Executive Plots Against Snowe

..Two Lawmakers Present Evidence

Public statements by Representatives Saah Gbollie (Margibi) and Samuel Bondo (Bong) that they have each received US$5,000 to commit themselves to the fight to remove House Speaker Edwin Snowe is likely corroborating the Speaker’s claim that there is executive complicity to remove him.

Speeaker Edwin M. Snowe

In a statement issued in Monrovia Sunday, the two lawmakers said envelopes containing the US$5,000 were presented to them by colleagues, Edward Forh, Elijah F. Seah and Alex Tyler of Montserrado, Rivercess and Bomi Counties respectively.

The statement by the lawmakers comes close to confirming long running reports in the media that the Executive Mansion has been influencing series of meetings aimed at removing Speaker Snowe and that cash was being used as inducement in the process.

In the wake of these reports, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf challenged anyone to show proof that the Executive Mansion was sponsoring the move to remove the speaker.

In revealing the plot, the two lawmakers said their colleagues presented to them “envelopes containing the money with a request that they execute a resolution to remove the House Speaker, Edwin M. Snowe, Jr.”

Reps Gbollie and Bondo expressed concern about the source of the huge funds being passed around because, according to them, they do not know their colleagues to have the amount of money that is being passed out.

In rejecting the move by their colleagues, Representatives Gbollie and Bondo said “… the purpose of taking the money was primarily to serve as evidence to reveal the undemocratic and dubious plans by some officials of this government which could undermine the peace and stability we now enjoy.”

The lawmakers then “challenge (d) their colleagues to deny this act and publicly state their source of funding,” the statement added.

The lawmakers ended their challenge by withdrawing their signatures from the resolution, on grounds that they were coerced to do that in a fraudulent manner.

In separate reactions to the allegations, Representatives Forh and Tyler confirmed last evening that series of meetings geared at drafting a resolution to remove Snowe had been taking place, but they however denied offering any money to their colleagues as an inducement to sign the resolution. “We did not take money from anywhere or anybody for that matter to serve as inducement for signing of the resolution as claimed by colleagues.

I signed the resolution based on conviction,” Tyler told The Monitor in a relaxed mood while sipping his Heineken beer.

Dr. Goffa indicts judicial system
-system needs overhauling


A former Presidential Candidate in the 1985 general and presidential elections, Dr. John Scott Goffa has expressed frustration at the workings of the country’s judicial system.

Dr .Goffa who is also the chairman of the Society for the Preservation of Liberia, told newsmen in Monrovia “This country judicial system is corrupt. There is a delay system at the Temple of Justice which makes people to spend money too much.”

Chief Justice Johnny Lewis. He suspended a lower court judge last year upon the alleged order of Pres. Sirleaf

He indicated that there’s a need to review the court system in order to make justice non marketable. “Justice is something that should be for the poor and the rich, but quite sadly, this is not the case in our country’. Goffa noted that most criminal minded individuals have infiltrated the justice system under the disguise of lawyers.

“Almost everything now at the Temple of justice is negative,” he stated: narrating that he is involved in a property case that lasted for years with out upright solution and has made him to lost interest in he court system.

Besides Dr. Goffa, there has been overwhelming public criticisms about the performance of the country justice system. In June 2006, an International Human rights Organization, Crisis Watch proposed a reform of the country justice system.

In its report then on the country, the group said after 14 years of civil conflict the judicial system remains in shambles while impunity continue to prevail on a daily basis.

In spite of the numerous criticism of the justice system, some legal professional certainly believe that the system is the best and those within act in line with professional ethics
Writes Festus Poquie


Veep Boakai urges opposition parties to support govt.



Liberia Vice President Joseph Boakai has urged opposition political parties in the country to closely work with the Unity Party government to help achieve its development agenda.

Veep Boakai said every vibrant democracy requires an opposition which will assist constructively in the development of the state and the improvement of the living standard of its people.

About 21 political parties contested the 2005 elections in which Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and emerged as president. Since then most opposition politicians have cried of being marginalized in the governance process.

Vice President Joseph Boakai

It was recently reported that some of the folks begged for inclusion into the UP government during a stakeholders meeting at the Foreign Ministry.

