sends one message to our elected officials across Liberia, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia).

• LEAD Liberia was founded in 2010 with the goal to….

• Engage, Educate, and Empower the people of Liberia

• Demand respect, accountability and transparency from our elected officials across Liberia.

• Build grassroots force for change through citizen participation in government across Liberia.

• The national office is in Monrovia, Liberia but there are other local Development Team of Organizers and Advisory Team working in communities across Liberia.

Are there a lot of people in Liberia that are not empowered or politicians that are taking advantage of their positions, while keeping the people unformed? (Liberia’s Fact)

• The literacy rate in Liberia is about 48%. (CIA World Fact Book)

• Despite five years of peace in Liberia, the majority of Liberians are not engaged by their elected officials.

• Despite five years of peace in Liberia, the majority of Liberians are not empowered by their elected officials.

• Despite five years of peace in Liberia, the majority of Liberians are not engaged in government—neither are they informed of decisions that affect their day-to-day activities.

How does LEAD Liberia Engage, Educate And Empower The People?

• One way LEAD Liberia engages, educates and empowers the people is through our “Survey of Citizen Participation in Government” identifies local leaders through networking with grassroots organizations and community’s advocates.

• Through coordinating and organizing community town hall meetings thereby giving the local people and the leaders of the communities the opportunity to listen, suggest, and talk with elected officials in their respective communities, while demanding respect, transparency and accountability in governance.

How can our local community get involved with LEAD Organizing For Liberia?

• By taking LEAD Liberia “Survey of Citizen Participation in Government”

• By organizing community events that engage, educate and empower the local people in the community.

• By calling their local representatives and senators to demand respect, transparency and accountability in government.

• By attending LEAD Liberia’s community events.

• By talking to their neighbors and friends about citizen participation in government.

• By contributing to the welfare of the Liberian’s State and the people.

• By making suggestions to LEAD Liberia Community Organizing Team.

• By sponsoring a specific LEAD Liberia’s Project.

How can our elected officials get involved with the people in their respective communities?

• By doing the right thing and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia).

• By organizing town hall meetings with the local people that got them elected thereby informing the people of progress and pending decisions that could affect their respective communities.

• By attending LEAD Liberia’s community events.

• By talking and listening to the people in their respective districts.

• By investing in their respective districts and the people.

• By contributing to the welfare of the Liberian’s State and the people in their respective districts.

Thank you and May God bless the Republic of Liberia.

Abraham Hoff
Chief Community Organizer

Contact: LEAD Organizing For Liberia @ 077384990 and/or leadliberia@yahoo.com.

