Liberian Daily Observer 02/03/2014
Liberian Daily Observer 02/03/2014
Liberian Daily Observer 02/03/2014
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EDITORIAL
The Challenge for Capacitating Liberian-owned Businesses
See Pg. 4
www.liberianobserver.com
COMMENTARY
Extolling the Armed Forces of Liberia: Grandfathers Rekindled Hope
See Pg. 4
A
Armed Forces Day Activities Released
Dr. Sawyer to Deliver Keynote Address
when he accidentally fell from a low-belt truck this past Saturday, amid rejoicing over Grand Bassa Countys triumph in the National County Meet after 24 years of title-drought. The truck, with the inscription Grand Bassa County Development Fund, rolled over the lad and crushed his chest
and smashed his skull near the entrance of the Doris Williams Sports Stadium. He had slipped while he and friends were hanging on the vehicles tail-end after the program when the car was leaving the Doris Williams Sports
Contd on pg. 14
LOCAL NEWS
Teachers College Instructor Welcomes Transfer to Fendell
See Pg. 3
BUSINESS
Tough Times for Sime Darby
See Pg. 13
Vice Pres. Boakai displays the scheme as he launches Third Party Liability Insurance scheme
SPORTS
Bassa Targets 5 Years to Win Trophy
See Pg. 15
across Africa
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Tuesday, January 28, DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, February 02, 2014 Monday, February 3,2014 2014
World News
(BBC) -A court in Egypt has acquitted more than 60 supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi who were arrested during a violent protest last year. Judges also cleared a cameraman working for the broadcaster Al-Jazeera. The men, most of whom have links to the banned Muslim Brotherhood, had been accused of attempted murder and rioting following deadly clashes in Cairo. They were demonstrating against Mr Morsis removal from power by the military in July 2013. Egypts first democratically elected president is currently facing four separate trials on various charges. Islamists have staged regular protests demanding his reinstatement, but have been met with a heavy crackdown in which hundreds have died. The interim government has declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation and arrested thousands of its members since last year. Media under attack Cameraman Mohamed Badr and 61 other people went on trial in December, accused of involvement in violence during the protest in central Cairo on 15 July. Hundreds of Morsi supporters gathered at Ramses Square and some overran a police station. Clashes between ensued, leaving seven dead and more than 260 injured. Al-Jazeera rejected the allegation that Mr Badr was a protester, and said he was merely covering the event. As the judge announced the acquittals on Sunday, defendants and their families shouted Justice is done and Allahu Akbar (God is Great). Prosecutors said they were considering an appeal. The media has increasingly become a target in the authorities crackdown on dissent, the BBCs Bethany Bell, in Cairo, reports. Last week, Egyptian prosecutors filed criminal charges against 20 other Al-Jazeera journalists, accusing them of conspiring with the Brotherhood, our correspondent says. They include former BBC correspondent Peter Greste who was been held for more than a month with his producers, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed. They were arrested on 29 December in Cairo for allegedly holding illegal meetings with the banned Muslim Brotherhood. In late January, Mr Greste sent a letter from Cairos Tora prison, calling the detentions an attack on the freedom of speech.
(BBC) - The United Nations has said it estimates 3.7 million people are in acute need of food in South Sudan as a result of the civil conflict there. The UNs humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan Toby Lanzer told the BBC $1.3bn (790m) was needed to deal with the crisis. Violence broke out in South Sudan on 15 December, starting as violence between rival army factions. It has now killed thousands of people and displaced around 860,000. Mr Lanzer said it had also had profound effects on the countrys economy. Largely because markets have been disrupted, people have been living under extreme duress, people arent able to move as they normally would, he said. Nobody in mid-December... could have foreseen the scale of the emergency that now faces us. We are doing everything we can to avoid a catas-
A third of South Sudans population is now in urgent need of food, the UN says
trophe, he added. The number of those needing food represented around a third of South Sudans population, he said. He said that in the city of Malakal, some civilians had stormed a warehouse where aid was being kept and helped themselves. Most of the looting was done by people who were so desperate for the aid that they simply couldnt wait, he said. He said over that of 863,000 people who have been displaced; 740,000 of them are still in South Sudan and the others have left for neighbouring countries. Fighting continues A fragile ceasefire was agreed last week between the two sides ahead of a second round of peace talks due to start on 7 February. However, earlier this week, the medical charity MSF says 240 of its staff in South Sudan were forced to flee into the bush because of continuing insecurity.
(BBC) - The campaign for Afghanistans presidential election has been formally launched, with rallies for key candidates in the capital, Kabul. The election is scheduled to take place on 5 April. There are 11 candidates to replace Hamid Karzai, who cannot stand again. Security is the major issue, with the Taliban threatening to target the campaign. Two workers for candidate Abdullah Abdullah were shot dead in the western city of Herat on Saturday. Security fears Thousands of people attended rallies in halls in Kabul on Sunday as the campaign started, with posters now dotted around the city. All the candidates have been given armoured vehicles and security guards. Academic Ashraf Ghani, who is running with former Uzbek warlord Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum and ethnic
MSF said the workers were among thousands of people trying to escape fighting in Unity State between government forces and rebels. The fighting was sparked by a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar on 15 December. Although both men have supporters from across South Sudans ethnic divides, fighting has often been communal, with rebels targeting members of Mr Kiirs Dinka ethnic group and government soldiers attacking Nuers, the group from which Mr Machar hails. A ceasefire was agreed after talks between the two but fighting has continued in some areas and correspondents say it could be further jeopardised by treason charges against some of Mr Machars allies over what authorities say was a coup attempt in December.
(BBC) - Pakistans Taliban have named politician and ex-cricketer Imran Khan as a member of a five-man team to enter into peace talks with the government. Mr Khans party strongly favours negotiations, but a statement said that he would probably prefer to assist the peace process in another role. PM Nawaz Sharif returned to power last May promising talks with the Taliban. Deadly attacks have continued and Mr Sharif said this week he was giving peace a last chance by naming a team.
Pakistan
(BBC) - Protests have disrupted Thailands general election, halting voting in parts of Bangkok and the south, but officials say that 89% of polling stations operated normally. Some six million registered voters were affected by the closures, the Election Commission said. PM Yingluck Shinawatra called the vote to head off weeks of mass protests. Her party is widely expected to win but legal challenges and a lack of a quorum of MPs may create a political limbo.
Thailand
This cowardly action constitutes a violent intimidation of electoral candidates and their supporters, and cannot be tolerated. The last election, in 2009, was also dogged by allegations of vote rigging and intimidation. Mr Abdullah pulled out of a run-off vote, handing Mr Karzai another term. The BBCs David Loyn in Kabul says a clear winner in the first round is again unlikely, meaning a result may not be known until the summer. Karzais brother, Qayum, and key ally Zalmai Rassoul, could be key challengers. Another candidate, religious scholar Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, has a jihadist background that may concern the West. Ethnic backgrounds will be a major issue in the election. Afghanistans key ethnic groups are Pashtun (42%), Tajik (27%), Hazara (9%), and Uzbek (9%).
(BBC) - Syrian government forces have killed dozens of civilians in air raids in the northern city of Aleppo, activists say. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says about 90 people - most of them civilians - died when helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Saturday. Aleppo has been the focus of bitter fighting between President Bashar al-Assads forces and rebels. Meanwhile militants linked to al-Qaeda are reported to have killed the leader of a rival Islamist militia there.
