Thursday, September 30, 2010

Judge pulls plug on video testimony at George Boley's trial

By Gary Craig • Staff writer • Democrat And Chronicle
Source: Democrat And Chronicle.com

If immigration authorities want to rely on testimony from Liberians who claim that Clarkson resident George Boley Sr. committed atrocities during the west African country's civil war, those allegations will have to be made live in a Batavia courtroom.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

In Defense of George Boley: Bai Gbala Replies ‘BLOOD ON HIS HANDS’.......................... Bai Gbala is a former political adviser to President Charles Taylor. Gbala also served as Director-General of Free Zone of Monrovia PRC military junta - Liberia 1980

Bai M. Gbala
- Former political adviser to President Charles Taylor 
- Former Director-General of Free Zone of Monrovia
PRC military junta   - Liberia 1980
Contribution Writer

Source: FrontPage Africa
This is our reaction to the FPA Editorial dated September 28, 2010 under the Headline as indicate above.
Indeed, we believe and hold that those fellow Liberians who, intentionally, willingly and unlawfully, brought hell on earth in Liberia by their acts ethnic/tribally-driven; deeply-divisive; mind-boggling destruction, human suffering, brutalities and death, should and must face the “FULL WEIGHT of THE LAW”, irrespective of socio-economic and political standing in our political community.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

LIBERIANS BANNED FROM HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE

Source: The Liberian Dialogue

Because the following persons and individuals listed and named have committed some from of heinous crimes in the Liberia, members of the international community are asked to please refuse them entry and remove them from your coast if they are found to be residing there.

Thanks for supporting and upholding the rule of law and human rights.

Monday, September 27, 2010

LIBERIANS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF LAWLESSNESS ...

TQ Harris Jr.
 The 2011 elections will be meaningless if Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others listed in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) report are allowed to participate without first addressing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. If this issue is not properly resolved, it is likely that gains made thus far might be reversed. Liberians are sick and tired of dealing with individuals who have no respect for rule of law and we are not going to take it any more!!!


BLOOD ON HIS HANDS’: Boley Trial Spells Doom for Supporters of Liberia's War


George Boley Sr.
Former warlords in Liberia could take a page from the ongoing trial of the former head of the Liberia Peace Council George Boley in the United States of America with a sounding message that Liberia’s adopted stepfather could no longer lay down the welcome mat for those blamed for the destruction of human lives and economic demise.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Liberia ex-warlord Prince Johnson in leader race

General Prince Johnson
Former battle field commander
for Charles Taylor
NPFL rebels 
(Now Senetor Johnson)
Source: BBC NEWS

Former Liberian warlord Prince Johnson has told the BBC there is no reason he cannot stand in the country's presidential elections next year.
Mr Johnson, now an elected senator, said military leaders been elected in other countries.
His party was given the green light to compete in the polls earlier this week.
He is notorious for a 1990 video, in which he was seen drinking beer as his men cut off the ears of ex-President Samuel Doe, before killing him.

TQ HARRIS VISION FOR THE NEW LIBERIA


T.Q. Harris Jr.
 SUMMARY
Introduction 1.0

Geography, Population, History , Culture, Resources (human and material) as well as current global trends are factors taken into account in formulating TQ Harris Vision for Liberia. While its population and physical size may not be conducive for certain pursuits; Liberia’s history, geography, population and vast resources are tremendous assets for specific concentrations, which is extremely helpful when formulating a national agenda.

KEEPING THE 2011 LIBERIA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES HONEST ON THE FOUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE LAND

AN OPEN LETTER TO LIBERIA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Written by Abraham Hoff
Chief Community Organizer of LEAD Liberia

The Role of the Bar Association of Liberia in the Resolution of the Liberian Conflict


Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr. Ed. D.
 Written by
Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr. Ed. D.
Exiled Liberian Playwright & Poet-Laureate

One of the most prestigious vocations in Liberia over the past century and a half has been the legal profession. Back in the day when we were children, we all wanted to become a lawyer when we grew up. That was because Liberia produced some of the best legal minds in the world. They were so sharp that they competed with their international colleagues with ease and won landmark cases on behalf of the struggling Black peoples around the world. For instance, it can be recalled that Liberia along with Ethiopia played a significant role in the liberation of Africa and other Black nations outside the continent of Africa. For an example, in November 1960 the Governments of Ethiopia and Liberia brought a proceeding in the International Court of Justice at The Hague against the Union of South Africa to stop its illegal maladministration of its territory of South West Africa.

Liberia: Radical Tribal Loyalty May Impede Justice

By: Jackson Zleh Towah

The phrase “tribal loyalty” has been misguided by some diehard and radical elements within our tribal community (Krahn). Tribe as defines by Webster is a large or lesser group of people with customary norms. In a tribal setting of socialization, education, and political participation, tribal values deeply focuses on applicable human decency and responsible relationship of their coexistence with other communities and folks of their own. In sub Sahara Africa, one can see the uniqueness/related elements of these tribal norms as expressions of a common identity.


