Land and Citizenship Issue
Published: 09 May, 2008
Yesterday it was learned that the Governance Commission was debating the land issue, particularly the constitutional aspect of it that stipulates non-blacks cannot own real property in this country.
Several generations of Liberians must have been puzzled, enthralled, perplexed and bemused by the acquittal of the charge of treason of former army officers Charles Julu and Andrew Dorbor by a Monrovia court last week.
Once again, the Senate was yesterday drawn into their usual corruption charges that have marred proceedings in the Upper House since the resumption of business last January.
Public Safety, Like Healthcare, Gives Longevity
Published: 06 May, 2008
Yesterday, Monrovians woke up to a public transport regulation, not new though, yet re-instituted after 19 years of flouting; it requires only one passenger in the front seat of a taxi cab.
Setting the Record Straight
Published: 05 May, 2008
Last week, former Chief Justice Emmanuel Gbalazeh in an interview on Judicial Reforms 'blamed' the Peoples' Redemption Council, (PRC), for blocking judicial reforms at the time when he headed the Judicial Branch of the Government.
Needless Brawl for GSM Operators and LTA
Published: 02 May, 2008
This week, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) estimated that about 735,000 Liberians and residents in the country are users of mobile phones. It claimed the source of data is the GSM service providers themselves but the companies have publicly denied ever giving out such information.
Making Tax Cuts Inefficient
Published: 01 May, 2008
In the last few months of soaring global prices of oil and grain with most developing states facing food and economic crisis, the authorities here have jostled to keep the local market stable and protected from the ripples of the global market confusion.
Setting Up Food Production Task Force
Published: 30 April, 2008
"We must make every effort to support … farmers so that in the coming year we do not see even more severe food shortages." These are the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who is now chairing a Task Force to tackle the global food crisis.
Monrovia's Sanitation Crisis May Bounce Back
Published: 29 April, 2008
There are certainly not many heaps of refuse in Monrovia and its outlaying parts as the situation had been a couple of months ago. Then garbage was left to pile at street corners and rot releasing offensive smell, which brought not just discomfort to passers-by and community residents but was a means of attracting ailment.
If this government thinks it is serious about primary education being a right to every Liberian child, then it needs to make sure that that policy is rigorously pursued in all parts of the country.
Start Rolling Back Malaria in Your Communities
Published: 25 April, 2008
Today, April 25, 2008, is World Malaria Day. The day will be characterized and celebrated with global news headlines reminding the world that 40 percent of the world's population are afflicted by this disease, translating to nearly half a billion people of our world. The disease is also on record as killing about a million people around the world, annually.
Probe Public Corporations' Past for Economic Crime
Published: 24 April, 2008
The Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), with its own set of hitches, has covered most of the country in public hearings that donors had thought would have been too elaborate for an under-resourced country as Liberia to hold.
The Ban Isn't Paramount Now
Published: 23 April, 2008
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who flew to Liberia on a four-nation African tour, said he was in the country to monitor progress being made here. Mr. Ban has been carrying a simple message from Accra to Monrovia and would certainly do the same in Ouagadougou and Abidjan, a message that African nations should not roll back their respective gains, be it in development as in Accra and Ouagadougou or peace and security as in Monrovia and Abidjan.
Collective Security Is Priceless
Published: 22 April, 2008
Reports over the weekend that communities in Monrovia and outlaying parts had formed task forces to coordinate activities of community watch teams under the supervision of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) appear to be one of respite for victims and non-victims of armed robbers.
African Leaders, Where Are You?
Published: 21 April, 2008
When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he hid himself from God as the Good Lord was taking his usual stroll in the Garden. Puzzled about the whereabouts of Adam, God asked: “Adam, where art thou?” Adam replied, “Here am I, Lord; I knew you were coming so I hid myself.”
Soldiers' Welfare Is National Security Priority
Published: 18 April, 2008
The army is meant only for loyal and patriotic citizens who sign up to offer their lives in repelling attacks on the state and to protect both the state and the lives of both citizens and non-citizens residing in it. At all times the army must remain an attractive service to the most patriotic and loyal of the citizenry.
Costly Ignorance; We're Losing Our Roads
Published: 17 April, 2008
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has reported that it has encountered problems with rural residents who are usually collecting laterite and gravel from roads and highways, exposing the surfaces of newly-rehabilitated roads to erosion during the rains. In a press briefing yesterday, the Mission disclosed that most of those engaged in the act are some unscrupulous residents and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Short-term Solution to Food Crisis
Published: 16 April, 2008
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Heeding the President's Admonition
Published: 15 April, 2008
The President has read the riot act to the armed robbers who have recently renewed with vigor their dangerous nocturnal prowling. Stern measures will be enforced by the police and where they prove ineffective, she has warned of even drastic and 'unpopular' actions to curb the menace which has become a block in the wheels of national progress.