Syria
BBC) Oscar-winning American actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in New York, US media have reported. The 46-year-old was found in his Manhattan apartment, the reports quote police as saying. Medical officials have not yet commented on the the cause of death. Hoffmann made his name in the 1990s in films including Boogie Nights and the Big Lebowski, before win-
busters such as Mission Impossible III. His latest role was in the Hunger Games series of films. As well as films, he also starred in Broadway plays and won two Tony Awards. British actor John Hurt said the news had hit him very hard. He was a great actor, a great member of the film and theatre community. An extraordinary talent, directorially as well as an actor. Hell be greatly missed, he said.
(BBC) - The people of El Salvador are voting in a presidential election. The main rivals are current Vice-President Salvador Sanchez Ceren of the left-wing FMLN party and Norman Quijano of the conservative Arena alliance. Neither is expected to win outright because a third candidate standing for a new independent party is likely to make a strong showing.
El Salvador
(BBC) Sudan has ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to suspend its activities in the country. The ICRC said it had received a letter from the Sudanese authorities citing technical issues relating to its humanitarian plans for this year, but giving no further details. Sudan has in the past suspended or expelled humanitarian organisations.
Sudan
Page 3
By Joaquin Sendolo
to the National Legislature that instead of UL being a learning ground, it has turned into political ground; with students spending most of their learning time outside the classroom. The President also observed that the Capitol Hill campus is not ideally located for students to focus on their educations, and as such there is a need to transfer all the colleges to the more idyllic location of Fend-
ell. Although the Teachers College is on the Fendell campus, Mr. Tom N. Wesseh is of the view that transferring all the colleges there, especially the undergraduate programs would be the best solution to enhancing students learning. Besides the college of Business and Public Administration still based on the main Capitol Hill campus, all the other colleges are now at
Madam Gbowee displays how the institutions grounds would look like
By Alvin Worzi
he Gbowee Peace Foundation (Africa) has launched a technical institute program in the country for women and girls. The Foundation also included ex-combatants of all the former warring factions into their plan. Their aim is to reduce the illiteracy rate in the country, while empowering women and girls, locally. The launch was done at during its 2nd anniversary fundraising gala, under the theme: Advancing Girls Education & Entrepreneurships. The fundraising gala, which intended to raise at least three million United States dollars, was held at the Executive Pavilion on Broad Street, with a lot of national and internation-
al partners in attendance. Launching the Abigail Technical Institute and High School for Girls, Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, in whose honor the Foundation is named, said the foundation would focus on empowering women and girls in the country through internship, mentorship, and career development. According to Madam Gbowee, the Foundation has given many of its scholars international scholarships. Recipients were: Georgia Genoway, Korto Johnson, Ernestine Vulue, Yamah Lavelah and others; some will be traveling abroad for studies this year. She further explained that the building of the technical institute for women and girls was a way of starting something for girls. The hope is that those that do not go to college can
learn something else and still remain on course, she added. Madam Gbowee, who is corecipient of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, said the scholarships for women and girls have been extended to supporting ex-combatants as a way of telling their own story. She explained that contributions were made towards the Foundation, after she had won Peace Prize, by some of her partners, who all around the world, including the United States. The fundraising gala included honoring a number of individuals for their role in empowering women and girls in the country to the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa. Daily Observers Marketing Manager, Bai Best, was one of the honorees. One of the scholars of the Gbowee Peace Foundation, Africa, Ma-Hawa Ngaim, of the University of Liberia, said the Gbowee Scholarship was the best in the country, giving full support to women and girls in Africa. She explained that Gbowee Peace Foundation was the only program in the country that gives stipends, school supplies, internships, and many others opportunities including workshops, academic development, and summer student exchange.
campus is located at the center of the city surrounded by diversions. He said, A learning environment functions better without outside activities breaking students concentration; which is why bringing the University to Fendell will be a good idea. He noted that classrooms on the Fendell campus are well spaced with acceptable ventilation unlike the congested rooms of the Capitol Hill campus. While moving to Fendell is a good idea in the opinion of the Education instructor, the challenge of accommodation still remains an issue. Currently there are four complexes on the Fendell campus; the newly built Chinese complex containing classrooms and offices for administrators, the Engineer Building, the
Science Complex and the Academic Building. The Science building has over forty rooms, but most of them are intended for labs. They are occupied by old equipment that was partly looted by fighters, and since peace returned and school resumed in 2004, no progress has been made in restoring the equipment. The Academic Building contains over thirty classrooms with the Electronic Processing Department (EPD) attached. The Science Complex and the Academic Building appear dilapidated and in need renovation, if the entire undergraduate college can be transferred to Fendell then additional buildings need to be erected to accommodate the huge number of students.
By Ishmael F. Menkor
By Alvin Worzi
they contribute to the development of Liberia. The Act, if passed, could encourage mining operations that are financially profitable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible to benefit the Liberian people. Speaking to our reporter in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, January 29, at a one-day consultation on the update of the Liberian Mineral Mining Act held at a local hotel in Monrovia, Deputy LME Minister, Sam Ross, said the new Act has been carefully
he Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy (LME) has drafted a new Act of the minerals and mining sector that seeks to prioritize the interest of the Liberian people and the country at large. The Act is aimed at establishing a framework for granting and regulating mineral titles that authorizes reconnaissance, exploration and processing of minerals in an attractive way for investors while simultaneously ensuring
reviewed. Mr. Ross explained review of the Act would ensure harmony and beneficial relationships are created between mining companies and the communities that are affected by minerals operations. He explained that the government of Liberia, through the LME, aims to provide economic and social opportunities for communities with mineral resources. Mr. Ross further stated the new mining act would allow communities that explore resources to get additional benefits from mining operations in
the sector. He noted that most mining companies in the country lacked the capacity to create harmonious relationships with the people of their operations various communities. This lack of a mutual understanding causes failure to develop these communities.
Mr. Ross said the LME seeks the opinions, views and participation of civil society organizations, the private sector, government agencies and government ministries in order to safeguard the new Act. He stressed the need for strengthening the countrys mining sector and providing
a reliable posture for communities concerning the way forward. Mr. Ross concluded by expressing his belief that Liberia was endowed with bountiful resources which should be used to create an international standard of living for it citizens.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, February 02, 2014 Monday, 3, 2014
You will always be my parents. No question about that. But now I am the bread winner, so you do as I say. Its called role-swap!
