Preaching on Buses Business or Religious?
Published: 14 November, 2008
The Writer
Dressed in a green shirt, notably a Nigerian-made, with a brown pair of leather shoes, a brown pair of trousers and fully armed with a black Bible and a brown handbag, he emerged from the left corner of the Monrovia Transit Authority (MTA) Bus marked 5115BC heading towards Central Monrovia via Tubman Boulevard.
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 14 November, 2008
The Writer
Madam President, the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reminds us yet once again about how unfair or undemocratic elections lead to violence. Let us examine how the crisis came about in the DRC and then look at elections-related violent crises in other countries. Then, this Commentary will close with a position on the way forward.
Aren't They Liberians?
Published: 13 November, 2008
I have persistently heard these kinds of noise: “Imported government officials…”; “She's bringing her own people from America…”; “People here are not qualified for the jobs…?”, bla, bla, bla! And the only reading in all this is jealousy. There is a directory of qualified and competent Liberians, many of whom are rendering services all over the world. This is pride for our nation!
Tackling Lingering Constitutional and Other Legal Issues
Published: 11 November, 2008
In this article I will focus on the draft constitution that was written by the National Constitution Commission (NCC), sometimes referred to as Con-Com), reviewed and altered by the National Advisory Assembly (NAA), and ultimately promulgated in 1986 as the constitution, its mandate, and the methodology that was employed in crafting the document. In a subsequent piece, I intend to set out some of the provisions of the draft constitution that were either altered or eliminated by the NAA in its review process, and also to address a few other important constitutional issues that have been lingering for some time. I will be undertaking this exercise in anticipation of the forthcoming referendum.
Nov. 4, 2008, was the day when American politics shifted on its axis. The ascent of an African-American to the presidency a victory by a 47-year-old man who was born when segregation was still the law of the land across much of the United States of America is a moment so powerful and so obvious that its symbolism needs no commentary.
Talking with The President
Published: 07 November, 2008
The Writer
Madam President, Liberians and people in the rest of the world are reflecting on the meaning and impact of the victory of Senator Barack Obama over Senator John McCain in the race for the Presidency of the United States of America. When I announced my support for the candidacy of President-elect Obama nearly a year ago, I had no illusion whatsoever of the significance of his candidacy. The basis for my support had the interest of the Liberian people in mind, principally, and then the interest of others in the world experiencing similar consequences.
What Makes a President a President?
Published: 07 November, 2008
The Author
With 98 percent of the vote already in, Sen. Barack Obama (D.-Ill.) has won the US presidential elections by a healthy six-point margin (52% to 46%) in the popular vote. A dominating 176-vote lead in the Electoral College vote count represents more than a two-to-one landslide for the Democrat and a crushing defeat for Sen. John McCain (R.-Ariz.) of the Republican Party.
Nimba's Politicians and Nimba's Development
Published: 05 November, 2008
The writer
I write this article as a citizen of Nimba to give my full support to the Federation of Nimba Youth and Student Organizations for raising concerns and making every effort that our county's development funds are utilized in such a way that the people of Nimba would benefit. In the past, Nimba politicians have played politics with the county's development. Our roads, let me not say in Nimba, are in deplorable condition. I am not sure what those we elected to represent us in the national government have done to address these conditions. Let me ask these questions: Has the Superintendent of Nimba County been to Buutuo to know the conditions and concerns of his people who live in that part of the county? Where are Nimba Senators and Representatives and what have they done to address these deplorable conditions in the county? Have they also been to Nimba to know the conditions of their people or simply they are in Monrovia and just theoretically, representing the people of Nimba?
Now that weeks have elapsed and the dust has settled since the historic honoring program for long-service employees of the Ministry of Education (MOE) was held, I think it is time for one to reflect on the event.
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 31 October, 2008
The Writer
Madam President, let me start by saying Happy Birthday to you. Madam President, two days ago when you turned 70 years, I called to wish you Happy Birthday, but I was unsuccessful in reaching you. So, I had to give the Birthday Message through one of your Advisors. I recall the day that the Venerable Albert Porte reached 70 years and was asked how he felt. He quickly replied: “I feel 70 years young”, demonstrating that how old or young a person feels is really a matter of a person's state of mind. So, may I express the hope that you feel 70 years young. Most interestingly, the most eminent Albert Porte's biographer and relative, Journalist Kenneth Best, turned 70 years one day ahead of you. And he insists that he feels 70 years young, sportingly running up and down the steps at the offices of the Daily Observer, now housed in the residence of the late great Liberian Lawyer and Patriot Nete-Sie Brownell.
