|
Advertisement |
|
Latest News |
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
TheLiberianTimes.com
“The Government is surviving on rhetoric and too much talk instead of designing positive strategy to improve the lives of the people”, he maintained. The tough spoken Politician named some of the promises made by the Unity Party that is yet to come to reality as four lane road, job opportunities, improve security environment as well as President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf trade mark “Papa na come”. What is unfolding according to Mr. Cornomia is fixing the crack roads and attaching unnecessary publicity to it. He also attributed the increase wave of armed robbery to government failure to act swiftly and decisively in combating robbery. He said government officials are paying lips services to the unpleasant economic climate that currently exist in Liberia and called individuals occupying public positions to retrospect on their job functions and view themselves in the mirror. The former Bong County representative expressed serious concerns over the high level of unemployment in Liberia. He said qualified and unqualified Liberians who are desperate to work are roaming from office to office seeking employment opportunities but to no avail. “Everyone wants to be heard in this government. Instead of working, people are using rhetoric to buy time for their spoils”, he said. Mr. Cornomia said with the increase level of international support the Unity Party led government is receiving and that of the domestic revenue, the lives of ordinary citizens must be gradually building up. 
Liberia: Cllr. Dempster Brown blasts Justice Ministry Officials; attributes weaknesses to failure to strategize
The Chairman of the Coalition of Human Rights defender in Liberia, Cllr. Dempster Brown has attributed the increase wave of armed robbery and rape in the country to the Ministry of Justice inability to strategize a workable solution to these societal ills. Cllr. Brown said authorities at the Ministry of Justice have exhibited both administrative and technical weaknesses in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities thereby giving sufficient rooms to criminals to infiltrate the system. He said the positions at the Ministry of Justice are more technical than administrative and at such occupying these positions with “out of court”, Lawyers usually result to poor conclusion. “I have consistently advised the President to appoint individuals beyond friendship and sympathy if this country will have to move from one level to another”, Cllr. Brown maintained. The fearless Human Rights activist further recommends streamline process at the Ministry of Justice starting with the removal of Justice Minister Philip Banks and squarely blamed the alarming rate of insecurity in the country to his failure to support Solicitor-general in court. In sharp contrast to Cllr. Dempster Brown assertion, the Solicitor-general of Liberia Cllr. Tiewon Gonglo said armed robbery is not a national based crime as been speculated in the Human Rights circle. He said armed robbery is currently rapid in Monrovia alone terming it as “Monrovia based crime”. The Liberia’s Solicitor-general further rejected Cllr. Brown claim that Justice Minister Philip Banks was only limited to signing documents in the office.
Liberia: After court ruling in Ghana, 24 Liberians return home from Ghana
“These individuals were among the thirty Liberians that were slated to be deported by the Ghanaian Government, for allegedly having breached Ghana’s Public Order Act, as pointed out in the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on ELBC on April 1st, and widely circulated in the media. However, their deportation had been delayed due to court action”, the statement outlined. With regards to previous agreement between the Liberian and Ghanaian Governments, the government pointed out that these returnees, who arrived in the country last Saturday, are not covered under the Tripartite Agreement (which applies to legally registered refugees) signed between and among the Government of Liberia, the Government of Ghana and the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR).
Are Mandingoes Really Citizens Or Foreigners In This Country, Liberia ????????
 As a member of the tribe, analytically, I have tried to figure out or identify the fundamental reasons for this general perception that Mandingo people are not citizens of Liberia. Please do not take this as a joke. A significant number of our population is convinced that the Mandingo tribe does not belong here (Liberia) as they are all Guineans. I have, therefore, drawn my conclusion based on two major factors: (1) The perceived and speculative closeness of the Mandingo culture. The Mandingo culture is perceived as not very outsider friendly, even within their own social settings. Of course and as a matter of fact, like many cultures, certain aspects are considered as not been outsider friendly. (2) Islam-the masses of our members are mostly illiterate and do not understand the dos and don’ts of Islam. In the absence of a formal education, the religion is left with most people without much understanding. It is, therefore, practiced with personal values, feelings and cultural understanding as how God is, how He should be and how He’s going to get you, if you fall out of line and that line is drawn and defined by individual values, that, I consider a major dilemma.
