I am told most of the disputes in olden-day Africa, especially Liberia, were settled under the 'Palava Hut' by chiefs, elders and other influential citizens in towns and villages. Also under the same hut, these people had to reach some hard decisions for the well-being of their subjects to remain safe. But certain period in our history, power-hungry men, who claimed that they were excluded from the decision-making process, bypassed this process. They further claimed that they were coming under the banner of liberation when they instead unleashed carnage on the peace-loving people of Liberia; thereby destroying a practice we upheld until the madness came in.
News of her arrival in the county (Lofa) had spread like a bush fire. The citizens were enthusiastic about the fact that the visit of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to their county would lead to much needed change in the areas such as social amenities and human services. As the presidential convoy approached the city of Zorzor, hundreds of people, young and old were seen running to line the route, joyfully and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their leader (who was leading the cabinet to Voinjama for a three-day retreat).
It is often said 'practice makes perfect.' This adage came to my mind recently when I was in Saclepea, Nimba County on a reportorial tour of duty. While walking through the center of town, I came across this little boy who, according to his mother, had the habit of tuning the radio whenever it was news time, especially for news from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
There are some animals that are considered domesticated while others are not depending on human affiliation with such animals. Monkeys, for example, to some are considered as pets while to others can be served as a delicacy for a hearty meal. The same goes for dog as a pet to most people while some eat the animal. As meat. However true, most won't admit to the latter. All in all, pets are determined by those who keep them and also the owner's relationship with such animals.
Refugee's Quest for Education
Published: 29 April, 2008
The clarion call by our education authorities for all to attain some standard of education irrespective of one's age or status seems to be claiming the attention of many persons, including the refugees in the country. Despite the recent food crisis which has hit the Ivorian refugee camp near Saclepea in Nimba County, one person, in spite of the difficulty of finding something to masticate as a refugee, remains focused as he searches for support to continue his education. He is Mr. Lagou Oumei Bertin, 52. Bertin, who is at least about two to three feet tall, says prior to crossing into Liberia as a refugee, he was in the 11th grade class where he managed to learn how to operate a computer.
Making Ends Meet: The Mano River of Today
Published: 28 April, 2008
The Mano River we knew yesterday is no longer the one I saw last week when I traveled to that region. The entire concession area, which used to be fully electrified with good housing facilities, healthcare delivery system and good road network comfortable enough for VIPs, has finally deteriorated to a dense forest only comfortable now for wild animals. All of the facilities have been destroyed by the country's civil war. Wanton poverty, giving rise to child labor, is the order of the day in the region. These two ladies are carrying head loads of scrap to be weighed by the buyers for subsequent payment. Their stories are sad and their conditions are deplorable.
Water is considered as the most important on the surface of the earth. Even though most parts of the earth are covered with water yet water is seriously lacking in some parts of the world. One can do without electricity for some time but that cannot be said of water. On a daily basis water is used by everyone either for domestic or industrial use. In the urban areas water is more wildly used than in rural areas where it is mostly used for domestic purposes. The most important aspect of the scarcity of water, especially in Third World countries, is the absence of clean and safe drinking water.
Let’s Subsidize the Farmer
Published: 24 April, 2008
There is a rising public interest in growing and eating locally-grown produce, an exercise that will help Government save millions of dollars on the importation of food. Mr. Clarence Adolphus Moore, a small-scale cash crop farmer, grows cassava, plantain, yams, potatoes and rice on 200 acres of land in Tubmanburg, Bomi County. He says Liberia's declining farming industry needs a big prop-up to ensure self-sufficiency in food production. With about 30 people working with him, he said he started his venture last February, cultivating cassava which is now being harvested.
The wives of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) are apparently busy as their husbands or even more because they are their most trusted kitchen cabinets that put on the final touches to present the VIPs in public. Some of the wives of VIPs are very powerful and influential in making political and crucial decisions. There have been instances where some First Ladies act as presidents in the absence of their husbands. I am quite sure this trust and confidence come about owing to the fact that your second half will find it difficult to betray you.
