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TheLiberianTimes.com
 �It is the responsibilities of all Liberians to engage in programs that would invoke the transformation that is desperately needed in the country. Avoid dependency syndrome with the responsibility of graduating from sense of sitting for others to work for us�. According to Mr. Kortee, if Liberians must transform from the ugly path of wars and immorality, each Liberian must have a vision for the nation. He said as a visionary person, your focus must be guided by logical reasoning and to not always be intimidated by others. �The burden of all Liberians is to build a country that will be second to none�.He warned Liberians not to allow themselves be finished project citing several conditions in building a great nation. He said nations are built on truthfulness, earnestly, integrity and hard work. He admonished Liberians to strive for nothing less than excellence if they want to build a great nation. Mr. Kortee who is also an Assistant Professor at the Baptist Theological Seminary challenged the graduates to rise up to the educational challenges in Liberia. For the educational challenges in Liberia, Rev. Kortee recommended more Colleges and Universities in the process of rebuilding the war-ravaged country. He also challenged the graduates to rise up to the Health challenges in Liberia adding, �Every Liberian has the right to good health�. 
In Lofa Elephants Again Declares War On Farmers, Several Residents Flee For Life
 Farmers in Lofa County are said to be on the run from their villages and farms as a result of an attack on them by group of elephants that are reportedly invading farms throughout the county; eating and destroying crops.According to news report monitored here in Monrovia from the county, hundreds of farmers have left their farms, and are on the run for fear of been killed by these gigantic and fearful animals. The report quoting Lofa County Superintendent, Galakpa W. Kortimai as saying “This situation in the county is getting serious, and that the Central Government must quickly come to the rescue of the farmers”. The Forest Developmental Authority (FDA) of Liberia has chosen this kind of animal as one of those not to be killed, as declared by international wildlife conservation, elephants are selected as one of those animals not to be killed.
Liberia: The Significance of the Liberian Flag
 As we celebrate the 161 anniversary of the unfurling of the Liberian flag, let us remind ourselves of the pivotal role Liberian women played and continue to play in our history.For example: The late Angie Brooks Randolph, the first Liberian and first female president of the United Nation General Assembly, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female Finance Minister and the first female elected president of Liberia and in Africa, Ruth Sando Perry, the first female Head of State of Liberia, Gloria Musu Scott, the first female Justice Minister and Chief Justice of Liberia, Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf, the first female Mandingo Lawyer of Liberia to have graduated from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law and first female Mandingo cabinet minister (Ministry Planning and Economic Affairs), and many others. The Liberian flag was made by seven Liberians ladies headed by Susannah Lewis. The founders of the first African Republic (Liberia) unfurled the new flag for the new Republic on August 24, 1847 made by these illustrious women. We celebrate August 24th of each year ever since as FLAG DAY.
Liberians Disgruntled Over Increased Wave of Armed Robberies In Monrovia, Asks God to Send “Joe Tate” Back
 “The increase wave of armed robberies in most communities in and around Monrovia is indeed worrisome; this proved that the Central Government has failed the people miserably in the protection of lives in our country”, words of, Daniel Kollie, a University Professor whose brother was killed last week by armed men in Barnersville, the suburb of Monrovia.Mr. Kollie is among dozes of victims who during an exclusive interview expressed their frustration over the increase wave of armed robberies in Monrovia, the Liberian capital city which has swelled up with presence of thousands of non-residents returned from displaced and refugee camps. On a monthly basis, six to eight persons are gunned down by armed robberies, while dozens of others are made homeless by these criminal minded individuals; visiting the homes of peaceful citizens.
Liberia: Security, a paramount concerns of community dwellers and Government
 Armless Police Officers who sacrifice and risk patrolling at night have made an emphatic success in a drive to curb armed robbery but citizens who are direct beneficiaries of secured environment must get actively involve.The Solicitor-general of Liberia, Cllr. Tiawon Gonglo some months back insinuated the risk and danger posed in walking about at night. The statement, which was later declared as a warning, was received with mix-reaction from ordinary citizens. Others who saw facts in the Solicitor-general’s statement took cue from it and stay home at night. Contrary to Cllr. Gonglo’s assertion, armed robbers forcibly entered the home of a Law student at night and killed him instantly. This provides clear indication that security is daggling in Liberia and the need for ordinary citizens to beef up efforts for the Liberia National Police to trail arm robbery in Liberia.