President Tubman Haunting Legacy

By T. Q. Harris, Jr. Thursday, July 1, 2010 6:01 AM A  flurry of activity has begun in order to ensure that the 2011 Presidential  and Legislative elections produce a new generation of leaders across the  three Branches of government who will have the mandate, respect and support  of the Liberian people. The transition no doubt will amaze, excite, and  inspire even those who have lost hope. Liberia is being repositioned to  become a powerhouse in the not distant future. It will again provide  leadership and be a voice for justice. The 'First Among Many' shall remain  a beacon of freedom and equality in Africa. The old has passed away and now  all things have become new. More than 200,000 men, women and children have  died that this day may come. Therefore, no one should underestimate the  hunger for change. We have embarked upon this endeavor knowing full  well there's a price to pay. Climbing out of the pit of poverty, illiteracy  and disease up onto the pinnacle of confidence, prosperity and respect will  involve pain…much pain indeed; simply, because transitions by their very  nature are painful. And people generally do not like change or parting with  the familiar, not even that which causes destruction. But change we  must. The dysfunctional Liberia created in 1847 where for decades the  dark skins battled the light skins and indigenous were the pawns will no  longer exist as of 2012. Likewise the age where a person's last name  signified position of privilege – though undeserved - also will come to an  end. In the new Liberia merit will determine how high one rises or how low  they sit. Never again will you be asked this intimidating question: Do you  know who I am? Because they shall be known by their fruit. Tubman's  impact on the Liberian society How do we fix Liberia without first  identifying the root causes of the problem? What is at the root of  Liberia's problems, you might ask? The answer to this question may surprise  many, considering for a long time emphases have been placed on the symptoms  rather than the disease. To effectively remedy the nagging ills and alter  Liberia's current trajectory, the haunting legacy of President William V.  S. Tubman must be completely eradicated. Among its negative consequences is  the assassination of Presidents Tolbert and Doe as well as the  15-year carnage. Progress in large part will depend on Liberians'  willingness to rid this nation of the devastating effects of Tubman's  leadership. But first, it is important to understand how the rivalry  between the former slaves contributed to Tubman's success in shaping  Liberia to the extent he did. Almost immediately upon setting foot on the  land, light skin and dark skin slaves engaged in a fierce rivalry which  continued unabated for the better part of a century. Throughout this period  the light skin slaves dominated practically all facets of society. But in  1944 a dramatic shift occurred. The very dark skinned William V. S.  Tubman became Liberia's 18th president. His election was a mixed bag.  It diminished the light skin-dark skin rivalry, elevated the status of  the indigenous, and set the stage for growth. This, however, was achieved  as a result of Tubman's heavy-handed approach to governance where  political expediency took precedence over morality; and criminals were  celebrated. Not long following his inauguration, Tubman created what  has now become the "imperial presidency" by muscling out his political  rivals while at the same time tactfully winning over the indigenous (the  largest population group) as a counterweight. In short order he decimated  the opposition, effectively transforming Liberia into a one party state.  And, for the duration of his tenure, Tubman's True Whig Party was the  only vehicle for political expression. Hence, it shaped the thought,  opinion and behavior of the entire nation. Nonconformance was not an  option. In the new order, the Presidency stood supreme; even above the  law. Tubman's 27-year reign could very well be described as the best of  time and the worst of time. Liberia during this period experienced  significant economic growth and was brought squarely into the modern  age…thanks to World War II and the Cold War. Yet, on the other hand, it was  a time of unparalleled moral decadence, corruption, indifference to rule of  law, witchcraft practices, dependency, greed, as well as extreme fear  amongst the population resulting from widespread mistrust. And it is fair  to say under the Tubman administration Liberia lost its innocence as well  as its bearings. At the time of his death in 1971, President Tubman  had successfully molded the hearts and minds of an entire generation,  particularly the men and women Liberians have turned to for leadership. But  sadly they are the embodiment of a dysfunctional age. Like their esteemed  patron, these individuals would rather watch the nation disintegrate than  step aside for the greater good. True to form, they have in the past 30  years pitted brother against brother in order to gain power. And it's no  surprise fear and apathy has returned, as morality is pushed to the back of  the line. This, in its most conspicuous display, is President Tubman's  haunting legacy which must be brought to an end if Liberia is to  prosper. TGLs - a dangerous and destructive group The imperative  of this nation's survival demands that we retire Tubman-generation-leaders  (TGLs) no later than 2011. They have been ineffective, even dangerous and  destructive. Like Tubman himself, TGLs are a contradiction, often placing  style before substance. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Charles Taylor illustrate  perfectly the nature of TGLs. At the moment, Ellen is more concerned about  her image as Africa's first female president rather than exposing the fact  rule of law (the cornerstone of any viable nation) is nonexistent in  Liberia. And, paradoxically, she is promoting a book about her life, but is  not in the least embarrassed by the devastation she brought upon the nation  that gave her life. This is not unlike President Tubman who smoked  expensive Cuban cigars and drank the finest whiskey money could buy as he  sailed on his multi-million Dollar yacht unfazed by the severe shortage of  schools in the country. TGLs are known to present an impressive image even  when they have nothing concrete to offer. The impeccably dressed – top hat,  tuxedo wearing - Tubman often received foreign guests in grand style,  leading the grand march at banquets while his people languished in abject  poverty. As it relates to contradictions, Amos Claudius Sawyer (a TGL)  is rightfully the poster boy. A key opponent of the Americo-Liberian  hegemony and a leading advocate for justice and equality; Sawyer – the  activist - failed miserably when given the opportunity to lead. And he  exhibited a major character defect by agreeing to head the Interim  Government of National Unity (IGNU), having previously served as chairman  of the committee tasked with writing the Liberian Constitution. In his  greed for power, Amos Sawyer violated the Constitution when he opted to  become interim head of state while the sitting vice president was able to  carry on the affairs of state following President Doe's assassination.  