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Statement in support of T.Q. Harris Jr. for President of Liberia in 2011

Mr. Bernard Gbayee Goah
By Bernard Gbayee Goah

Fellow Liberians, Friends, and Friends of Liberia, Liberia is still drowned in a deep-rooted societal built corruption after 14 years of self demolition, devastation, and destruction. Rampant corruption has transformed itself as a pandemic thus overshadowing progress in every strata of the Liberian society. As a result, news about alarming high illiteracy, abject poverty beyond human imagination, sky rocketing inflation coupled with deteriorating economic problems, unimaginable unemployment and poor social services continue to dominate the entire country to such extend that it has become almost difficult to determine who is ethical and who is not in Liberia today.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Change In Africa Begins With You


T.Q. Harris Jr.
 Have you ever wondered why decade after decade the pictures of malnourished African babies and their starving mothers never go away? Or, why Billions of Dollars in aid pour into Africa yearly and yet the human misery continues to rise? Perhaps it has to do with giving an African a fish to eat rather than teaching him how to fish himself. Aid to Africa must go beyond crisis management and begin supporting long-term plans with African input, designed to produce sustainable results. The financing of elections in Liberia is no exception.

At the moment, we are in the heat of a political battle that will determine the future of millions of Liberians and we need your help. Please make a donation to the TQ Harris Presidential Campaign and support Liberia’s transformation into a post-modern nation. Log into TQ Harris Vision: http://www.tqharrisforpresident.com/TQ_Vision.html

As vote looms, Liberians seek results from Ellen

Source:Yahoo News
Reuters – President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf listens to President Obama as he welcomes her in the Oval …

Monday, September 20, 2010

LiberiaTruth and Reconciliation Commission (Monrovia): Jerome Verdier to Address International Justice Forum

Cllr Jerome J Verdier, Sr.
The Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia, Cllr Jerome J Verdier, Sr. has left the country to participate in an international conference on the jurisdiction of international justice in Africa.

Defense Lawyers Want Former South African President Thabo Mbeki to Testify in the Hague


Charles Taylor
Defense lawyers for Charles Taylor have indicated that they want former South African President Thabo Mbeki to testify in The Hague about the circumstances under which Mr. Taylor stepped down as president of Liberia in 2003.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Open Letter to UN Secretary General’s Special Representative to Liberia



Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D.
Liberian Playwright & Artist/Schola
  By
Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D.

Exiled Liberian Playwright & Poet-Laureate

September 17, 2010

Ms. Ellen Margaret Loj
UN Secretary General Special Representative to Liberia

Dear Ms. Ellen Margaret Loj:

WHERE DO YOU STAND?

                                                                       


TQ Harris Jr.
 

With little more than a year to go before the next election; the question now is, where do YOU stand? Should the current government be returned to power? Or, must we elect new leaders? The final vote no doubt will answer these questions. But will it be YOUR answer?

Regardless of our differences concerning the various personalities in government; the vast majority of Liberians do agree it is time to start afresh setting new goals and priorities. Why have you been silent? Perhaps for fear of being branded an enemy of President Johnson Sirleaf. But, by not speaking out, you are doing a disservice to your country, fellow citizens and your God. You are unintentionally saying, despite the suffering of our brothers and sisters at home, all is well!

UN Security Council Renews Mandate of UN Mission to Liberia

Source: allAfrica.com

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for another year and authorized the peacekeeping force to provide support to the Government as it makes arrangements for presidential and legislative elections next year.

The Council voted unanimously in a favour of the resolution to extend UNMIL's mandate until 30 September next year.

The Liberian Government had requested UNMIL's logistical help to access remote areas in the course of the electoral process and support in coordinating international assistance. It also asked for support for Liberian institutions and political parties to create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful elections.

The Council also endorsed the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recommendation that the conduct of free, fair, and peaceful elections be a core benchmark for UNMIL's future drawdown.

In his report to the Council last month, Mr. Ban noted that Liberia continues to make progress in consolidating peace and security, but enduring political and social divides, among other factors, could roll back the strides made so far.

He also warned that limited gains on national reconciliation and the far-reaching perception of the prevalence of impunity are also obstacles to progress.

The Secretary-General said that while the West African nation's overall security situation is stable, it is fragile due to ethnic and communal tensions, disputes over access to land and a lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.

He pointed out that rape, armed robbery and other forms of serious criminal activity continue to be prevalent and expressed concern that more than 70 per cent of reported rapes between February and August involved victims under the age of 16.

In its resolution, the Council encouraged the UNMIL and the Liberian Government to continue to make progress in the transition planning process, especially identifying critical gaps that need to be filled to facilitate transfer of responsibility for internal security from UNMIL to appropriate national authorities.