Page Page10d 4
Contt on page 9
Tuesday, 28,3, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, February 02, 2014 Monday,January February 2014
clinics that provide healthcare, schools that educate people and foster social services. With pride, dignity and integrity for the moment they spectacularly march the street regardless of the prevailing circumstances. On this day, the government expends thousands of taxpayers resources to beautified barracks, update equipment and purchase stateof-the-art hardware. During the formal program to venerate Liberias Armed Forces Day, all sorts of thought-provoking and motivational speeches are delivered and many promises are renewed. However, this years celebration seems very interesting, because it comes at a time when Liberia was able to contribute troop to the United Nations backed peacekeeping force in Mali for the first time in the history of post-war Liberia. It comes at a time when the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is gradually drawing down and in fact plans are on the way to end mission sometime this year. It comes at a time when President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed commitment to appoint a new Liberian Chief of
Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and make the Army fully operational to take up responsibilities amidst UNMIL departure. It comes at a time when the country is gradually transitioning from a fragile state to a more consolidated nation. And, it comes at a time when the Liberian security sector has got huge challenges most especially human resource capability and logistics. Regardless of the situation, the military display along with all ceremonial practices will be carried out. The scene will be picturesque, but the challenges encounter every now and then by the illustrious men and women in uniform will still persist thereafter. Beyond the Parade
Armed Forces Day should and must not be a matter of parade or a mere public holiday. It should not be an occasion to deliver grandiloquent speeches or rhetorical pronouncements. It should not be a display of military hardware. It should not be an illustration of military skills and techniques. Instead, it is a ceremony to honor our veterans and extol
our sober, mature and gallant men and women in uniform. It is an occasion to appreciate military families for their enormous support to their sons and daughters. It is an event to dedicate new barracks, schools, hospitals and research institutions for the sole purpose of serving our military. Besides, it is a time to ensure that all patriotic Liberians who join the Armed Forces of Liberia and other para-military institutions carrying the Flag of this Republic on their right arms are treated with dignity and respect as well as given all due courtesy in a timely and unique manner. The family and even those outside the family of the patriotic men and women serving the Armed Forces of Liberia along with other security sector should be accorded opportunity so as to appreciate that it is most honorable to be a soldier, respectable to be a police officer, reputable to be an immigration officer, admirable to be a fire fighter and laudable to serve the country. Forward March The hoaxes and empty promises have got to stop and welfare of the valiant and astute state security personnel must
be highly prioritized. The threats and humiliation emanating from presidential appointees and well-connected supervisors can no longer be tolerated and need to immediately end. The human resource capacity gap, logistical problem and better incentive for the entire security sector need to be taken into serious consideration. The Government ought to increase budgetary allotment and continue to lobby for immense support for the security sector. More state resources should be apportioned for the provision of basic equipment and military hardware. The government must take strenuous measures to regulate and ensure that logistics being provided are utilized in accordance with establish principles and values. State security officers who intentionally and recklessly damage state properties should be investigated and if found guilty be prosecuted to set precedent. Addressing these are ultimately prudent so as to stimulate and motivate promising men and women serving in the security sector to be vivacious, effective, efficient, proactive and responsive in the execution of duties and responsibilities. It is about time that the Gov-
ernment begins to concentrate on building institutions across this great land that would cater to the security needs of the country. Instead of relying on the one and only Police Academy in Paynesville City, the contemplation of government should be on constructing two or three academies outside Montserrado County. When academies are being erected in the rural parts of Liberia, police officers who graduate will become accustom to the environment and could even be excited to take up assignment in remote areas. Every security agency needs to organize a monthly or quarterly in-service training initiative to enable security personnel to acquire emerging skills and knowledge. Additionally, the national Legislature also must play a pivotal role in consolidating the already fragile peace through appropriate legislations and budgetary allocations that would ensure better living conditions of the selfless men and women in state security uniforms and as well improve the stability of the country even after UNMIL departure. The Armed Forces of Liberia needs to revitalize its barracks across the country and begins to open technical institutions
within the barracks or at ideal location so that soldiers can acquire practical training in various disciplines. The construction of military hospitals and colleges would also be a commendable idea. When soldiers have access to good health care facilities and quality education, the army will be serviceable and in most cases call upon to provide peacekeeping mission in other troubling nations. This will definitely provide exposure and empowerment opportunities for soldiers and more people would want to be enlisted. With barely few days to yet another Armed Forces Day, it is a fervent hope that my grandfather dream of a professional, trained and wellequipped army will become a reality in the not too distance future. About the author: Mr. Stephen B. Lavalah is an advocate and the Founder & Executive Director of Youth Exploring Solutions (YES), a passionate, non-profit and voluntary grassroots youth-led development organization. Visit http://www. liberiayes.org to obtain more information about YES.
By Gloria T. Tamba
he Diabetes Management Association of Liberia DMAL Director, Dr. Daniel Smith, is admonishing Liberians to desist from the consumption of too-much fatty and sugar concentrated food. He said this could be done by observing proper eating habits (balance diet). Dr. Smith said that if a balanced diet is adhered to by Liberians, the high incidence of diabetes in the country could be reduced. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by abnormally high levels of blood sugar in the form of glucose. The disease occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or when the bodys cells cannot use insulin even if a sufficient amount is available. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) yester-
day in Monrovia Mr. Smith said, When the amount of insulin is inadequate, or when its action is blocked, glucose in the blood cannot be taken into the bodys cells. Glucose continues to accumulate in the blood stream and is passed out of the blood in the urine. He disclosed that an estimated 300 million people around the world had diabetes at the turn of the 21lst century, with an alarming number of new cases diagnosed each year. Noting that despite intensive research, the causes of diabetes mellitus remains unknown; however, medical experts have revealed that some contributing factors to having diabetes include heredity and environmental aspects. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus, Type I, or insulin dependent, Type II, and gestational diabetes. Discussing the three main types of diabetes mellitus, Mr. Smith said Type I is insulin dependent and formally known as juvenile-onset diabetes; this is
because it often develops during childhood but may occur at any age. Type II or non insulin dependent diabetes occurs in adults and gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, detailed Dr. Smith. Discussing the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, Dr. John Reed said the presence of glucose in urine is an important sign of diabetes, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Diabetes must be confirmed with a blood test. In one test, glucose is given to the patient in a beverage, after which blood samples are drawn and tested at intervals. Because the pancreas normally responds to a rise in blood sugar by producing more insulin, a high glucose level after several hours indicates insufficient insulin, Dr. Reed explained. He continued, Dietary control is essential for all people with diabetes. People with Type I and Type II diabetes require insulin to control the disease. Dosages are specific
0 long years after graduation from one of Liberias most famous high schools, the Ricks Institute in Virginia, outside Monrovia, members of the class of Siva last Thursday January 23, 2014 gathered in the home of Ms. Muna Stubblefield at the James Spriggs Payne Airfield to bid their colleague, Mr. Othello Nance of Texas, USA, farewell. The farewell comes in the wake of the recent burial of the younger brother of Mr. Nance, the late Reginald Nance, in Bensonville, outside Monrovia. Reggie, as he was affectionately known, died during the Christmas season after a brief illness, having contributed his quota to the nation in various professional fields. Members of the class of Siva were brought together through the instrumentations of Caesar Hall, a noted national basketball coach in Liberia. Mr. Hall organized the few Sivans still residing in the country as well as other school mates. Amongst those gathered for the fond farewell were Mr. Alfred Harris, former Administrative manager at the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC); Monroe Theophilus Weeks, Alias Railroad Cowboy; former technocrat at the Ministry of Public Works, Sando Johnson; and Merkel Greene, son of the late vice
President of Liberia James E. Greene amongst other. While the Sivans were reflecting on life in the 1970s at the Ricks Institute, they proudly declared the Baptist run Educational Institution continues to promote quality and holistic education that attracts thousands of students thanks to the vision of the late President of Liberia and head of the Baptist Missionary and Education Convention (LBMEC) Rev. Dr. William Richard Tolbert, Jr. Dr. Tolbert Jr. became the president of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) a development leader in the country that is currently run by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Rev. Dr. Olu Q. Menjay. The BWA remains unwavering in creating an enabling learning environment that provides quality education with the requisite professional instructors and staff. The wake-keeping and funeral services of the late Reggie Nance took place at the First United Methodist Church on Ashmun Street in Monrovia. The occasion brought together brothers, sisters, cousins, and sympathizers who shared vivid reflections of Reggie. Reggies passing was also a catalyst for reuniting the class of Siva and the Ricks Institute family as they continue to make progress in Liberia.
