Poor Start Mars
Voters’ Registration In Liberia
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
The national voters’ registration process, leading to the national
elections in October this year, began on Monday, April 25. In Montserrado
and other adjacent areas, the recorded turnout was poor and beneath
expectation.
Obey
The Law: A Call On The National Transitional Government Of Liberia
To Fully Cooperate With TheECOWAS Panel Of Investigators
(A Press Release Issued By Civil Society Groups)
As dutiful citizens, we will not tolerate subterfuge, double standards
and blatant disregard for the law by those entrusted with public office.
Our attention is drawn to actions of an official of the Ministry of
Finance in the person of Mr. Tugbeh Doe, acting Minister of Finance
and his subtle attempt to obstruct justice for the Liberian People.
More Than
US$ 800,000.00 in Government Funds Vanishes From London Maritime Office
Account -INMARSAT Payments to Bureau of Maritime Affairs London Account
of over US$ 800,000.00 are said to have been transferred to personal
foreign bank accounts. INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite, Limited)
has reportedly paid to Liberia's Maritime Office Account in London in
April and November 2004, over $800,000.00 in (US dollars) through a
"Subordinated Preference Certificate 2033" scheme, known as
the "SPC Deed Poll".
Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf: Younger Generation of Liberians Will Earn Claims
to Political Leadership in Liberia
(
By Winsley S. Nanka)
Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the nominee of the Unity Party for the
2005 presidential election in Liberia says that “younger generation
of Liberians will earn their claims to political leadership in Liberia
by participating in the political process, and it will not be given
to them on a silver platter.” Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf was speaking
at the fundraising dinner organized by the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
based group, Liberians for Ellen (LIFE) on Saturday, April 23, 2005
in Philadelphia.
Finding Lasting Peace in Liberia: A Patriotic
Duty of Every Liberian
(A Presentation By Tiawan Saye Gongloe)
My disposition is informed by the fact that the PEACE we all
seek in our country is one that we have never had as a nation, from
the founding of Liberia to the present. It is not the mere absence of
sounds of guns, or the taking away of weapons of war, or the pacification
of warlords and fighters, or the consolation of politicians and other
contestants for political power.
Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf Speaks About her Vision of Post-war Liberia
(A Press Release Issued By Liberians For Ellen)
Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, The Unity Party presidential candidate
in the October 2005 elections met with cross-section of Liberians
on Saturday, April 23, 2005 to speak about her vision of post-war
Liberia. Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf until recently headed the Governance
Reform Commission setup in the framework of the Accra Peace Accord.
 |
|
Jacques P. Klein
|
Jacques Paul
Klein's Message to the International Workshop on the Reconstruction
of the University of Liberia
The University of Liberia suffered severe damages caused by civil conflict
and years of neglect. During the fighting for control of the capital,
the whole institution was thoroughly looted; stolen were desks, chairs,
computers, doors and every other removable item and even the power cables
and sanitary fittings were not overlooked. The law library was stripped
of precious books and reference materials. Consequently, it will take
quite some time before the University will completely recover.
Bryant, Others
Must Be Audited -Woods (Forum)
The head of Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), Samuel Kofi
Woods, says the civic society groupings in Liberia will exert pressure
on Bryant-led government until it can submit itself to ECOWAS forensic
auditing team in the country to carry out audit of all government
ministries and agencies.
Concern Mounts
Over Memorial Service (Forum)
(By: Lewis K.Glay)
There have been mixed reactions in Monrovia concerning recent memorial
service held by the sons, daughters, relatives and sympathizers of
the 13 executed officials of the Tolbert era coming from several quarters
including the University of Liberia.
Liberia Moves
Toward New Democracy (Forum)
Following months of massive publicity about voter registration for
the October 2005 general and presidential elections, Liberians have
begun queuing to register for the poll.
The Ugandan
Experience: A Challenge to Liberian Press
(By: Augustus B. Fallah)
Following 14 years of war, there is an urgent need for the Liberian
press to grow. The press is a significant force the world over, and
is an agent of change in the people’s attitudes, norms, behaviors
and culture.
Remove The Barricade Of Poverty (Forum)
THE PERMEATING POVERTY over Liberia with its crunching effects can
not be doubted.