The Council stressed the need for coherence between, and integration of, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development to achieve an effective response to post-conflict situations.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

BRINGING CREDIBILITY TO THE 2011 ELECTIONS


TQ Harris Jr.
 T. Q. HARRIS, JR.In a Democracy election imposes great responsibility upon the individual voter, as well as those who serve in the capacity of organizers, overseers and sponsors. Many have given life, limb and fortunes that we may have the opportunity to be heard, counted and recognized as persons of substance, regardless of birth, economic standing or social status. So whether one is an ordinary voter or a candidate for high office, it must be understood that in an election decisions at every level are bound to impact the lives not only of contemporaries, but also that of generations yet unborn. To the one who votes; know that it is a test of your character, values and conviction.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Liberia - Secret Political Scheme Backfires

Land Commission to Host First National Urban Conference on Land in Liberia

Concessions Sweep in Liberia: Hasty Passage of Putu Deal Rattles Gedeans

Written by  Nat Nyuan Bayjay

Elder Bai Gbala of Grand Gedeh County Council of Elders, writes Bernard Gbayee Goah

Dear Mr. Bernard Gbayee Goah:

Election fraud in neighboring Guinea

House approves 2010/2011 fiscal budget

Written by Julius Kanubah

Source: Star Radio Liberia

The House of Representatives has finally approved the 2010/11 budget with an increment of over twenty-two million US dollars.

Kpolleh’s LUP faction writes Elections Commission

Written by Matthias Daffah
Source: Star Radio Liberia

The Gabriel Kpolleh faction of the Liberia Unification Party has written the National Elections Commission asking it to retract its merger pronouncement.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

UN Envoy Updates Security Council on Liberia, Highlight Needs for Continued Support

Source: The Liberian Journal

UN Envoy Loj briefs Security Council on Liberia

New York-Monrovia – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Liberia, Ellen Margrethe Løj, in a briefing to the UN Security Council today congratulated Liberians for seven years of unbroken peace--which is a remarkable achievement--but noted that substantial international support and assistance are still needed for sustainable peace and development.

ELLEN ‘DID NOT SEND ME TO AMERICA TO SPY': Gabriel Williams on Barnes Recall

Written by Nat Nyuan Bayjay
Source: FrontPage Africa

Gabriel Williams, the Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs at the Liberian Mission in Washington, D.C. has rejected suggestions that he was sent to the U.S. to keep an eye on recently-recalled Ambassador Nathaniel Barnes.

Executive Mansion concerned over LAC violence

Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says government is concerned about the situation at the Liberia Agriculture Company.

Eight people ‘missing’ as country devil invades Gbarpolu

Hearing over Putu agreement ends in disagreement

Prosecutors Conclude the Cross-Examination of DCT-008

Alpha Sesay
Source: allAfrica.com

Prosecutors today concluded the cross-examination of Charles Taylor's 20th defense witness, a Liberian national who served as a radio operator in the Special Security Services (SSS) of Mr. Taylor's government in Liberia.

The witness, DCT-008, in his cross-examination disagreed with prosecutors on several issues, including the manner in which the disarmament of fighting forces was conducted in Liberia, allegations of Mr. Taylor's reliance on militias rather than the Liberian army, and the relationship that existed between Revolutionary United Front (RUF) commander Sam Bockarie and SSS Director Benjamin Yeaten.

Is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the Best Interest of Liberia or Is She Charles Taylor and Prince Johnson Re-Incarnate?

Prince Y. Johnson (The unpredictable)
Charles Taylor - (The executor )
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (The Master Planner and Designer)
 












Some Elders of Grand Gedeh County turned a US Government List intended for a noble purpose into a blacklist

"Blacklisting people in Liberia is life threatening ... "

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Liberia stability fragile, needs world help: UN

UN Liberia mission
"If Liberia destabilises, it also has consequences for the whole West African region."


Source: REUTERS


By David Lewis

MONROVIA (Reuters) - The United Nations must resist pressure to cut back its mission in Liberia too soon, or risk instability before elections next year, its top official in the country told Reuters.
A big U.N. force has overseen the nation since the end of fighting in 2003 and cuts are being sought because of the operation's cost, U.N. Liberia mission chief Ellen Margrethe Loj said at the weekend.

But limitations of local funding and institutions must be taken into account and ethnic clashes were a threat to stability with potential consequences for all of West Africa, Loj said.

Charles Taylor - a Man Betrayed

Written By Chief Fani-Kayode
Source: allAfrica.com

Lagos — FEMI FANI-KAYODE argues that it's all well and good to try Charles Taylor for war crime atrocities, but that Tony Blair and George W. Bush should get the same treatment.

Witness Disagrees That Charles Taylor's NPFL Had a Small Boys Unit

Written by Alpha Sesay Source: allAfrica.com

As his cross-examination moved into a second week, Charles Taylor's 20th defense witness today disagreed with prosecutors that Mr. Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel group had a Small Boys Unit (SBU) during Liberia's civil conflict.

Liberia: Business Forum Opens Tomorrow

Source: allAfrica.com
A two-day Monrovia Business Forum under the theme: "Investment Attraction and Job creation for Economic Empowerment in Liberia" for both Ghanaian and Liberia entrepreneurs, starts Tuesday and ends on September 8, 2010.

USADF Gives U.S.$477,000 Grant to Five Local NGOs to Boost Economic Development

Source: allAfrica.com

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) has signed five grants totaling US$477,039 to support grassroots groups in Liberia.