DAILY OBSERVER
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Republic of Liberia
INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PURCHASE, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF SCRAP METALS AND UN EQUIPMENT ITB: GBC/ICB/100/01/2013/2014
January 27, 2014
1.
With consent of Central Government, on 22 July 2013, Grand Bassa County, by and through the County Administration, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) and the National Port Authority Buchanan by which all old unused structures and scrap presently located in AMLs Concession area and within the Port of Buchanan have been turned over to Grand Bassa County. The County has decided to sell this scrap at market value and to use the proceeds for the benefit of the entire County. The County therefore invites prospective bidders with requisite technical & financial qualifications and capabilities, to bid for the purchase, removal, and disposal of said scrap metals currently located within the concession area of AML and Grand Bassa County. LOT 1: Cut scrap metals presently located in AMLs Concession area. LOT II: Old Equipment and scrap metals presently located within the Port of Buchanan Bidding will be conducted through the international Competitive Bidding (ICB) method of Procurement specified in the Public Procurement & Concession Acts (PPCA) and approved by the Public Procurement & Concession Commission (PPCC) and is open to all eligible bidders.
to undertake the above activities (c) have previous successful investment and management of similar operations or at least five (5) years, (d) have proof of requisite financial resources to undertake the above described operations, (e) have good record of corporate social responsibility and must be willing to adhere to and support Liberias Content policies and regulations, and (f) if foreign, have a locally registered and licensed scrap broker and dealer company as its subsidiary associate or affiliate.
Tender Documents for the purchase, removal and disposal of the said unused scrap metals currently located within the Concession area of AML and the Port of Buchanan may be obtained from the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City at the address below, from January 27, 2014, during official working hours on payment of a non-refundable bid fee of Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000.00) for each lot payable by a managers Check to: GRAND BASSA OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT 6. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISISON OF BIDS Deadline for the submission of SEALED BIDS is March 7, 2014 at GMT. All Bids must be delivered and deposited in the tender box at the Office of the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City before said deadline. All late Bids will be rejected outright. Bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. on March 7, 2014. All Bidders or their representatives are asked to be present.
a. Information contained in this Invitation to Bid is indicative only and will be confirmed and amplified in the Bid Documents. b. Interested firms may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit, Administration Building Buchanan, Grand Bassa County Republic of Liberia from 8:00 A.M. 4:00 P.M. Mondays through Fridays or call Contacts Numbers: +231886422063 or +231886945388 +23177755199 or +231886570243
5.
TENDER DOCUMENTS
The stock of scrap includes all abandoned equipment, parts and scrap metals, situated within the Concession Area of Arcelor Mittal Liberia (AML) and the Port of Buchanan; and is to be disposed of as in where is. Provision/Tentative inventory shall be provided Tender Documents; however, bidders are required to conduct their own assessment to determine the exact locations, categories, quantities and qualities of the stock.
2.
THE STOCK
7.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful bidder must (a) be a recognized local and/or regional and/or international entity with requisite experience in the steel industry to include the purchase, removal and disposal of scrap (b) have verifiable technical and managerial competence
4. BUYERS MENTS
QUALIFICATION
REQUIRE-
DAILY OBSERVER
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Vacancy Announcement
he Board of Directors of the Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP), a network of civil society organizations on the promotion and advocacy of inclusive immunization in Liberia, is seeking applications to fill two (2) vacant positions at its national office in Monrovia for a one (1) year contractual period.
Invitation for Bids (IFB) Republic of Liberia Expand Support to County decentralized Health & Social Welfare Services IFB No: LCPS/NCB/001
1. This Invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared online in Development Business of January 6, 2013. 2. The Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) has received Financing from the Government of Liberia to expand support to strengthen the health care delivery system and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to payments under this Contract. Bidding will be governed by the Public Procurement & Concession Art (PCCA) of Liberia. 3. The Liberia college of Physicians and Surgeons now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Supply of Vehicles under the following Lots:
Lot
Description
1
2
Positions: A. Job Title: Secretary General Summary: The Secretary General (SG) is the head of the National Secretariat and shall be responsible for the overall management of the Secretariat. This unique role calls for a transformational leader who willcarry out the common vision and purpose of LIP.Candidate for this position must be capable to deliver real strategic value to the general health service delivery frontline through the platform. This position requires the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfares, local and international partners with niche in health and immunization and donor community. Key Responsibilities Lead and Manage the Liberia Immunization Platform Oversee the successful implementation of all LIPs programs; Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors Provide cutting edge program management delivery for the Platform Lead Policy advocacy strategies of the Platform Ensure the implementation of programs aligned with the mission, vision and strategic plan of the Platform. Identify funding opportunities and sources for projects and core funding, including fundraising campaigns, and collection of membership dues Package and share publicly the best practices of member organizations Serve as the liaison between the Board of Directors and management staff; Attend operational programs, project meetings on behalf of the Platform. Create a work environment in which the Liberia Immunization Platform can thrive: Effectively supervise staff of the national secretariat and manage their performances; Effectively implement the administrative, human resource, financial and reporting policy and procedures of the Platform and its regional secretariats; Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Standing Committees
Contracts will be awarded on Lot basis Delivery is expected within 12 weeks to the Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS). 4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the Public Procurement & Concessions Act (PPCA) open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. 5. Qualifications requirements include: i) Working capital/liquidity to be able to execute the contract ii) At least three contracts of similar nature completed within the last five years. iii) Availability in Liberia of spare parts and after sales services. No margin of preference for goods manufactured domestically shall be applied. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents. 6. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the LCPS and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below between 9:00am to 5:00pm on business days from 6 January 2013. 7. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a Written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of One Hundred United States Dollars (USD 100.00). The method of payment will be bankers draft or wire transfer. Banking details will be provided upon request. The Bidding Documents will be provided in hard copy. 8. Bids must be delivered to the address at or before 6 February, 2013. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below on 6 February, 2013 at 11:00 hours GMT. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 2% of bid price or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. 9. The addresses referred to above are: For obtaining information and bid submission: The Finance Manager Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) Old Health Ministry, Capitol Bye-Pass Monrovia, Liberia For Bid Opening: Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) Conference Room Old Health Ministry, Capitol Bye-Pass Monrovia, Liberia
Qualification: Applicant must hold at least a Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Public Administration, Public Health or related fields with at least 10 year experience. Masters Degree in Public Health and health related studies are added advantages. Applicant must have worked in the health system, social work and civil society activities for at least three (3) years. Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@ gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014. B. Job Title: ADVOCACY OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION Summary Task The advocacy officer, as a full time staff of the secretariat, works under the supervision of the Secretary General in designing and carrying out the advocacy and visibility strategies of the Liberia Immunization Platform. Key Responsibilities Develop and deliver LIP advocacy & lobbying agenda and positions at the national, regional and district levels in consultation with the Secretary General and by extension, the Board of Directors Develop evidence based advocacy messages and/or materials such as presentations, policy briefs etc in consultation with other staff and key stakeholders Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the Platform Liaise and seek to influence stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Legislature relevant to the work of the LIP. Develop and implement the research agenda and facilitate research on behalf of the Platform for advocacy Provide technical support to platform members in advocacy and research at national and regional district levels of the Republic of Liberia. Engage in policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy Assist the secretariat in Resource mobilization Coordinate the development of systems for monitoring and evaluation of programs and Projects of the platform. Promote Knowledge sharing and learning among membership of the network Responsible for ICT, website development and maintenance, development of newsletter and media relations that shows visibility of network activities. Any other assignment from the Secretary General Qualification: Applicant must hold Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Mass Communication or other related fields of study and at least three years of work experience in social work and proactive advocacy. At least a certificate or diploma in health advocacy training is an added advantage. Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014.