HIV/AIDS
In Africa: Political, Policy, Program, Health And Legal Responses
(
A Presentation by Chinua Akukwe)
I thank the leadership of the American Bar Association (ABA), the Section
on International Law and Practice and the organizers of this conference
for convening a discussion on Health and International Trade Law. Since
the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the issue of
international trade laws and access to healthcare goods and services
has become an important global concern, especially in developing regions
of the World.
Is There
Hope in the Provision of Acceptable Health and Better Sanitation for
Liberians in the New Liberia?
(A Presentation By Francis Nah Kateh)
The present Health Care System in Liberia is of major concern, and
if nothing is done to remedy the situation, will lead to a serious
and costly health system disaster. With this opening statement, let
me take this moment to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Organizing
Committee and those that brought my name forth to address this prestigious
body on the issue of Health and Sanitation in Liberia.
A
Protected Friend of Terrorism (Washington Post)
(By Douglas Farah)
The Bush administration is touting the rule of law and democracy as priorities in its effort to create stability and defeat terrorism. Yet it remains curiously apathetic about the activities of one of the world's most notorious indicted war criminals, a man who is also an abettor of al Qaeda and Hezbollah. I am speaking of former Liberian president Charles Taylor, who has not only escaped answering for his crimes so far but who may be given an opportunity to repeat them if the United States does not act.
 |
|
Courtesy of ULAA
|
The All
Liberia National Conference: A Grassroots Revolution
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
The success or failure of conferences usually stems from three factors:
the issues, the timing, and the audience. The recent All Liberia National
Conference (ALNC) in Columbia, Maryland on April 14 – 16, 2005,
was a major success on all accounts. From security to health care,
from peace to political reform, every major problem confronting Liberia
was discussed with the full participation of every attendant. Unlike
conferences where pundits take the stage to render a diagnostic and
then pontificate on professorial remedies
Civil
Society Calls for Prosecution of Corrupt Officials
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
Leaders of four civil society organizations have asked ECOWAS Panel
of Investigators currently in Liberia to publish their findings and
recommended that individuals or groups of individuals responsible
for breaking the law be held accountable and duly prosecuted in accordance
with the laws of Liberia.
Liberians
Seek American Help In Rebuilding University Destroyed By 2 Decades Of
Civil War
The University of Liberia (UL), destroyed by two decades
of a brutal civil war and political unrest that plagued the West African
nation, is reaching out to universities, businesses and foundations
in the United States of America for help to rebuild the 143-year-old
institution of higher learning with a student population of over 12,000.
George Dweh
To Open Pandora’s Box! (Forum)
Suspended House Speaker George Dweh who has again been throbbed by the
UN travel ban says he will challenge the travel ban imposed on him recently.
NPP Partisans
Dismissed
(Forum)
(By Lewis K. Glay)
Local appointments made by Chairman Gyude Bryant in Swen Meca District,Bomi
County have reportedly left two NPP partisans in the wilderness.
MCC, Stand
By Your Mandate
(Forum)
ON SUNDAY APRIL 10, 2005, the City Council of Monrovia prohibited
Sunday market across the city as a measure to help curtail the filthy
condition of the nation’s capitol.
Nimba Plans
to Repatriate Citizens for Voter Registration (Forum)
(By Obadiah Karnah, II)
The Chairman of the National Elections Commission, Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris,
is commending Nimbaians for the program designed to repatriate and
resettle citizens in the wake of the voter registration exercise in
the country.
UNMIL Takes
Over NPA Security
(Forum)
The Management of the National Port Authority (NPA) and the United
Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) have agreed to institute new security
measures aimed at preventing criminal gangs from venturing in port
areas across Liberia.
Journalists
Are Crusaders for Lasting Peace -
Prof. Karikari
(Forum)
(By Lewis K. Glay)
The head of Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Prof. Kwame Karikari
says media and journalists must serve as crusaders for lasting peace
in post-conflict Liberia.
Disagreeing
With Some of the Points Dr. Somah Made in his Paper on Agriculture/Environment
(
By Ben Turtur Donnie)
As professional forester, a biodiversity specialist and instructor of
forest management (University of Liberia), I feel obliged to provide
some information intended to correct some of the wrongs of
Dr.