General Quiwonkpa’s children complain of deep division

Written by Julius Kanubah Source: Star Radio Liberia

Two children of fallen AFL Commanding General Thomas Quiwonkpa have complained of being left out of a reconciliation meeting held by President Sirleaf.

Man, 30 charged with murder in Lofa

Election officials take oath ahead of 2011 elections

Written by Charles Gbollie Source: Star Radio Liberia

Grand Gedeans seek time to study Putu agreement

Source: Star Radio Liberia

Written by Matthias Daffah

The Grand Gedeh Technical Committee for the Putu Mining Mineral Development Agreement says time is needed to make informed decision on the agreement.

Hearings to begin into huge investment contracts

Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia

A joint Legislative committee is to resume hearing into the 120 million US dollars agreement for the Freeport of Monrovia.

Rape suspect’s family raises concern

Written by Julius Kanubah

Source: Star Radio Liberia

Liberia to Lose Millions: Investment Committee Head in Conflict Breach


Source: FrontPage africa

Global Witness
 
Global Witness has discovered that members of the Liberian House of Representatives have drafted legislation to reduce the annual fees paid by timber concessionaries by 80 percent. This could cost Liberians US$10.3 million a year in much needed revenue. In a clear conflict of interests, one of the lawmakers supporting the move holds shares in a logging firm that stands to benefit financially. The news comes as evidence mounts that the companies concerned are contributing next to nothing to Liberia's development.

When Lawmakers Break the Law; Poor, Innocent Liberians Left to Suffer

Source: FrontPage Africa


FPA EDITORIAL

THE INTERNATIONAL watchdog group Global Witness on Monday reported that a member of Liberia’s House of Representatives Moses Kollie has six percent shares in a logging company which stands to benefit from 80 percent reduction in annual fees paid by timber concessionaires, contributing to a loss of US$10.3 million dollars to Liberia.

Monday, September 6, 2010

President Sirleaf Off to Rwanda

Source: allAfrica.com
President Sirleaf
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf left the country Sunday, Sept. 5, for Rwanda to participate in the inauguration of President Paul Kagame. The ceremony takes place in Kigali on Monday, September 6.

Executive Mansion Threatens to Dismiss 'Deceptive' Govt Officials

By Marcus Zoleh
Source: allAfrica.com

The Government of Liberia has issued a strong warning to all cabinet ministers and heads of autonomous agencies and Public Corporations of what it calls "making dissenting view" on issues that is already endorsed by the Executive Branch of Government.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

With No New Permits in Indonesia, Sinar Mas to Enter Liberia

Source: TheJakartaglobe.com

Jakarta. Singapore palm oil producer Golden Agri-Resources, part of Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group, said on Friday that its subsidiary Golden VerOleum would form a $1.6 billion partnership with the government of Liberia in a palm oil project. The move comes just months after Indonesia announced plans to impose a two-year moratorium on new permits to clear forest for oil palm cultivation from 2011.

BRINGING CREDIBILITY TO THE 2011 ELECTIONS

                                                                     T. Q. HARRIS, JR.

TQ Harris Jr.
In a Democracy election imposes great responsibility upon the individual voter, as well as those who serve in the capacity of organizers, overseers and sponsors. Many have given life, limb and fortunes that we may have the opportunity to be heard, counted and recognized as persons of substance, regardless of birth, economic standing or social status. So whether one is an ordinary voter or a candidate for high office, it must be understood that in an election decisions at every level are bound to impact the lives not only of contemporaries, but also that of generations yet unborn. To the one who votes; know that it is a test of your character, values and conviction.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

New INHRC nominee trembles before the Senate

Written by Julius Kanubah Source: Star Radio Liberia

Two new nominees of the Independent national Human Rights Commission say reconciliation will be paramount to the implementation of the TRC report.
INHRC Chairman-designate LeRoy Urey and nominee Sundaiway Amegashi said the TRC report mainly called for reconciliation, unity and security of the state.

Sinoe group reports illegal activities at Peace Camp

Written by Emmanuel Broh
Source: Star Radio Liberia

The Bilibokre Amuenue Development Association says it is not happy over the alleged misuse of the Peace Camp near Vogbadee in Sinoe County.
The association alleged people from Nimba, Grand Bassa and other counties are carrying out illegal activities in Vogbadee, Juarzon Statutory District.

New Dutch Company visits Freeport

Written by Charles Gbollie Source: Star Radio Liberia

A high power delegation of the Dutch Company APM Terminals Friday paid a courtesy call on the Management of the National Port Authority.
NPA Managing Director Matilda Parker informed the delegation that employees’ welfare remains basic among her administration’s priorities.