REPORTS TO:
POSITION BRIEF: The ED PTS serves as a member of the Programming and Training (P&T) team and supports 80-100 Volunteers in training, program, administration, and other Volunteer support issues. The ED PTS has responsibility for supporting the planning, development, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Liberias programming and training activities. The ED PTS will support all P&T related activities for the Education Project with support and direction from the Education Program Manager (ED PM) and PTM. During the Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) cycles, the PTS will be the full-time technical trainer for the Education Project and will receive support and direction from the TM and ED PM. The ED PTS also represents Peace Corps Liberia with governmental officials and representatives of non-governmental and host country organizations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Project and Program Support Site Development Site Visits Administrative Program Support Volunteer Program Support B. Development and Implementation Of Training Activities C. Administrative and other Volunteer Support D. Grants Coordination and Management E. Information Resource Center Management F. Safety and Security QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Education: Bachelors degree in education, project management, community development or relevant field. Experience: Three years progressively responsible experience in Education field and/or community development. Trainer of trainers and adult training experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Knowledge of and experience with adult education, education in Liberia, and participatory community analysis for development. Strong experience with group facilitation, session plan design, and cultural adaptation & sensitivity training. Computer skills with Microsoft Office required. Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to manage and administer small grant programs. Position requires a valid Liberia drivers license and ability to drive a manual vehicle (stick shift). ED PTS must be available and willing to travel throughout Liberia approximately 50-60% of time either accompanied by PM or alone. For a complete Statement of Work please send a request to pcjobs@lr.@peacecorps.gov. Submit a letter of interest, resume and three reference contacts as attachments via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov. No phone calls please. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained at the guard stations of the Peace Corps Office in Congo Town.
December 2013
Page 8
National Chronicle Publisher Philipbert Brown gives reason behind the award as Governor looks on
CBL Director for Administration D. Sheda Brown and CBL Chief Of Satff Crayton Duncan
(Left) CBL newly appointed Deputy Governor For Economic Policy Mr. Boima Kamara along with other CBL Directors at the Program
Media Heads unveil the award as Governor Joseph Mills Jones looks on
Media Heads present the Man Of The Year award to Governor Joesph Mills Jones
National Chronicle Publisher Philipbert Browne and CBL Officials at the program
Continued on page 9
DAILY OBSERVER
CBL Executive Governor Dr. J. Mills Jones Speaks at the Induction Ceremony of Student Leadership at United Methodist University
Page 9
CBL Director of Administration D. Sheba Brown introduces CBL Executive Governor Dr. Joseph Mills Jones
Senior Class, Junior Class, Sophmore and Freshmen officials of the UMU Univesity
CBL Chief Of Staff Crayton O. Dunman takes notes as Governor Jones look
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he Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for Strengthening Governance-Civil Service Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Testing Consultant Firm to develop new Civil Services Tests that will reflect Regional and International Standards and meet the requirements of the CSA. The CSA administers sixty-nine qualifying tests to individuals desirous of entering the service. Most of these tests have been administered for more than 20 years and need urgent revision to reflect the changing realities of the social, economic and technological environment which the public service has undergone since the development of these tests. OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONSULTANCY, to: Under take the revision of the existing Civil Service Entrance Tests that are currently administered by the CSA. Develop new tests as necessary and, Develop and execute a capacity building plan to train staff of the CSA to undertake similar tasks in future. The assignment is estimated to cover approximately 100 staff-days over 150 calendar days. The start date of the assignment will be no later than seven (7) days upon the signing of the contract. The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing this services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting their detailed information (brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience both general and on similar assignments. Specific experience on World Bank funded projects will be an added advantage. The shortlisting criteria are: Experience in undertaking similar assignments and number of years in business; Experience in working with the World Bank and/or Donor-funded Projects; Technical and Managerial Organization of the Firm; Availability of Competent Staff with relevant qualificatioin and experience to undertake the assignment; Experience developing Civil Service tests in the Sub-Sahara African Region. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011). (Consultant Guidelines), setting forth the World Banks policy on conflict of interest. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.
A Consultant firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultabts by World Bank Borrowers, Selection is Based on the Consultants Qualifications (CQS) as set out in consultant Guidelines (May 2004, Revised October 1, 2006, May 1, 2010 & January 2011). Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 09:00 and 17:00hours, Mondays to Fridays. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form clearly marked: Ref: Testing Consultant of the CSRCBP at the address below in person or by mail or by email on or before Friday, February 14, 2014 at 17:00hours. The Consultant/Projector Coordinator Civil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project Civil Service Agency 63 Carey Street, Monrovia, Liberia Email: syaidoo11@gmail.com Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP
DAILY OBSERVER
Page 11
JOB VACANCY
11
and
12
Streets,
Paynes
Avenue,
Sinkor
Monrovia,
Liberia
Telephone
231
776
399
312
www.rti.org
th
he Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) located in District #3, Grand Bassa County has vacancy for a SENIOR INTERNAL AUDIT ASSISTANT.
REQUIRED COMPETENCE: Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor Degree in Accounting or Finance Under the direction of the Internal Audit Assistant Manager, the Auditor will be responsible for the timely execution of Risk-Based internal audits in accordance with the annual internal audit plan, documentation of Operating procedures/Manual as well as assisting with other audit matters and projects Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles abs practices of accounting and auditing as applied to corporate entity. Must have the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks in order to complete assignments in a timely manner and meet deadliness. Must have a good skill in computer applications (Microsoft Excel and Word); Analytical skills Must have the ability to effectively and discreetly handle confidential information Must have the ability to communicate technical ideas effectively, both orally and in writing Working knowledge of Sun-Systen would be an advantage Must have the ability to determine compliance with policies and procedures He/she should not be more than forty-five (45) years of age MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct risk assessment of assigned Department of functional in established/required timeline. Establish risk-based audit programs (Assess Risks and develop the audit plan) Determine scope of review in conjunction with the Audit Assistant Manager Conduct audit testing of specified area and identify reporting issues and dimension of risk Conduct Regulatory and corporate compliance assurance Ability to document/update Accounting Manual of Procedures Ability to respond to urgent events WORKING EXPERIENCE Must have at least 2-4 years experience of training in a recognized Certified Public Accounting Firm or as Internal Auditor in any recognized business institution. Application, Resume and Supporting Documents including contact cell phone numbers should be submitted to the: HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT MANAGER LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY (LAC) 20TH STREET, SINKOR TUBMAN BOULEVARD MONROVIA, LIBERIA ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW OR OTHERWISE. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS February 17, 2014.
Information Memorandum
LBDI Central Monrovia Branch Ashmun & Randall Streets Monrovia, Liberia.
LBDI Sinkor Branch 9th Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia
OFFER CONDITIONS:
Individual: Minimum of 5 stocks at US$12 each Institutions: Minimum of 1,000 Common stocks and additional common stock in multiple of 100.