Making the Best with What Is at Hand
Published: 14 April, 2008
There is a compelling need for sober reflections on this day. It is 29 years since the famous rice riot tore the social and political fabric of our nation asunder. Since that time we have gone through a social and political crucible. We hope and pray constantly that we as a nation and people are able to look at situations more objectively and with a positive view.
We Must Prove Worthy to Be Aided
Published: 10 April, 2008
In these post-war times, Liberians have shown high expectations for the return of their country to normality. Such high fervor backed the spurring national debate on why United States President George Bush did not commit hundreds of millions of dollars to the country but offered one million textbooks on visit to the country in February.
Let's Look Before We Leap
Published: 09 April, 2008
Yesterday, students of Kendeja High School, who had to give up their school building last month to make way for a four-star hotel, became enraged by what they regard as a show of insensitivity by Government to their educational pursuit.
Working to Achieve Architectural Harmony
Published: 07 April, 2008
The Liberia Chamber of Architects is a professional group in the country which, like any other specialized set, seeks at all times to make a difference as achievers in its specialized field, to protect its role in the society and to take advantage of the opportunities in its way.
Embracing Zoellick’s ‘New Deal’ on Hunger
Published: 04 April, 2008
This week, World Bank President Robert Zoellick advanced a ‘new deal’ to members of the international community to fight poverty and hunger in Third World countries in the wake of rising prices of food and energy.
No Rip-off in Global Trend
Published: 03 April, 2008
The squeeze in rising prices from the global market is being felt so heavily in Third World countries that there have been pockets of demonstrations on the high prices of basic goods and services in Senegal, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast this week.
Beware of Vicious Circle of Crimes
Published: 02 April, 2008
Recently, the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Buchanan Grand Bassa County was compelled to dismiss six cases of several accused, including an alleged rapist. Judge Benedict Holt, Sr. took the decision after the state prosecutor filed a motion of 'nulle prosequoi' for the accused who were indicted since May 2006 and by March 2008 they had not had their cases tried.
The Farming Path of Revitalization
Published: 31 March, 2008
There appears to be a depressing outlook on the horizon regarding food production world-wide. In recent times most rice growing countries in Asia and other parts of the world are cutting down on exports in order to reserve their production due to the shortfall.
Lifting Nationalism through Football
Published: 28 March, 2008
On Wednesday evening, thousands of football lovers were highly elated after they had gotten news that the national football team, the Lone Star, had triumphed over the Sudanese national side in Omdurman, Sudan.
End Sacrificing Justice for Politics
Published: 27 March, 2008
The Unity Party (UP) Government came to power with a banner that there would be 'hard decisions' with the objective of helping to restore values that had been broken by years of political upheaval and civil war.
Weed Out the Corruptible
Published: 26 March, 2008
While on their way from accompanying the President to a Cabinet retreat in Voinjama last week, two officers of the Presidential guard services, the Special Security Service (SSS), were caught at the weekend with bags of marijuana on their vehicle.
Getting Rid of the Ugly Specter
Published: 25 March, 2008
A nation with a high percentage of aged population is certainly one without a future. Every nation needs an offspring of succeeding younger generations to ensure a future.
Being with the Angel You Do Not Know
Published: 24 March, 2008
It is commonly written that once you study your history, you are not liable to repeat the mistakes of the past. A little over 30 years ago, the Ghanaian Government sent back to Liberia a large number of Liberians who had been living in that country for more than 30 years. Before Ghana's independence these Liberians were engaged in menial labor in what was then known as the Gold Coast. After that country gained independence it sent back home a large number of Africans who had been living there and carrying on the activities which the Ghanaians themselves did not wish to do.
Between 1990 and 2003, as war raged in several parts of the country and marauding bands of rebel fighters terrorized and distressed the populace, many Liberians fled here to neighboring countries. Each time there was a lull in the fighting, a few Liberians came back home and when things exacerbated, they fled again.
Seeking the Path of Rectitude
Published: 19 March, 2008
Long time ago when young men thought about climbing the ladder to success, they were not concerned alone about high marks in school and being respectful to those in authority, but foremost, they were being honest, truthful and trustworthy. These were the touchstones of success.
Welcoming the Fort McHenry's Goodwill
Published: 18 March, 2008
One of the major concerns of African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean today is how to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling and human trafficking. After 14 years of warfare, which virtually destroyed this nation's capacity to protect its maritime borders and prevent encroachment by fishing trawlers, it goes without saying that the threat is of major concern to the Government and people.