This willful breach created a constitutional crisis that lasted seven  long years and claimed more than 200,000 lives. Charles Taylor, on  the other hand, was not only a TGL, but also a practitioner of the Tubman  doctrine. This clearly showed in his brutal strategy to acquire absolute  power in the very early stages. Right from the start, he muscled out Ellen  Johnson Sirleaf from the leadership of the NPFL; and in short order  asserted supremacy by eliminating all potential rivals - a move not unlike  Tubman's deadly 1955 assault against the opposition. Wanting to appear in  every way like the 18th president, Charles Taylor even delivered his  inaugural address in a cadence quite familiar to listeners of Tubman's  lengthy speeches. As Charles Taylor attempted to revive the Tubman era,  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was dusting off President Tubman's rules book. Almost  immediately following the inauguration, she held a private meeting with  Charles Taylor at the Executive Mansion. Four hours later Ellen emerged to  publicly announce her endorsement of Charles Taylor's so-called economic  plan. But, in yet another demonstration of a character defect, Ellen within  24 hours retracted her endorsement. Integrity has always been a  challenge for TGLs. Prior to Charles Taylor's forced exit from Liberia, a  group of TGLs under the leadership of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Amos Sawyer  organized a so-called peace conference in Burkina Faso under the auspices  of President Blasé Compaore. This disgusting show of insensitivity and  total disregard for Compaoré's contribution to the carnage in Liberia is  further evidence that TGLs will go to extremes in order to obtain  power. And despite the preponderance of evidence confirming Ellen  Johnson Sirleaf's role in organizing and financing the NPFL, she has  continued to deny these accusations, though never willing to do so under  oath. There is, however, no denying that NPFL fighters did receive training  in Libya to overthrow the Doe Government and now Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,  Maummar Gaddafi and Blasé Compaoré are buddies. Her sudden intimate bond  with the men most responsible for Liberia's destruction creates doubt as to  Ellen's truthfulness regarding the violence that destroyed Liberia. After  all, Gaddafi armed the NPFL while Compaoré sent mercenaries to  murder Liberians. Yet Ellen Johnson Sirleaf can't seem to get enough of  them and their families. Why is she cozying up to known enemies of the  Liberian people? The answer is simple: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is no  different than Charles Taylor; and as long TGLs are calling the shots,  Liberia will never prosper. Liberians have common  sense Elections 2011 will no doubt mark the end not only of President  Tubman's haunting legacy, but also the confusion, deception and ignorance  that have become a mainstay of Liberian politics. It is unfortunate the  destructive behavior of TGLs has created the impression that those who seek  leadership positions are abnormal, power-hungry men and women. This  couldn't be further from the truth. Liberians in general who seek elected  office are patriotic and have common sense; however, the same cannot be  said of TGLs. They are obsessed with power and must lead regardless of  the circumstances. They lack respect for one another and are incapable  of compromise. Count the number of TGLs who since 1984 have formed  political parties and run for president; it is then easy to see that a  small group of misguided individuals are responsible for the chaos. Every  election season they come out of hibernation and confuse the electorate by  dividing into multiple camps, only to later merge and forge alliances which  do not last. For the past 30 years TGLs have been the cause of  continuous instability primarily because of deep-seated hatred and mistrust  of one another. Most Liberians have no desire to work in government  or become president of the country. TGLs, on the contrary, will do almost  anything to get a high-ranking position in the government. Because they  came of age at a time and in a culture where being an official of  government was the most prestigious career pursuit. With this mindset, they  feel worthless outside of government. This is why it is hard to find TGLs  with advanced degrees starting a business or pursuing research. Rather,  they all head for a desk in a government office, and will fight tooth and  nail to get it. As their colleagues in other nations were making  significant advances, TGLs spent their time bickering, squabbling, waging  war and killing for government jobs…and all wanting to become president at  the same time. Greed and selfishness led them to practically give away the  nation's valuable resources for weapons and other useless trinkets. On  their watch, Liberia has fallen far behind, severely lagging in every  critical area. Changing our fortunes More than a change of  leaders, Liberians must embrace a new order. It will take a new vision as  well as a paradigm shift which can only come through a new generation of  leaders unencumbered by the Tubman albatross. As a people, we must do  what's best for our common survival. It's obvious we must no longer rely on  the international community, the UN, or any entity for that matter to do  what we ourselves are capable of. It's high time we change our fortunes and  put this nation on the right path. Everyone must become involved. There is  no need for further violence. However, those who see the facts and insist  on continuing with business as usual shall leave us no other alternative  than to stop them by any means necessary. We will not stand idly by and  watch the destruction of yet another generation. In the coming months a  list will be published containing names of individuals who are likely to  experience the wrath of Liberians should they in 2011 attempt to seek  elected office. You may help by emailing us the name of anyone you believe  should be included in this list. The time has come for  Tubman-generation-leaders to bow out gracefully and avoid a shameful exit  similar to that experienced by Charles Taylor who was given numerous  opportunities to avoid his current predicament; and yet he failed to heed  the warning not knowing when to quit. Let there be no doubt, those who have  harmed the Liberian people will answer for their crimes. So help us  God. The Author: Mr. T Q. Harris, Jr. is currently the General  Chairman of Liberia Contemporees United Patriotic and Strong (Contemp  UPS) and a former vice presidential nominee. He can  be reached by phone in the US at (562) 216-3177 or (562) 824-0385 or by  email him at liberia1@charter.net  and visit the friends of TQ  website: www.friendsoftq.com