More single barrel guns in Gbarpolu forest

Written by Mack Rogers
Source: Star Radio Liberia

Liberia: History Loses a Vital Page

By T. K. Sannah Source: allAfrica.com

He is gone forever, leaving Liberians in everlasting wonder for answers that will likely remain unknown to generations yet unborn.
His failure to take charge and fearlessly pronounce the verdict of the five-member Special Military Tribunal decreed by the military junta following the 12 April 1980 coup d'état left Liberians in perpetual darkness about the "actual" verdict sanctioned by that tribunal.
Major-General Frank P. Senkpeni, Judge Advocate General (his sainted memory) of the Armed Forces of Liberia, who chaired the tribunal that hurriedly tried over a dozen cabinet ministers and other top government officials without any legal representation, made no statements before and after the junta ordered 13 officials shot while tied to poles on the Atlantic ocean beach at the military barracks, BTC.

Oil Find Here a Joke - Sen. Pro Temp Wortorson

Written by Boimah J. V. Boimah


Source: allAfrica.com

The celebratory glee over the discovery of oil off the shore of Liberia has received a dent from one of Liberia's geologists and once Minister of Lands and Mines, now President Pro Tempore of the Senate Cletus Wortorson.

Disagreement erupts over APM Terminals deal

Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia

Intense disagreement has erupted among a team of government representatives over the APM Terminals agreement for the Freeport of Monrovia.
The disagreement followed concerns by the National Port Authority Managing Director over several components of the 120 million US dollars agreement.

Friday, September 3, 2010

2011 Election Calandar - Republic of Liberia

Source: National Elections Commission, Liberia
  • January 10-February 6, 2011  --------VOTER REGISTATION
  • April 4-10 , 2011 -----------------------EXHIBITION OF PROVISIONAL REGISTATION ROLL
  • July 5-July 23 , 2011 -------------------CANDIDATE NOMINATION
  • August 18-October 9, 2011 ------------POLITICAL CAMPAIGN PERIOD
  • OCTOBER 11 --------------------------  ELECTION DAY


LDI criticizes NEC’s election timetable

Written by Moses Wenyou Source: Star Radio Liberia
The Liberia Democratic Institute has released what it considers a critical appraisal of the electoral timetable released by the National Elections Commission.

Liberia's National Legislature Ratifies Chevron Deal; 4th Quarter Targeted

Written by Nat Nyuan Bayjay Source: FrontPage Africa
  Monrovia -

Following last week’s announcement by the Government of Liberia that it has entered into an agreement with the Chevron Corporation to explore three deepwater concessions in Liberian waters, the National Legislature has finally ratified the deal that will see the crude oil and natural gas American giant company conducting oil exploration in the country.
The ratification of the agreement, earlier approved by the Executive Mansion and submitted to the Legislature for consideration and ratification, now means that a three-year exploratory program will be conducted by Chevron with the fourth quarter of this year being the targeted period.
The scarcity of energy in the post-war nation is said to be impeding economic growth in the midst of the limited or no major public electricity, making the ratification of the deal significant to the war-torn nation’s recovery process.

Delta Set to Fly Liberia’s Skies; Semi-Direct Service to America Debuts Sunday

Written by Nat Nyuan Bayjay Source: FrontPage Africa

Monrovia-

The last time a commercial airplane left the runways of the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Liberia directly for the United States of America (USA) was in May of 1990, when the guns were raging as the then National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebels had already captured a significant portion of the country. The port city of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County which is about 60 miles away from the RIA had just fallen to the rebels.
Two decades and three months later, an American plane is yet to make any direct flight from the war ravaged nation across the Atlantic Ocean.
Delta Airways will begin the process halfway Sunday, September 5, 2010 with the launch of a Monrovia-Accra-Atlanta service in a bid to move toward an end to the two decades dilemma that will provide an opportunity for the over 350,000 Liberians residing in the US and the over 3 million Liberians in the country to directly fly between both countries.
According to Richelieu Archie Williams, Managing Director of the Civil Aviation, the American airlines’ resumption of flight on Sunday, September 5 is a result of frantic efforts on his part to convince a flight to resume direct international services to the country.

‘Chris Toe Threatened To Kill Me For My Land’; Owner Denies Knowing Ex Minister

Written by Nat Nyuan Bayjay
Monrovia -
Source: FrontPage Africa


Ida Morgan
“Because of my own land, Chris Toe has threatened my life”, says Kadi Porte, owner of disputed land located in Oldest Congotown, she says she purchased in 2003. Frightened and frustrated, the landowner says Toe has for the past years been falsely claiming ownership of her land she rightfully bought which has now taken a different trend amid allegations of death threats from the former Minister.
Porte says she bought the one and a half lot of land situated in the Oldest Congo Town area. Repeated efforts to get Toe’s side of the story have been unsuccessful.
The one and a half lot of land forms part of a 10-acre of land that is owned by Ida Morgan, an heir to the property handed over to her by her late great grandfather named Lewis Minor, a former army personnel.
Former Agriculture Minister J. Chris Toe.
Porte, who claims to have received death threats from Toe, for her part stated that the former Minister has not been appearing in court despite repeated attempts to take the matter before the law for settlement.
Minister J. Chris Toe
Says Porte: “He never appears in court, neither does he produce a deed. Throughout all this land claim he continues to make, he hardly appears in court.”
She explained that the former Minister re-ignited the case once he was appointed by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as Agriculture Minister.
“That was when he brought up the issue again. He even told me at the time that he had told the President about the land and that if I don’t forget about it, I will find myself dead”, she alleged.
She continued that the former Agriculture Minister then resurfaced on the land and issued another death threat.