Ingenious Transportation by Train Track
Published: 22 April, 2008
With gradual return of calm and normality in many parts of the country, one issue that has persisted in the nation's capital Monrovia is the scarcity of commercial vehicles to take commuters and their goods to and from their destinations on time. Another is the rising cost of petroleum making availability of transport even more difficult. Of course, there are many other national concerns including the wave at which armed robbers continuously challenge the security network. (Don't ask me about this because it is no longer news). Over the weekend, I traveled to the much-talked-about historical township of Crozierville, founded in 1865.
A Special Tribute to Fred Deshield
Published: 18 April, 2008
The man Freddie D has momentarily disappeared but he is not dead. No, I know Freddie cannot die cause we have some unfinished business about arts and culture in Liberia. Anyone who knew Fred will agree with me that the man never ran out of ideas when it came to the performing arts in Liberia. He had a lifetime dedication to arts and culture in Liberia. I have known him since the early seventies and I just can't record any point in time when I saw Fred in an angry mood. Freddie never hurt a fly, never a human being. He was a very simple and humble gentleman who bled inside whenever things went wrong.
Joy of Doing What You Know Best
Published: 17 April, 2008
PLACE: KANDEJA
OCCASION: DAILY OBSERVER'S 27TH ANNIVERSARY
There are few moments that stand out tall among tons of events that crowd one's way as one moves ahead with this relatively short life. Some of those moments or events are joyous, while others may be the opposite. But when one finds absolute joy in what one does or knows best, you can see the blissfulness in the facial expression of what he or she does at all times. Some may say happiness is not always present at all events that one knows best. Granted, but on the average, one sees the thrill on the faces of the doers.
Many African-Americans are in the great United States of America giving their God-given talents to the people of that great society. The good thing about the US is everyone is given the opportunity to excel, irrespective of their native background, color or creed. Many African-Americans today are making history in the US in many areas of discipline. America is the great equalizer, it does really matter who you are but what you can do.
Small Arms and Light Weapons Still Threaten our Freedom
Published: 15 April, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her address to the Nation yesterday drastically spoke against the threat of armed robbery in our society and I think it is time for everyone to take a break and have some sober reflection. Since the end of our civil conflict, weapons brought in by various warring parties continue to create insecurity for innocent citizens in our society.
Wilson Doe, 7, Needs Help to School
Published: 14 April, 2008
Over the weekend, I visited Mt. Barclay community on Kakata highway and I really had a nice time interacting with people of that community. Mt. Barclay, just a stone's throw from Monrovia, has a lot of kids, many of whom are of school-going age but their parents cannot afford to shoulder the responsibility of sending them to school. While in Mt. Barclay, I came in contact with many little children and one of them really won my admiration. He is little Wilson Doe, a seven-year old still in kindergarten.
By Thy Sweat Thou Shall Eat Bread
Published: 10 April, 2008
In life nothing comes easy especially things that are of substance that help to glorify one's standard of living. To earn success in life, struggle should be the hallmark or key to one's success in that way life will have more meaning in appreciating its value. In short there has to be a little rain to appreciate the sunshine. In some cases success without struggle is very short lived. Even a new born baby has to struggle to sit, crawl before walking which clearly means that life is divided into stages so to speak. Those who choose to take the shortcut in life must be at the receiving end of its danger. Some examples of those who engage in the shortcut method are the arm robbers and money doublers who sometimes find themselves behind bars for life.
Love of money, they say, accounts for most of societal ills of the world. People with plenty of it do not normally show concern for their downtrodden or poverty-stricken relatives and friends. According to the real definition, from an economic standpoint, money is regarded as something used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment.Having either considered one of the values listed, this little boy, as I was told, is always in the tendency of counting any amount he receives as a gift.
As the good old book the Holy Bible teaches us, we should always be our brother's keeper and for sure there are some who are indeed their brother's keeper. One of such persons is David G. Moore, a resident of New Jersey in the United States of America. There are over 200,000 Liberians living in the US and if just ten percent of them engage in what David Moore is doing for the education of needy children who are no relations of his, there will be a tremendous improvement in our educational standard. Please don't get me wrong; I am not saying Liberians living in America are not helping their people back home.