Procedures: 1. Application forms are free and available at LBDI Branches on 9th Street Sinkor and Randall & Ashmun Streets 2. Payment can be made by Cash, Managers Check or Debit Authorization
SIGNED BY: __________________________________ Commissioner West Point Community APPROVED BY:_______________________________ Magistrate West Point Community CC: Kenneth Y Best Adolphus G. Mccritty-Architect for the Project
DAILY OBSERVER
Page 12
ational Union of Organizations of the Disabled is a nonprofit national based NGO that seeks to empower persons living with disabilities through its Human Rights, advocacy and other programs in collaboration with its institutional partner, the DPOs, and government agency administering the affairs of person with disabilities at national and policy level. NUOD together with DPOs and partners seek to restore the inherent dignity of persons living with disabilities in realizing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which have been fully ratified by Liberia on July 26, 2012. NUOD is currently operating in the fifteen counties of Liberia in various components of its program. NUOD is currently seeking applications for the position of one Project Manager to be posted in the Central-Office, 17th Street, Sinkor (Montserrado County).
Responsible to coordinate and manage the affairs of NUODs projects in the fifteen counties of Liberia. Provides quarterly narrative and financial reports on the projects implementation in collaboration with the Admin/Financial Officer Engage stakeholders and local authorities on mainstreaming and including Pwds in local development planning Provide continuous technical support on trainings and capacity building opportunities for DPOs and NUOD County Chapters in the fifteen counties of operations. Ensures proper dissemination and understanding on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD in the fifteen counties Set up local advocacy group in other to raise sustained awareness on the rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in the fifteen counties Lobby with potential partners for the expansion of NUODs policy agenda and programs Participate in local and international call for proposals for the promotion of NUODs mandate, programs and agenda Should have some basic knowledge of accounting (banking, budgeting expenditure) The Project Manager is responsible to fulfill any other Program related requirement. Ensure appropriate measures to secure organizational property are in place.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor Degree in social science, management, or proposal writing and development related fields with at least 3 years of experience with a nongovernmental organizational in related fields, at least 5 years experience in similar capacity or working with persons with disabilities will be an advantage High level skills in program planning, implementation, management and prioritizing tasks. Strong communications, analytical, coordinating and report writing skill Proven working experience in the disability sector, democratization and governance is highly desirable. Knowledge in UNCRPD, conflict tools, civic leadership, peace building and human rights is added advantages. A sound track record of designing and delivering programs (trainings, workshops, seminars, conferences, and campaigns) Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and flexible to work beyond normal office hours. Should have working knowledge of English plus other local language skills preferred. Excellent presentation and computer skill in MS word and MS excel.
February 3, 2014
n keeping with our Constitution and Bye-Laws, and by directive of the President, Mr. Francis A. Dennis, Jr., an Annual General Meeting of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 4:30 p.m., at the Chambers Headquarters on Capitol Hill, Monrovia. The President and Treasurer will deliver their 2013 Annual Reports and General Elections will be held. All members are invited to be present. Annual Membership dues are due and payable on January 5 of each year. Only members whose Membership are current will be allowed to vote at the Elections. Please make your dues current before the Elections. Payments can be made at the Chambers office on Capitol Hill from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Women and Persons with Disabilities are strongly recommended to apply. Interested candidate are requested to send their complete application (CV and cover letter) to micjust1@yahoo.com or nuodliberia@gmail.com by February 10, 2014. Only shortlisted applicants who met the requirements above will be contacted for interview. Please, address applications to any of the following addresses: The National President National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD) 17th Street, Sinkor (beach side, opposite the Mosque), Monrovia, Liberia or AIFO-Liberia National Office, Old Road, Congo, Monrovia, Liberia
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, February 02, 2014 Monday, February 3, 2014
(L-r) SDPL boss Mr. Roslin Hassan and oil palm harvesters in Cape Grand Mount
Gbarpolu and Bong counties. The company settled at the old Guthrie Rubber Plantations in Bomi County. Until now, however, Sime Darby has only been allowed to plant its oil palm seedling and rubber on the 10,000 hectares of land once owned by the former Guthrie Plantation, which constitutes about 5% of the total concession area. The delay in the companys expansion, Management says, is not due to a lack of resources; the delay has to do with unsettled differences between the company and locals over landownership. The problem is that the government is yet to adequately convince the locals to allow the company to expand. The locals are claiming that they were left out of the negotiation process of the concession by the government. This situation has put Sime Darby in a critical position, but the General Manager of the company,
Mr. Roslin Azmy Hassan, announced last week that his company is making steady progress with the locals. We are the Guinea pigs in this matter, said the SDPL boss. But we are a strong company that has a history of making the difference in the midst of tough conditions as is the case here. The local landowners have come to know Sime Darby as a responsible company that respects the rights of communities, he said. The Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) general Manager noted that though his company has wasted two years without achieving its investment objectives, there are glaring signs of improvement along the way. We are yet to be given access to new land by the communities to commence planting. The only land we have planted is the 10,000 hectares that was once owned by Guthrie Plantationsthat is within the Guthrie
cornerstone, which Sime Darby has planted. We havent moved outside of this cornerstone and this is discouraging, Mr. Hassan added. Mr. Hassan, who appeared more optimistic about SDPLs future in Liberia, insisted that the company will continue to provide needed social services including healthcare, education, and community agriculture programs, amongst others. We are now making steady headway in Zodua, Grand Cape Mount County, where crop counting (censoring) is ongoing to pave way for the compensation of local residents and land clearing for expansion, SDPL currently runs a clinic in GuthrieMarriage Camp where the company spends over US$20,000 for drugs monthly. Healthcare services are provided free of charge for SDPL workers and their dependents, including residents of Bomi and Cape Mount as well as accident
victims, health officials said. The head of the clinic Mr. Sam T. Moore disclosed that over 2,000 patients are treated for minor sicknesses per month. At the top of SDPLs investment is the modern Matambo Estate in Grand Cape Mount County. The estate alone, valued at about US$2.2 million, has over 22 units with about 193 apartments. The Matambo Estate is built with religious balance. This means that the estate has a church and a mosque including a modern water supply system, a clinic, a playground, a town hall as well as a kindergarten, an elementary and a junior high school, amongst others. Sime Darby also currently employs about 3,000 fulltime workers, 100 non-permanent workers and nearly 10,000 daily hired contractors. Mr. Hassan pledged to increase his workforce if the company is given more land. He made specific reference to Gbarpolu and Bong counties where Sime Darby is yet to step foot. But the SDPL GM expressed confidence that his company will begin venturing into the two counties this year. Meanwhile, Sime Darby has begun scout harvesting some of its oil palm in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties. Our reporter, who visited the farm, last week said he saw workers scout harvesting (cutting palm
nuts) from some of the oil palm trees. Sime Darby was established almost 200 years ago by pioneering English planters who planted rubber plantations in Malaysia. Most of the rubber planted was later converted to oil palm. Among those planters were Alexander Guthrie, Daniel and Smith Harrison, Joseph Crosfield, William Sime and Henry dEsterre and Herbert Mitford Darby-founders of three great companies that today live on in Sime Darby Berhad. Alexander Guthrie founded Guthrie &Company in 1921 as one of the first British trading enterprises in South East Asia, while Daniel and Smith Harrison and their friend Joseph Crosfield, on the other hand, formed a tea and coffee trading partnership called Harrison &Crosfield in England in 1844. Sime Darby finally came to be when European businessmen William Sime, Henry dEsterre Darby and Herbert Mitford Darby established Sime, Darby &Company in 1910. The Sime Darby brand is more than 100 years old though the company bears little resemblance to the small outfit that started life in Lalacca in 1910. It is the legacy of all three companies that very much make up todays Sime Darby.