LEAD Organizing For Liberia

2011 VOTER EMPOWERMENT CARD
Liberia National Non-Partisan Voters Education and Awareness Campaign

The LEAD Organizing For Liberia wants to thank you for your leadership in combating deceptive voting practices across Liberia. In the aftermath of the 2005 General Elections and the 2009 by-election debacle, we are launching the LEAD Organizing For Liberia “Voters Education and Awareness Campaign,” a nonpartisan voter education and empowerment effort that will provide comprehensive field election awareness programs across Liberia. In addition, we are calling upon the Liberian Election Commission to introduce the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act to the Liberian Legislature with the aim of ensuring that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process.

Our election experience in the last several cycles has confirmed an unfortunate reality; deceptive practices - false information designed to mislead voters about the time, place, and manner of elections has become some of the many problems that the Liberian Election Commission faces today. Historically, voters who are deliberately provided misinformation about when, where or how to vote or about voter registration requirements do not have adequate legal recourse and may develop cynicism about the process. It is the Liberian Election Commission responsibility to adapt accordingly thereby combating these practices and minimizing the effect of partisan tricks in the elections process. We have the opportunity to use field operations and news media to combat those deceptive tactics thereby making sure correct information is clearly identified, consistent and widely accessible to voters across Liberia. Also, when these activities happen, voters should also be informed of correct information through sources they trust.

We are digging our way out of a hole dug by several years of insufficient attention to voting rights enforcement in different administration. Over the last decade, thousands of Liberians have been disenfranchised by a shortage of resources, administrative snafus, the misinterpretation of voting laws and political operatives who tried to game the system. That's thousands of votes not cast, thousands of Liberians denied a voice. Lawmakers from all political parties must improve the process before the same unnecessary outcome affects voters in the next election cycle. Action should be taken early to address the problems voters faced in 2005 General Elections and the November 10, 2009…Senatorial By-Election debacle and provide the needed resources and relieve to Liberia dedicated election officials.

The tasks ahead are great but the benefits are even greater. Our mission is to work with Liberia Election Officials; conduct strategic legal voter education field programs and provide live, real-time national VOTER hotline assistance on voting rules, regulations, locations, etc. The LEAD Organizing For Liberia wants to provide eligible voters with the tools they need to cast a ballot that counts in Liberia 2011 General Elections through our “Voters Education and Awareness Campaign” a nonpartisan voter education and empowerment effort with the goal of establishing a national VOTER hotline and comprehensive field election awareness programs that work in conjunction with the Liberian Election Commission.

Today, voters across Liberia still have to navigate through deliberate attempts by political operatives to confuse, deceive, and intimidate them as they try to vote. LEAD Organizing For Liberia is asking the Liberian Election Commission to introduce the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act to the Liberian Legislature, with the aim of prosecuting whoever, within 60 days before an election, knowingly communicates election-related information about Liberia election, knowing that information to be false, with the intent to prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in that election, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 6 years, or both.

Examples of Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation (the time, place, or manner of conducting the election; the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for the election, including--any criminal penalties associated with voting in the election or information regarding a voter’s registration status or eligibility. Consequently, this will not only prevent these practices under Liberian law, but will provide the necessary administrative remedies to ensure quick dissemination of correct information to the public. To be continued…..

Thank you and May God bless the Republic of Liberia.