Vice President Boakai told newsmen in Monrovia recently that the government intends to focus on infrastructure development, health care and agriculture productivity during the course of this year.


Sinkor trading company clarifies

The Chief Executive Officer of the much publicized Sinkor Trading Company, Eddie Brown (CEO) has spoken for the time following mounting criticisms in the media about the form and manner in which the Unity Party led government awarded the contract for the importation of the country’s staple food, rice to the entity.

Earlier comments by both the media and public pointed to Mr. Alan Brown, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Urban Hotels and housing estate in Sinkor, outside Monrovia.

However, in his clarification at news conference Friday in Monrovia on Bushrod, Eddie Brown said, “we were stunned by the level of criticisms aimed at us.”

He said contrary to mounting criticisms about the inability of his company to constantly supply rice of the Liberian market, the STC has the capacity to import and supply sufficient rice on the market, adding,” there has not been, nor will there be a shortage.”

Mr. Brown denied reports by some rice dealers that his company does provide credit to its customers, noting “at this moment we haveUS$616,068.85 in outstanding credit to 225 customers.”

He also dismissed claimed by the Commerce Minister that the government of Liberia invited potential importers to participate in a bidding exercise.

“ Last July (2006) we sent a proposal to the Ministry of Commerce stating that we could provide quality rice and a stable and reasonable price to the Liberian people over a six month strategic month period,” he added.



Deputy Speaker predicts donor fatigue if..

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Tokpah Mulbah has forecast that there would be a lack of international support should the government failed to operate in the scope of fiscal discipline.

The Bong County lawmaker said the Unity Party led government must actualize its policy of transparency and accountability to the fullest as a means of maintaining the international favor that the government currently enjoys.

He noted that the government fight against corruption will only be taken seriously should corrupt officials are punished indiscriminately.

Deputy Speaker Mulbah who just retuned from Europe urged officials of the Liberian government to make public their assets as pronounced by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during her inauguration speech.

A release issued by Representative Mulbah said public declaration of assets will help to protect the image of government officials as well as the entire country from being entrapped in the future.

Several top officials of the erstwhile transitional government are currently being probed for alleged economic crime. The Economic Community of West African States indicted key officials of the NTGL for allegedly siphoning state money.

Amongst those expected to be tried by the Ellen led government include Gyude Bryant Wesley Johnson, Lusani Kamara Tugbeh Doe, Samuel Wlue , Chairman, Vice Chairman, Finance, Deputy Finance Ministers and Commerce Minister respectively.


New anti-malaria drugs under scrutiny

A team of health practitioners from hospitals and medical institutions in the country are currently conducting a comprehensive efficacy study of the newly introduced anti malaria drug, Artemisini based Combination Therapies (ACT).

The 71-day studies according to Dr. Joel J. Jones; Manager of the National Malaria Control Program, is intended to determine the effectiveness of the ACT since its introduction in the Liberian health sector.

Dr. Jones said the studies which are being done in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) will be thoroughly done by using different scientific testing methods available to the country.

He said Global Funds Liberia through the United Nations Development Program agreed to underwrite the cost of the exercise.

Also speaking at the official kicked-off of the studies on the compound of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Sinkor, outside Monrovia, Dr. Nganga B. Makina, office of the WHO Country Representative underscored the importance of the exercise.

Dr. Makina said the exercise is intended to evaluate the “Protocol for in vivo assessment of the Therapeutic efficacy of Amodiaquine + Artesunate compared to Lumefantrine+ Artemether in the treatment of uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria among children from six to 59 months of age in Monrovia”.

He said should the studies show the ineffectiveness of the new anti malaria drug, health authorities in the country will recommend the change to allow the introduction of another drug that would effective in the treatment of malaria.

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan parasites in the blood cell, its transmission is caused by mosquito bites.

Malaria is endemic in Liberia and one of the main public health problems facing outpatients departments at hospitals and health centers in the country. At least 17.8% of inpatient deaths in the country are being attributed to malaria.



Several artists get LAGMA annual award

The Liberia Association of Gospel Musical Artists Incorporated (LAGMA), on December 31 2006 certificated and awarded several Liberian Gospel artists and promoters at the Sports Commission on Broad Street, Monrovia.