ith more than half of SubSaharan Africas population now under the age of 25, and as many as 11 million young Africans expected to join the labor market every year for the next decade, creating millions of productive, well-paying jobs will be vital to boost economic growth, significantly cut poverty, and create shared prosperity in Africa, a new World Bank report on youth employment in Africa has observed. While many African economies have registered impressive economic growth in recent years, poverty levels across the region have not fallen as much as expected and young people looking for better-paying work have been at a great disadvantage. This is partly because many African countries rely heavily on oil, gas, and mineral extraction which boost economic growth but do little to create new jobs for the regions fast-growing youth population or reduce overall rates of poverty. In a new comprehensive re-
quality science and technology education more accessible to young people and shaping higher education courses to fit the skills needed by the modern jobs market was increasingly a high priority for many African countries. New development partners such as China, India, and Brazil are actively working with the World Bank to help develop these science and technology skills for Africas youth. The new report notes that manufacturing, services, and agriculture are traditionally labor-intensive sectors that can generate productive work for young people. As working populations age in other parts of the world, young Africans could find their labor and skills increasingly in high demand internationally if their governments pursue policies that improve education and job-training for their youth. For example, the report notes that young people who received cash grants from the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund to pay for their vocational training and assets needed to start a business later earned 41 percent more than others who did not receive this support. They earned more because nearly
three-quarters of them took the opportunity to pay for training and enter a skilled trade. The program was particularly successful in helping young women to break free of poverty. Recent evidence also shows that programs that help young people acquire a range of complementary skills are very promising. In Liberia, a program that offered a combination of technical, behavioral skills and business skills to adolescent girls and young women was highly effective in increasing their levels of employment
and income. The business and professional-behavioral skills training allowed them to raise their monthly incomes by an average of US$75a 115 percent increase. Governments can approach the youth employment challenge in two important waysby helping to improve the business environment to spark more private investment, and also by investing more in young peoples education and other skills to create brighter life prospects for them, said Deon Filmer, Lead Economist
at the World Bank and a coauthor of the report. Louise Fox, former Lead Economist at the World Bank and currently a visiting Professor at UC Berkeley, notes: In addition to promoting investment and competitiveness, the quality of primary education, the right nutrition for young children, and basic healthcare for all are a must to improve the quality of life for Africas young people and their future productivity.
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family to investigate the death of Darlingboy, which they described as mysterious. How come out of ten people hanging from the truck, he alone fell and was killed instantly? There must be something behind it, a man only identified as Nyensuah stated. According to Nyensuah, about three weeks ago, one Ben Roberts met a similarly mysterious death. We think that it is not normal; there must be witch or neeje activities behind them; we know it is all happening because elections are around the corner, Nyensuah lamented. perfectly during the pre-war era. Min. Varpilah said the reactivation of the scheme was short lived during the era of President Charles G. Taylor. This was primarily due to a number of factors, including lack of public trust for many insurance companies and weak institutional mechanisms to regulate the insurance industry, he stated. Transport Minister Varpilah furthered that the absence of an insurance scheme over the years has resulted in unbearable economic hardships on the population and significantly impeded the social and economic growth of the country. The increasing number of traffic accidents is inflicting untold suffering on the poor. Road traffic accident victims--- many of whom are poor--- are often constrained to underwrite the cost of injuries and deaths. Day. It was based on this that on January 26, 1957, the Liberian Legislature passed an Act, setting aside February 11 each year as Armed Forces Day; it did so in recognition of the bravery and meritorious service of troops that brought down the so-called, army mutiny on February 11, 1909. This Act further provides that past and present members of the Army, Navy (Coast Guard), and Air Force be also honoured on this day.
By Gloria T. Tamba
Motor Vehicles
During the last two years, a Liberian died each day as a result of motorcycle accident, totaling over 12,545 recorded accident cases every year, Vice President Joseph N. Boakai recalled from statistics over the weekend at the launch of Liberias latest attempt at a Third Party Liability Insurance scheme. The objective of the Compulsory Motor Vehicle Third Party Liability Insurance Scheme would be to remove the economic burden associated with motor vehicle accidents from the victims and their relatives and transfer same to the insurance company and to stimulate financial growth and solvency within the insurance sector and the Liberian economy at large. The scheme would require all motor vehicles registered
within the Republic of Liberia to obtain third party liability insurance. The Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance Scheme, VP Boakai explained as he launched the scheme on Friday, January 31, 2014, was enacted to law in 1972 by the National Legislature to promote public safety. He said the Liberian Government has the primary objective to ensure the implementation of all road worthiness and safety laws and regulations throughout the length and breadth of this country, with the aim of protecting lives and property. The urgent need of this course is obvious in our nations increasing incidence of vehicular accidents, he stated. According to VP Boakai, Over the years there have been many accident cases; the
By C.Y. Kwanue
Armed Forces
he Barclay Training Center (BTC) on UN Drive will on Tuesday, February 11, witness activities marking this years Armed Forces Day celebration. The event marks the 57th anniversary of the day, and 106th year of existence of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL); it dates back to 1908. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Governance Commission, Dr. Amos Sawyer, has been selected by the Ministry of National Defence (MOD) to serve as keynote speaker. The days activities will focus on the theme, Enhancing the Capabilities of the AFL to Meet Contemporary Challenges; it will also be marked by other activities that are intended to make the program a memorable one. A change of command ceremony will also be held, with the passing of an outgoing commander to an in-coming one; the presentation of the national colors will be involved. In her recent Annual Message, the Commander-InChief, (C-I-C) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, mentioned that come February 11, the AFL will be placed in the hands of Liberians, who will serve as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of
Staff respectively. The expected COS takes over from a veteran Nigerian commanding officer-incharge, Major-General Suraj A. Abdurrahman. Meanwhile, agencies of government expected to participate alongside the AFL in the celebration on Tuesday, February 11, will include the Liberian National Police, Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, Liberia National Fire Service, members of the Executive Protection Service, the Drugs Enforcement Agency, National Scouts Association and other privately-owned security apparatus. Pre-celebration activities for the occasion will begin on Thursday, February 6, with a symposium at the Monrovia City Hall. Interagency Cooperation: Fundamental Necessity for the Security of Liberia. The symposium will also be addressed by Dr. Sawyer. On Friday, February 7, the army will hold a Jummat Service (a Moslem religious service) at the Gurley Street Mosque; it will be followed on Saturday with a clean-up campaign exercise and a medical outreach in the Township of West Point. The West Point activities will accordingly be climaxed with an all-female sporting fiesta between the AFL and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN).