“Maryland is Easy to Develop and Has Natural Riches” – Senator John A. Ballout, Jr.
 The Senior Senator of one of Liberia’s oldest sub-political divisions, and also one of the nation’s heavy of its natural resources, Maryland County, situated in the southeastern part of the country says his county has a prosperous vision that its citizens can be proud of.The Maryland County Senior Senator John A. ballout, Jr., speaking to the GNN this week at his Capitol Building office on Capitol Monrovia, said his vision for his beloved county is to forge ahead in the regaining of its developmental image which was destroyed as a result the Liberian civil war. He described the county despite the destruction of its infrastructural as a result of the fifteen years old senseless Liberian civil war, as a county rich of “Golden Opportunities”, and said one of his visions is to restore those lost opportunities.
Liberia: Liberian senate elects new President Pro- tempore
 Despite efforts by the Liberia Council of Churches and other concern institutions to divert plan of election for the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Lawmakers in the upper House have elected Bomi County Senior Senator Lahai Lasana as acting President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian senate.In an impromptu-arranged executive session at the Liberian senate, some senators opting for the removal of Senator Nyenabo elected Senator Lahai Lasana in an unopposed election. Suspended Pro Temp Isaac Nyenabo initially objected the election of an acting Pro Temp claiming it as breach of the Liberian constitution. Earlier, a group of Grand Gedeans, continuants of the suspended President Pro-Tempore Isaac Nyenabo called on the Liberian Senate to make public violations of its code of conducts that the Pro-Temp has committed otherwise urged the senate to reverse the suspension. Two political parties, the NEW DEAL movement and the National Democratic Party of Liberia and the senate’s own legal counsel, referred to the suspension of the President Pro-Temp as violation of the Liberian constitution and the senate’s standing rules. Nimba County senator Prince Johnson appears furious over the intervention of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) on grounds that its position in settling crisis remains questionable. Senator Johnson said the LCC was the first institution to sanction the illegal removal of former Speaker Edwin Snowe when the case was pending legal decision. He also linked the LCC to signatories of the Banjul peace accord that ushers in the establishment of an Interim Government while former President Samuel Doe was still in power. Senator Johnson is a former rebel leader who killed former President Samuel Doe during September of 1990.
Liberia: TRC, an instrument for reconciliation; the truth shall set you free
It appears that most of the witnesses at the TRC especially those appearing before it at the thematic hearing seem not to understand the purpose of the commission and what it hopes to achieve. Most of the Politicians testifying at the thematic hearing used bombastic languages to cover up total ignorance of their actions meted against innocent and vulnerable Liberians. The refusal of former warlords and politicians to accept total responsibilities of the carnage suffered by Liberians during the war days in Liberia creates hindrances in the objectives the TRC hopes to achieve per its mandate. For example, the current security advisor to President Sirleaf, Boima Fahnbulleh vehemently refused to apologize to Liberians for his role played although admitted errors along the way during their quest to introduce multi-party democracy in Liberia. Another anti-social ideology built in the minds of those so-called politicians testifying before the commission is sense of remorsefulness. Professor Alhaji Kromah testimony before the TRC was centered on tribalism and Islamic sentiments. Charles Taylor, former Liberian President was widely known for crying which indicates sorry but did not actually mean sorry, although he was a professed Baptist Deacon. Professor Kromah testimony was categorized with similar tears drop anyway. Whatever defensive and countless explanation of words any rebel Leader would exhibit during the TRC hearing only signify indirect quest for sympathy for their wrong committed.
