From Kolahun, Lofa with Love
Published: 03 July, 2009
The joy of living in the hinterland is eating fresh food free of chemicals and breathing natural air also free of pollution. Most things that people in urban areas buy on a daily basis are sometimes free in rural areas, such as pepper, bitter balls, greens and others. One thing I also noticed in the interior part of the country is that the environment is cleaner as compared to the city of Monrovia that has a serious sanitation problem which leads to serious health hazard of our people.
Most mothers in the hinterland are still engaged in the forceful feeding method of their babies in the event the child refuses to eat. It is quite dangerous as the kid is stuffed with the food while the nose, is normally blocked by the mother making it impossible for the child to breath and the food is taken in at the displeasure of the infant. It sometimes strangulates the baby resulting in death and then it is blamed on some witchcraft.
Sometimes the tools that children play with determine their future careers. This is too true to be true as exemplified in a living testimony in the employ of the Daily Observer newspaper. Bai Sama Best was only four years old when he started toying with his dad's typewriter in the early eighties when I captured him on Candid Camera and predicted that he would one day become a journalist like K Y Best Snr. and today, that became a fact.
It is sometimes very difficult to choose what to apply in certain circumstances, especially in cases involving the life, future and destiny of people, particularly the disabled. There are instances where empathy could be applied at risk, or may be to the detriment of one wanting to give the assistance, while in other cases sympathy may play a good role in consoling.
Sometimes I wonder if we as Liberians will continue to live in perpetual trauma even long after the end of the war. What I am about to mention in this column cannot happen when one is not traumatized by some psychological means. The best thing any Liberian will want for this nation of ours is the replacement of lost manpower development during the civil conflict. I was driven to tears when a 23-year-old Liberian brain who was a dux in the entire Cuttington University with a Suma Cum Laude.
Conflict theory tells us that among emerging social patterns in a post-conflict era are the issues of land ownership. Land disputes can easily provoke renewed cycles of violence in feeble societies emerging from decades of instability. In Liberia, this issue remains prevalent among looming issues still on the table for policy makers to critically examine and come up with strategies for transformation.
Determination, a Key to Achievement
Published: 18 June, 2009
It is a common saying in the academic circle that education is a key to success. As a result of this persuasive saying, many boys and girls, and even men and women, are rushing into various institutions of learning today to acquire knowledge for tomorrow's success. But how can the education that serves as a key to success be achieved? The answer can be found in the single word, 'Determination'. As defined by an education psychologist, determination is avoiding all distractions that will hinder you from completing a task.
M. Osman Kanneh: Shinning Example of Transparency
Published: 15 June, 2009
Many Liberians have had the opportunity of serving our country in many capacities and they have either proven to be honest or dishonest. Those who have proven to be corrupt outnumber the ones that have proven to be loyal to the state. There are many wealthy Liberians who got their ill-gotten wealth from government coffers and not through hard work and business.
Newborns Are Just Special
Published: 11 June, 2009
The great Liberian writer Wilton Sankawolo once wrote, “nobody knows when he will die”. In the same vein I'm not sure if anyone knows when he or she would be born. The most beautiful aspect about life is one's time of birth. Enough of this digression, let me strike the main meat of the matter, newborns. Sometimes they are just unpredictable when it comes to their behavior.
Newborns Are Just Special
Published: 11 June, 2009
The great Liberian writer Wilton Sankawolo once wrote, “nobody knows when he will die”. In the same vein I'm not sure if anyone knows when he or she would be born. The most beautiful aspect about life is one's time of birth. Enough of this digression, let me strike the main meat of the matter, newborns. Sometimes they are just unpredictable when it comes to their behavior.
Makeshift School in Nimba
Published: 09 June, 2009
Recently on a tour of Nimba County assessing destruction caused by a recent storm, we came across many damaged buildings including some public facilities like schools, clinics, among others. One of the areas visited in the Tappita District was a town called Boe Bonlay where the roof of a self-help school building was blown away by the storm leaving the building roofless. The building has sun-dried bricks seen cracking at many sides.
Commandment with a Promise
Published: 08 June, 2009
Most often, people contemplate some of the activities being carried out in various churches and worship places. Sometimes one should associate with some of these men and women of the Gospel for spiritual growth and development and to know about the importance or rewards of some of these programs.
Two Great Nigerian Sisters Uplifting Liberia's Business Climate
Published: 05 June, 2009
Nigeria's contributions to Liberia have been enormous both in peace enforcement and peace building. It is also contributing to the technological and human resource development of post-conflict Liberia. This is one of the reasons why I can never stop saying “thank God for Nigeria” and every well-meaning Liberian knows the meaning of that phrase. When our country became a no-go place and a pariah state in yesteryears, only 'Big Brother' (Nigeria), dared venture into the killing field of our own creation then, as opposed to our so-called overseas friends.