Deadly Weapons against Humanity: Need to Put an End and Move Forward
Published: 07 April, 2008
It is high time Liberians and all within our territorial boundaries declared war against the common enemies of humankind, be it male or female, against small arms, light weapons, HIV/AIDS, and lately sexual exploitation. It is common knowledge all around Africa that the instability light weapons and small arms have caused the people of the continent is immense. Untold sufferings leading to destruction and mayhem have characterized the so-called independence of Africa owing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. As if that is not enough, the deadly disease HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to destroy the life of humankind, especially those who are not aware of the disease.
Elections in Africa place very expensive burden on candidates who are vying for office. Some invest their earthly earnings to no avail, while others invest little or nothing to get elected. In societies where people are not educated or politically illiterate, candidates spend unnecessarily on the voters to induce them for their votes. There are those who invested heavily in the 2005 elections and are yet to recover from their financial encumbrances. Those who threw their weights behind the candidates that became victorious are today enjoying the 'fruits of their labor' even though not all of them have gained from such ventures.
Importance of Girl Child Education
Published: 03 April, 2008
Years back it was a taboo and unthinkable for anyone to send their girl child to school in the rural area. It was a common belief that conventional schooling was only for boys, even at that it was an uphill battle to send children from rural areas to school in Monrovia. Those who challenged that taboo and allowed missionaries to take their wards for a better education are today amongst the educated few of yesteryears. Today, we are blessed that the United Nations Children's Fund has taken a keen interest in campaigning for the education of the girl child. Educating a girl child removes some of the heavy burdens from poor families around the world as such a child is seen as a bread winner in most Third World countries.
Don't Worry, Just be Happy
Published: 02 April, 2008
A few days ago I heard someone commenting on the high cost of living and this is what the person said, “The Old Ma is doing well; she is paving all our bad roads in the city which is good but please inform her that our pockets are very dry.” Indeed our pockets are dry but what is responsible for that, if I may ask? And the individual said the old Ma has a lot of people working in this Government from overseas and there is a big capital flight in our economy. Well, it will take some time for those people from overseas to resettle their families back 'home'. It is impossible for all the good things to happen at once.
The Courage to Give in to Surgery
Published: 31 March, 2008
It takes a lot of courage and determination to do anything in life, especially when it comes to critical decision-making. It becomes a period of self-judgment when one has to make a decision that no one can take for you. Even though in a case of helplessness one's next of kin could be tasked with the responsibility for making a decision, especially when it comes to matters like surgery. Some people harbor all sorts of negative beliefs and rituals; therefore making a decision on surgery can sometimes become a nightmare for them. A classic example is this blind elderly man who went for screening for an eye operation and was qualified for the surgery.
Children have one thing in common everywhere one goes. It is innocence. Whether in urban or rural areas the innocent look of a child is always present, be it a poor or a well-to-do child. And one thing is sure for me every time, photographing little kids brings me a special joy in my noble profession.
A Popular Means of Transportation in Tienfala, Mali
Published: 26 March, 2008
In every country there is a unique way of doing many things including transportation. In some African countries and other parts of the world, wheels on makeshift structures are used as means of transportation. In Sierra Leone and in most parts of West Africa, ’push-push’ is another means of transportation. Surprisingly, inhabitants of Tienfala in Mali, West Africa, are using donkeys unlike in North Africa where most people use camels as a major means of transportation.
Poverty, a Negative Factor to Better Education
Published: 24 March, 2008
Education is a priceless venture when one takes into consideration its numerous benefits, especially after achieving same to its highest peak. The road to a better education can sometimes be an uphill task, more so when the individual seeking that education comes from a very poor background. There were those who were very lucky to have acquired scholarships or were taken care of by missionaries and they got the best of education at no cost to their poor parents.
Have you ever heard that short-cut kills deer or hurry, hurry bursts trousers? This is a living aphorism. However, critics may argue that why 'beat around the bush' or take one or more hours on an assignment or chore or use a long route when there is a shorter route that leads to your destination. Even though it may be risky or whatever, no one cares. Another school of thought may say life itself is a risk and so, one needs to just go on with life; anywhere he drops that's his time. Nevertheless, realists, on the other hand, would say “self preservation is the first law of nature”.