Liberia:UP Youth group picks bone with Cllr. Charles Brumskine of Lberty Party
 In a statement issued in Monrovia, the UP Youth group described claim made by the Liberty Party flag bearer as “deceitful and misleading” and called on all Liberians in and out of the country to join hands with the UP government in its endeavor to bring about the needed development to the war-ravaged country. The Progressive Youth group of Unity Party said anyone who has followed the trend of development unfolding across the world, would agreed that there have been steady increase in the prices of basic commodities such as rice and the Unity Party led Government can not be blamed for situation that falls beyond its control.
Liberia:Executive Mansion troubles over confusion at TRC, Badio
The Executive Mansion has described as troubling signs of events currently taking place at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio said the controversy ranging from bribery to the indefinite suspension of TRC Commissioner Pearl Brown Bull signal the undermining weakness of the intent of the Commission. He said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is currently disturbed over what is unfolding at the TRC and stressed the need for the TRC Commissioners to find an amicable resolution to the confusion. Mr. Badio acknowledged received of communication of suspension from the TRC but maintained that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was seeking legal consultation before arriving at decision. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been marked by confusion which led to a physical body contacts between two of its female Commissioners. Meanwhile, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has suspended one of its Commissioners for double standards. Commissioner Pearl Brown Bull was suspended indefinitely by the Chairman of TRC Cllr. Jerome Verdier for what the Commission claimed as commitment to two government functionaries. In the communication sent to embattle Commissioner Pearl Brown Bull which was signed by Chairman Verdier, it was disclosed that Commissioner Bull was in an employed of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission while serving as TRC Commissioner.
Liberia: UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon visits Liberia
The Secretary-general of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon at the head of a high power United Nations delegation arrives in Liberia today April 21, 2008 in continuation of his tour of Africa. According to the Ministry of Information release, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon will visit key projects instituted by the United Nations Institutions in Liberia and discuss prominent issue with officials of the Liberian Government. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon is expected to land at the Robert International Airport at the evening hours and per tradition, the keys of the City of Monrovia will be turned over to the UN Secretary-general by Monrovia City Mayor Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah. Mr. Ki-Moon and delegation will meet the United Nations Staff on Tuesday morning, April 22, to have some formal insight and briefing from the United Nations organizations in Liberia. Although President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is out of the country, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon per protocol will meet with Vice President Joseph Boakai to discuss issues surrounding National Security and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goal.
Liberia: Three Draft Media Reform Laws presented to the National Legislature
 The Liberia media law and policy working group in collaboration with the Press Union of Liberia and the Ministry of Information recently completed the drafting of three laws aimed at strengthening the media laws in the country. The draft laws include, the Freedom of Information Act 2008, an Act to establish an independent Broadcasting regulator for Liberia and an Act to establish the Liberia Public Broadcasting Service to replace the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation.Presenting the draft Act to the National Legislature yesterday at the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill, the Secretary-general of the Press Union of Liberia Mr. Peter Quaqua pleaded with the Legislators on behalf of media practitioners for the speedy deliberation of the draft laws. He said the draft media reform law will enhance democracy and further protect the rule of law as it relates media operations in the country. Deliberating on the specific of the three Acts on a separate note, Mr. Quaqua said the freedom of information Act 2008 seek to grant the public the right of access to information in the possession of public institutions in accordance with the procedures laid in the Act. Commenting on the Act to establish an independent Broadcasting regulator to Liberia, Mr. Quaqua said if passed into law, the act will make provision for the regulation of Broadcasting in the interest of the public void any outside or Government interference.
