The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2018

Today’s media summary highlights stories on President George Manneh Weah’s  congratulatory message to the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea; the national celebration of the Day of a Child; internet provision to universities and other schools by the Government of Liberia; President Weah’s visit to Equatorial Guinea and the arrival of neuron surgeons in Liberia.  

President Weah Invited To Equatorial Guinea  

President George Manneh Weah has departed Liberia for Malabo, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, honoring an invitation to serve as a Special Guest of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at the 50th Independence Day of that country.  The occasion is slated for Friday October 12, 2018. On his way to Equatorial Guinea, President Weah is expected to make a brief stopover in the Congolese Capital of Brazzaville to provide moral support to the Nation's pride, the Lonestar of Liberia, as they take on their Congolese counterpart in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.  While the President is away, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff to the office of the President, Nathaniel Farlo McGill will chair the Cabinet in close consultation with the Vice president and via telephone conversation with the President. The President is expected to return to the country this weekend, reports the Heritage newspaper.

President Weah Extols The Kingdom Of Spain On National Day Celebration

The Heritage newspaper is reporting that President George Manneh Weah has warmly congratulated the Government and People of the Kingdom of Spain on the auspicious occasion commemorating the National Day of Spain. In his message to His Majesty King Felipe VI, President George Manneh Weah, on behalf of Liberia, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of the Kingdom of Spain on the historic celebration of that country’s National Day. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader recalled the two countries’ shared values of social justice, democracy, freedom of mankind, as well as the promotion of global peace which he said Liberia will continue to uphold. President Weah further expressed hope that the bilateral cooperation subsisting between Liberia and Spain will be heightened to include joint ventures that will lead to upward mobility and the mutual benefit of the two governments and peoples. He then wished for His Majesty King Felipe personal well-being and for the Government and People of the Kingdom of Spain peace, unity and prosperity.

Related Caption: President Weah   Extols The Kingdom Of Spain On National DayCelebration(Inquirer)

Following 50^th Independence Celebration: President Weah Praises Equatorial Guinea

The Heritage newspaper is reporting that President George Manneh Weah has conveyed a congratulatory message to the Government and people of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on the occasion marking the 50^th Independence Anniversary of that country. October 12^th is celebrated each year as the Independence Day of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea became a Republic after its independence was conceded on October 12, 1968 with Francisco Macías Nguema elected as its first President. In his message to His Excellency Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, President George Manneh Weah, on behalf of Liberia, extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of Equatorial Guinea following the observance of their 50^th Independence Anniversary. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President George Weah emphasized, with deep appreciation, the developmental strives Equatorial Guinea continues to make over the years. The Liberian leader noted that as the people of Equatorial Guinea celebrate this historic milestone, it is his prayer that the Almighty God will continue to endow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo with strength and good health as he leads his people to greater prosperity.

GOL To Provide Internet At Universities, Other Schools

According to the New Democrat newspaper, the Government of Liberia has embarked on a plan to provide internet service to universities, vocational training and high schools across the country to ease the burden limited research materials at institutions of learning. Addressing the regular Thursday Ministry of Information press briefing, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs, Eugene L. Fahngon, stated  that the Government of Liberia is committed to providing the enabling  environment that will allow students achieve their  academic goals so that  they can contribute  to the growth and development of the country. Fahngon stated that the initiative is also intended to put schools on par with other learning institutions around the world.

FDA BOSS Wins Prestigious Award

Forestry Development Authority(FDA) Managing Director Mr. C. Mike Doyen has won an African Leadership Medal of Honor in Public Service award judging from his marked performances in the forestry sector of the country among other strategic places in public life before during and after the Liberian civil crises. Mr. Doyen was amongst several African public servants who were voted for the prestigious award recently by the International Forum on the Africa Leaders (IFAL) while in the United States. The colorful ceremony, organized by the African leadership magazine basically intends to mirror and recount the performance of people around the world, especially the African continent, who have and continue to render sacrificial services to their fellowman in a unique way while in public life. According to the Forum, the Mr. Doyen has extraordinarily contributed to humanity in many vital ways, something the Forum said worth commendation and recognition nationally and internationally, New Democrat newspaper.