From Bamako with Motor News
Published: 18 March, 2008
Motorbikes are fast becoming the most popular means of transportation in Africa especially in West Africa. Though it is one of the fastest means of transportation, yet accidents associated with the motorbike are very rampant. The latest country where motorbike transportation is fast spreading is Liberia. Since the introduction of transportation by motorbike in Liberia, major accidents, sometimes resulting in death and property damage have been on the rise. In other countries, it is mandatory that one wears a helmet or be arrested and prosecuted.
Civic Duty for Sanitation
Published: 17 March, 2008
Keeping the City of Monrovia clean is every citizen's duty and not the responsibility of a particular individual or group. This was realized recently when I went to the Sinkor community where I encountered a group of young people clearing garbage and packing them into wheelbarrows for subsequent disposal onto regular sites set up by the Monrovia City Corporation( MCC).
What Men Can Do, Women Can Also Do, Even…
Published: 14 March, 2008
One Baptist preacher once said if God ever made anything special other than woman, then He made it for Himself and not for mankind. Indeed, women are a special kind of creatures that God had to put man to sleep in order to fashion. Maybe He might have told her some secrets that all of them know and we do not know because Adam was asleep. You may have heard the above saying. What comes to your mind as a man whenever you heard it being said that what men can do, women can also do and even better? Women appear weak in strength and soft at heart but never try to underestimate the strength of a woman; they are the cradle behind world powers.
In November 1884, the Imperial Chancellor and architect of the German Empire, Otto von Bismarck, convened a conference of European states to settle the political partitioning of Africa. The Europeans wanted to expand their spheres of influence in Africa. This era was known as the scramble for Africa. In a low-brow comparative manner, a new wave of scramble for African human resources is in full swing. The continent's young sports lads are being scouted and taken to Europe where they ply their talents. Young virtuosos and dynamic athletes are being scouted from this continent and taken to top flight European leagues. At first it was the males that dominated the market; now young females are being scouted. The cream of young lads start from humble beginnings, even in Liberia.
Vai Women's Fishing Nets: What are they Made of?
Published: 11 March, 2008
One sunny day in a fishing settlement in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, I encountered this woman with her fishing nets. Awed by the art of weaving these locally made materials, I sought to ask the lady from what were they made and how were they made. She patiently stopped and began to explain to me what I exactly wanted to know. The lady told me that the nets were fabrics drawn from new offshoots of leaves on palm trees. These fabrics, she said, are bundled into threads, which are carefully knitted.
Blacksmiths: Their Contribution to the Economy
Published: 10 March, 2008
The work of a blacksmith, often overlooked in Liberia, is very important to our national development. From agricultural hand-tools to security products such as window bars and gates, their handiworks are a visible testimony to the rising tide of development in Liberia. One important thing to note is many people including some government officials do not really seem to appreciate the contribution these people are making to the economy of Liberia. In Grand Cape Mount County, younger people are not frequently found during such job. Recently while visiting the Cape Mount region, I saw these two men on the outskirts of Bo-Waterside squeezed up under this little hut, smelting metal into useful tools.
Begging or Forceful Demand
Published: 07 March, 2008
Recently, the streets of Monrovia were overtaken by a group of foreign nationals including women, men and children believed to be migrating from North Africa. The purpose of their being in the country was unknown. But their presence was marked by activities such as begging for alms. The parents of the younger ones like the one in this photo normally position themselves in street corners and send the kids out to beg from passers-by. The children beggars usually rush on anyone and hold onto people's dresses, regardless of whether they dirty people's dresses or not. No matter how you resist them, they persist and will follow you as far as they want.
Sleep is one thing that no one can easily escape from . It is very powerful and comes to you at any time it wishes and it has no mercy. I have been victimized on many occasions by the power of sleep. In one instance, while in a commercial vehicle in the City of Accra, Ghana, to attend a graduation ceremony of a friend, I was overtaken by sleep. I slept in the bus and, before I knew it, it took me way past where I was going, more than 30 minutes drive away from the graduation venue.