Contacts:

LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990
leadliberia@yahoo.com

Embassy Liberia Media Room Press Releases

Source:  US Embassy Liberia


Press Releases

USAID and Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy Opened Mining Cadastre Office(April 28, 2010)
Under Secretary for Political Affairs to Visit Monrovia on April 21( April 19, 2010)

The United States Government Announces Changes in The U.S. Visa Application Process(March 25, 2010 )

President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) (March 22, 2010)

The U.S. Government Delivers a Rehabilitated Engineering Building: Center of Excellence, at Fendall (March 18, 2010)

LIPA/USAID Training Program Graduation (March 3, 2010)

The U.S. Government Contributes to School Feeding Program (March 1, 2010)

The United States Government has Proposed Fee Changes for Consular Services(February 23, 2010)

U S Embassy Dedicates Redemption Hospital Pediatric Ward (January 28, 2010)

U.S. Embassy Launches 2010 Liberian National Spelling Bee (January 25, 2010)

The U.S. Donates US$3.5 Million for School Feeding in Liberia (January 21, 2010)

MADE IN LIBERIA Trade Fair Robertsport December 10-12, 2009

USG and GOL Sign Increased Annual Assistance Agreements(December 8, 2009)

USAID & IFES Announce New Support for Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC)- October 27, 2009

GEMAP International Controllers End Terms at Four Government Enterprises-Technical Assistance and Training to Continue (October 7, 2009)

U.S. Embassy in Liberia Hosts Annual Iftaar Dinner (September 18, 2009)

Africa Partnership Station Departs Liberia at the End of a Highly Successful Visit (September 17, 2009)

Africa Partnership Station Presents Humanitarian Assistance Materials at JFK Hospital in Monrovia (September 2, 2009)

Africa Partnership Station Arrives in Monrovia, Liberia

Barclay Training Center to be Turned over to Defense Ministry

Rehabilitation Commences at University of Liberia Engineering Building, Fendell Campus

Armed Forces of Liberia Graduate 138 new soldiers



Africa Partnership Station (APS) in Liberia Again

Dedication of Water Treatment Facility at Cuttington University

US Assistant to Worm Crisis

MADE IN LIBERIA Trade Fair

How to Build a Business Plan

US to Begin Rehabilitation of County Buildings (March 1, 2007)

US Providing Road Equipment to MPW (March 26, 2007)

American International School Opening Fall 2007 (April 10, 2007)

American Internatonal School of Monrovia Plans Open House (May 3, 2007)

U.S. Provides $2 Million to Liberia Public Works Ministry (June 25, 2007)

DCM Praises Opening of EITI Resource Center (June 25, 2007)

Note: This site is not affiliated with the US Embassy in Libeira nor it is affiliated with the US government in any form. all information on this page are taken from the US Embassy Liberia website. Some of these information may not be current. Please see the US Embassy Liberia website for updated information.

US Embassy Liberia media Room

Embassy media Room  Source: US Embassy Liberia

In partnership with the government of Liberia, the Liberia FORECAST Project (Focus On Results: Enhancing Capacity Across Sectors in Transition) a USAID/Liberia funded project, based in Monrovia, held an Open House on Friday, February 20, 2009.

US Contributes $100,000 to Help Combat Caterpillar

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced today that the United States Government will be doubling the budget to combat caterpillar swarms in several counties. The $100,000 USD will be split between two efforts: $50,000 for pest control and surveillance measures, and $50, 000 for water and sanitation.

African Partnership Station (APS) in Liberia
The U.S. Navy’s Africa Partnership Station (APS) has returned to Liberia. In 2008 the Africa Partnership Station and the military officers assigned to it spent the month of March in Liberia conducting humanitarian aid projects and training for the AFL. On Monday, February 16, 2009, the Free Port of Monrovia came alive.

USAID Signs Assistance Afreements with Liberia
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed four Assistance Agreements with the Government of Liberia to signal continued commitment to Liberia’s peace and recovery. The four agreements support USAID’s objectives and are consistent with the Government of Liberia’s priorities.

Embassy media Room

Local Press Summary

(The Informer, 10/30/09) “IFES Delegation Pays Courtesy call on Vice President Bookie”

The visiting President and Chief Executive Officer of the US-based International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), Mr. William Sweeny has held talks in Monrovia with Liberia’s Vice President Joseph N. Bookie. During their discussions, Vice President Joseph Boakai said the Legislature was expediting measures to ensure the passage of the population Threshold Bill.. Mr. Boakai is also President of the Liberian Senate. The passage of the bill is critical the success of general and presidential elections in Liberia in 2011.