he Government of Liberia (GOL) is concerned at the deteriorating security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), characterized by intense and devastating religious and communal violence. According to an Executive Mansion release quoting a dispatch from Addis Ababa, the Liberian Government, in a Statement issued Friday, January 31, at the ongoing 22nd African Union Summit in Ethiopia, asserts that the current state of peace and security in the CAR is a cause for concern and should therefore trigger concerted, robust, and expeditious actions by the international community,
Pres. Sirleaf
the view that the persistent climate of violence and instability requires a stronger and more robust international peacekeeping presence in the CAR. The GOL supports the recent decision emanating from a meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), held on January 29, 2014, endorsing the transformation of MISCA into a multi-dimensional peacekeeping mission under the aegis of the United Nations. Liberia believes that such transformation represents the most viable means of securing political stability and dealing with the complex and urgent situation in the Central African Republic.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, February 02, 2014 Monday, February 3, 2014
Senator Karnga-Lawrence, Rep. Brown, Dep. Speaker Barchue and Rep. Smith; Supt. Cooper flanked by relatives and other Bassonians celebrating last Saturday
over 50,000 Bassonians to the county capital, who marched and danced on the principal streets of Buchanan. The trophies were presented to the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus through the County Authority. Madam Cooper said strategies are already in place to ensure that Grand Bassa County retains its trophies for five years. She hailed the football and basketball teams for their victories as well as the athletics team for emerging 3rd place, and hoped better successes
for the kickball and volleyball teams. She also commended the technical committees and the Grand Bassa Sports Association, headed by Arthur Jimmy. Rep. Smith announced that the Caucus has resolved to give its moral and financial support to the Grand Bassa Sports Association. She said Buchanan, known for its hospitality will provide accommodation for the trophies for five years and thereafter give other counties chance. Senator Nyonblee Karnga-
Lawrence and Rep. Jeh Byron Brown in separate remarks said Bassas dream is to at least win the trophies five consecutive times. The President of the Liberia National Oldtimer Association (LONA) Cllr. Theophilus Gould and former Barrolle President, Garmondeh Karnga amongst others Bassonians said in order to win the trophies continuously, the team
should be preserved, but make some recruitments, focus on training and provide financial incentives to the players. The chairman of the program committee for the celebration, T. Nelson Williams, II expressed his thanks and appreciation on behalf of the county to sponsors which contributed to the success of the celebration. Some include: LPRC, NPA, Arcellor Mittal, Lonestar Cell,
he Karpeh Street Young Controllers last Saturday were forced to a 2-2 draw by Future Leaders at the D. Twe sports pitch in the subcommittees 4th division league. After an entertaining 22 min-
LPRC Boss and Program Chairman T. Nelson Williams flanked by Deputy Speaker Barchue and LBDI CEO John Davis. Debbah: We too worked and deserved to be recognized, not only them
He told newsmen over the weekend during the official celebration of the football and basketball trophies, that their exclusion has a political undertone, which h believed was mainly intended to promote would-be candidates in the forthcoming Senatorial Election. We too, worked and motivated to win amidst financial and moral constraints, Debbah said. We all suppose to be recognized publicly. Meanwhile, the chairman of the program committee, T. Nelson Williams told newsmen that the technicians were thanked and recognized duly, but Debbah he never shown interest to attend any of the meetings. Mr. William said Bassa citizens who expressed interest and attended the meeting were given the space to be part of the program. The LPRC Boss clarified that the program was planned without any political undertone, but rather with the sole purpose of celebrating the end of the title drought after 24 years.
iberias ex-celebrated football star, James Salinsa Debbah has frowned on the program committee of the official celebration of trophies in Buchanan for not recognizing, technicians during the program last Saturday. Salinsa, as he is affectionately called, said the exclusion of the coaches, Mr. Garmondeh Karnga, Cllr. Theophilus Gould and others, (including him), who contributed tactically to the success of the teams in the program was erroneous.
ibya claimed the 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan) title after defeating Ghana on a penalty shootout in the tournament final at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening. The North Africans first piece of continental silverware arrived courtesy of a 4-3 shootout win over the Black Stars after the match had ended goalless after extra time. It was the third successive match Libya won by a shootout, after ousting Gabon and Zimbabwe in the same manner in the quarter- and semifinals respectively.
to open the scoring as Elmutasem Abushnaf was put free on goal, but Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams came quickly off his line to win the ball cleanly at the strikers feet. Those two early chances were the highlights of an otherwise dull first 45 minutes that ended with the teams deadlocked at 0-0. Just past the hour mark Ghana had only the second effort on target in the match, but Aseidu Attorbrahs long-range effort was no real test for Nashnush in the North African sides goal.
The challenge with Liberias development lies within ourselves. Are we up to the task?
Debbah Confident of Grand Bassa -But He First Has to Become Certain of Senate Victory Running---and Decide from Where
PRICE: LD 40
iberias former celebrated football star, James Salinsa Debbah, is positive about winning the Senators Seat for Grand Bassa County in the upcoming 2014 Special Senatorial Election. It had been speculated he would run in Montserrado in the ensuring Special Senatorial Elections on October-2014--a run he had denied up to this point. On Saturday, in an exclusive interview in the Port City of Buchanan, Debbah, 42, told the Daily Observer that he is poised to be the better candi-
Debbah is confident that Bassoians will elect him as their new senator
date. His statement was made during the countys official celebration of football and basketball trophies they had captured, just under a fortnight ago. The former Mighty Barrolle and Lone Star striker said that his success would be based on the love the people of Grand Bassa County have for him. Salinsa did not say which Partys ticket he intends to run on in Grand Bassa Countys Senatorial Race, giving the impression of a candidacy built on hope up to this point. Clearly, he will have to get busy soon if he is serious about what he wants to do. In the 2005 and 2011 elections, the player was linked to the Liberty Party (LP), but because of his connection to Ambassador George Weah, the political leader of the Congress for Democratic Change, (CDC), it is speculated that he rural Liberia for onward lending to market women in those parts of the country. The fact is these media houses have been following the development of invest-
may run on the CDC ticket, if he is left out in the cold during the LPs convention. Debbahs statement comes ahead of his petition ceremony, which is tentatively scheduled for next month. Let me say, I am contesting the Senatorial Race for Grand Bassa County and I am positive of winning. It is obvious that my people will vote for me, Debbah said. Known as Salinsa during his football playing days, Debbah is regarded as Liberias most popular football personality after George M. Weah, FIFA 1995 World Player of the Year and African football legend. Meanwhile, Debbah has frowned on the program committee of the official celebration of trophies in Buchanan for not recognizing, technicians during the program. He said the exclusion of the coaches, Mr. Garmon-
deh Karnga, Cllr. Theophilus Gould and others, (including him) who contributed tactically to the success of the teams, was not correct. He told newsmen over the weekend during the official celebration of the football and basketball trophies, that their exclusion had a political undertone, which he believed was mainly intended to promote would-be candidates in the forthcoming Senatorial Election. We too, worked and motivated the team to win amid financial and moral constraints, Debbah said. We all are supposed to be recognized publicly. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Program Committee, T. Nelson Williams told newsmen that the technicians were thanked and recognized duly. Debbah, however, did not show any interest in attending any of the meetings. Though the Daily Observer was not among the 15 media institutions involved with the honors program, the paper was one of those that honored the Governor as Person of the Year 2013.
ments by the CBL and have decided to honor its Executive Governor for his sound leadership, which they said has led to the transformation of the economy and the banking industry.
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Published by the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), 23 McDonald Street, P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia, Liberia; Tel: 06 812-888; 06 578476; and 06 472772; Printed by the Observer Printing Press; Bai S. Best, Marketing Manager; Lindiw Khumalo Yasiah, Business Strategist; Publisher & Managing Director, Kenneth Y. Best.
2/3/14 12:10 AM