Congratulations Mr. Speaker, But… (Part Two)
(By Theodore T. Hodge)
In a preceding article I took issues with my esteemed colleagues who find fault with Mr. Edwin Snowe running for and winning a legislative seat and subsequently being voted speaker by his peers in the Liberian legislature.
Cape Mount Reconstruction Conference Set for May 6, 2006 in Maryland
(A Press Release Issued National Association of Cape Mountainians in the Americas (NACA))
Philadelphia, February 27, 2006: The first post-war reconstruction conference for Grand Cape Mount County will convene in the United States on Saturday, May 6, 2006 under the sponsorship of the National Association of Cape Mountainians in the Americas (NACA).
Harnessing our expectation
By Sunny Nyemah
According to Peter F. Drucker, “Freedom is not fun, it is not the same as individual happiness, nor is it security, peace or progress. It is a responsible choice” We as Liberians have not understood the true meaning of freedom; we have compromise our integrity as a nation to the point where the rest of world has no respect for our ability to self-governed, and equitably provide for our suffering masses. A case in point is how funds raised for the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace...
Market Women: Backbone of the Liberian food economy (Part II)
(By Jackson Fiah Doe)
Thousands of market women throughout Liberia have been selling in the markets for years, if not decades; however, many have not been able to expand their micro-businesses. Lots of market women have not moved to the next level in their careers, like owning stores, shops, and boutiques. There are some reasons why these marketers have not fared well in their businesses ventures.
A First Row Seat to Watch the Madness of the Liberian War
(A Review of WITNESS, The Hand of God in the Liberian Civil War - A book by William G. Nyanue)
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Reviewed By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
One positive outcome of the civil war that ravaged Liberia may be the fact that the conflict gave birth to a new literary outburst. In the past few years, Liberians have written more books than they did throughout the entire history of the nation. From poetry to novels or children books, a new creative wind has swept the collective subconscious of Liberians. For a 150-year country that never had a single real library nor reading room or a serious publishing house besides those on academic grounds, this new phenomenon is akin to a cultural revolution. And if Liberians now have anything in common, it is certainly their common trauma arising from the war. Writing has therefore become a sort of catharsis, or at best a therapeutic approach in dealing with the demons of a long nightmare
Take A Chartered Flight to Monrovia for Christmas/ New Year to support the “We Want No More Malaria in Liberia” Campaign
Are you planning to travel to Liberia in December 2006? Well, for as little as $2,300 per person round trip, you could be one of 172 passengers spending the next Christmas and New Year in Liberia aboard a Boeing 727 chartered flight to Monrovia in December 2006. The flight is scheduled to leave JFK, New York on December 12, 2006 and return on December 31, 2006 or January 5, 2007 if at least 172 passengers are secured before August 15, 2006. Are you interested?
LIHEDE's Executive Director Expected in Monrovia to Hold Follow-up Talks With Government Officials on the Upcoming National Health Conference in Liberia
(A Press Release Issued By LIHEDE)
Dr. Syrulwa Somah, Executive Director of the Liberian History, Education & Development, Inc. (LIHEDE) and Associate Professor at NC A&T State University, is scheduled to arrive in Liberia during the first week of March to hold follow-up talks with selected Liberian government officials, civil and school authorities, and members of the local LIHEDE Planning Committee on the upcoming National Health Conference in Monrovia in December 2006 aimed at eradicating malaria in Liberia.
US Corporate Council On Africa Holds Roundtable on Investment and Business Opportunities in Liberia
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By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
The Liberian transition is stirring interest in Washington. Two weeks ago, Congress held a marathon 4-hour congressional hearing on the prospect for peace and democracy in Liberia. A bi-partisan congressional delegation led by House minority leader Nancy Pelosi visits Monrovia this week, meeting with the new Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government. Major business and civic organizations are following suit, turning their attention to the recovery and development process evolving in the war-torn West African nation.
Liberia: The Commander-in-Chief and The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)
(By Masu Fahnbulleh)
Political Landscape- The overriding legitimacy of building any military force depends upon its being executed in conformity with international laws. Moreover, to ensure international consensus and domestic political directives, which is critically important in a democracy, it is essential to build up forces within internationally accepted legal and political parameters.