Media Freedom At Last! Freedom of Information Act Passed Into Law

Written by Nat Nyuan Bayjay  Source: FrontPage Africa

Monrovia, Liberia
 At long last, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that will be recorded as one of the long bickered and prolonged bill that lingered in the corridors of the 52nd National Legislature has been enacted by the august body.
Addressing a news conference Thursday, Pro Temp Cletus Wortorson unveiled the information to a group of people who were the best suited to be the first to know: journalists.
“This is news that you want to hear. We have concurred with the House of Representatives in passing the Freedom of Information Act”, Pro Temp Wortorson announced.

Defense Minister Samukai – Under the Gun: Exhausted Funds, Projects' Lapses Cast Dark Clouds

Written by Nat Nyuan Bayjay
Source: Frontpage africa
Monrovia, Liberia
A number of incomplete projects highlighted in the annual report of the Ministry of National Defense is hovering dark clouds over Minister Brownie Samukai, with a little more than a million dollars worth of expenditures either unaccounted or unexplained. The Minister has also found himself entangled in allegations that he has inserted key members of his family in the inner circle of the Ministry.
The Ministry of National Defense is constitutionally mandated with the responsibility of protecting and providing external security for the nation, ensuring the safety of all residents, businesses and properties within the borders of Liberia.
Amidst all of the resources pouring into that direction, information available to FrontPageAfrica suggests that funds intended for various projects of the Ministry of Defense have been exhausted, though most of the projects have not been completed.

Political & Election Reporting: DBC Senior Fellow to Conduct Symposium in Liberia

Source: Frontpage Africa
The DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy
Jonathan Hicks, a senior fellow at the DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy at Medgar Evers College and former political reporter for The New York Times, has received funding from the Ford Foundation to travel to Liberia to conduct a symposium on political and election reporting in advance of that country’s 2011 presidential election.
The journalism symposium, “Preparing for 2011,” will take place between November 22 and December 2 of this year. It will be anchored at the University of Liberia in a partnership with the DuBois Bunche Center and the Press Union of Liberia. It is designed to bring together working journalists and mass communications students in Liberia to hear presentations from experts on election coverage and to interact with political leaders and elections officials within Liberia. The symposium on election reporting comes in less than a year before what is considered a pivotal election for Liberia.

Liberia: Justice for Country - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's - Recommendation for an Internationalized Domestic War Crimes Court

Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC)
On December 1, 2009, Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued its final report detailing its findings on the causes and impact of that country's social turmoil between 1979 and 2003. The TRC's report represents a major undertaking on the part of the commission to expose the abuses committed against civilians during Liberia's two devastating armed conflicts, which lasted from 1989 to 1996 and 1999 to 2003.One of the key recommendations included in the final report is the establishment of an internationalized domestic criminal court to ensure justice for the worst crimes committed. Human Rights Watch fully supports the use of a hybrid international-national accountability mechanism to hold perpetrators of past crimes in Liberia to account. Prosecutions for serious crimes in violation of international law-including war crimes and crimes against humanity-are crucial to ensuring redress for the countless victims of Liberia's brutal armed conflicts.

U.S.-Based Liberian Laments Poor Education Conditions

Winston W. Parley
Source: allafrica.com

A Liberian based in the United States, Mrs. Rosaline Kingston Bonsi, has expressed a pathetic condition surrounding the learning environment of Liberian students and has called partnership with already existing schools and orphanage homes to help them grow into more sustainable lives.
Madam Bonsi, upon her arrival at the Robert International Air Port (RIA) on Friday (August 27th) said Liberian schools need better facilities and good learning environment.

BHP Agreement Anti Liberalization

Source: allafrica.com

All-time politician, Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, sharing his thoughts on the much revered BHP Billiton Agreement which the government says stands to benefit the country, said the concession , as it is, is out-of-date, and that it is not promotive of Liberalization.
His statement comes amidst the commencement of Public Hearings in the National Legislature on the ratification of several concession agreements, including that of the BHP Billiton Mineral Development Agreement.
Because of his belief that the agreement is not promotive of liberalization, Tipoteh called on the National Legislature not to give any credence in terms of ratifying it, and also urged them to respect the constitution of Liberia.

Barnes Not Clear Why He Was Recalled

H. McCarey Marshall
Source: allafrica.com

Ambassador Barnes
When recalled Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States of America arrived home, those who followed developments regarding the manner in which the President took the decision briefed a sigh of relief that they would have gotten the true story and clarity that did not happened as the recalled Ambassador sounded on unclear on why the president humiliated him.

