President Sirleaf did not Violate the Longstanding Procedure of Courtesy
(By Fillmore S. Hney)
In all honesty, Mr. Zaza has a right to know anything he wishes with regard to what goes on in Liberia. It is always said that in the court of public opinion, everybody has a right to express him/herself. So, no one has a right to accuse the gentleman for speaking his mind.
TPS Extended for Liberians
The United States House of Representative on Monday, July 30, 2007 passed Bill HR-3123, granting Liberians on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) another year to remain in the U.S and work. The House bill will ease the worries of the five thousand plus Liberians that would have been asked to leave the U.S. come October 1, 2007 when the presidential DED expires...
JOB VACANCY At A Multi-Million Dollar Company in Liberia
A multi-million dollar company seeks the immediate employment of a dynamic individual with experience functioning at top management level, with demonstrated skills in supervision, coordination, organization, analysis, communication, inter-personal relations, creativity, and leadership; to serve as Deputy Managing Director (DMD). The individual must be a Liberian.
Overcoming Threats Our Past Poses to the Present and Future
(By Emmanuel Dolo)
Liberia is 160 years old as a nation state. But the recent allegations of a coup have underlined just how real the threat of our past is to the present. These allegations, though unproven, and might never be proven to the satisfaction of some constituencies, show how vulnerable our country is to vengeance or other intentional acts of instability.
Bonus at LPRC: An Outrage
By William E. Allen
It has been nearly two weeks since I read the story about the bonus that the Board of Directors of the Liberian Petroleum Refining Corporation awarded Managing Director Harry Greaves and itself (FrontPageAfrica, 07/11/07). My immediate reaction was to write this article
Open Letter to Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
By Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei
I bring you warmest greetings in the spirit of nationalism. Please accept my post Independence Day compliments. This is my first time communicating with you since you ascended to the stewardship of this country.
Correlation does not mean causation: A response to Jerome Pajibo’s letter of July 23, 2007
By Joseph S. Fallah
I am motivated to respond to his letter first because I am a concerned Liberian, and second because I am afraid of the potential negative consequences of the misconception that characterizes Mr.Pajibo’s letter. To suggest a causal relationship between the alleged coup plot in Liberia and the U.S. Immigration policy on TPS is a fundamental weakness of his argument that must be dismissed in the strongest possible terms.
TPS Liberians Behind Alleged Coup Plot?
(A Letter From Jerome Pajibo)
As the nation (Liberia) celebrates her 160th birth anniversary, once again, the nation and its people have again been placed on nearly some of the major international news organs. Even the VOA news ran the story. This time around, it has to do with a purported coup attempt.
Tom Woewiyu's Memo: A Plot to overthrow the Liberian Government by Force of Arms
It is with a heart laden with unbridled grief and deepest regrets that I inform the Government of Liberia and other interested stakeholders about a ‘plot’ to overthrow the Government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf by force of arms. I am acutely aware of the danger this revelation will place on my life.
Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A Compelling Urgency
(By Sakui W. G. Malakpa)
It is estimated that between 600-650 million people live with disabilities worldwide (NCD, 2002; ISAAC, 2007). Eighty percent of these people live in the developing world (NCD, 2002). “More compelling, however, than the sheer magnitude of this population, is the appalling lack of respect for even the most basic human rights of people with disabilities in both the developed and the developing world” (p.1).
Allied/Auxiliary Healthcare Workforce Shortage: Scrutiny and Strategies
(By Emmanuel Dolo)
Fourteen years of war caused or exacerbated significant problems in the workforce, infrastructural, and systems needs of the healthcare sector in Liberia. This experience is analogous to a train wreck and rebuilding reflects the intimidating challenge of placing the train back on track.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Government: image problems and the need for corruption cleanup
(By Amos Ziah Koukou)
The ongoing debate between the Auditor General of Liberia, John Morlu II, on one hand, and the Liberian Government on the other, has helped to highlight the need for continued debate on the issue of corruption in Liberia.
AFRICOM: GHANA, MOROCCO, AND OTHERS SAY NO TO US OFFICIALS. WHY PRESIDENT SIRLEAF WANTS AFRICOM BADLY?
(By J. Yanqui Zaza)
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her eagerness to have the American security network (AFRICOM) established in Liberia, did not only violate the longstanding procedure of courtesy to consult with the Legislative Branch on major issues, but also violated foreign diplomatic protocol.
REGIME CHANGE: Target Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe
(By Emmanuel Abalo)
The southern African nation of Zimbabwe today shamefully represents the embodiment of total economic collapse, threat to life and an inevitable regime change under the watch of President Robert Mugabe.