War On Corruption : The President’s Approach
(By Bai Gbala)
Recent press reports that Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has announced the dismissal, en masse, of employees of the Ministry of Finance, Liberia’s Treasury Department and collector-depository of government revenues. This action, I believe, is a symbolic declaration of war on corruption, this entrenched national cancer, in keeping with candidate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s campaign promise to “root out corruption” and related dishonesty in government.
What is a Stroke? How to Recognize, Prevent and Treat Strokes
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By Lawrence A. Zumo)
The recent news stories about Liberia’s Archibishop Michael Kpakala Francis’ affliction with stroke, as well as reports from Liberia about patients (adults and children) who present themselves to local clinics and health centers with symptoms suggestive of strokes and are often told to go home because this is not a hospital treatable illness and remotely about Israel’s Ariel Sharon suffering the devastating consequences of a stroke should be a good point for us to educate ourselves and review some information about this often debilitating and deadly disease.
Iron Lady’s Reform: Profiteers Undermine Another Reform?
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By J. Yanqui Zaza )
If President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf intends to institute policies that would provide real reform, her government should become a guarantor of education, housing, food, utility, etc. The idea to leave major policies (i.e., social engineering) to the discretions of profiteers has and continues to create an environment not conducive for citizens to prosper. Housing prices, for example, has skyrocketed in Monrovia to the extend that hotel customers pay US $110.00 to $160.00 per night (Liberia travel.yahoo.com) as compared to the average of US $100.00 charged in New York City.
Liberia’s Finance Minister Sayeh: Restructure the Ministry of Finance
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By Winsley S. Nanka)
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has to be radically restructured to make it an effective fiscal policy tool of the Liberian government. Fiscal policies are public policies “regarding taxation and spending” to achieve economic goals. Currently, the Ministry performs three major functions for the Liberian government- (a) government revenue collection (receipts) function, (b) government expenditure and debt management function, and (c) government general accounting function.
Joining The Appeal Chorus
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By Joseph G. Bartuah)
As an ardent supporter of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, I join scores of other well-meaning Liberians in appealing to her, to reconsider her lawsuit against former NPFL strongman, Thomas Woeweiyu, for doing so will be in the best interest of the Liberian nation.
Market Women: Backbone of the Liberian food economy (Part I)
(By Jackson Fiah Doe, Jr.)
Like their counterparts in other West African countries, Liberia’s market women play a very critical role in the country’s food sector. In fact, these micro-entrepreneurs have dominated Liberia’s food economy for the last few centuries. Market women primarily sell fresh produce and other foodstuffs in and near a market; they also sell cheap manufactured goods. A market, in the Liberian vernacular, is a building or place where locally grown food crops, food-related items and other goods are sold.
Liberian Criminal Justice System: In Retrospect and Reforms
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By James Thomas-Queh)
The criminal justice system has three main components: court, police and prison. They work somehow like on an assembling or production line – that is, the police investigates and arrests; the court prosecutes, and the prison is the custodian that rehabilitates the criminal for social re-integration. Thus understandably, if were the system to be effective all three of its components must necessarily be efficient; none must be overcrowded or congested, rusted and corrupt.
Permanent Residence is not an Option
(By Elijah Karnley)
I can see that Mr. Mohamedu Jones has given the Liberian citizenship discourse a serious thought, having read his two letters. However, I cannot think of Permanent Residence as an option to stripping any Liberian of their citizenship and I am sure many Liberians would agree. This is out of the question. We can no longer accept any further inverse manipulative strategy from a few former rebels (most) who processed themselves back into politics to continuously set this nation backward as they did for the past 15 years to create selfish hegemony...
Drop The Law Suit In The Name Of Peace: An Open Letter To President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
(
By Michael B. Bull)
I wish to appeal to you in the name of peace, to drop the Law suit against Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu. My appeal should not be misconstrued as weakness, rather the courage and strength to overcome adversity. In spite of the malevolent things he said about you, during the campaign season, the people of Liberia overwhelmingly elected you as our president. They believe in you and have entrusted you with the destiny of our beloved country, and it is incumbent upon you to justify the confidence reposed in you. Please withstand the tide of intolerance from detractors.