Liberia: Robbers defile President Sirleaf warning, intensify armed robbery
Barely fifteen hours after President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf address to the Nation highlighting the increase wave of Armed Robbery in Liberia, Robbers are said to be defiling the Liberian Leader warning of curbing armed robbery in the country. The latest news of armed robbery occurred at the proximity of Monrovia where over eight men armed with cutlasses entered a worship center scraping women nicked in search of valuables. The women have assembled at the Wisdom Ministry International Church on Caldwell outside Monrovia to observe an all-night women’s tarry. According to an eye-witness, the robbers entered the Church edifice at 2:15 am and ransacked the entire worshippers most of whom were women. After hours of severe torture, the worshippers give-in to the demands of the robbers and gave away their cell-phone, jewelries and other valuables in their possession.
Liberia: Cllr. Brumskine seeks for the overhauling of NEC and election laws
 Speaking to cross-section of Reporters at his Liberty Party headquarters on Benson Street under the caption: “The State of the Nation from a political opposition’s perspective”, Cllr. Brumskine outlined several points including the enactment of a whole new body of elections laws, which would include the establishment of an election court. He said the communication received from the National Election Commission charging the Liberty Party with subversive activities was meant to abolish Liberia’s democratic society and endanger the existence of the Republic, as outlined in Article 80(a) and (b) of the constitution.“The Election Commission was the accuser, jury and the judge of the proceedings. Only by the Grace of God, were we acquitted of subversive activities, and found guilty of lesser charges. Whatever the case, the Election Commission as constituted today, signals the 2011 Presidential and general elections as occurrences of dire potent”, Cllr. Brumskine maintained. Commenting on the management of the economy, Cllr. Brumskine said there would be no poverty reduction if non-Liberians were granted permission by our government to perform jobs that Liberians so badly need. He said that as the result of low investment in its people, the US’ Millennium Challenge Corporation gives usually low marks to Liberia’s efforts in the past two years, under it category-“investing in people”. “Only when the State invests in its people can poverty alleviation become a realistic goal” Cllr. Brumskine said.
Liberia: The emerging repeat of the ugly past in the new Army
 Military and Para-Military personnel in the past divert their duties and responsibilities to protecting the value and political terrains in hailing and subscribing their loyalties to the power that be. In further illustration, authorities of the Armed Forces of Liberia normally pollute the minds of their subordinate Officers in respecting the existing Government at the disadvantage of the State. At the consequences of such unwholesome practices, many determine men and women recruited to serve the State normally succumbed to these vices in order to seek unwarranted promotion in the Army.Due to the fifteen years of civil wars in Liberia, the Armed Forces of Liberia collapsed into factions and warring groups thereby bringing criminals and war-lords to control activities of the Army. The task of rebuilding a well disciplined, well equipped and an educated world class and citizens soldiers for Liberia seems to many a Herculean venture and for some a practically impossible task to pursue. Liberia�s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf through her affluence and influence has made significant headways aimed at rehabilitating and reconstructing the Barracks through the kind of gesture of the People�s Republic of China (PRC) and the People�s Liberation Army (PLA). The recruitment and training of the new Armed Forces of Liberia must coincide concomitantly with other benefits and the determination of Government to keep such benefit current and stable. One dissatisfaction infiltrate the Military as an organization, compromises of functions and loyalty to State becomes inevitable. The involvement of the International Community into the training of the transformed Armed Forces of Liberia is welcoming and the result of such training overwhelming predicated upon the commitment and zealousness exhibited by soldiers but if the necessary supports as it relates to other benefits for soldiers are not made available to their satisfaction, then the efforts of the international community and the Liberia government will certainly be derailed very soon.