The Auditor General And Budget Director Must Cooperate
(By Nyekeh Forkpa)
For quite sometime now I have followed the arguments regarding the submission of the young Auditor General of Liberia, John Morlu, during which he is reported to have pointed out many areas of omissions and made the statements to the effect that “the draft budget was not auditable” and that “the Sirleaf government was three times more corrupt than the Bryant Government.
Is Fighting Corruption In Liberia The Business Of President Sirleaf Alone?
(By: J. Momolu Kaindii, Jr.)
The minds of some Liberians are still sealed in metal cages welded with ignorance and irrationality. Most of our compatriots in and outside Liberia remain blindfolded and insensitive to the complex historic realities of Liberia, the predicaments and constrains well-meaning Liberian leaders
TRC Trains Statement Takers In Ghana
Following a successful statement taking pilot with Liberian refugees on the Buduburam Liberian refugee camp, Gomoa District, Republic of Ghana in May, the TRC recently implemented Phase III of the Ghana Diaspora project, where ten (10) community leaders on the camp were trained as Statement Takers.
Rejoinder To: Commentary: AFRICOM: Ghana, Morocco, Others Say No to U.S. - Why Sirleaf Wants it Badly, written by J. Yanqui Zaza, and published by FrontPageAfrica
(By R. Wesley Harmon)
The desire to criticize everything about anybody, at any given time, seems to be a character trait, or flaw, which permeates Liberian society. Almost every Liberian, with very few exceptions, considers himself expert at delineating the faults of others. More often than not the venomous manner and the haste with which criticism is spewed out, suggests that the author may not have taken time to do due diligence prior to his/her invective(s).
Reexamining the Logic of Closing the University of Liberia
(By: Emmanuel Dolo)
An alumnus of the University of Liberia, nothing is more disheartening than to hear that my Alma Mata has been closed by the government. While a student at the University of Liberia, I experienced two closures of the university by the Doe government. Those abrupt closings of the university caused setbacks in my academic pursuit and my personal life...
My Continued Disappointment with Politicians in Liberia
(By R. Wesley Harmon )
In my opinion, any society in which individuals lose their ability to feel ashamed and disgraced, for acts of commission and omission, inimical to the welfare of that society, is evidence that the society is on a downward spiral. I am awe-struck by the lack of remorse, the refusal to feel ashamed, and admit culpability for having wreaked havoc on unsuspecting, innocent members of the Liberian society...
The Itinerary: Moving Liberia from Zero to Zenith
(By: Deconte Jackson Baker)
A couple of nights ago, I was reading the United Nations “Millennium Development Goals” or simply put, “MDGs”, document detailing eight core development goals that the UN anticipates its member countries would prioritize and make significant strides toward achieving by the year 2015.
Faulty Diplomacy Or Shameless Begging
(By Gbe Sneh)
I have been grappling with President Sirleaf’s recent visit to Equatorial Guinea. My mind has been tossed and turned every which way in an attempt to reconcile this move with CBS’ 60 Minutes clip on this small oil-rich, yet impoverished country off the coast of West Africa.
Morlu certainly has a “fish to fry” in budget matters in Liberia
(By Isaac Browne, Jr.)
As a young Liberian it is encouraging to note that The Perspective has certainly given me, among other things, the platform to air my opinion regarding matters concerning my country Liberia. Among the many articles I read daily some are encouraging and quite stimulating, while others leaves much to be desired particularly when I attempt to analyse the actual logic behind certain articles.
The Liberian Professional Networking Directory Expands By Creating A Global Online Directory And Resource Guide
(Press Release)
The Liberian Professional Networking Directory is creating an online edition and expanding its database to include other professionals and investors who are interested in doing business in Liberia . This initiative will be led by T. Nelson Williams, II, President and a team of professionals residing in and out of the United States .
The Budget Debate: Good Governance Means declaring all Sources of Government Revenue
(By Phil George)
Having read all the arguments in the ongoing budget debate, it is reasonable to conclude that AG Morlu makes some very compelling arguments. Foremost is the argument that all sources of government revenue should be reflected in the national budget, regardless of their financial disposition. In my opinion it’s simply a matter of accountability and transparency, not to mention good governance.
Corruption Oils The Wheels Of Corrupt Business: Would President Sirleaf Undermine Her Allies' Interest?
(By J. Yanqui Zaza)
Do Liberians expect President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, or any other leader who is a beneficiary of contributions from corrupt investors, to institute policies that would reduce rewards, which necessitated a relationship in the first place? Or having executed three former presidents, starting with E. J. Roy and two more indicted, should we not focus on why and how Liberia ruling class uses corruption to perpetuate its hold on power?