The Issue of Citizenship (Part II)
(
By Mohamedu F. Jones)
As Liberia contemplate the situation of Liberians who became citizens of other countries in the last 15-20 years, many because of the meltdown of the country in the 1990s, we must think about this issue not as “us v. them,” but rather within the context of what is mutually beneficial. What is best for Liberia and for its expatriate community? Well, how about a “Liberian Permanent Resident” immigration category for expatriate Liberians?
Defamation or Spite: Reflections on Sirleaf versus Woewiyu
(By: Emmanuel Dolo)
When Mr. Tom Woewiyu wrote his now famous Open Letter to then presidential candidate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in August 2005, and alleged that she collaborated with him and others to destabilize and overthrow the Doe government, I was one of the people who strongly criticized Mr. Woewiyu. Clearly, at the time, Mr. Woewiyu’s intention was to make his claims a campaign issue in order to sway votes from Mrs. Sirleaf to George Oppong Weah, whom Mr. Woewiyu supported.
A Time to Celebrate or Not to!
(By Tamba D. Aghailas)
The dust that characterized Liberia’s first post-war elections has settled. No single party was able to win any considerable number of seats neither in the Lower House of Representatives nor the Upper House of Senate. A new government is in place and Liberians are hoping to pick up broken pieces of their shattered lives. But how much celebration can Liberians afford; is it a time to celebrate or not to?
US Congress & Liberia: Fixation on Charles Taylor Could Endanger Stability
(By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
A few weeks after the 2005 elections, the US Congress passed a resolution commending both Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on her election and the Liberian people for their peaceful conduct in the electoral process. In the same resolution, the US Congress “pledges its continued support to lasting peace and democracy in Liberia to the further development of Liberia.”
Liberia Must Welcome & Embrace All Of Its Citizens
((A Press Release Issued By The Union Of Liberian Associations In The Americas - ULAA) )
The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), calls upon all Liberians to discourage and resist any and all attempts to further divide the people of Liberia. We find it rather ironic that after so many years of war, bloodshed, death and destruction...
Inclusive Governance in Post-Conflict Liberia: Opportunities and Challenges
(By Emmanuel Dolo)
How precisely should we address the debate over whether or not the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government is inclusive? Can the quest for national identity overcome dire ethnic polarization? Has President Sirleaf’s ethnically-absorbed electoral strategy had the perverse effect of causing Liberians to equate inclusion with an ethnic quota system?
One Gov’t, Cannot Handle Taylor Issue - Foyah (Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay)
Sierra Leonean Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Liberia, Patrick J. Foyah sees former President Charles Taylor’s trial as an international issue” that cannot be single-handedly handled by one government.
Catholic Prelate Jumps on Sirleaf, Others’ Back (Forum)
The Executive Mansion’s recent pronouncement that all former government officials be audited and anyone leaving the country must inform government before with the exception of ex-Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant and his Vice Wesley Momo Johnson has sparked up concern.
Liberia, Nigeria Key to Taylor’s Handover - Says Frazer (Forum)
The fate of Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia, lies in the hands of the country he misruled for more than five years and in those of Nigeria where he lives in exile, says Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer.
Morris Dukuly, We Are Taken Aback (Forum)
THE MANAGEMENT OF The FORUM was yesterday dismayed and taken aback over the action of the Chief of Office Staff of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Morris Momolu Dukuly for denying the paper’s assigned correspondent at the Mansion access to the courage of the presentation of the Ghanaian Ambassador’s letters of credence to President Sirleaf.
1500 Armed Men In Gbarpolu Forest (Forum)
The disarmament of over 70,000 ex-combatants by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has been considered as a success story in the Liberian civil war given the volatile situation the country found itself in few years back.