Liberia: Taylor's family dismisses speculations of threat against Moses Blah
 The spokesperson of the Taylor’s family, Mr. Sando Johnson said contrary to speculations of threat against the life of Mr. Moses Blah, sympathizers and members of Taylor’s family have had absolutely no ill intention against Mr. Blah. He said it was left with the conscience of Mr. Moses Blah to clearly speak his minds without outside influence. Mr. Moses Blah is a confident of Charles Taylor who is currently being investigated for war crime and crime against humanity in The Hague. He was among the overseas-trained rebel soldiers who invaded Liberia in the early ‘90s. Former Liberian President Charles Taylor appointed him to the position of Vice President of the Republic of Liberia after the death of Liberia’s Vice President Enoch Dogolea. He further succeeded former President Charles Taylor in 2003 after he (Taylor) was forcibly flown out of Liberia. His three months of Presidency has practically no impact on the political and economic recovery of Liberia.
Liberia: Liberia capture the second edition of Amputee African Cup of Nations
 Liberia National Amputee Team has captured the second edition of the African Amputee Cup of Nations. The two week long events took place in Monrovia with four countries participating. Angola, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia participated in the second edition of the tournament.The final match was held between the Liberia National Team and the Sierra Leone National Team. Liberia triumph over her Sierra Leonean counterparts 1-0 on Sunday April 6, 2008 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia. The goal came in the 2nd minute of the first half. After the early minute goal, strikers of Sierra Leone managed to equalize but to no avail due to the mature defense of the Liberia National team. The tournament was played in honor of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.
APS to Strengthen Liberia’s Health Sector, Gives 3 Million Dollars
 The Africa Partnership Station in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States near this capital under the rubric of four U.S. Navy ships which has been in the country since March 17, 2008 Wednesday kicks off its donation ceremony.The ships which are currently in Liberia’s waters are delivery more than US 3 Million dollars worth of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and three other medical centers in the capital including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Redemption Hospital and the Logan Town Clinic. More than 20 medical, dental, and veterinary professionals from the United States Navy are expected to offer training and care at various sites near Monrovia during a two week period. The Navy Seabees and other sailors on board the ships will assist in the renovation of selected Liberian schools and clinics.
Liberia: Census extends by additional three days
In an effort to ensure adequate and efficient participation of all residents in the ongoing census exercise in Liberia, the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo Services (LIGIS) has added three days to the timeline attached to the completion of the National Housing and Population census. LIGIS is however instructing all Supervisors and Enumerators to redeploy all Census workers to areas that were not cover during the data collection period so as to cover the entire country. LIGIS release also expressed satisfaction in the ongoing census exercise and urged citizens who were not covered in certain locations within the bounders of Liberia to call a special hotline numbers for the smooth implementation of the process.
Liberia: Coach Hey scores passing grade as Sudan bows down to Liberia 0-2
The Liberia National team, the Lone Star on Wednesday March 25 beat her Sudanese counterpart 2-0 in an international friendly held in Khartoum. The match which was the first under the watchful eyes of the newly contracted German Coach Antoine Hey brought together local Stars blended with some Indonesian based Liberian Stars to brave the challenge over their Sudanese counterparts. According to a dispatch from Khartoum, despite the absent of some key foreign based players from Europe and other parts of the World, who were invited by the Liberia Football Association, the local Stars blended with the Indonesian Stars currently vacationing in Monrovia managed to prove supreme over the Sudanese National team. The Sudan national team has been very active in the past five years with its participation in major tournament like the African Cup of Nations. Coach Antoine Hey is contracted with the Liberia Lone Star to prepare the team for its pending 2010 African Cup of Nations and the World Cup qualifying rounds. The World Cup is scheduled for South Africa.
Liberia: Former Nimba County Lawmaker lauds authorities of SSS, MOD and DEA for...