In the next four days, beginning today, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf will lead her Cabinet to Voinjama, Lofa County, for their second meeting outside Monrovia in one year. The first of these ground-breaking meetings, which are held in rural communities where the country's current deplorable conditions are visible, took place in Harper, Maryland County, last March during a Presidential nationwide tour of the southeast.
Making National Commemorations Count
Published: 14 March, 2008
Tomorrow, Saturday, March 15, scores of Liberians will commemorate the 199th birthday of the founding president of the country, Joseph Jenkins Roberts. Most often we celebrate the birth anniversaries of great men of our country with so much pomp and pageantry, that too many of us hardly remember the cause for the commemorations.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last week expressed serious concerns at meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) challenge, especially in halving poverty by 2015, with the 'sharp rise in global food prices'.
Liberians go closer to the time when they would know, in more than two decades, how their country is peopled and, the number of its inhabitants. This can be called, in true sense, the hour for decision for a country which lags behind in so much only because a lot of data on its geography and demography are misplaced.
Giving Thought to Grave Yard Relocation
Published: 10 March, 2008
On Wednesday this week Liberians will be celebrating a holiday considered one of the most important national holidays in the country. Officially, it is called Decoration Day; set aside to remember our dead and all those who gave their lives for the betterment of our country.
FIR Soars Liberia's Trust
Published: 07 March, 2008
More than 30 years ago, President William Richard Tolbert of Liberia, Armed Sekou Toure of Guinea and Siaka Stevens of Sierra Leone conceived and birthed the Roberts Flight Information (FIR) Region to safeguard and secure the Mano River Union (MRU) airspace.
National Revival Requires Will Power
Published: 06 March, 2008
Much is often said about Liberia leaving its 'failed' past yet not equal deeds have been demonstrated. Leaders of yesteryears did not fail the state as a result of lack of competence; they actually did on lack of will the will to show strength, to take decisive actions, to remonstrate unbecoming behaviors from members of same fraternity, kinsmen, partisans and the likes; a clear derivation of impunity.
Is There A 'Serial Killer?
Published: 05 March, 2008
A frightening occurrence has been taking place in many of Monrovia's suburbs and at times, the City's metropolitan areas, whereby dead bodies are found in communities with the killers remaining unidentified.
Meeting the Benchmark for Integrity, Honesty
Published: 04 March, 2008
It is time that we practice what we preach; or what we find to be in our best national interest. To begin, we need to stop being gullible and greedy for handouts without justifying or giving due account of what we receive.
Episcopalians Open New Chapter
Published: 03 March, 2008
A new chapter in the propagation of the Christian Faith in Liberia was opened this week with the enthronement of the 12th Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia. He is the Rt. Rev. Jonathan B. B. Hart who has made a “steady rise from the ranks” through the priesthood.
Put People before Self
Published: 29 February, 2008
This week, the Liberian Senate has been embroiled in an accusation to the effect that its leadership was alleged to have flagrantly broken procurement guidelines. This followed a running unsolved allegation of bribery in the House of Representatives incidents that impinge on the integrity of the 'honorable' members of both Houses of the National Legislature.
Put Fire Extinguishers in Govt Facilities
Published: 28 February, 2008
Why are there no fire extinguishers installed in ALL Government facilities? This is the question now bantered around since the fire gutted the annex of the Lands & Mines Ministry.
Today will mark about six days since 27 people were caught on a Korean-owned trawler for illicitly fishing in Liberian waters off the coast in Marshall.
Firestone Agreement Should Not Be Short-Lived
Published: 26 February, 2008
This week, tappers at Firestone Liberia will go to work with a flicker of hope for brighter prospects in the workplace and a better future for their children who may have ended up, like most generations of tappers' children since 1926, below poverty line.
New Partnership Must Be Mutual
Published: 22 February, 2008
United States President George Walker Bush has ended his short but historic visit to Liberia. This was a visit which most Liberians look up to with high expectations. They might have been hoping that the American President would have announced millions of dollars of US assistance to Liberia. That, however, was not the case.
Democracy at Work in Liberia
Published: 21 February, 2008
One of George Bush's pet projects is spreading democracy around the world. This may not be on his agenda for this trip. However, we wish to demonstrate that democracy is thriving through our land not only through the voting process but also through governance and the people's participation in the growing process.
The visit here in Liberia of American President George Bush is yet another manifestation of the 'traditional ties' that bind the American and the Liberian governments. Somewhere along the road to independence amidst the thicket and the potholes, our big brother America has always wiggled a way to give us a last-minute hand.
