The announcement yesterday by the National Oil Company (NOCAL) of a potentially large accumulation of oil deposits off Liberia’s shores should be greeted with cautious optimism, sobriety of spirit, and seriousness of purpose.

Our Beaches Need 24hrs Surveillance

Dear Mr. Editor:

Let me start this letter by admitting that it is long overdue. However, I have decided to write because it is better late than never. For close to a year now, you would agree with me, the Bureau of Maritime, the  Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) have been doing marvelously well in ensuring the cleanliness of our beaches in the Sinkor area. A big pat on their backs for that.

Having said this, let me draw the attention of the public to the vigorous sand mining activities still going on, which the  above mentioned entities have futilely tried to curtail, because the illicit sand miners are always one step ahead of our law enforcement entities.

It is worth noting that the sand miners begin their business between 1a.m and 6:00 a.m, when almost everyone, including the police is sound sleep.

To stop these illicit sand mining activities, which are posing serious threat to   citizens  residing along these beaches, I wish to humbly appeal to the Bureau of Maritime, the LNP, MCC to commence a 24 hours surveillance. Doing so will greatly, if not, completely curb sand mining.

Jahbulleh Cicero Dempster

3^rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor

Death Traps On Monrovia Streets

Dear Mr. Editor:

One question has lingered on my mind for a lengthy period now. That is: “Why are our policy makers and planners always interested in curing rather than preventing problems from occurring?”

A case in point  is the case of the drainage holes along the sidewalks of Monrovia left open by a Chinese Company about two (2) years ago. Many voices have cried for the closure of these holes which have become “death traps,” but to no avail. Perhaps, our policy makers and planners are waiting for some innocent passerby to die or sustain serious injury before they can act.

I wish to call on the Public Works Ministry, the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and others relevant entities to immediately work out the modalities needed to have these holes closed.

Jahbulleh Cicero Dempster

3^rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor

Erect A. Stanton B. Peabody Memorial Library

Dear Mr. Editor:

Now that Mr. Lewis Brown has assumed the post of Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, I am praying and fervently hoping that he includes in his plan of action for this Ministry the construction of a modern library to be known as the Stanton Peabody Memorial Library.

When Buchanan Renewables first came to Liberia in 2007, the plans they presented to the Liberian government and people were so impressive that few found them believable.   

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1509 adopted on 16 September authorized the setting up of a peacekeeping mission in Liberia. The group to be called United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, for short; started operation since 19 September 2003 and was mandated to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the peace process; protect United Nations staff, facilities and civilians; support humanitarian and human rights activities; as well as assist in national security reform, including national police training and formation of a new, restructured military.

By all accounts, Zambia was the underdog with almost all her players playing on the African continent.

Defense Minister Brownie Samukai announced last Thursday that in the wake of the imminent drawdown of the United Nations Military Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) will take over UNMIL’s military facilities.

One of the most important things the new Finance  Minister, Amara Konneh, did since assuming office was his visit Wednesday to the Mount Coffee Hydro Electric Plant.

Executive Chairman Frances Johnson Allison of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) said last Friday that Liberian judges need refresher courses to keep them abreast of emerging legal issues.

In the midst of our civil conflict in the nineties, many Liberians wrote off our beloved “Sweet Land of Liberty.” Everything within me believed that in spite of the devastation, Liberia would rise again. Though scattered and dismantled, I sensed in my inmost being that by God’s grace we would be gathered again. The gathering is still occurring. I say to the east, release Liberia’s sons and daughters. To the west I say, send them forth with skills and abilities. To the south, I declare, release them. And to the north I say, give them up.