Hon. John T. Yorlay said the recent arrest and dismisal of two trained Officers of the Special Security Service and the Armed Forces of Liberia clearly demonstrates the preparedness of the two Security authorities to weed out ugly hobbies within the National security agencies which have been built up within the past fifteen years. He also lauded the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) for their bravery in instituting national responsibilities. The Nimba County Lawmaker now turned Evangelist frowned at Officers of National Security agencies who are in the regular habits of poluting the system with dangerous drugs to abolish such attitude adding it appears shameful and disgraceful once you are caught. Two Officers of the Special Security Service were arrested Monday in Gbarnga with several bags of manijunia in their possession . The two SSS Officers were dismissed from the Service and sent back to Gbarnga for prosecution. Earlier, an Officer of the newly trained Armed Forces of Liberia was arrested by the DEA in Bong County and was reportedly in possession of dangerous drugs. Drugs abuse and drugs traficking are common in the security aparatuses in Liberia with scores of security personnel either involved in drugs transaction or part take in a regular consumption of illegal and dangerous drugs.
Liberia: Improper planning, poor management categorized National Census
Most of the recruited Enumerators complained of the lack of adequate logistics and strange terrain assigned due to poor planning and improper management of the entire census process. Inhabitants of key areas in the layout of the census program, Monrovia were seen tirelessly awaiting Census Staff but their days off on Friday which was declared national holiday was passed in vain. There has been no official statement from the Liberia Institute of Statistical and Geo-Service (LIGIS), an institution responsible to ensure the implementation of the success of this year National Census but credible source around LIGIS blamed the poor start of the census to insufficient materials and poor planning. Up to 3pm on Monday, March 24, 2008, there were no signs of census awareness in the New Georgia community.
Liberia: Liberian Refugees deported from Ghana amid diplomatic negotiation
Liberian Leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called for calm among the Liberian refugee community in Ghana as her Government continues to engage in frantic Diplomatic efforts in resolving the situation. According to a dispatch from Ghana, a little over thirty(30) Liberian residing in Ghana without define legal status are expected to face deportation due to their alleged involvement in provoking breach of security orders. The news of a growing tension and maltreatment among the Liberian Refugee community in Ghana have created sour attitude among Liberians back home with many expressing disappointment over the constant habits of the Ghanaian Government in deporting Liberians illegally. The embattle President of the Civil Service Association of Liberia; Mr. Jefferson Elliot has called for an immediate investigation into the inhumane treatment of Liberian Refugees in Ghana. He said while Ghanaians are enjoying all privileges in Liberia including employment opportunities, Liberians in Ghana have been reduced to improper treatment which stands to contravene the Geneva treaties on the rights of Refugees.
Liberia: Muslim Students supports Census, denounce speculations
 The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia have expressed committment and pledged to mobilize the Muslim community, particularly the youths and students, to actively participate in the national census as was declared at the joint stakeholder meeting with LISGIS at the Headquarters of the National Muslim Council of Liberia on February 9, 2008. The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia is the largest established Islamic students based organization in Liberia working to unite Muslim students in Liberia, promote joint actions and peaceful coexistence amongst Muslims and non-Muslims in Liberia. The Association works for the education and empowerment of all Liberian students through various programs and advocacies
Liberia: Vice President Joseph Boakai boycotts dialogue meeting, cites security risk
“We will remain calm in our advocacy for the immediate resignation of the Party Chairman, Dr. Charles Clarke, and his Corps of Officers as well as Hasan Kiazulu, head of the Youth wing and the entire youth leadership. Why the Vice President is afraid to come to his own party headquarters? After 4:30 pm, I will order all Executives of the Party out despite the arrival of Vice President Joseph Boakai”, says Amos Tweh, the head of the protesting partisans of the ruling Unity Party who have gathered to meet Vice President Boakai for a dialogue in the growing tension at the Party headquarters.After waiting for over twenty hours for the arrival of Liberian Vice President Joseph Boakai to intervene in the recent protest at the headquarters of the Unity Party, it appears exceedingly disappointing after an infiltration of last minutes notice that VP Boakai has boycotted the planned meeting on what some Executives pf the Party termed as security risk.