Partnership Not Dependency
Published: 19 February, 2008
Africans are usually gratified by 'little' gifts and it would seem, throughout history, those who have recognized this trait of the African people have played it to the continent's disadvantage. It appeared, too, that those who seek to dominate us only follow that line.
Glowing tributes were paid to the Daily Observer on Saturday as the first Independent daily in this country celebrated its 27th anniversary. Dr. Amos Sawyer, the keynote speaker of the occasion, declared that the “Daily Observer has provided an exceptional platform for…national discourse;” and went on to call upon the public 'to support its high standards and encourage others to raise theirs.'
Leave Exclusivity for Liberian Business
Published: 15 February, 2008
This week has been quite an interesting one, with a 'battle of ideas' between the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) on the one hand and the Executive Branch of government on the other. Both sides are locked over differences on an amendment to the Investment Incentive Act of 1973 proposed by the Executive to remove all distinctions between foreign businesses and Liberian-owned businesses.
Where to Fight Poverty
Published: 14 February, 2008
Once upon a time a Liberian President became visibly annoyed by a reporter's question suggesting that Monrovia was being used as a showcase to national development when, in fact, the other areas were left untouched, lacking good roads, good schools, poor health facilities where children were undernourished, walked bare-footed and went to bed hungry. The President at the time grew mad, but kept his cool and calmly explained government's policy.
UN, East Timor Worries Us
Published: 13 February, 2008
This week the world has been once more in shock over an attempt by rebels in the Asian-Pacific nation, the Democratic Republic of East Timor, to assassinate President Jose Ramos-Horta.
Yesterday, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) announced that it would commence implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1777 requiring a drawdown of troops by September 2008. Deputy Chief of Operations for UNMIL, Lt. Col. Greg Tasker, said 2,450 of the 14,000 troops in the country would be withdrawn from Maryland, Grand Bassa and Grand Cape Mount counties.
The Need for Constant Vigilance
Published: 07 February, 2008
Recently the President of Liberia warned her Ministers to perform their duties or be prepared to be replaced. There are some Ministers or functionaries in Government who are obviously not on top of their business; consequently, things are going topsy-turvy.
Cleansing of the Bar Association
Published: 05 February, 2008
The Liberia National Bar Association, an organization of lawyers comprising men and women learned in the legal profession, is in dire need of self-cleansing. Members of the Bar Association are men and women in whom individuals in the society in time of distress, repose trust and confidence to get them out of trouble.
Another 'Green Revolution' toward Self Sufficiency in Rice
Published: 04 February, 2008
A news clip on BBC warned two nights ago that world shortage coupled with the steep rise in the price of rice “will make this an unusually tough year.”
“Now the President Is Talking”
Published: 31 January, 2008
“Now the President is talking! Now she will soak Jacob!” These are the reactions of street sellers and illegal structure owners who have long engaged the Police in running battles for the removal of their structures or by clearing them off the sidewalks peddling their wares.
Define Scrap Metals or Halt the Business
Published: 30 January, 2008
Liberia has apparently moved from being a major iron ore shipping country to a country shipping 'scrapped metals' intended to be re-cycled in states where demands for metal are high. A 15-year long devastating civil war left a lot of wreckages about the country and some fortune diggers felt they could earn wealth out of the refuse by shipping 'scrapped metals'.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf assured members of the 52nd Legislature in her Third Annual Message on Monday that “Liberia's recovery is fully underway.” To back up her assurance, she outlined a program of confidence-building activities that had been undertaken over the last 12 months covering education, public works, health, agriculture, security and industry. Roads are being reconstructed, infrastructures are being rehabilitated, mines are being reopened and new concessions are in the works for the development of other projects
Being Worthy of International Efforts
Published: 28 January, 2008
The visit here shortly of the new World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, is yet additional evidence of this country's forward leap into the world economic sphere and what advantage could be gained there once the opportunity is seized by all of us.
No Nation Is an Island
Published: 25 January, 2008
Liberians seem to be sitting on a planet of their own. Majority of our people are completely disconnected from 'global effects'. They believe that their country works as an 'island'. Everyone carries the myth that the country is so naturally endowed that its people should have abundance, even if they are not engaged in tasks from which they could gain earnings.
When the former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Kenya this week in an attempt to broker peace between the political factions, he told journalists that he would insist on a solution to the political imbroglio for the sake of Kenya and its people and for the sake of Africa adding, “We can count on the will, maturity, resourcefulness and judgment of the leaders."