The Issue of Citizenship
(
By Mohamedu F. Jones)
The issue of the citizenship of non-constitutional officers of the Liberian government is not a legal issue; it is a political issue. Liberia’s constitution requires that the president, vice president, members of the legislature and the judiciary must be Liberian citizens; it does not require that cabinet officers or sub-cabinet officers be Liberians. I am not aware of any statutes that require that. (I stand prepared to be edified if there is such a law.)
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Jewel Taylor
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Extradition And Trial, A Necessity : A Rejoinder
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By Bai Gbala)
In an “exclusive interview “ with the Liberian Daily Observer newspaper published on the internet on December 14, 2005, Mrs. Jewel Howard-Taylor, estranged wife of Former President Charles Ghankay Taylor, said that “I will not support extradition”. It can be recalled that the former president, now exiled in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is under indictment for War Crimes & Crimes Against Humanity by the Un-backed, Special War Crimes Tribunal, now sitting in the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Grand Bassa County Blackmailing President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf?
(Open Letter to Mr. Johnny McClain - From Jerome Z. Gayman)
Why would I begin an article with the definition of character? Because it (character) means a whole lot to me and should mean as much, if not, more at this very critical period in our Liberia History. The purpose of this article is to address the appointment of Mr. Johnny McClain as Information Minister, as reported by (FrontPageAfrica.com, January 28-2006 “Ellen’s Cabinet: Report- Johnny McClain Tapped as Information Minister”).
Congratulations, Mr. Speaker, But…
(By Theodore T. Hodge)
There is a controversy brewing among Liberian political observers and social commentators --- a controversy that has sparked many a contemptuous conversation: Should Edwin Snowe have been elected representative and subsequently selected Speaker of the House by his peers? Many, citing his relationship to the dethroned dictator, Charles Taylor, and other corrupt powerbrokers, say no.
The Links Between Malaria, Miscarriages, and Poverty in Liberia
(By Syrulwa Somah)
Glimpses of antiquity as far back as human ken can reach expose the womb of the woman as the axis of the universe, the nucleus of the world in which all deities and human beings, whatever their age, ability, background, physical or spiritual power take form. In other words, within the bosom of the woman resides the fructifying, life-giving power without which sustaining source for the continual existence of the human species is impossible. This is why generations throughout ages have celebrated the fertility of the woman. This is why pregnancy, the transitio
The Legislature- Overcoming Worse Consequences
(A Letter From Elijah B. Karnley )
I’ve read articles and listened with apprehension, to the expressions of several Liberians detesting the anomalous composition of the Liberian Legislature. This demonstrates that aspirations and expectations are high. It seems now that everyone sees how high the demands for qualified Technocrats and professionals are becoming. It is quite unfortunate that these expectations don’t meet the demands or the other.
President Sirleaf: Develop a Comprehensive Approach to the Corruption Problem in Liberia
(By Winsley S. Nanka)
The mass dismissals of employees at the Ministry of Finance (MOF) by President Sirleaf are laudable in cleaning government functionaries of corrupt practices. However, for the chronic corruption in public service to be adequately addressed, President Sirleaf should adopt a more comprehensive approach to fighting corruption in Liberia.
In Response To Allegations of Nepotism in the Sirleaf Government
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By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
In the last few days, some Liberian politicians have begun to take issue with appointments made by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her government. The first such call came from Mr. Alhaji Kromah, an instructor at the University of Liberia and former presidential candidate of the All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP). Mr. Kromah, who jumped on the George Opong Weah bandwagon in the second round of the elections, said that Mrs. Sirleaf had failed to appoint people other than Christians into her cabinet.
Presidential Statements Are Policy Statements (Forum)
As is the case the world over, statements from the president or the office of the president are normally referred to as a “Gospel” of the land.
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| Coretta Scott King |
“Free at Last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty…”
Coretta Scott King is Laid to Rest
(
By Theodore T. Hodge)
Today the world will pay its last respect to Mrs. Coretta Scott King, whose body will be laid to rest in Atlanta, Georgia. She was born of humble origin and lived a memorable life. She encountered and endured many a tragic moment in her lifetime, in the end her face can easily be recognized as a universal portrait of dignity; she was a personification of bravery and determination.