Liberian Govt Signs U.S. $1.6 Billion Oil Palm Investment Agreement

Source: allafrica.com
The Government of Liberia (“GoL”) and Golden VerOleum (Liberia) Inc. (“GVL”) Thursday, September 2, announced a partnership for the cultivation of sustainable palm oil by the company and by Liberian smallholders and farmers, mill processing and value-added manufacturing. The investment is expected to total US$1.6 billion, creating more than 35,000 direct jobs and building a whole new economic sector in Liberia’s southeastern counties.

USA Direct, No Veering -The Long Road to Delta Ends, First Flight Sunday

Source: allafrica.com
Notwithstanding the current infrastructurally cramped conditions of Roberts International Airport (RIA), Liberia in the days of old was the epic center of international air traffic in West Africa, with the likes of KLM, Pan Am, etc., plying daily schedules. But the golden days suddenly eclipsed; courtesy of long years of civil conflict which left the heretofore first class airport of RIA in total ruins and triggered the exodus of international aviation giants.

Liberia: Justice for Country - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's - Recommendation for an Internationalized Domestic War Crimes Court

Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC)


On December 1, 2009, Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued  its final report detailing its findings on the causes and impact of that country's social turmoil between 1979 and 2003. The TRC's report represents a major undertaking on the part of the commission to expose the abuses committed against civilians during Liberia's two devastating armed conflicts, which lasted from 1989 to 1996 and 1999 to 2003.
One of the key recommendations included in the final report is the establishment of an internationalized domestic criminal court to ensure justice for the worst crimes committed. Human Rights Watch fully supports the use of a hybrid international-national accountability mechanism to hold perpetrators of past crimes in Liberia to account. Prosecutions for serious crimes in violation of international law-including war crimes and crimes against humanity-are crucial to ensuring redress for the countless victims of Liberia's brutal armed conflicts.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Violent strike at LAC results to property damage, displacement of managers

Written by Bruce Boweh
Source:Star Radio Liberia

Striking workers at the Liberia Agriculture Company, LAC Wednesday reportedly burned a generator at the main gate of the plantation.

Nathaniel Barnes speaks out

Written by Charles Gbollie

Source: Star Radio Liberia

Ambassador Barnes
Liberia’s recalled Ambassador to the United States Nathaniel Barnes has broken silence.
Ambassador Barnes disclosed he was recalled by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in line with her constitutional rights and nothing else.
Ambassador Barnes told reporters the President has the right to recall, dismiss or re-assign any of her appointees because they serve at her will and pleasure.

Liberian Radio Operator Disputes the Evidence of RUF Radio Operators

- Alpha Sesay
Source: allafrica.com

Charles Taylor
Charles Taylor's 20th defense witness, a former radio operator first in the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel group and then in the Special Security Service (SSS) unit of Mr. Taylor's government, today disputed the evidence of several Revolutionary United Front (RUF) radio operators, who in 2008 testified before the Special Court for Sierra Leone about radio communications that took place between the RUF and Mr. Taylor's government in Liberia.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

$5LD FOR SEX: Poverty Driving Many Young Liberian Women to the Streets

- Clara K. Malla, with additional reporting from Mae Azango
Source: FrontPage Africa

Monrovia -

By day, the infamous Anthony’s Provision Shop at the Lapazee, Airfield Community in Monrovia sells soap, creams and candies. By night, children use it to sell sex.
“I have been on the street for so many years. Seven years on the street. I was just a baby. My parents are all dead and they left me alone. I am the only person that left.”
Massa, which is not her real name, is 17 years old. She left her home in Grand Bassa County after her parents died in the war. She was 10 and has been on the streets ever since. “I can meet 4 or 5 men sometimes [in a day]. Some of them give me 70 [Liberian Dollars], some of them give me a 100. We can go right behind the shop or in their cars. We don’t use condom we just do it like that,” she says.

Monrovia Bible College charged with economic crime

Written by Charles Gbollie
Source: Star Radio Liberia

Government has charged the Monrovia Bible College for what it calls academic crime in the country.

The Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education alleged the college was caught offering misleading admission documentation to its students.

Ghana rights group condemns Cuban Pathologist report

Written by Bruce Boweh
Source: Star Radio Liberia

The Human Rights Court of Ghana has declared as reckless, the autopsy report that formed the basis of the death sentence against Hans and Mardea Williams.

New appointments in Government…Thierry Genesis resurfaces

Written by Moses Wenyou
Source: Star Radio Liberia

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has made new appointments in Government subject to confirmation, where applicable.

Liberia: Choosing Family Over Education

Ora Garway
Source: allafrica.com
Monrovia — Meriam Dukumue, like the majority of women in her country, cannot read and write. Having suffered through years of conflict and now the breadwinner of her family, she is giving her children and husband what she never had – an education.

NEC Targets Over 2.1 Million Voters for 2011 Polls

Source: allafrica.com

Marcus Zoleh

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has disclosed that it is targeting 2.1 million people to register in the forth coming general and presidential Elections.

Making the disclosure Friday at NEC's headquarters at the formal launch of the voter registration exercise, NEC Chairman, James Fromayan said that the launching ceremony is in line with the recent guidelines released by the Commission for next year's elections.