A Formula for the Mo Ibrahim Award
Published: 30 October, 2008
The Writer
Liberia and Botswana, two African countries yet thousands of miles apart, have collectively coalesced efforts in ensuring stern adherence to steps leading to the formation of a single African Government. Age wise, however, there is a huge contrast; Liberia is a whooping 119 years older than Botswana! In fact former President Tubman made selfless efforts at the expense of Liberian taxpayers to pump thousands for the redemption of Southern Africa including Botswana.
Pondering the Responsibilities and Obligations of a News Organ: The FPA Case
Published: 28 October, 2008
Does an independent news organ have a responsibility to kill or sit on a story because its full revelation may uncover a major scandal that may harm the reputation of a government? In my opinion, the answer to this question is a resounding no.
President Bush, Johnson-Sirleaf and Dr. Tipoteh in conversation during the Bush’s visit to Liberia
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 24 October, 2008
Madam President, as you are in Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America, to meet with President George Bush, certainly it is time to bid him farewell. It is time to present “A farewell to President Bush” because during the first week of November 2008, two weeks from now, a new President of the United States of America will be elected.
Cllr. Tubman Is Wrong on Article 52 (c)
Published: 21 October, 2008
Cllr. Winston Tubman's recent visit to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) triggered a number of headlines covering a wide range of topics requesting reparation (Liberians deserve reparations from neighbors, The Renaissance, October 8, 2008); reducing the number of candidates (Presidential candidates must be fewer, The News, October 8, 2008); rebuffed by Ellen for aiding Doe; (Ellen bullied me for aiding Doe, (The Analyst, October 8, 2008).
HELP LIBERIAN YOUTH BY HELPING THE YMCA!
Published: 20 October, 2008
KENNETH Y. BEST Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
ADDRESS BY KENNETH Y. BEST, GENERAL CHAIRMAN, 44TH MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN AND FUND DRIVE, LIBERIA YMCA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FORMAL LAUNCHING DINNER, MONROVIA CITY HALL, OCTOBER 15, 2008,
The Secret Weapon of Newspapers in the Digital Age - Paper!
Published: 20 October, 2008
Paper is an island of peace in the digital 'chaos' and an 'emerging strength' for media which demands much more examination, a leading American media critic told the annual Readership Conference of the World Association of Newspapers in Amsterdam on Thursday (16 October).
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 17 October, 2008
The Writer
Madam President, whenever leaders, who are supposed to be role models setting good examples for followers take action that place them above the law, then crisis is bound to follow. This is why a country, like Liberia, just coming out of violent crisis, the civil war, must necessarily prefer leaders who respect the rule of law.
In efforts directed at giving support to the “zero tolerance for corruption” government policy, it is highly crucial to look critically and patriotically at the presentation of Mittal Steel pick-ups to the government. On behalf of the government, the pick-ups were turned over to members of the National Legislature.
Mr. Dahn (holding cutlass) with a local reporter at the farm
Several Acres Oil Palm Planted in Nimba
Published: 15 October, 2008
Mr. Dahn and his new oil palm mill
A son of Nimba County, who returned home recently from the United States of America to manage his 100-acre of oil palm, says his aim is to help motivate other farmers in the country.
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 10 October, 2008
The Writer
Madam President, you were observed participating in a very useful event on Monday, October 6, 2008, marking the commemoration of World Teachers Day. This event provides us with an opportunity to praise teachers of Liberia for their sacrificial and very useful services to the development of Liberia over the years. In praising our teachers, some of their shortcomings will be mentioned as a way of calling teachers' attention to certain problems, which when corrected will improve their performance. Hopefully, this way of praising teachers will encourage them to stop making past mistakes and become better teachers.
Tackling Lingering Constitutional Issues As Legal Reforms Get Underway
Published: 06 October, 2008
In 1986 the Liberian people discarded the 1847 Constitution that had been in existence for 133 years and set the ship of State under a new Constitution mandated by a Military Government. The country through few electoral exercises has put to test the 1986 Constitution and have experienced some roadblocks and potholes some of them having disrupted the process.
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 03 October, 2008
The Writer
Madam President, the case of one poor Liberian being presented here shows the determination of some poor Liberian to improve their living conditions in the midst of bad governance practiced by the Liberian government over the years past.
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 26 September, 2008
Madam President, the current financial crisis in the economy of United States of America and other global economies provides an opportunity for us to observe how the cost of the recovery from mistakes made by powerful state leaders is borne by the far less endowed segments of society. You can recall that the current financial crisis emanating from the United States economy and moving globally is mortgage-market based. Inefficiency in the supervision of investment bank lending by the Federal Reserve (Central Bank) of the United States of America led to excessive lending for the construction and purchase of housing. The profit-maximization motivation of the powerful state elites, as manifested concretely in the activities of their corporate allies, blinded the supervisory mechanism of the Federal Reserve and rendered it inefficient, facilitating pervasiveness and recklessness in mortgage lending. Mortgage lending became excessive and borrowers could not afford to repay their loans or meet up to their obligations in the mortgage market. The floodgates of investment banks had opened so widely and fluidly those luxury spenders bought houses and sold them in relatively short periods, raising their luxury consumption levels further from profits, while buying another round and get round of housing.