Liberia: Women and Children ransacked by Ghanaian Police in Refugee camp
According to the Block Leader at the Camp, Patrick Onisulan, Police early Monday morning surrounded the protesting women and children who have engaged in a 21 day sit-in action at the foot ball field before the camp objecting the forceful integration of Liberian Refugees into the Ghanaian society. The protesting Refugees have also vowed to resist the cash amount of Five United States Dollars as repatriation assistance to each returning Refugee to Liberia. Several conditions have been outlined by the Liberian Refugees in Ghana as precondition to their exit from Ghana. Among these conditions are the option to relocate the Refugees to third country other than Liberia and Ghana, the cash amount of One thousand United States Dollars to each Refugee and the permission to transport all of their hard earned belongings acquired during their stay in the Refugee camp.
Liberia: Profile on Jacob Town Community in Monrovia
Inhabitants of Jacob Town come from different religious background. Predominant among them are the Muslims, Christians and Traditional beliefs. They respect and protect each others religious rights and freedom but sometimes go out of proportion when tension developed. Education is widespread in a small community which out of speculation could constitute a little over 30,000 inhabitants. There four are major High Schools in the Jacob Town community. They are: St. Francis High School, Calvary Temple AGM, H.A Gethsemane, and Parma High School. The highest populated school in the area is the St Francis High School. Although the institution is controlled by Christian, 80% of the enrollment constitutes the Muslim faith group. Other smaller institutions of academic achievement are also located in the community. An elementary and Junior High School under the banner of the Muslim Congress is also located in the Jacob Town community. 90% of the enrollment in the Muslim faith school constitutes children of Muslim background with the balance 10% being Christian. Reconciliation which is the pillar of democracy and the transformation of typical Liberians remain the integral part of the nation building. In the Jacob Town community, regular meetings and social activities like football games are regularly held with the aim of bringing youths who are widely blamed for engaging in the implementation segment of the wars in Liberia together. Besides recreational grounds, the market in Jacob Town is the center of attraction where women, children and men converged in the morning to buy food items and exchange greetings. In a bid to investigate the sellers and buyers relationship, it was discovered tat an harmonies relationship exist. Table spots are given equally to all tribes with Mandingoes whose interest are basically built in the petty trade sector of the Liberian economy taking significant portion of the market.
Liberia: Education Ministry suspends academic activities for census
Although the census is expected to run from March 21-27, other preparations as it relates to the planning and preparation of the recruitment and training of census workers constitute major cause of the suspension of normal academic activities. A press release issued in Monrovia by the Ministry of Education revealed that classes would resume Monday, March 31 and is calling on all county and District Education Officers to support the census program and ensure full compliance. The Director-general of the Liberia Institute for Statistic and Geo Services (LIGIS), Dr. Edward Liberty attributes the closure of learning institutions in Liberia as a right decision in an appropriate direction. He said most of the qualified individuals expected to conduct the upcoming census are all teachers and impeding rural education during the census programs would be at the disadvantage to segments of the learning conditions in Liberia. Several parents and Guardians have expressed disappointment in the decision reached by the Ministry of Education. Mr. Peter Seton, a parent of two students attending a local private school in Liberia said the two weeks suspension of classes would affect the smooth academic calendar of the school year in Liberia. He said the abrupt closure of learning institutions may pose serious psychological effect on the students.
Liberia: Church and Media are not exempted as President Sirleaf decries corruption
Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has condemned the successive wave of corruption in the Liberian society which she said the Church and Media are inclusive of the corrupt practices. President Sirleaf said successive Governments have always decried corruption and argued that a successful fight against corruption rest not only with the Government, but rather the involvement of Priest, Imam, Journalists and all civil society organizations desire to see Liberia progress. Succeeding Government normally accused existing Government of corruption once their terms expired. The People’s Redemption Council Government of President Samuel K. Doe accused the Government of President William R. Tolbert of “rampant corruption”, resulting to the public execution of thirteen officials of Government in the Tolbert’s regime. President Samuel K. Doe Government was also accused of corruption and subsequently removed; while the Unity party led Government headed by President Sirleaf, prior to its ascendancy accused the Charles Taylor administration of rampant corruption.