Two Trained Economists on Liberia's Business Future
Published: 02 June, 2009
Liberia's future for doing business is a priority for both the Government and its international partners who, out of their policies of attracting best investment practices, have recognized the private sector as the engine of growth. The Government and its partners, especially the International Finance Corporation (IFC) - the private sector arm of the World Bank - have continued to work assiduously to ensure reforms of existing laws and regulations to promote investment activities in the country.
There Goes another Lofa Citizen
Published: 27 May, 2009
Since I last visited Lofa County about a week ago, it seems I have discovered some virtue in the people of northern Liberia. A few days ago I did a series of candid shots highlighting the progressiveness of the people in that county and today it continues unabated. Over the weekend, I was a proud invitee at the birthday party of the Minister of National Defense, Brownie Samukai, who happens to be a long-time friend of mine.
Eunice & Ahamadu Are One Flesh
Published: 25 May, 2009
The great reggae singer Bob N. Marley once said “what must be, got to be”. And this is so true in everyday life. Only God can explain why certain things happen the way they do and quite frankly man cannot question God. Love breaks barriers of all kinds no matter what the situation might be. Only two persons can make the decision of the heart to fall in love, hence they are the only ones who can decide to become one flesh.
Future leaders on track in Voinjama
Published: 20 May, 2009
It is 7 am and the dwellers of Voinjama City are since 5 am up and moving about their normal business and the students are all over the place finding their way to their classrooms. I went around and almost every kid is on his or her way and no one sitting idle except for those who are attending afternoon classes and even at that they are doing something worthwhile, yes that is the true meaning of a Lofa citizen.
The West African Examination Council yesterday commenced the writing of this year's exams with about 20,650 12th graders across the country sitting. This year, the students are writing the exams in their respective schools as a new means to control cheating and fraud.
I have always admired the people of Lofa County for so many reasons; they are self-sufficient in many respects, especially in the production of basic commodities and their enviable entrepreneurship. Wherever the people of Lofa are found they engage in petty trading and gardening. Lofa has always been noted for being the bread basket of the nation.
PIXS FROM MISS LIBERIA, MAY 9, 2009
Published: 13 May, 2009
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UL Commencement Update
Published: 11 May, 2009
After many years of labor, 2,400 students graduated from the University of Liberia (UL) in various disciplines. Most of those who graduated from the University were either self-supported or children of ordinary Liberians who can hardly make ends meet in our society. Though the task was tedious yet they made it, succeeding against all odds. I can surmise that there were days and nights when they thought all else had given way but courage was always at their doorsteps, reminding them that indeed failure is not counted in life's dictionary of success.
Liberia Becoming Better for Business
Published: 07 May, 2009
Liberia is gradually becoming a better place to do business as the country's public private dialogue has once again announced the attainment of additional reforms. The reforms, totaling 18, are expected to make it better, easier and faster to do business in the country. The first of such achievements was announced last year when the Liberia Better Business Forum (LBBF), in collaboration with Business Reform Committee (BRC), published a list of 21 reforms they had achieved.
No doubt why some Liberians refer to some of our lawmakers as people who are not working but rather receiving huge salaries, allowances and bonuses that have been placed at nearly US$ 4,000 monthly. At both chambers of the National Legislature, many key bills are stalled. Not even the threshold bill, which has received international backing, has had attention in the Lower House and is yet to be passed into law.
World Press Freedom Day: How Free Is the Press in Africa?
Published: 04 May, 2009
May 3 each year is celebrated as world press freedom day. But is the press really free? This is one question that remains unanswered on the African continent. In many parts of Africa the press is not considered as a partner-in-progress and development but a partner in diversity leaving it vulnerable to the enemy sword of African dictators. The media is feared in most African societies where corruption is the order of the day. Hence any attempt by the press to expose such malpractices results in journalists paying dearly with their lives.
Ellen Surely Looks Clean Bill of Health
Published: 30 April, 2009
The health of the president of any nation is everyone's business as the nation's security rests on her personal security, especially her health. When a leader is performing very well at her duty as Ellen is doing, everyone certainly will wish her long life in power to complete the good projects she has initiated.
To many Liberians, going to the United States of America (USA) and living there means going to the “promised land.” There, they struggle to attain good education and prepare themselves for a productive life, whether back home or in the USA. This is why, among other things, the Diversity Visa (DV) is being played every year by many of our people, in the hope of winning and traveling to the Great USA.
We all know the famous adage that says “Do unto others as you want others to do unto you.” It is indeed from the Bible and relates to the famous 'Universal Golden rule'. But it is surprising how many of us do not actually apply this rule to others but expect it to be applied to us. Yesterday, I was walking down the National Museum and spotted these blind beggars.