Western Cluster; the Doubts, Contradictions and Consequences
Published: 23 September, 2008
My boss, Kenneth Y. Best, would often say he wouldn't touch a shady character with a “ten-foot pole” fearing that the public would paint him with the same brush with which they would shady characters.
Liberian Nationalism: Where Is It? Have We Lost It? Can It Still be Found? The Implications, Ramifications of Irresponsibility and Indiscipline
Published: 16 September, 2008
The Writer
My late mother used to say, “Consider well the cost before you do anything.”
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 12 September, 2008
Madam President, let me share with you the summarized version of my Keynote Address delivered at the International Literacy Day Program of September 8, 2008, as held at the Monrovia City Hall.
The Lewis Brown Saga: A Moment of Sobering Self-Reflection for a New Generation
Published: 11 September, 2008
I had a personal rude awakening moment this last gone week that could not stop urging me to write this article. Well, in earnest, the moment began when I witnessed Lewis Brown's testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings in Monrovia. I heard Mr. Brown and could not leave my seat, because I wanted to hear his thoughts. They were intriguing. They mirrored some of my views about what has gone wrong in the Liberian society.
A Tribute to Gabriel Bacchus Matthews
Published: 10 September, 2008
The late Bacchus Matthew
This morning I begin this tribute with considerable sadness. Mr. Gabriel Bacchus Matthews' death seems like yesterday. It was a year ago and I am now filled with a deep sense of grief. It is surprising to observe how another's death impacts us. You really can never tell how you will respond to death yourself. You simply have to wait.
The Liberian Republic Has Survived, Despite Its Imperfections!
Published: 09 September, 2008
Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
Commencement Address by Kenneth Y. Best To the Graduating Class of A.M.E. Zion Academy A.M.E. Zion Church, Benson Street Monrovia, Liberia August 31, 2008
Denmark's Generosity Going beyond the Headlines
Published: 08 September, 2008
A few days ago, something very significant happened in Liberia's drive to rid the country of its huge debt burden. A delegation from the Kingdom of Denmark headed by that country's Minister for Development Cooperation, Madam Ulla Tornaes, arrived in Liberia to, among other things, get first-hand impression of the progress taking place in the country. But more importantly, the Danish Government made good on its promise to cancel the bilateral debt Liberia owes that European country, which amounts to a little over US$32 million (US$32,391,707.03). The amount, with accrued interests, represents loans acquired by the Government of Liberia in 1983. Additionally, Denmark also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Liberia to support the Government of Liberia and the United Nations Joint Program on Food and Nutrition, a gesture, which indeed represents yet another significant boost by Denmark towards Government's efforts to tackle the food crisis.
TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT
Published: 05 September, 2008
Madam President, realizing that central to the persistence of bad governance in the history of Liberia is the prevalence of the imperial presidency, one becomes very worrisome whenever the President of Liberia intervenes in any problem. However, the presidential intervention made during the past week as a result of a testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and reactions to the testimony provide an opportunity to demonstrate that at times presidential intervention can be supportive of good governance.
Firestone's Healthcare System in Need of Improvement
Published: 03 September, 2008
The reality of healthcare on the Firestone plantation is decidedly different from the image the company presents in its public relations initiatives. Firestone advertises itself as a model of corporate social responsibility. Its website includes many references to “providing quality healthcare”, “improving medical services for Liberians of all ages”, and “a social responsibility to the people, our teammates here, to make life better”.
Swedes SSR Contribution Makes Significant Impact
Published: 01 September, 2008
The Writer
As the government of Liberia (GOL) and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Swedish Government to help train our military and other security apparatuses on civilian-military relation, let me, with appreciation, salute the Government and people of Sweden for consistently choosing to contribute positively to the national recovery and governance of Liberia, our country.
Talking with the President
Published: 29 August, 2008
Madam President, the experience which we had in Virginia last week Saturday, August 23, 2008, provides us with a basis for redefining disability. This experience had to do with the presentation, by you, of a site for the construction of a Vocational and Technical School for the handicapped.
Ghana Elections as Regional Democratic Test
Published: 28 August, 2008
The impending Ghana December Elections 2008 will be a test for the West African region as it struggles for democratic consolidation. Seen as the sub-region's democracy star, the Ghana December election is a trial for a region where stability is still suspect as last month's military coup in Mauritania and the coup attempt in Guinea Bissau reveal.