LAGMA is a Gospel musical organization that has been deeply involved with the promotion of Liberian Gospel artists in the country and beyond. This year awards brought together several Liberian Gospel musicians.

In her opening remark, the president of LAGMA Mrs. Mochline B. Dweh, thanked the Advisory Board and members of the association for their cooperation and hard work over the years and urged them to used their God-giving talents for the advancement of the kingdom of God and the development of the country

Those that received awards were; Ambassador Marron Dweh Cassell, Best Female Gospel Artist of the Year, Elder Zarway Gaye, Best Gospel Song of the Year, Voice of Zion, Best Gospel Group of the Year and Miracle Kettor, Best Gospel minister or Stage Performance of the Year, While Mr. Eddie Harmon of Crystal FM received the Best Gospel D J of the Year and SITCOM won the Best Recording Studio of the Year amongst others.

LAGMA Gospel Music Awards is an annual event that recognizes and encourages artists, promoters among others for their outstanding contributions to the association, the country and its people.



Editorial:

Making reconciliation a priority in 2007

The festivity of the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations were celebrated by all Liberians under a unified government, and in the deepest expression of peace in a unique way as had been in many years.

The peace being realized now can effectively be seen as the first since the December 1989 “rebel incursion,” which resulted into a bloody and protracted civil war, dividing once peaceful Liberians on many lines, and sending thousands of others into undeserved exile.

With a democratically elected government in place for a full year, the Christmas and New Year celebration is not only regarded for its quiet, peace and security, but also for the renewed hope that Liberians continue to harbor from the significant marks scored on the international front by the new government. Indeed, these marks are gradually pushing Liberia to its “rightful place within the comity of nations.”

While we commend the government for the level of achievements thus far, we equally hasten to remind the government not to lose sight of its domestic chores, as lots of circumstances affecting the ordinary Liberians can be reversed by a simple commitment to making the country and its people better.

It is for their belief that any responsible government would take their chores into considerations that they turned out en vogue to participate in the elections of 2005.

To that effect, we believe that it is extremely important for the government to review its policies on national reconciliation and social integration. This can be reflected in how we apply our economic policies, the rule of law, just to mention a few, if the trust and confidence of the people must be upheld.

We urge the government, in all evenhandedness, to prioritize national reconciliation thereby encouraging all Liberians, regardless of their ethnic or political affiliation, as one of the surest ways of implementing its national reconstruction and development agenda.

For too long, Liberians have been divided along political, tribal and other social economic lines occasioned by the civil war. It is therefore time that genuine national reconciliation tops the agenda of the government, if we all must contribute to this national endeavor.

Taylor lawyers threaten withdrawal
…Family appeals to Amnesty, Global Witness others


Mr. Taylor (center) is awaiting trial at The Hague

Lawyers representing former President Charles Taylor charged for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the United Nations backed war crimes court in Sierra Leone have threatened to withdraw their legal services from Mr. Taylor due to the limited time and resources allocated to them by the court.

The lawyers argued that “time and resources available to them (defense) was so inadequate that it places them in a position of conflict with their professional obligations and rendered the possibility of a fair trial impossible.”

A statement issued Wednesday in Accra, Ghana and signed by Mrs. Thelma Taylor-Saye a copy of which is in the possession of this paper said former President Taylor is the only crime suspect being subjected to such surveillance.

Mrs. Taylor-Saye also accused the Special War Crime Court in The Hague of violating Mr. Taylor’s “right to privacy and the right to legal professional privilege by the installation of video surveillance cameras to record his conferences with his counsels.”

Accordingly, the statement added “that has compromised Mr. Taylor ability to give instructions and freely discuss with his defense counsels and other individuals”.

The statement said the prosecution currently has five senior counsels in its team while the defense has two counsels with no proper offices both in The Hague and in Monrovia, something the statement noted “has been bogged down in an administrative quagmire in dealing with issues regarding the establishment of a fully functioning defense team, its funding and its facilities.”

Mrs. Taylor-Saye who read the statement on behalf of former President Taylor himself, and other family members based on the expressed concern of lawyers said “Taylor is anxious to defend himself from the charges which have been against him.” However, we are extremely concerned that he is being denied the facilities and time to do so and that fair trial of the case will be prejudiced.”

