The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 Monrovia, Liberia

DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

The signing of the Book of Condolence for victims of Monday’s mudslide and flood in Freetown, Sierra Leone at the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Monrovia by President Sirleaf and an array of senior government officials is the lone story dominating our summary of the local dailies.

DOMINANT STORY  

Pres. Sirleaf Signs Book of Condolence For Sierra Leone Mudslide Victims 

The FrontPage Africa newspaper reads that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Thursday led an array of senior government officials to sign the Book of Condolence for victims of Monday’s mudslide and flood in Freetown, Sierra Leone at the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Monrovia. The mudslide and flood took place on the outskirts of Freetown and led to over 300 deaths. Heavy overnight rains triggered mudslide and flood in the Regent Area on the outskirts of Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown early Monday morning. A section of the Sugar Loaf mountain came down at around 06:00 a.m. when many people would have been at home sleeping or just getting up for the day. According to an Executive Mansion release, the ceremony took place on the compound of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Congo Town on Thursday, August 17, 2017.

Related Captions: In Sierra Leone: Pres. Sirleaf Mourns!...Signs Book Of Condolence For Mudslide, Flood Victims(Hot Pepper), President Sirleaf Consoles Sierra Leone(The INQUIRER)

OTHER STORIES  

Eugene Shannon Warns Against Living In High Risky Areas…As He Analyses Tragedy In Sa. Leone 

Former Lands, Mines and Energy Minister, Dr. Eugene Shannon, has cautioned Liberians to avoid living in places that are at high risk of being affected by erosion or mudslide after the Sierra Leonean incidence. Dr. Shannon said it’s time that Liberians avoid living in communities that are potential zones for natural disaster. He said Liberia and Sierra Leone are country that experience high intensity of rainfall between August and September. He stated that communities where there are slopes, hills and mountains, swaps and the Atlantic Ocean are communities that are vulnerable to natural disasters. According to the INQUIRER newspaper, Dr. Shannon spoke on “The Super Morning Show” on the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS.)

NEC Rejects LP Candidate For District#9 Rep. Seat

The Hot Pepper newspaper says the National Elections Commission (NEC) has rejected Liberty Party’s Nimba County District # 9 representative-candidate, Dr. Michael P. Slawon, for being in violation with the Code of Conduct. According to NEC’s ruling, the complainant, Commissioner Jonathan K. Weedor appealed to the NEC about the candidature of Dr. Slawon, who is a presidential appointee serving as Direct General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE). Complainant Weedor also said Dr. Slawon is a presidential appointee serving on the board of several community colleges. The NEC ruling said based on the evidence produced during the trial by its official, coupled with Dr. Slawon admitting to his holding the position, the defendant was required to resign as a precondition to contesting the pending elections. The ruling furthered that because Dr. Slawon failed to resign as required by law before applying to the NEC to contest the election, NEC said that he egregiously violated Section 5.1 of the Code of Conduct and there, rejected his candidacy in its final ruling.  

House Of Representatives Passes Land Right Law 

The House of Representatives has passed a law that gives citizens more power to manage their land. The law is the “Land right law of the Republic of Liberia”. According to the committee, the Land Rights was passed after a thorough review and critical scrutiny which involved consultation with stakeholders, experts, International partners as well as Civil Society actor. According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper, the committee submitted its report to plenary based on issues which include; the defining and delineating the different categories of Land ownership and rights recognized in Liberia, and to prescribe the means by which each of the categories of Land may be acquired, used, transferred and otherwise managed. Committee in its report also calls for the insurance by  all communities, families, individuals and legal entities to enjoy secure land rights free of fear that their land will be taken from them, except in accordance with due process of law and to confirm, declare and ensure equal protection with respect to land ownership, use and to confirm, declare and ensure equal access and equal protection with respect to land ownership, use and management, including ensuring that customary land is given protection equal to private Land and that Land ownership is permitted for all Liberians regardless of their identity, whether on custom, ethnicity, tribe, language, gender or otherwise.

MNG Gold Constructs School, Staff Quarters

From all indications, it appears that the management of MNG Gold operations in Korkoya District, Bong County is here to stay in Liberia, invest and contribute toward Liberia’s post-war reconstruction program. According to an Executive Officer of MNG Gold identity, Benjamin Sayeh, the company is doing well in Korkoya District through several development projects for the people of the county particularly in David Dean Town. Mr. Sayeh disclosed that at the moment MNG Gold is currently constructing five buildings for workers and their dependence, the INQUIRER newspaper reads.  

Alpha Phi Alpha Donates To Disable Community 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. has begun donating medical equipment and cash to several  disabled centers in Monrovia and its environs as it way of identifying with the physically challenge and orphans. The donation exercise began with the Group of 77 and will continue to other orphanages like “My Brother’s Keeper” near Careysbury and other communities. The Chief Dean of the Fraternity, Mr. T. Nelson Williams said communication is ongoing with other International partners in Baltimore, Maryland so that they can be able to provide assistance to the disable community in Liberia, the INQUIRER newspaper says.