Liberia: President Sirleaf to appear before the TRC soon
Following speculations over the appearance of Liberia Leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to testify before the ongoing thematic hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation in Monrovia, the Executive Mansion has confirmed that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will submit to the invitation of the TRC soon. Making the declaration over a local radio station in Monrovia, Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio maintained that the appearance of President Sirleaf depends on the timetable of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He did not indicate whether the Liberian Leader is going to use the TRC hearing to apologize to Liberians for her role played in the political history of Liberia but indicated that President Sirleaf would explain her own encounter during the strive for participatory democracy in Liberia. Mr. Badio said President Sirleaf has been advocate of transparency, justice and good governance even before 1979 and inviting her to explain her own story in the political and war history of Liberia is necessary for the sake of reconciliation and records.
Vulnerable People in Southeastern Liberia Appraises DRC’s Humanitarian Efforts
 Vulnerable People in Southeastern Liberia Appraises DRC’s Humanitarian Efforts Residents of three of Liberia’s fifteen political sub-divisions, especially those considered to be most vulnerable including the elderly are commending the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) for the high level of support they have received over the years and are still receiving. The vulnerable people most of whom residing in Pleebo and Harper, Maryland County said they were showering praises on the Danish Refugee Council because, according to them its humanitarian services to the needy has no border; the construction of homes for the less fortunate has become their concern.
Danish NGO Empowers Rural Dwellers in Liberia, Provides Humanitarian Assistance
 The Danish Refugee Council, one of the leading International Non-Governmental Organizations which is restlessly providing a gargantuan humanitarian services to thousands of Liberians in the Southeastern part of the country has won the hearts of many, due to its robust humanitarian assistance for the needy.Residents of Maryland, Grand Kru and River Gee Counties, who spoke to the Global News Network (GNN) during a weeklong tour of the area, expressed gratitude to the organization for ably coming to their aide during their hours of distress; especially provision of safe drinking water and shelters for vulnerable people. The residents, mostly women, told the GNN that they were overwhelmed by the high level of humanitarian support given them by the DRC since its inception a decade years ago, including the building of bridges, the construction of countless numbers of household latrines, the building of shelters, wells for safe drinking water and helping to recondition several schools in their counties.
Liberia: TRC outlines women participation in statement takings
 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission process highlighting the strong participation of women in the statement taking processes have been outlined with a closed ratio as compare to their male counterparts.According to TRC Commissioner with oversight on Gender, Massa Washington, women collected 8,950 statements with an equivalence of 48.6 percent of the total of 18, 400 statements collected by field statement takers of the TRC. Madam Washington outlined that out of the 529 witnesses who appeared before the Commission at the 15 political sub-division of the country, 199 were women with the percentage of 38. She said data relevant about women participation in the TRC process shows that women have participated strongly in the statement taking processes. Commenting on sexual violations suffered by women during the Liberian civil war, Madam Washington said although various categories of violations were reported but the record regarding sexual violation shows that the vast majority were women.
Bad Roads Condition Increases Poverty in Rural Liberia
 Despite efforts by the International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs in rural Liberia to quickly bring relief to vulnerable individuals in the Southeastern part of Liberia, bad road conditions in that part of the Country poses serious threat to their dreams. Vehicles making their way to carry relief items and workers to these areas in most cases get stranded and are unable to meet the desperate needs of those anxiously awaiting their arrival due to the terrible condition of roads in the Southeastern part of Liberia. The arrival of even medical supplies to some of these areas where there are no airstrips sometimes causes people lives to go to their great beyond as unexpected, a situation many of the residents who spoke to the GNN in their sad mood described as unbearable.