From all indications, no one would like to be struck by disaster because it is one of man's greatest enemies on planet Earth. It takes away things including life and property without any regret. Last weekend, while traveling from Sinkor to central Monrovia, I noticed a very huge traffic around the Monrovia City Hall along Tubman Boulevard but no one on board the taxi cab that I was riding in could tell what might have led to the traffic congestion. Being inquisitive and sitting in the front of the taxi, I asked a driver locked in the traffic but on the opposite side of the road what might be the cause of the jam.
Bishop Jonathan B.B. Hart Is Three Days Old
Published: 04 March, 2008
On Sunday, March 2, 2008, Episcopalians across the country celebrated the consecration and the enthronement of the twelfth Bishop of the Church in Liberia at the Trinity Cathedral on Broad Street in Monrovia. The occasion was very colorful indeed with Liberian women displaying some of their finest designs in both European and African dresses. The men, smartly dressed in their suits and African attires, jam-packed the gigantic Trinity Cathedral with its very high roof. The Daily Observer selected the most senior team, including Nathan Mulbah, Alaskai Moore Johnson and Sando Moore. The team was headed by Mr. Kenneth Y. Best, the Publisher and Managing Director, to cover the event and certainly with the Publisher himself present, no one dare messes up.
Morlu Takes over RMU Board Chair
Published: 03 March, 2008
Many good things continue to happen during the Ellen-led administration in many sectors of our society and on the international scene. During the past few months, Liberia enjoyed debt waiver from many countries and international financial institutions, road development and many others. Over the weekend, Liberia hosted a very important Maritime conference of the region. The first meeting of the Board of Governors of the Regional Maritime University took place from February 27 to 29 at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville. The meeting brought together Ministers from Ghana, The Gambia, Republic of Cameroon and Sierra Leone. T
A Trip to Bo Waterside
Published: 29 February, 2008
Sometimes it is a good thing to leave the city for a while and have a taste of other areas especially during this hot season. Last weekend, I took a ride to the border town of Bo Waterside near Sierra Leone and it was quite an experience for me. There is active trade between Liberians and Sierra Leoneans and a great deal of peace and harmony existing between the two peoples. A few years ago this was a 'no-go' area as it was under the command of gun men, but today the picture is totally different.
Mary Broh Can't Be Everywhere
Published: 28 February, 2008
For sometime now many people have spoken of a Liberian who has tried to make a difference when it comes to changing minds and attitudes. One thing is clear though, such people are not likeable in circles that refuse to change for the better. I had an opportunity to put Madam Mary Broh to a little test when I applied for passports for my grandchildren at the Foreign Ministry. When I got to the Passport Section, this lady was on her feet most of the time, making sure that people understood the new procedure for acquiring a passport. During my few visits at the Foreign Ministry, no one – I mean absolutely no one – asked for a penny to do anything for me. I pinched myself to confirm that I was still in Liberia. I was given an appointment for an interview at 8:30am. I said to myself, “but government workers do not report to work on time,” wondering if the workers at the Foreign Ministry would actually keep their appointment.
From Barclayville with Love
Published: 26 February, 2008
Last month I was in Grand Kru and spent a lot of time with the lovely children of that south-eastern region. Many of them told me they were not in school while others said they were willing to enter school but had no financial support to enable them enroll at any of the schools in the area. Most of these kids spent the entire day just sitting around doing nothing but playing. The kids are so lovely and anyone with passion for children will almost immediately want to adopt them as part of their family.
Support Census March 2008
Published: 25 February, 2008
By the end of this month everyone should be gearing up to be counted no matter where you are in Liberia. For many years, everyone has been made to believe that we are only 2.5 million people in Liberia and it is now time to verify this figure either to prove or disprove it. Census is not only about knowing about the number of people living in a country but also to provide important data for other developmental purposes in the area of health, education and other vital components of societal activities.