(Parrot, 10/30/09) “USAID Gives NEC US$17.5 M-For Electoral Support”

In fulfillment of US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s declaration of her country’s technical support for Liberia’s electoral program when she addressed a joint session of the Liberian Legislature in August, the United States Aid for International Development (USAID) has awarded the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC) “a mouth-watering” US$17.5 million for electoral support for the period of five years. USAID-Liberia Mission Acting Director, Carolyn Bryan announced the US grant Tuesday at a joint press conference in Monrovia, reaffirming USAID’s long-term commitment to the democratic process in Liberia.

(New Vision, 10/30/09) ”US Demands Credible 2011 Elections-Unveils US$17.5M Aid Package”

Ahead of general and presidential elections in Liberia in 2011, the United States of America is demanding free, fair, credible and non-partisan elections in Liberia as expressed by an official of USAID-Liberia. “USAID is launching a comprehensive package of assistance to help ensure that free, fair., credible, non-partisan elections are the rule in Liberia,” Carolyn Bryan, Deputy Mission Director for USAID declared Tuesday in Monrovia when at a joint press conference she announced a US$17.5 million grant in support of Liberia’s 2011 general and presidential elections and beyond for a five-year period.

(The News, 10/30/09) “US Restricts Travel by Guinea Junta”

The United States Government has restricted travel to the US by Guinea’s military junta which has been accused of planning an bloody crackdown on opposition protesters leading to the killing of more than 150 people.

(Public Agenda, 1030/09) “Obama Honors Fallen Americans At Dover”

Standing in the pre-dawn darkness, President Barack Obama saw the real cost of the war in Afghanistan: The Americans who return in flag-covered cases while much of the nation sleeps in peace.. In a midnight dash to this Delaware base, where US forces killed overseas come home, Obama honored the return of 18 fallen Americans Thursday. All were killed in Afghanistan this week.

(Public Agenda, 10/30/09) “Clinton Says Pakistan Bomb Calls for Greater Resolve”

US Secretary of State said the recent deadly bombing in Pakistan showed the need for “an even stronger commitment” to combat militants who threatened the region’s stability.

1.1 Liberian Coverage:

(New Democrat, 10/30/09) “2011 Race-Ellen Hints Readiness”

President Ellen Johnson Sir leaf has hinted that she would contest the 2011 elections, saying the bridge will be crossed when she gets there. But the Liberian President said she does not want to be detracted from her current agenda.

(New Democrat, 10/30/09) “ Tubman on Sherman-The President Shouldn’t Be Listening to Him…”

Opposition politician Winton Tubman has questioned the motives of President Ellen Johnson Sir leaf’s political partner and lawyer, Counselor Varney Sherman, saying Liberians have the right to question his agenda. Tubman said Counselor Sherman ‘s reference to the Liberian Constitution as “a protective shield” for President Sir leaf is “too late,” but conceded that Sherman’s argument that the Constitution protects the President in that no law can be made for acts she allegedly committed to warrant barring her for 30 years from holding public office [as contained in the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report] is valid.

(The News, 10/30/09) “US$15 Million Committed to Fight River-Blindness”

The British Department for International Development has committed 10 million pounds equivalent to US$15 million to 12 African countries including Liberia to implement programs that would eliminate river blindness

(The Renaissance, 10/30/09) “Government to Replace Old Passports”

The Liberian government will on Monday, November 2, 12009 formally launch the “new national biometric passports” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia,. A press release from the Ministry said the new passports will meet the global requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization for “biometric machine-readable passports” to be in effect by April 2010.

(New Democrat, 10/30/09) “Liberian Killed In Taliban Attack”

A female Liberian UN staff, Yah Lydia Women, was amongst six killed in Kabul Wednesday when Taliban militants bombed the Indian Embassy and attacked an international guest house hosting UN Staff, including Ms Wonyene.

(National Chronicle, 10/30/09) “President Sirleaf Celebrates 71st Birthday”

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sir leaf Thursday ,October 2, celebrated her 71st birthday outside the Liberian capital, Monrovia. The celebration took in the provincial city of Greenville in Sinoe County.

Note: This site is not affiliated with the US Embassy in Libeira nor it is affiliated  with the US government in any form. all information on this page are taken from the US Embassy Liberia website. Some of these information may not be current. Please see the US Embassy Liberia website for updated information.