Liberia: UMU graduates 189 students, reveals plan of relocation
 Serving as commencement speaker at the fifth graduation exercise of the University, Rt. Bishop Felton Edwin May maintained that the prevailing proliferated situation in Liberia and the world at large can not be taken care of by politicians and other elite decision makers but the divine intervention of God.The Interim Secretary-general of the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church said diseases and other kinds of misfortunes that have besieged the world especially the African continent do not need caretakers who seek their own interest and personal benefits but the collective approach of individuals with the fear of God. Dr. May pointed out that great countries claiming to be superpower in the world are waiting for Africa to collapse so that they can take advantage of the situation and unjustly benefit from its wealth. “This, you must stand against knowing that all will be well again”, Dr. May maintained. He reminded Liberians to desist from acts of war and urged the graduates to emulate the examples of great Africans who liberated their continent adding “you must stand firm and join hands with those who fought for the liberation and justice in Africa”. At the end of the ceremony, Dr. and Mrs. May were gowned by the family of the United Methodist Church and the administration of the United Methodist University and the title of Paramount Chief were conferred upon them as “Tuazamas” for their humanitarian services in Liberia and the rest of the world.
Issue of “Hunts for Kidney” Scares Monrovia Residents
 Mysterious things are nowadays happening in Liberia, especially in the capital city, where each year strange incidents of unbelievable are always taking place; making many to be frightened for their lives.The killings of innocent people in recent times in Monrovia especially at night by unknown armed men; leaving their victims ritually butchered with several part missing is creating serious concern amongst Liberians. Victims are always found in public places, including the neighborhood of churches, entertainment centers, and street corners with their backs reportedly opened; taking away the important parts of their victims.
Liberia: AFL concludes first phase of training at the end of August
 The targeted number of newly trained soldiers according to Minister Warrick is currently put at 2100 with cross-portion of the political sub-division of the country inclusive. He said the initial training course, which ends at the end of this month will now enter another phase of an advance training of the new Liberian Army.Minister Warrick further stressed that the entire training exercise for the new AFL is expected to come to an end in 2010. “As the AFL leaves the initial training stage, the people of Liberia will begin seeing their own Army in a different mood”, Minister Warrick revealed. He asserted that the ending of the entire training process of the Liberia Army in 2010 means that over 2000 soldiers will be prepared for national duty.
As Senate Pro-Temp Suspension Crisis Deepen, Opposition Political Parties Threaten Legal Action, Gives Ultimatum
 Three political parties, including the ruling Unity Party (UP) are threatening members of the Liberian Senate who early last week crafted a “Resolution” to remove their colleague, the Senate Pro-Temp Isaac Nyenabo, which later turned to suspension is “unconstitutional”.The three political parties include, National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), the New Deal Movement and Unity Party in separate statements questioned the constitutionality of the suspension of the Senate Pro-Tem. One of the political parties, the NDPL of which Senator Nyenabo is a member, strongly warned members of the Liberian Senate, especially those who signed his suspension resolution to abide by the Liberian constitution or be prepared to face court action.
Liberia: revenge and reprisal, a pain suffered by victims of Liberia civil war
As the Thematic and Institutional hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission reaches its historical actualities, observers have realized that Liberia’s problem is the summary of revenge and reprisal dating back from the one party era. Most of Liberia’s problems and its tough implementation were attributed to military actors of the civil hostilities commencing from the alleged rice riot of 1979 to the interminable chain of rebel incursions and unspecified coup d’etat. As such, politicians, white collar rebels and supporters of successive armed conflicts in Liberia were viewed as saints, disregarding scores of dangerous roles played.
GNN Boss to Visit DRC Projects in Southeastern Liberia
 In order to adequately inform donor agencies of the level of humanitarian services being provided by International Non-Governmental Organizations in rural Liberia, and the impact being created to bring relief to thousands of rural dwellers by these organizations, the Chief executive offer of the Global News Network is to shortly tour three counties in the Southeast of the country.According to J. Cholo Brooks, this exercise is aimed are publicizing the level of humanitarian services been rendered to Liberian rural dwellers by both local and International NGOs, who were badly affected as a result of the Liberian civil war. The second led tour in the series of similar visits will cover Maryland, River Gee and Grand Kru Counties, during these visits Mr. Brooks who is a major news provider to several websites including the Liberian Times and also Publisher of one of Liberia’s reliable weeklies, THE STAR will profile the operations of the Danish Refugees Council (DRC) in that part of Liberia. While in that part of the Country, the GNN boss will conduct series of interviews with beneficiaries of the DRC, and the impact that International NGO operation has made over the years and is still making to bring relief to them.