Somah's paper on Agriculture/Environment. In my brief encounter
with the learned professor, I found him to have immense interest in
the Liberian environment, and someone willing to contribute. Both of
us agreed to exchange information regularly regarding environmental
sustainability.
U.S. $350,000,000.00
Spent: No Electricity, Water, Etc. Disarmament?
(
By J. Yanqui Zaza )
Panelists at a one-day Conference called “Building Peace in Liberia:
Uphill Battle or Lost Cause told Liberians on Friday, 4/8/05 that agents
of both the UN and US have spent US $350 million dollars with little
to show for.
Military
And Security Reforms In Post-War Liberia
(Presentation - by B. J. Samukai, Jr.)
Liberia is bleeding from the horrors of its contemporary history,
and the blood of all victims must go in vain. The cumulative experiences
of our people during the past half of century have brought into unquestionable
disrepute, our nation’s military and security institutions.
Public
Notice of the 2005 National Convention Of the Liberia Action Party
(LAP)
(Public Notice Issued By LAP)
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Liberia Action Party
(LAP) announces to all partisans, supporters and well-wishers particulars
of the 2005 National Convention, as follows:
Agricultural/Environmental
Reforms in Post-Conflict Liberia
(Presentation - by Syrulwa Somah)
Fellow Liberians and friends of Liberia. I want to thank
each and every one of us for gathering in these halls to discuss the
future of Liberia, with respect to what contributions we can make
to the development of Liberia.
Political
and Social Reform in Liberia
(Presentation - by Mohamedu F. Jones)
The over-arching objective of political and social reform in a country
is to foster economic, social and political advancement, reduce economic,
social and political inequalities, and promote inclusive and legitimate
government ...
LIBERIA:
The Restoration of Our Nation
(
Statement delivered by:Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf At
The All Liberian National Conference)
I thank you for the opportunity to exchange views today on the awesome
task of the rebuilding of our nation and I thank you all for the recent
coming together of all those who are contributing, in these fora,
the ideas and the concepts that will help to shape the national agenda
for the New Liberia. The same spirit of unity is the driving force
at home as we strive together to respect our differences while moving
forward collectively in the interest of our country.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(A Thank You Note From The Family Of The Late Dr. Harry F. Moniba)
We the family of the late Dr. Harry Fumba Moniba wish to sincerely thank
all relatives, friends, neighbors and compatriots for their many beautiful
flowers, cards, generous donations, kind words and messages of condolence
and sympathy we received during our bereavement on the sudden loss of
the former Vice President of Liberia.
Building
Peace in Liberia: Uphill Battle or a Lost Cause?
(A Speech Delivered By S. Tiawan Gongloe)
The thematic question, “Building Peace in Liberia: Uphill Battle
or Lost Cause?” is reflective of the emerging fatigue against the growing expectation for an immediate solution to the Liberian conflict by both the International Community and many war-affected Liberians.
 |
|
William R. Tolbert
and
Samuel K. Doe
|
Finally,
After 25 Years…
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
It was not by design that Liberians in the Diaspora decided to meet
this weekend, at the close of the week of April 12 and 14. This happened
by mere coincidence. The All Liberia National Conference (ALNC) was
first scheduled for February 2005 but was postponed because of some
unfortunate distractions that had many wondering if Liberians could
ever get together and work in union.
Corruption
Saga Hits NASSCORP
(Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay )
A group calling itself the Concerned Employees to Save the National
Social Security and Welfare Corporation from total financial collapse
has accused management of rampant corruption at the entity.
Proposals
for Constitutional Reform in Liberia - Do it Before the 2005 National
Elections
(
By Winsley S. Nanka)
For several months, various Liberians at home and abroad have indicated
the need for constitutional reform in Liberia. The popular consensus
for constitutional reform is based on the fact that reform would help
safeguard the new Liberian democracy expected to begin on January 16,
2006 as the result of the October 11, 2005 elections.
Absentee
Ballot Is Consistent With The Liberian Constitution
(By Dionysius Sebwe)
Our fledgling democracy may be threatened if sound measures are not
put in place. Moreover, we must not underestimate the significance
and ramifications of the October elections. Most Liberians and the
international community, especially the United States, have a stake
in the outcome of the upcoming elections.