International Institutions Back Debt Relief

International Institutions Back Debt Relief
Radio France Internationale (Paris)  Liberia:  Country Recommended for Debt Relief


29 June 2010

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006291307.html

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank announced Tuesday they would support a reduction of approximately 3.7 billion euros (4.6 billion dollars) of the debt of Liberia.

The impoverished nation, which is recovering from a civil war, "has successfully implemented its poverty-reduction strategy and maintained a stable macroeconomic environment, despite the global economic crisis," according to a joint statement.

"We welcome the concerted efforts made by Liberia to obtain this debt relief," Chris Lane, IMF mission chief for Liberia, said.

"This will help attract new investment and generate much needed opportunities."

The Washington-based institutions said Liberia qualified for debt relief under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.
The program launched in 1996 with the aim of ensuring that poor countries were not saddled with unmanageable debt burdens.

"Liberia can now mobilise additional resources to rebuild the road network and the electricity supply system, providing the infrastructure needed to allow economic growth, while continuing to expand the health care and education systems," Lane said.

Women's Petition Stage-managed

Women's Petition Stage-managed

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006290317.html

Two of the many Civil Society Organizations in the country including the "Center for Trauma and Conflict Resolution" and the "Youth for the Promotion of Good Governance" have criticized women groups advocating for the removal of Bong County Senior Senator, Jewel Howard Taylor from the United Nations Security Council Traveling restriction.

The women groups including the Women in Peace Building in Liberia, the Coalition of Political Parties Women(COPPWILL) few days ago, presented a three page petition to the Leadership of the Liberian Senate for the lifting of the UN travel ban imposed on the Bong County Senior Senator and former First Lady Jewel Howard Taylor.

A copy of the petition which was sent to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf among other things, urged the National Legislature and in particular, the House of Senate, the legislative branch in which Senator Taylor is a part , called on the Security Council to ensure that the traveling ban on Senator Taylor and others is lifted so as to afford the senator to efficiently and effectively work for those who elected her into office and the Liberian people as a whole.

The UN Security Council is believed to have taken the punitive measure as a way of bringing to book those who used the war to exploit the country's natural resources to the detriment of the survival of the ordinary Liberian citizens.

Though, majority members of the Liberian Senate opposed the women groups petition, during its Thursday's Regular Session, the lawmakers unanimously voted to turned the document over to the relevant committees for review and to advice the Senate Plenary on for appropriate action.

The two Civil Society Organizations who followed the women groups at the Capitol Building during the presentation of the petition over the weekend, called a separate press conference and informed the Liberian people that they were disappointed and discouraged in some mothers of the country who they said, are refusing to play twin motherly role, but decided to be selfish and cruel in the process.

Saydee Momboe, the Executive Director of the Center for Trauma and Conflict Resolution addressing a team of reporters, alleged that the women groups were given money by the office of Bong County senior senator to take the stance they took to advocate exclusively for her removal from the UN Travel ban list.

The right advocate who is widely regarded as anti campaigner in the fight against corruption, didn't give the specific amount the women may have received from Senator Taylor for the advocacy, but claimed further that the senator took advantage of the illiterate minds of the women and chose to use them for her selfish gains.

Speaking further, Saydee Momboe indicated that there are lots of good Liberians that were on the UN Travel restriction for almost a decade now, but that it was regrettable that some mothers at this time will choose to single the Bong County senator out from the rest of the other sanction victims, something he described as totally unacceptable, cruel and injustice to the highest order that must be condemned by every well meaning Liberian.

He named the other sanction victims as Cyril Allen, Montserrado County Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe, Nimba County Junior Senator Saye Adolphus Dolo, Rep. Kai Fallah of Grand Gedeh County, Benniod Urey, George Dweh and others who are all Liberians.

The rights activist noted that he and several other Liberians were surprised that some of their mothers decided to front for Senator Taylor alone, leaving out the rest of those who were positively contributing their quotas to the building of the country and squarely indicated that the petition was stage managed by the office of the Bong County senior senator who he said, was using the gullibility of the women and cash to influence them for her campaign.

Besides speaking on the benefits he claimed the women got from the senator, he also accused the Bong County lawmaker of eyeing bigger position during the pending 2011 General Elations, and if the traveling restriction remains in place, he said, it will trouble her political career and consequently, the only empirical formula was to use the illiterate mothers who are poor and want to see themselves out of poverty.

Saydee Momboe also maintained that the United Nations Traveling restriction imposed on Taylor Associates was in the right direction and justifiable, and that the women groups must see the world body action as a way of saving the country's resources from the hands of people he referred to as vampires and at the time, were bent on making bad use of the vast resources of the country.