Budget Discussion and Analysis Presented to the Honorable House of Representatives By John S. Morlu, II
I want to thank you for inviting me to provide clarifications of the Office of Auditor General’s Review, Analysis and Recommendations on the draft National Budget, 2007/2008. I want to thank the Liberian people for actively participating in this budget debate. In the end, when all is said and done, this budget debate is good for Liberia.
President Sirleaf ‘Liberia’s US African Command Headquarters Initiative’, Full Speed Ahead
(By Momolu V.O. Sirleaf)
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently expressed Liberia’s interest in hosting the United States Africa Command military operations, known as AFRICOM. US President George Bush created the new military command this year for Africa. AFRICOM is one of the long-standing hangovers from the cold war era--
Wannie Botoe And David Momoh, Football Legends Whose Time Has Come To Be Honoured, Too|
(By Benedict N. Wisseh)
We, who follow Liberian football, are often told of the stories of the sports’ modern legends. While the stories of Liberian professional players constitute an important part of the history of Liberian football (soccer), there are legends, such as Wannie Botoe, Gladstone Ofori, Mass Sarr, David Momoh, Garrison Sackor, George Sackor, Josiah Johnson, and many others, whose stories, perhaps, are not being told because they never played professionally in Europe. They are laughed at and disregarded by us.
The Liberia Budget Process and the Role of the Auditor General’s Office
(By Robert Llewellyn Kilby)
While surfing the Internet, I read several articles concerning the Liberia Budget Process and the role and responsibilities of the office of the Audit General of Liberia. The articles were interesting, and therefore I decided to provide input from the Public Accounting perspective.
Governing with Corruption in the Forefront: Challenges and Strategies
(By Emmanuel Dolo)
No leader can govern in the post-war era and claim political success without curbing corruption. Decrease in corruption is intricately linked to many indicators of social progress. When corruption increases, opportunity for socioeconomic development decreases. Corruption aggravates the cost of doing business and increases crimes. Crimes diminish investments. Floundering investments intensify poverty and ultimately corrode quality of life
Telephony: Poor, Lonely LTC (Part I)
(By Lionel Bernard )
How can I put this lightly? Well, since euphemism is no substitute for clarity, here is my direct point: Liberia’s telecom sector is in a state of disarray and craving for effective leadership. We now have so many forces jockeying for status and control that the sector is starting to look like a battlefield without generals and only soldiers. Meanwhile the real civil war ended several years ago and the telecom spoils were avariciously split up between the four mobile operators in Liberia.
Morlu Has “No Fish To Fry” In Budget Matters
(By James W. Harris)
For quite some time now I’ve been very reluctant or somewhat too lazy to continue engaging in seemingly endless debates concerning Liberia. Primarily, I find it to be highly frustrating as well as a complete waste of my precious time to continue to engage in such debates when most Liberians seem to be satisfied with the present governing “system” in their war-battered country.
Liberian Traffic Police and Immigration Officers Harass Visitors for Money
(
By Phil George)
If you plan to visit Monrovia and drive a car while you’re there, you need to be prepared to deal with corrupt
traffic Police officers who will stop or pull you over and harass you for money. While driving in Monrovia recently, I was stopped three times, two of which was for no reason other than to demand money for which I refused.
Liberia Lacks Architecture Culture
(By Elijah Karnley)We hope that Liberia can strengthen its Architectural culture by institutionalizing the profession through an organized body and system that would appropriate the level of professionalism and the true meaning of architecture.
Conflict and Fragile States: Some Contentious Issues
(Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Amos Sawyer)
I have been involved in international development work in one way or another for more than 30years—but largely from the perspective of the local partner. As a University lecturer, a civic activist and advocate and as a government functionary, my work has always been about how local people can improve their lives, drawing first upon their own capabilities and benefiting from the ideas and material assistance of others.
Fighting the level of the customs bureaucracy in Liberia
(A Letter From Ms. Prue Clarke de Cavaignac)
I spent three days fighting every level of the customs bureaucracy in Monrovia in Dec 2005. I am an Australian journalist and a group of my friends and family had decided to send a generator and freezer to help a family of orphaned returning refugees I had reported on. I had imported into 3 countries before that and I had never seen anything like the ports at Monrovia.
Ellen Talks About Unemployment, Fight Against Corruption, Chinese Cooperation & the trial of Charles Taylor
Since she moved into the Executive Mansion on January 16, 2006, in Monrovia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf goes around with her small womanly steps to the four corners of the world. China, Japan, US, and recently again in France, Germany… To her colleagues who open their doors to her, she repeats, with the same pragmatism and the same smiling face that her country of three million people brought to its knees by 14 years of wars, need help. Her reputation of honesty, straight talk and her age-old militancy has something to do with it all. “Ma Ellen” as she is known to many of her compatriots in deference to her 68 years of age, inspires confidence.