History,
Migration and Settlement of the Americo-Liberians
(A Speech Delivered By Dr. Syrulwa Somah at the Black History
Lecture Series at the First United Methodist: Children’s Rescue
Outreach International (C.R.O.I.) & Orphanage Benefit & Conference)
I am encouraged that you are curious to know about the historical
conditions and impediments that created the need for some freed black
American slaves to want to leave behind their families and personal
possessions...
Open
Letter To The Liberian Football Association (LFA) & The Ministry
Of Youth And Sports (MYS)
(By Elliott Acolatse, Jr.)
We are concerned and very disappointed in the handling of the Liberian
National Football Team, the LONE STAR and the running of the national
football leagues. For the last several years Liberian clubs have not
participated in any continental or regional football competitions.
Coup Makers
Arrive! (Forum)
(
By: Shelton F. Gonkerwon)
Today, April 12, certainly reminds Liberians of the first Military coup
d’tat launched in by seventeen enlisted men of the Armed Forces
of Liberia (AFL) on the fatal morning of April 12, 1980.
“Building
a Better Tomorrow For All Liberians”
( Presidential Hopeful John S. Morlu Fund
Raising Dinner Speech)
Liberia is presently at the crossroads of determining her path to survival
as a nation. For nearly a decade, our country has languished behind
countries that she once helped to secure their independence from colonial
rule. The current state of affairs in the country has prevented Liberia
from playing a meaningful role in the comity of nations. In the international
circles, our country remains a back bencher in decision making concerning
her own status of civility and direction in the 21st century. The once
proud nation has become a notable laughing stock in the eyes of many
that once admired her.
Special
Statement from the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the All-Liberian
National Conference, Inc.
Several months ago, Liberians of the Diaspora and from Liberian organizations
in the Diaspora, concerned about the trend of events in Liberia, the
unresolved challenges facing the nation, the issues that had led us
to the path of war, and the need to find solutions to those challenges
and issues...
NEC Challenges
NACEM To Be Credible
(Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay)
The Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Cllr. Frances
Johnson-Morris, has challenged the National Committee for Election’s
Monitoring in Liberia (NACEM) to exhibit credibility in the electoral
process.
Ugandan Judge
Challenges Liberian Media (Forum)
(A. Bob Fallah)
Liberian press and media personnel have been challenged to change
their ills infested society in order for the country to meet up with
modern standard.
LICPA Vs.
ECOWAS: An Audit Row
(
By Gbe Sneh)
The current row between the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants
seemingly could have been avoided. Timing is everything in this issue.
The appropriate time for LICPA to have raised the objection to the ECOWAS
impending audit of the NTGL should have been much earlier, and not at
a time when it is rumored “the ECOWAS auditors are in town.”
LIBERIA:
Disenfranchising Local Ownership in the Telecom Sector
(By Francis W. Nyepon )
Since the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTLA) began
promulgating policies to restructure and reform the telecommunications
sector in the country, opportunities have not been provided for local
ownership even though Liberians have, a) access to significant amount
of private capital to invest in the sector; b) comprise a large number
of experts in the sector; c) the ability to generate and circulate
huge amount of revenue throughout the economy.
“Patriotism
is the last refuge of a scoundrel”
(
A Press Statement
Issued by CEDE, FIND, FORHD and Green Advocates On the ECOWAS Panel
of Investigators to Liberia Bienvenue to ECOWAS Panel of Investigators
)
As dutiful citizens of the Republic of Liberia and as responsible and
principled civil society organizations interested in setting the building
blocks for durable peace, free fair and transparent elections and a
robust democratic culture, we want to express our profound gratitude
to the Economic Community of West Africa States for their intervention
in our beloved country to investigate probable misapplication of state
resources, specifically public funds.
Elections
Commission Uncovered Fraud in Political Party Listings
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
What appears to be an attempt by certain new breed of proposed political
parties to fraudulently beat measures put into place by the National
Elections Commission (NEC) is being thwarted by the Commission.
Reorganizing
the Liberian Military for External Defense & Internal Peacekeeping
(A Speech Delivered By Dr. Syrulwa Somah at the AME University)
I am humbled by the opportunity to address the faculty, staff, and
student body of this great institution. My organization, the Liberian
History, Education, and Development, Inc. (LIHEDE) has prepared a
proposed curriculum for a Liberian studies program at every higher
institution of learning in Liberia. I plan to present a copy of the
proposed curriculum to your president for consideration by your university.