The statement therefore called on Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Committee of the Red Cross, Global Witness and all rights organization to prevail on the special Court in Sierra Leone to ensure that former President Taylor is given time, facilities and resources to mount a proper defense, if he is to get free and fair trial.

The war crimes suspect who is scheduled to appear in court this April is expected to respond to an initial 32,000 pages of documents statements and transcripts of 226 witnesses. There have been six further disclosure packages with 154 additional statements, 105 exhibits, 97 open source documents, three television programs and nine radio programs.

The statement said in addition to the plethora of documents relating to the trial, the prosecution intends to call 19 experts opinion witnesses, but frustrating, not all of the expert witnesses have been served up to date to adequately enable the defense prepare its rebuttal as required by the practice.



Liberty Party wants CBL Act repealed

The opposition Liberty Party is calling on the National Legislature to critically review the Act establishing the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).

In a press statement issued in Monrovia recently, the party said while it upholds the concept of continuity in government, it must be stated clearly that Taylor’s government was labeled as an evil empire, hence the onus rest on the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf led government review all acts that run ovarian to the constitution.

Cllr Charles W. Brumskine-LP Standard Bearer

The Party described the printing of new banknotes by the CBL without any reference to the National Legislature as a “total disregard for the constitutional intent of checks and balances which are hallmark for good governance.”

“The Party strongly believes that the Act creating the Central Bank never intended to make the sole authority in the effect valuation of a major financial policy decision bearing upon the economy of the country.”

It also called on the government to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the democratic governance of the country.



President Johnson-Sirleaf challenges the church to pray for Liberia

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has urged the Christian community to continue to pray for the country and her government.

Speaking at a combined thanksgiving and Intercessory Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday in Monrovia, President Johnson-Sirleaf said there is a need for churches in the country to continue to pray for the stability of the state and its people.

Pres. Sirleaf offers prayers

She said the peace and security of Liberia remain the full responsibility of all Liberia including the Christian community.

The Liberian leader however urged Liberians to recommit themselves to doing those things that are intended to improve the living standard of Liberian people, adding, “it s about time to follow the full steps of your forefathers.”

President Johnson Sirleaf praised God for taking the country successfully during the first year of her administration, noting,” despite trial and tribulation, we achieved that which God destined for us to do”.

Delivering the sermon earlier, the Chaplain General of the Ministry of State and presidential Affairs, Rev. J. Abbey Seh, Sr. said God was with Liberians during 2006 and that He will continue to guard and protect us as a country and people.

Rev. Seh described 2007 as a year of fulfillment. The Service was organized by the National Chaplains Association of Liberia.



Prisons need trained manpower
-Says Minister Sheriff

The Assistant Minister for Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Justice Fatumata Sheriff said the need for more trained correction officers to help adequately rehabilitate inmates around the country can not be over emphasized.

Addressing newsmen in Monrovia recently, Minister Sheriff said due to the acute shortage of trained manpower, her department and its international partners have embarked on the training of interested individuals to carry out the task of manning the various prisons in the country.

According to her, the department is currently understaffed and there was a need for government to offer attractive salary and incentive to help encourage individuals to join the department, adding, “the rehabilitation of individuals in the larger society required trained manpower.”

The Assistant Justice Minister said the department has already begun the recruitment of few individuals that are yet to be placed on government’s payroll. She however, assured them that government is doing everything possible to ensure they are fully prepared for the enormous task ahead.

Minister Sheriff said Justice Minister Frances Johnson-Morris has already pledged her unflinching support to efforts being made her department to ensure that prison condition are conducive for habilitation and for those who manage prisoners.

She also commended the government and its international partners for the level of cooperation shown thus far and hoped that such continue in an effort to improve prison facilities around the country.


Elders, chiefs endorse LAP candidate in Nimba by-election


With five days to the official commencement of campaigning for the vacant seat in the Nimba County District # 6 pending by-election, latest reports from the district has revealed that the Liberia Action Party (LAP) candidate, Paul Tuazama has been overwhelmingly endorsed by elders and prominent citizens of the district.