He called on the United Nations Security Council and other auxiliary institutions not to lift the travel restriction on Taylor associates for now until the trial of former President Charles Taylor can reach a logical conclusion , and that in the absence of that, he said, lifting the ban will be detrimental to the country and the sub-region as a whole.

Mr. Momboe also called on women in the country to begin championing positive change that will benefit the larger female community, and that they must refuse to be used by politicians as it is been done in the case involving Bong County's Senior Senator Jewel Howard Taylor.

For his part, the Executive Director for the Youth for the Promotion of Good Governance, Tommy Goll who also spoke at the press conference , joined Saydee Momboe to say the women groups were given huge sums of money by the Bong County senator to advocate for her in removing her name from the UN Travel restriction.

Tommy Goll told women groups that Senator Taylor is not the only member of the National Legislature that continues to suffer the UN Travel restriction, and that their action to single out their female compatriotic from among the rest of the sanction victims amounts to segregation, bad governance and lack motherly care.

Tommy Goll warned Senator Taylor to stop using illiterate and poverty striking mothers for her selfish gains. He said the action on the part of the senator was tantamount to exploitation, and warned her further to desist from taking advantage of those women he said, were poverty striking, illiterate and ignorant of their own actions, something he claimed, has the propensity to bring their mothers and the larger the female community to public disrepute.

The Youth Executive also sent a caveat to the women group from Bong County informing them that they will be held liable for the underdevelopment of their county were they to elect the senator for the second time into office. He said the people of Bong County were fully aware of the travel ban placed on senator Taylor and others and that under such condition, he added, they should not vote her into office the next time because, he argued, will not be in the position to effectively serve them.

According to him, across the country, prostitutions, teen-age pregnancies and other vices were on the increased and that senator Taylor alone with other female Legislators must calve legislation that will get girls from the street and making them to go to school, a suggestion he said, when put into action, will be a positive step forward and will be greatly welcomed by the Liberian people.

Mr. Goll then used the medium and called on the Liberian Senate not to debate the women petition on the Senate floor, as it is segregative and disadvantageous to the rest of the male sanction victims who are also good Liberians like the Bong County Senior Senator.

He disclosed that his organization is writing the UN Security Council to maintain the traveling restriction on Senator Taylor and the rest of the Taylor associates until the case in the Hague involving former President Charles Taylor can be adjourned.

ALCOP Has Joined No Other Party

ALCOP Has Joined No Other Party

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006290326.html

The First Partisan of the All Liberian Coalition Party, Prof. Alhaji G.V. Kromah, has said ALCOP has not joined any other party in alliance nor merger. He said as a national party, ALCOP will make its own announcement if it decides to collaborate with any other political party. He said the responsibility of announcing its position on political matters cannot be relegated to any other group.

Prof. Kromah said ALCOP was making the clarification in reaction to a statement by the leader of the National Patriotic Party, Cllr. T.C. Gould, that ALCOP was among the parties that have established an alliance with the NPP and the Congress for Democratic Change, CDC. Prof. Kromah said ALCOP has not held discussion with any political party on alliance or merger, and Cllr. Gould's statement was therefore a political miscalculation or faux pas.

In a special press statement issued over the weekend, Prof. Kromah said the NPP should have taken advantage of ALCOP's policy of constructive engagement instead of enthusiastically announcing the results of discussions that were never held. Kromah said ALCOP has an experienced open door policy and might see reason to associate with a political party or parties in the future, but as of the moment, it has not done so officially nor unofficially.

The ALCOP Standard Bearer said as one of the original political parties, which participated in the first national elections held after the war in 1997, and also ran in the 2005 elections, ALCOP is carefully watching the national political terrain and consulting with its membership nationwide and internationally. He said ALCOP's natural and other constituencies are well grounded in the political lessons of the past two elections and will take action based on the national interest of Liberia. ALCOP's political decisions are guided by the principles of participatory democracy among its membership, Prof. Kromah said.

In its press statement, ALCOP disclosed that its priority now is to reactivate various chapters of the party in the 15 counties of Liberia. The Party said it has also organized youth groups to conduct civic and electoral education in population centers in the various counties.

Prof. Kromah said the ALCOP Executive Council will shortly meet with the National Elections Commission to discuss voters' education, registration, constituency demarcation and other matters related to the national elections of 2011.