Cabinet Looks Beyond 2011

Source: allafrica.com


The Liberian Cabinet is working twenty-four around the clock to make sure that development, as it is unfolding at a full-scale level, remains its foremost focus far beyond 2011.

By this time, the Cabinet, which is supporting progress being made on two of the most significant issues for the future development of Liberia beyond 2011 including local Governance, Decentralization and the development of a new national Vision, is not leaving any stone unturned.

Liberia: Oil Maneuvers - Hopes, Woes, Worries in Wait

Source: allafrica.com


ANALYSIS

Liberia via the seat of Government, for the first time in its 163 years of existence as an independent nation and even including the colonial days, announced an agreement with a transnational company to carry out an exploration for the possible mining of crude oil in Liberian waters.

Some US$10b has already been assured for implementing the agreement. The Executive Mansion's announcement this year crystallizes longtime suspicion that the list of Liberia's natural resources is incomplete without oil, one of the world's most lucrative sources of economic boom though others thought it was a remote possibility. But the history of oil economy in the developing world, particularly Africa, is an amalgam of incessant woes and limitless treasuries. As the Executive Branch passes on the Oil Exploration Agreement to the Legislature for rectification, questions are being raised from many quarters bordering not only on the good and evil of oil economy in Liberia, but also on the integrity and transparency of the selection process that has thrust the American Company, Chevron, on high for the deal. The Analyst reports.

News Headline

Inside Liberia with Bernard Gbayee Goah

Everyone is a genius

Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. – A Einstein

Drawing the line in Liberia

Crimes sponsored, committed, or masterminded by handful of individuals cannot be blamed upon an entire nationality. In this case, Liberians! The need for post-war justice is a step toward lasting peace, stability and prosperity for Liberia. Liberia needs a war crimes tribunal or some credible legal forum that is capable of dealing with atrocities perpetrated against defenseless men, women and children during the country's brutal war. Without justice, peace shall remain elusive and investment in Liberia will not produce the intended results. - Bernard Gbayee Goah



Men with unhealthy characters should not champion any noble cause

They pretend to advocate the cause of the people when their deeds in the dark mirror nothing else but EVIL!!
When evil and corrupt men try to champion a cause that is so noble … such cause, how noble it may be, becomes meaningless in the eyes of the people - Bernard Gbayee Goah.

If Liberia must move forward ...

If Liberia must move forward in order to claim its place as a civilized nation amongst world community of nations, come 2017 elections, Liberians must critically review the events of the past with honesty and objectivity. They must make a new commitment to seek lasting solutions. The track records of those who are presenting themselves as candidates for the position of "President of the Republic of Liberia" must be well examined. Liberians must be fair to themselves because results from the 2011 elections will determine the future of Liberia’s unborn generations to come - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Liberia's greatest problem!

While it is true that an individual may be held responsible for corruption and mismanagement of funds in government, the lack of proper system to work with may as well impede the process of ethical, managerial, and financial accountability - Bernard Gbayee Goah

What do I think should be done?

The situation in Liberia is Compound Complex and cannot be fixed unless the entire system of government is reinvented.
Liberia needs a workable but uncompromising system that will make the country an asylum free from abuse, and other forms of corruption.
Any attempt to institute the system mentioned above in the absence of rule of law is meaningless, and more detrimental to Liberia as a whole - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Liberia's Natural Resources
Besides land water and few other resources, most of Liberia’s dependable natural resources are not infinite, they are finite and therefore can be depleted.
Liberia’s gold, diamond, and other natural resources will not always be an available source of revenue generation for its people and its government. The need to invent a system in government that focuses on an alternative income generation method cannot be over emphasized at this point - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Liberia needs a proper system
If Liberians refuse to erect a proper system in place that promotes the minimization of corruption and mismanagement of public funds by government institutions, and individuals, there will come a time when the value of the entire country will be seen as a large valueless land suited on the west coast of Africa with some polluted bodies of waters and nothing else. To have no system in place in any country is to have no respect for rule of law. To have no respect for rule of law is to believe in lawlessness. And where there is lawlessness, there is always corruption - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Solving problems in the absence of war talks

As political instability continues to increase in Africa, it has become abundantly clear that military intervention as a primary remedy to peace is not a durable solution. Such intervention only increases insecurity and massive economic hardship. An existing example which could be a valuable lesson for Liberia is Great Britain, and the US war on terror for the purpose of global security. The use of arms whether in peace keeping, occupation, or invasion as a primary means of solving problem has yield only little results. Military intervention by any country as the only solution to problem solving will result into massive military spending, economic hardship, more fear, and animosity as well as increase insecurity. The alternative is learning how to solve problems in the absence of war talks. The objective of such alternative must be to provide real sustainable human security which cannot be achieved through military arm intervention, or aggression. In order to achieve results that will make the peaceful coexistence of all mankind possible, there must be a common ground for the stories of all sides to be heard. I believe there are always three sides to every story: Their side of the story, Our side of the story, and The truthBernard Gbayee Goah

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