The reports said Tuazama who was narrowly defeated by the late David Manneh in October 2005 legislative elections was endorsed by the citizens at a mass citizens meetings in various parts of the district as the man suited for the job.

Already, the Executive Committee for the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has thrown its weight behind the LAP candidate who is said to be a leading contender in the race so far.
Monitors’ correspondent observing the campaign preparation said the citizens overwhelmingly reached the consensus to endorse the LAP candidate against the backdrop that he (Tuazama) came second in the October 2005 elections and despite his defeat in that election, he has remained a sole of inspiration to citizens of the district.

Cllr Varney Sherman-LAP Standard Bearer

Our correspondent said partisans of the Liberia Action Party/CDC and other supporters and sympathizers of Mr. Tuazama have already commenced massive preparations in the district to receive LAP’s Standard Bearer in the October elections, Counselor Varney G. Sherman who is expected to lead an array of senior partisans of LAP and CDC to officially launch Mr. Tuazama’s campaign.

Other candidates that have been qualified by the National Election Commission (NEC) to participate in the district # 6 Nimba County by-election according to information available to us include, Evans Koah of the ruling Unity Party, Larry Younquai of the Liberty Party.

Unlike Tuazama and Younquai, the UP candidate was massively whipped in the October 2005 election as a senatorial candidate for Nimba County.

Initially, it was rumored in Monrovia that Mr. Koah was contemplating to contest the presidency of Liberia upon his arrival from United States, but that plan was dropped following consultation with other political leaders.



LACE makes head-waves

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) has dedicated two sub-projects in Margibi County.

LACE Executive Dir. Ramses T. Kumbuyah

The Jayebaye Town Community School and the Velley Community Clinic were dedicated on Saturday, December 29, 2006 at the Jayebaye Town community school.

According to a press release, the Chief Education Officer and head of the County Health Team Messrs. David L. Sumoiwuo and Ansu Dunor in separate statements promised to assist the two institutions in making them functional in the county.

At the Program, Mr. Dunor presented on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare a mental bed, wheel chair and table to be used by the clinic. He urged community people to take advantage of the health center.

Also, the CEO Mr. Sumoiwuo promised to ensure that teachers of the Jayebaye Town community school befit from training programs in the county. He announced the school had been placed on the list of functional schools in the county and is already benefiting. The CEO also pledged to ensure that teachers are placed on payroll.

The two officers thanked LACE for improving the lives of the people of Margibi County.

Earlier, LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah placed the cost of the two sub-projects at US$81,741.97.

He hailed the two communities and their project management committees (PMCs) for their commitment during the lifespan of the projects.

Mr. Kumbuyah urged the PMCs to use the skills and experiences acquired during the implementation of the projects for the growth and development of their communities.

LACE Deputy Executive Director for Administration Madam Elizabeth S. Mulbah presented US$1,000.00 worth of instructional materials for the school and US$500.00 starter kit for the operation of the clinic.

The dedication ceremony was attended by county officials, chiefs and residents of the various communities.


In a related development, the Agency dedicated five projects in Grand Cape Mount County recently.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 23, at the Mannihenn Primary School in Grand Cape Mount County, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said LACE has demonstrated what it means to have a project that comes out of community empowerment.

President Sirleaf said the sub-projects will pass the test of the time because it was the “communities’ thing”.

President Sirleaf said education remains a major priority for the Government of Liberia. The Liberian leader donated a 5 KVA generator for the running of the Mannihenn Primary School.

LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah making remarks at the ceremony thanked the various communities and their project management committees (PMCs) for their steadfastness and for the job well done.

Mr. Kumbuyah placed the cost of the five sub-projects at US$163,197.51.

Other facilities attached to the renovated and constructed clinics are an incinerator, a hand pump and a six-compartment latrine. For the schools: hand pump, a six compartment latrine and a kitchen.

LACE also presented US$1,000.00 worth of instructional materials for each school and US$500.00 starter kit for the operation of each clinic. Also books donated under the Saudi Prince Grant were presented to the schools.

The five sub-projects (schools, clinics and bridge) are funded under the World Bank and Government of Liberia Community Empowerment Project (LCEP).