“During the War I Saw Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Military Uniform” - Jesus Tells TRC Hearings
 The Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been linked of being a major military player during the Charles Taylor led National Patriotic Front of Liberia war machinery, and that in fact she was spotted wearing military uniform.This revelation was made yesterday by a founding member of the defunct Progress Alliance of Liberia (PAL) and former Director of the Cabinet during the erstwhile Liberia national Transitional Government (LNTG), Mr. Jesus Alieu Swaray when he appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to explain his role during the Liberian civil war.
Former Chief Justice Opens Up, Accused TWP of Mass Killings
 Former Chief Justice Chea Cheapoo has disclosed that apart from mass graves established during the Charles Taylor and Samuel Doe regimes, there were two additional mass graves around the Gurley street grave yard and the land that serves as the premise of the Monrovia Central Prison.Yesterday, Mr. Cheapoo told the Truth and Reconciliation Public Hearing that the True Whig Party (TWP, which was the ruling party at the time, carried out the execution of 48 indigenous chiefs in Sass Town who were buried in a mass grave in the yard that now hosts the prison compound, while the 300 persons killed during the “Tolbert-Rice Civil Disobedience” were buried in a mass grave around the Gurley Street Grave Yard.
For Dancing to the Tone of the Executive, Liberian Senate Suspends Pro-Temp
 Members of the Liberian Senate today suspended their colleague, the Pro-Temporal of the Liberian Senate, Isaac Nyenabo for six months.The plenary of the Upper took the decision after nearly four hours of close-door discussion presided over by the Liberian Vice President, Dr. Joseph Boakai The suspension of the President Pro Tempore started when twenty senators signed a resolution, seeking his removal for what they called administrative ineptitude. Sources closed to the Upper House said the suspended Senate Pro-Temporal was on several occasions communicated secretly via cell phone to the Liberian President, head of the Executive Branch each time issues against the Executive Branch were put on the floor for discussion.
Liberia: President Sirleaf makes new appointments in Government, Ngafua heads the Finance Ministry
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made several new appointments in Government subject to confirmation hearings by the Liberian Senate. According to Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio, those appointed in Government are former Director of Budget Augustine Ngafua as Minister of Finance designate, former deputy Minister of State Amara Konneh as Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs designate, Dr. Amos Sawyer, former Chairman of the Governance Reform Commission as Chairman of the Governance Commission designate, former Liberian Representative to the United Nations Nathanial Barnes as Liberian Ambassador to the United States, Betty Sahway as member of the Board of Central Bank of Liberia and Natee Davis as Minister of States without Portfolio.
Liberia: Amputee Federation donates rice and sporting materials to several teams
 Mr. Eastman further revealed that the amount of U,440.00 was equally distributed among six club teams namely the survival, Liberia Amputee Sports Association (LASA), the Mighty Conquerors, Young Invaders, Island Warriors and the Monrovia Giant to help prepare them for their participation in the upcoming national league. He also named additional sporting materials including jerseys, football and other sport items distributed as part of the federation contribution to assist teams in preparing for the league.Mr. Eastman further claimed that the contribution made by the federation was meant to ensure that the national league this time around gets a better look as compared to previous competition. He expressed the hope that the various amputee club teams would exhibit good conduct and sportsmanship during the upcoming league. Also speaking to this media, the secretary-general of the Liberia Amputee Sport Association (LASA) speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries lauded the federation for the donation and promised to mount up their various talents in making the league a success.
President Sirleaf Make Several Appointments in Government
 The Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made in her government new appointments.Those appointed late lastnigh were Budget Director, Augustine Ngafuan; Minister of Finance, Amara konneh; Minister of Planning, Natty Davies; Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Dr. Amos Sawyer; Chairman of the Governance Commission and Nathaniel Barnes Ambassador to the United States of America. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Liberia Senate, according to a release from the office of the President.