Liberia: TRC rejects Media reports over confusion
According to reliable information gathered from River Gee County, two Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were seen physically exchanging blow as evidence on the recently carved mark on the face of Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull. The confusion started when Commissioner Massa Washington disagreed with statement sent forth by Commissioner Pearl Brown Bull thereby developing into an unpleasant exchange of words from the two female Commissioners. As the confusion escalated, Commissioner Washington decided on walking out of the hall as means of avoiding greater confusion among the. As Commissioner Washington attempted touching the escape exit, she (Massa) was stopped by Commissioner Bull on grounds that her presence was needed for further discussion. The two female Commissioners without exercising emotional tolerance were seen wrapped up together in a face fight. According to out source, Commissioner Bull violently slapped Commissioner Washington after recounting an aggressive insult from her. Without equally exercising emotional tolerance, Commissioner Washington, though slam cleverly subdue her colleague with a blow equivalent to Mike Tyson thereby leaving Commissioner Bull unconscious
Liberia: 200 AFL Soldiers commence advance Military training courses in Nigeria
The infantry training is part of a continuous military assistance package offered to Liberia by the Government and people of Nigeria. The specialized warfare course according to a Defense Ministry release comprised training in jungle warfare, Counter-terrorism, Mountain and Desert warfare. The Soldiers are also expected to attend specialized courses at the Amphibious Training School, Calabar, South Eastern Nigeria. Addressing the Soldiers before their embarkation on the Military aircraft, the Charge d’ affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia, Essesien Ntekim said the initiative represent the fulfillment of a pledge made by Nigeria to assist Liberia achieve stable security environment which according to him would accommodate political, economic and social enhancement in the recovery drive of the war injured country. “As a Stakeholder in Liberia, Nigeria would continue to do whatever is desirable in ensuring that Liberia once again rose to its enviable height”, Mr. Ntekim asserted. Also speaking prior to the departure of the Soldiers, the Commanding Officer of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Suraj A. Abdurrahman urged the Soldiers to exhibit high level of commitment, professionalism, patriotisms and dedication in absorbing their lessons and military obligations. He said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had high expectation of them that they must reciprocate same through absolute loyalty and hard work.
Liberia: House of Representatives succumbed to pressure, release Dillion from detention
Mr. Dillion was placed behind bars recently by a unanimous decision of the House of Representatives for what they referred to as a "flippant" statement against the Honorable House, which according to them, brought the Statesmen to public ridicule. At a special session last Friday to discuss the fate of Mr. Dillion, the Lawmakers voted in favor of the release of Mr. Dillion from detention and resolved that he make available his Lawyers to appear before that august body within a week to have his day in court.
Liberia: Liberian Refugees demand increment in Repatriation benefits; go-slow in Ghana
According to our news source, authorities of the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugee based in Accra have suggested several options aimed at repatriating stranded Liberian Refugees in Ghana. Among those options are the cash amount of United States One Hundred to each Refugee above eighteen and Fifty United States Dollars to each Refugee below eighteen. Besides the cash amount spelled out, UNHCR also agreed to transport the Refugees back to Liberia with only 20kg of load on either ship or airplane. Barely one week after the presentation of the UNHCR suggestions, significant portion of the Refugee community objected to suggestions raised by UNHCR on grounds that the proposals raised were immaterial to their well-being. The Refugee mainly women expressed their desire to go back home but requested the UNHCR to increase the amount to One Thousand United States Dollars and allow them to carry all of they belongings acquired during their stay in the Refugee camp. The sit-in action according to our Accra based Correspondent have entered it fifth day with basically no official redress. An attempt by the Head Master of the Refugees to intervene into the matter proved fruitless as the women group sitting on | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Two former senior officials of the defunct Armed Forces of Liberia facing treason trail at Criminal Court –A- at the Temple of Justice have been set free after Judge Peter Gbonee Wleh announced the final verdict yesterday.