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President Bush
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US Leadership Essential To Liberia Recovery
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
When President George W. Bush in a speech given during summer 2003 asked that Mr. Charles Taylor must leave Liberia for peace to take hold in the embattled country, he broke a more than a decade long US policy towards the West African nation founded by freed American slaves in the early 1800s.
The Dawning of a New Era For Liberia
By Abraham James
After years of instability and the devastation of a brutal civil war, Liberia appears like a phoenix rising from the ashes. A modicum of peace and calm seems to be settling on the country.
Nimba Senator Takes President Sirleaf to Task (Forum)
Barely 22 days of the Unity Party-led government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has a Liberian lawmaker taken the President to task for practicing what he described as “nepotistic tendency.”
I Was Quoted Out of Context - Cllr. Gongloe (Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay)
The Solicitor-General designate Tiawan Gongloe has described statement alluded to him by a local daily during his recent confirmation hearing regarding an alleged travel ban imposed on former NTGL officials as “misquotations.”
Alan Doss Decorates 3 Groups for Excellent Peacekeeping (Forum)
UNMIL Police officers from Ghana and Zambia and the contingent from Namibia have separately received medals for their dedicatory services rendered in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia.
HEALTH HAZARD! - Contaminated Cool Aid on Sale (Forum)
(By: Lewis K. Glay)
Visiting the Peace Industry Cool Aid production site between Vai and Clara Towns on Bushrod Island could prove public accusations in recent times about the health hazard looming over the ignorant consumers as a result of the contaminated products being manufactured by the industry.
“Prof.” Alhaji G. V. Kromah Misses the Mark Again
(
By Theodore T. Hodge)
It is becoming increasingly disturbing to read some of the comments made about the new administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, still in its formative stages. One of such perturbing comments comes from Prof.” Alhaji G. V. Kromah, one of the many failed presidential candidates in the last general elections. According to an article reported by J. Cholo Brooks, Kromah purportedly calls appointments made by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf “discriminatory”. According to Mr. Kromah, “Only members of the Christian community have been awarded positions in the government, leaving out what he calls ‘Muslims’”, writes Mr. Brooks.
The Black Berets And The Irony Of Liberian Politics
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By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
The 2005 elections created some surprising and at times unpredictable associations that will have longtime effect on the political landscape of the nation for a longtime. There were new friendships that could have been unconceivable just a year ago. Such was the case of General Prince Y. Johnson, the man who captured and tortured Samuel K. Doe, breaking bread with family members of the late president in trying to get George Opong Weah elected.
Corruption Is Economic Crime - Sayeh (Forum)
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By: Lewis K. Glay)
Liberia’s first postwar female Finance Minister- designate, Antionette Sayeh has termed corruption as an “economic crime” that must be fought to demand international trust and respectability.
Ellen Smells Security Threats (Forum)
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says they have received credible reports of potential threats against the newly inaugurated government. Disclosing this recently to journalists at the Parlours of the Executive Mansion in her maiden press conference since inauguration, President Sirleaf said...
Let’s Manage the Available Resources (Forum)
AGAIN LIBERIANS ARE at the crossroad to prove themselves right that they are capable to govern themselves following agonizing years of chaos as a result of bad governance.
Massalay, Others Want Public Corp. Acts Revisited (Forum)
Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Abel Massalay and other Senators of the 52nd Legislature are said to be advocating for the revisitation of those acts that created public corporations for rectification.
LIFE Delegation Meets With President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Press Release Issued By Liberians for Ellen (LIFE)
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has extended thanks and appreciation to the support group, Liberians for Ellen (LIFE) for its moral and financial support during the course of the just ended presidential campaign.
Ellen in the Driver’s Seat; What Next? (Forum)
By the mandate of constitutional obligation, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Liberia’s 23rd President is the captain of Liberia’s political ship of state. Elected by majority of Liberians and partisans of the Unity Party, she assumed the official leadership of the state on 16 January 2006...
Armed Men Hit Cocopa (Forum)
A group of armed men using a single barrel gun has reportedly attacked and shot a security guard in Camp 2, Cocopa, Nimba County, making away with huge quantity of rubber.