Liberia: Change in minds and attitudes: an integral part of societal development
The realization of “change in minds and attitudes” could better be consummated if all stakeholders, ranging from privileged officials of the Government to unprepared parents collectively engage in building up the future of our children and by extension, the protection of our dear country Liberia. The transformation and idealistic principles of refining the minds and attitudes of our children through large-skilled rehabilitation initiatives invoke euphoria among less fortunate children of being part of a progressive society for the change of good. The challenge for any well-meaning Liberian is to help change the minds and attitudes from the negative embodiment of criminality and anti-development among our children to pivotal moral values. Therefore, the responsibilities and challenges to succeed in realizing the values of our children are in reconciliation with comparative analysis of the roles youth played during the civil wars in Liberia. In order to achieve the overwhelming and cohesive realization of the bright future of our children, adversaries within the political arena of our country must understand that there must be diversity in policies and opinions, but the common ideological solution to these problems is the change in minds and attitudes.
Bill Clinton Ends One Day Visit to Liberia
 Former United States President, William J. Clinton today ended his one day visit to Liberia with a call on Liberians abroad to return home to contribute to the development of their country which he described as very potential in economy growth.My Clinton who led a 60-man delegation to Liberia to follow-up progress being made by his foundation, the William J. Clinton Foundation in Liberia praised the Liberian Government in its reconstruction drive. Mr. Clinton and delegation while in the country toured several ongoing projects including the Bob Johnson five stars hotel currently under construction in Liberia. The Clinton Foundation in 2002 launched an anti-AIDS initiative and this month has reached an agreement with several pharmaceutical companies to slash the price of the top anti-malaria.
TRC Clarifies Liberian Leader Schedule Appearance for Hearings Next Week
 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) says recent media reports that the President Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf will appear before the Commission next Tuesday,August 5, 2008 is inaccurate.According to a release, the TRC clarifies that the information indicated in the press release of July 31, 2008 was inadvertent and purely an irregular error in our media regime as the commission has not confirmed yet with the president, as it has done with other witnesses appearing beginning next week for the TRC “Thematic Hearings on the Contemporary History of the Conflict (1979-2003)”, the date and time of her appearance.
Ritualistic Killings Scare Residents in River Gee, 2 Persons Mysteriously Killed, Killers On The Run
Benedict Seekie, 49 was last week mysteriously murdered by some unknown persons in Rivergbeh, River Gee County after being missing for days in the area. According to our Correspondent in the County, the late Seekie as usual went to a nearby river to wash his clothes on that early Sunday morning, July 27, 2008 following the celebration of Liberia’s Independence Day on July 26. Our Correspondent said, his absence from his family members for almost a day created serious concern, which led his relatives and friends to mount a search for his whereabouts.
In Gbarpolu County Judicial Service Suffers Setback, Court, Police Station Operates in Open Air
 Criminal activities in the diamond rich community of Weasua, Gbarpolu County are said to be on the increase due to the lack of correctional institutions in that part of Liberia to detain criminals who are caught in their doings.Both the police and local judges in the area are finding it very difficult to adequately perform their respective duties due to lack of the needy facilities, including building to house them. A recent visit to this diamond rich town of Weasua by a team of the GNN early this week bombed into a dilapidated building; a building occupies by a local magistrate and a community police detachment.
In Gbarpolu County Bad Roads Hamper Goods, Services, Residents on SOS Call
 Bad roads condition in Gbarpolu County, one of Liberia’s newest Counties is hampering hundreds of citizens in that part of the country, whose survival depends on the sale of their local produce.Vehicles are inaccessible in the area thus making rural dwellers in the county to suffer from the purchasing of the needy commodities for their daily lives. “Before you venture to ply the Bomi/Gbarpolu highway, you must have a jeep or a truck before coming to the County”, a stranded visitor who made her way to the county to see some relatives in Weasua Town told the GNN in an exclusive interview.
Liberia: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton visits Liberia Saturday
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Yesterday testimony to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) by one of Liberia’s fearful former rebel general, Prince Y. Johnson has created wild mixed feelings amongst Liberians and foreign residents, describing his testimony as “reawakening sorrow and retribution”.