Corruption engulfs Sea and Airports in Liberia
(By Sam K Zinnah)
The Freeport of Monrovia and the Robert International Airport “two of Liberia’s gateway to its economy” has become mere hustle grounds. When President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took oath on January 16, 2007, she overtly encouraged and invited Liberians in the Diaspora to return home and contribute to the reconstruction of their country that is recovering from more than decade of civil war. During several visits to the United States and other countries around the world, President Sirleaf continuously encouraged Liberians to return home and help with the reconstruction process but many Liberians who have attempted doing business in...
The Auditor general’s Review of the Draft 2007/2008 Budget of the Republic of Liberia
Sources close to the General Auditing Commission speak of a flurry of requests for copies of the Auditor General’s Review of the 2007/2008 budget of Liberia. Though we do not have access to a pdf version of the Draft Budget, click the link above for a pdf copy of AG's review of the draft budget.
Liberia Receives $45 Million Dollars For Security From U.S. Congress
(By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
During his last visit to the US, Defense Minister Brownie Samukai raised some concerns about the security sector reform (SSR) underway in Liberia. Among other issues, he pointed to funding gaps that severely curtail the training of the new army. At the time, only 105 troops out of an expected 2,000 had undergone training
The 2007/2008 Draft Budget of Liberia Is Not Auditable, Accountable & Transparent - Says Auditor General Morlu
Over the weekend, Liberia’s Auditor General John S. Morlu released his
review of the 2007/2008 Draft Budget of the Republic of Liberia. In a hundred page-document, AG Morlu concluded that the “Budget does not meet the minimal test of completeness and fair disclosure. It is not auditable. It is not accountable. It is not transparent. It does not measure the true financial position of the Republic of Liberia. It is lacking substantive information.”
A Letter From Monrovia – Home, Sweet Home (Part III)
(
By James Thomas-Queh)
I chose the dry season to visit Monrovia; and for a reason - I wanted to see also the much announced government projects that awaited this important climate change. But everywhere I only saw the invisible sign: “No Men At Work.” And I guessed because the weather was too hot and humid to work. Now it seems the administration would need a damn good weather forecaster were it ever to start, in honest, the reconstruction of the country.
Condolences On The Death Of The Bulldozer (Hon. John Paryee Beh, Sr. )
On behalf of the entire Gebrier Roberts family, I am saddened to convey our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Hon. John P. Beh, Sr. who left us for the great beyond on May 27, 2007. I first met Hon. Beh in 1969 in Sannequellie. He was the diamond commissioner at the time and he had gone to Gbarpa with his bodyguards to inspect illicit diamond mining operations there.
"How Corrupt-Who’s Corrupt in Liberia"—Straight Talk To President Sirleaf
This is in response to a detailed report on corruption on the Front Page Africa website authored by Rodney Sieh, titled “How Corrupt-Who’s Corrupt in Liberia—an investigative report”.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf In Paris
(
Courtesy of Jeune Afrique, Paris) Draped in her beige-colored gown, with a scarf hanging on her shoulder, the whole thing in coordination with her headdress, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf looks nothing like the teary clichés that connoted her small 3-million people country that she is leading. There is always a smile on the face of the Liberian leader; her speech is both realistic and optimistic. This is most likely the image she conveyed to her Western interlocutors during her fifteen day tour that took her to the US and to Germany, ending with a brief stop-over in Paris.
CEDE Welcomes the Trial of Former Liberian Leader Charles Taylor
(Press Stsatement Issued by The Center For Democratic Empowerment)
The Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE) welcomes the opening of the trial of former Liberian leader, Charles Taylor. Mr. Taylor has been indicted on 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other offenses. The Center believes that the trial will provide Mr. Taylor the opportunity to defend himself and the call for justice by victims of Sierra Leone will be heard.
Liberia: The Case For A Strategic Partnership With The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
(By Emmanuel Abalo)
As The U.S. Defense Department, the Pentagon continues the task of exploring, organizing and integrating its response to a myriad of global threats, terrorism and islamic radicalism, Africa remains a clear challenge of confusion, inclusion and responsibility.
The General Auditing Commission Legislation
The following bill was introduced in the lower House of the Liberian Legislation in May. If the bill is supported, it would be a milestone among the achievements of the Sirleaf administration. One of the planks in her platform was accountability and a fight against the prevailing rampant corruption in Liberia. She cannot win the fight without a good General Auditing Commission. Most of our ministries and public corporations have never been audited before. So some of those who occupy government positions carry on corruption, knowing that they will not be audited.