A Woman Country Cloth Weaver
Published: 24 April, 2009
Women are proving every day that indeed they are taking their rightful places in this male-dominated world come what may. Years back no one could see a woman weaving country cloth in the village when men did weaving as an exclusive male-dominated art and women dared not dream of participating in it.
'Good Never Lost': Traditional Council Gowns Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation Magazine
Published: 21 April, 2009
Chief Dale Momodu of the famous Ovation Magazine of Africa was yesterday honored by the Crusaders for Peace and gowned by the Traditional Council of Liberia at their village on Capitol Bye-Pass in Monrovia. At the program, Liberia's Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee recounted the Nigerian-born media executive's numerous contributions and kindness towards Liberia.
Daquee Water Problem: Someone Cares
Published: 20 April, 2009
Sometimes when all else give way and one thinks that life is hopeless someone from somewhere somehow does care. Concern is shown through God's guidance. So was it when this column featured the plight of the people of Daquee Town who are in dare need of pure and safe drinking water and their worsened road condition. On Thursday, April 16, this column featured local and traditional methods of purifying dirty water from dried-up wells in various communities.
Purification or a Change of Pigmentation?
Published: 16 April, 2009
My recent visit to Darquee Town has left me with mixed feelings about the level of hardship people are enduring right in the heart of Monrovia city including the lack of safe drinking water. I spent hours observing the residents using sandbags to change the pigmentation of the muddy water fetched from dried-up wells in the community.
Darquee Town Youths Engage in self-help project
Published: 15 April, 2009
As the rainy season draws near, residents of Darquee Town near Somalia Drive are gearing up for their annual nightmare of floods. The area is close to the swamp or should I say near a vast wetland. Most of the residents spoken with talked as if the central government has forgotten about their wellbeing in that densely populated community. Ordinary people in the area sometimes employed their own water purification methods as there are not enough hand pumps in the area.
Music: A Philosophical Message and Story Telling
Published: 14 April, 2009
A renowned musician once referred to music as philosophy that presents message. He also said every chord on a guitar and every word from a musician tells a story or gives a message as well. If one listens intently, one will get to know the meaning of all that is being played or said in the music.
Beating Judas on Good Friday
Published: 13 April, 2009
Liberians had cause to observe Good Friday, especially after years of civil strife and the welcome development of healing in the land, with the people moving on with their lives. What was most astonishing to me is the traditional manner in which Liberians celebrate Good Friday. Traditionally, they do so by demonstrating Christian anger against Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus to his enemies, leading to the Master's arrest on Maundy Thursday. Liberians are known to go on a flogging spree against the betrayer of Christ.
At the JFK: Old Hands in Charge
Published: 08 April, 2009
Experience in any profession does not come on a silver platter or with ease; it is earned through hard work. Many a time when job advertisements are placed in the print or electronic media, they often request for years of experience, an indication that expertise is being sought. The medical profession is one of those areas where experience is a prerequisite for maximum efficiency. After all, precious human life is at stake. Each time I have paid a visit to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor, one individual whom I have known there since 1974 is Dr. Samuel Brisbane, an experienced medical doctor who has maintained his high professional standards over a very long period.
Colloquium Pix Update: Girl Guides
Published: 06 April, 2009
The International Women's Colloquium is still fresh on our minds and will be for sometime to come. This is because it was the first of its kind in our history. Are the Liberian dynamic and highly focused women who helped organize this major international women's confab actively following up the implementation of its outcomes, including the final communiqué?
The Present State of Liberia's Future Leaders
Published: 03 April, 2009
It is often said that generations come and go, so it is with every country around the globe, despite its political or economic might. But preparations are important to make sure that generation after generation for every society can help that society prospers. The million dollar question that needs to be answered for Liberia is whether this country is meeting that challenge? Liberia, a country that was established nearly 162 years ago by the American Colonization Society (ACS), has been ruled by more than 20 presidents with most of them coming from a single party, the True Whig Party (TWP). The TWP governed this country for more than a century.
A Joyful Moment: Meeting with Family Members after the Crisis
Published: 02 April, 2009
Since the end of the Liberian civil crisis, many persons have not had the time to reunite with their family members that were cut-off on either side of the divide. This situation became unbearable for many, owing to other factors that could not allow one to travel across divides. But one person, who I monitored over the weekend, is the Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of National Defense, Dionysius Sebwe.
Mary Broh Clears Broad Street and Other Areas Today
Published: 01 April, 2009
Mary Broh will today commence the clearing of Broad and other major streets of peddlers and unapproved market stalls, in order to give the City a facelift. The exercise is expected to start at about 10 a.m. with massive enforcement of Monrovia City Corporation laws that mandate the city government to keep our city clean.