Ambassador Endee Receives Her Flowers from President Bush
Published: 22 February, 2008
On Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia, Liberia Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee launched a new song to celebrate the coming to Liberia of President George W. Bush. The program brought together many on-lookers as well as government officials and officials of the US Embassy in Monrovia. The song entitled 'President George Bush Welcome' is full of praises for the US President for his numerous contributions to genuine peace in Liberia.
This Is Development: Hats Off to Ellen
Published: 21 February, 2008
Driving on the Tubman Boulevard these days is the smoothest ride in the city of Monrovia. Isn't that real development as compared to a few months ago when it used to upset one's stomach? No matter what Liberians say, I think the Ellen-led Government is making significant strides in developing our country that has not seen such for many years. I know there are some of our citizens who want to see development faster than what it is now but it is better than nothing.
Juli Endee Launches George Bush Song
Published: 20 February, 2008
Liberia's Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee yesterday launched a new song to commemorate the visit to Liberia of United States President George W. Bush at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia. The song entitled 'George Bush welcome' is sung in few of Liberian languages and will really make Liberians proud. Liberians must begin to show appreciation for people who show a high degree of patriotism by undertaking selfless projects that bring glory to the nation and its people. I was shocked when I later met the Cultural Ambassador after the launch and asked her for the names of the sponsors of the CD and she told me it was done entirely by the Crusaders for Peace.
Not by Height, But by My Doing
Published: 19 February, 2008
The average height of a human being is about five feet, six inches. But for Paul Kollie, that does not matter. “My height has got nothing to do with my doing, because I can do anything, even better than those who are taller than me,” he told me recently in Gbarnga when I visited a mini entertainment center where he works as a waiter. Interested, I inquired about his status. He explained, among other important points, that he is married to a beautiful lady (not named) with children and has 'small achievement' in education as well.
When the Moon Is Shinning, the Cripple Becomes Hungry for A Walk
Published: 18 February, 2008
On Saturday, February 16th the National Cultural Center was a scene of festivities marking the 27th anniversary of the DAILY OBSERVER newspaper. The gathering brought together many friends and associates of the paper including Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, a very good friend of the media and a contributor of the weekly column “Talking with the president”. The National Cultural Troupe beautifully performed one of their best dramas, The Village of So, So Women. This play is not commonly performed for ordinary occasions.
When the paper was launched on February 16, 1981, I was only 24 years old and highly progressive in the field of photojournalism. On the night of February 15, 1981, the entire nation was set for the birth of the first real independent daily of the country. We overworked that night when we had to cross many checkpoints mounted by the Military Government of the People's Redemption Council (PRC) to collect last-minute stories for the maiden edition. At that point in time, the paper had some of the most committed young journalists who were ready to defend the truth at all cost.
General Victor Malu: A Name Liberians Will Always Cherish
Published: 13 February, 2008
When Liberia was on fire and the place became a no-go area, it took few men of courage to dare venture into the country. When Liberians were killing one another, it took someone like General Victor Malu to help quench the fire of death. Victor Malu has since become a household name in this country. Gen. Malu became involved in the Liberian Peace Process at a very crucial time when he served as ECOMOG Chief of Staff during the infamous Octopus war of 1992.
The New AFL: How Prepared Are They?
Published: 12 February, 2008
The Armed Forces of Liberia founded in 1908 yesterday celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia. The program, attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the AFL, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, saw our new men and women in uniform demonstrate some of their newly acquired skills in the military amid huge applause from the public.
Suehn Is Also in Grand Kru
Published: 06 February, 2008
When I traveled to Grand Kru, one of the subjects that caught my eyes was the fact that there exists a town called Suehn like in Bomi County and they are spelled the same. The only difference is that in Grand Kru, there is Small and Big Suehn. Suehn, like most towns in the county, is populated with a lot of school-aged children who are not in school for reasons such as unavailability of funds on the part of parents. The town is situated on the main highway leading to Barclayville and Grand Cess.
Fr. Tchouin Conducts Children's Mass in Grand Cess
Published: 05 February, 2008
The Catholic Church is one institution in Liberia that is found in every part of the country educating the future leaders of our country. The Catholic schools are the best and
