Written by Moses Wenyou
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have alarmed over an alleged move by Finance Ministry authorities to withhold their salary checks.
Two of the affected TRC commissioners told Star Radio government has been owing them since the end of the commission’s mandate in June last year.
Commissioners Massa Washington and John Stewart said they have been informed by the Finance Ministry only vendors and staff of the TRC would be paid.
The two TRC Commissioners said leaving them completely out of the arrear payment is provocative and an attempt to unjustly punish them.
According to Commissioners Washington and Stewart, President Sirleaf promised during a meeting with them last year to settle their claims once and for all.
They said the alleged refusal of the Ministry to release their checks grossly contravenes the President’s promise.
The Director of Media services at the Finance Ministry confirmed the Ministry is withholding the commissioners’ checks pending some clarifications.
Mr. Horatio Willie said the Ministry received information that donor partners had already paid some of the claims made by the TRC commissioners.
The Finance Ministry spokesman said once the necessary clarifications are made, the Ministry would decide whether or not to release the commissioners’ checks.
Mr. Willie said the Ministry has already written those partners and the payment would be temporarily withheld to avoid what he called double payment.