Amidst Public
Outcry, Massive Protests, Liberian Parliament Ratifies Firestone Agreement
for Additional 36 Years
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
Despite massive public out cry coupled with protest from civil society
organizations, trade unions, democratic institutions and ordinary Liberians
against the extension and ratification of a new agreement for Firestone
Rubber Plantation company, the National Transitional Legislative Assembly
(NTLA) went ahead to ratify the agreement for additional 36 more years.
Limited
Utility Services Stifle Economic Prosperity
(
J. Yanqui Zaza)
Rumors emanating from Liberia indicate that certain parties are attempting
to revive Charles Taylor’s privatization plan. This idea to
turn over the control of utility companies, for example electricity,
from government to private owners might create more problems than
it solves.
Charles Taylor’s
Bush Mansion Discovered (Forum)
When he sounded his revolutionary bell under the banner of the National
Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), he was not hanging in the air nor
sitting upon branches of trees calling and evoking pro-Quiwonkpa sentiment
aimed at winning the crusaders who galloped for spears, stones, machetes,
guns, and other warlike materials but it was right in this house from
which he would blow his bugle.
UL Donor
Conference Turns Zero (Forum)
The University of Liberia Student Unification Party (SUP) has expressed
concern over what it called a “publicity spree” being
propagated by the Al Hasn Conteh administration at the university.
Waving to
Pope John Paul II (Forum)
THE HIGHEST MAN as far as the global leadership of the Catholic Church
is concerned Pope John Paul II fell from the corridor of the earth
last Saturday amidst admiration and traditional awarding of flowers
by world leaders.
FORUM Boss,
Others Tour Ugandan Media Facilities (Forum)
FORUM Managing Editor Augustus Fallah and six top Liberian media executives
have begun touring several Ugandan media institutions after arriving
in Kampala Sunday.
The IMF
Advises Liberia against Quick Fixed Solution to Liberia’s Economic
Problems
(
By Winsley S. Nanka)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the interim government
of Charles Gyude Bryant that it is not in the interest of Liberia at
this time for the government to implement a quick fixed solution to
Liberia’s economic problems by adopting a full dollarization of
the Liberian economy.
What’s
In An Election?
(By Gbe Sneh)
What is in an election? What is your partisan affiliation? And who
is your candidate? Come October 11, 2005, those who can, will go to
the polls to cast their votes in confidence to entrust our very existence
to a group of leaders headed by a president. This is going to be an
exercise, the fair implementation of which has been denied us for
generations unending. For once, it is taking on the airs of conduct
in the way it ought to be, but a few words of caution are in order.
Parade
of Speakers at the All Liberian National Conference in Columbia, Maryland
(A Press Release Issued by All Liberian National Conference
(ALNC)
Several distinguished Liberians will address the All Liberian National
Conference (ALNC) in Columbia, Maryland on major topics which are at
the core of the grave problems why peace has continued to elude the
war ravished nation. The conference runs from April 14-16, 2005. The
Former Pastor of the First Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia, Rev.
A. Momolu Diggs will address the conference on Reconciliation.
April 12,
1980-April 12, 2005: 25 Years ofChallenges for Democracy, National Reconciliation,
Unity, Peace and Stability
(
By James Thomas-Queh)
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the April 12, 1980 Revolution
(though we may still be hesitant to call it by that name, but how
else could one classify an event that has tragically changed the physiognomy
of an entire nation and the destiny of its people?), there is much
to hope and celebrate.
Why Chairman
Bryant Cannot Apologize for 13 Killed?
(By John S. Morlu, II)
In “The Unlawful and Wrongful Killing of 13 Liberians,”
Mohamedu F. Jones made two central issues. First, he argued that the
execution of 13 government officials on April 22 by the military junta
of Samuel Doe was unlawful and wrong.
A Biblical
Rejoinder for: Back from Monrovia
(By Henry N. Scere, II)
I read the rejoinder written by a one-time journalist Alex Redd in
response to the article entitled Back from Monrovia written by Bro.
Abdoulaye W. Dukule.