Related Caption: FDA Boss Wins Prestigious Award (Inquirer)

Liberian Athletes Compete Today

According to the Hot Pepper newspaper, Athletes representing Liberia at the 3^rd World Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, will take to the track to compete in the male and female 100-meter athletic events scheduled for today, Friday, October 12, 2018. Making the disclosure to newsmen in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Liberia’s Chief of Mission, Malcolm Joseph, said the two Liberian Athletes, Sunnyboy Barcon and Princess Dunah, are the only athletes that will be featured for Liberia at the on-going youth games. Joseph said the eight fastest athletes from the five preliminary stages in both the male and female categories will advance to the first heat, joining the qualified athletes. He said the eight athletes will be spread among the other heats according to their times, noting that since their arrival in Argentina the two Liberian athletes have been in good form for their respective races.

Int’I Chamber Of Commerce Opens Nomination For 2019 Oslo Business For Peace Award, Writes LCC 

The Inquirer newspaper says, the International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC) and the world chambers Federation have written the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) to announce the opening of nominations for the 2019 Oslo Business for peace Award. The LCC is inviting nominations from exceptional business individuals from Liberia Chamber of Commerce. According to a Communication addressed to the LCC and signed by the Honorary Chair, Rona Yircall, and the highest distinction given to businessperson for their outstanding accomplishments in business. A press release from the LCC, Quoting the LCC World Chambers Federation communication said three exemplary individuals were honored in 2018 for the achievements, and said it recognizes the important role business leaders around the world played.

Girls Alliance Awards Several Prominent Women

According to the Inquirer newspaper, the teenage based Girls Alliance for Future Leadership has unveiled the names of five prominent Liberia women that are recipients of its 2018 excellent Leadership Award. Representative Munah Pelham Youngblood of the House of Representative Journalist Eva Flomo of ECOWAS Radio, Dr. Elizabeth Harris of the united Methodist University, Cultural icon Juli Endee of the Crusaders for the peace and Pastor Mrs. Mariama Brown of the concerned Christian community are all recipients of this year’s award.

Govt. Lifts Ban On Ellen’s Son, Others

The Government of Liberia has lifted travel ban on 6 out of the 23 CBL employees ban from traveling out of the country in connection with reports of the alleged ‘missing’ 16-billion Liberian dollars. This follows an applications from the Ministry of Justice to the Monrovia City Court, revoking its September 28 write for Nea Exit Republica’’ against the 6 CBL employees.  The six employees are Charles A. Sirleaf. Deputy Governor for Operation, Dr. Mournir Siaplay, Deputy Governor for Economic Policy; Musa Kamara, Director for Research; Cyrus W. Badio, Head of Communication; Theodoria B. Jireh, Junior Internal Auditor; and Mustapha Sherman, Director of Finance pens the News newspaper.

Related Caption: GOL Lifts Travel Restrictions on 6 CBL Employees (Heritage)

Girls Vow To Continue Advocacy Until Their Issues Are addressed

Through support from Plan International as part of the celebrations of 2018 IDG, Girls participating in this Girls takeover activity took the air waves to speak on issues affecting them and the importance of the IDG celebrations in Liberia. The girls said they are overwhelmed with abuses and violence against girls and young women around the world. Appearing on two national radio talks show ahead of Plan International Liberia organized girls takeover event, the girls hammered on gender based violence and abuse of girls as issues which need urgent attention pens the News newspaper.

Related Caption: President Weah off To Equatorial Guinea(The News)

Several Trade Unions Signs Merger Agreement…Assistant Labour Minister Wants Employers To Provide Education On Employment Policies & Procedures To Their Employees

About four trade union organizations operating in Liberia have come together to form a merger. The four unions are: Hospitalities, Aviation, Communication, and Energy Workers Union. According to the merger document, the union is named: “National Union of Hospitality, Aviation, Communication and Energy Workers of Liberia” (NUHACE). Speaking during the two-day ceremony marking the funding congress of the merger held at the A’ La Lagune in Congo Town from Thursday-Friday, October 4-5, 2018, Assistant Labour Minister for Trade Unions Affairs and Social Dialogue, Togba R. Croyee Porte, admonished members of the newly merged unions to work within the framework of the union’s constitution and merger document that represents those things that give equality to all. He spoke on the theme: “What makes a nation strong”. He named three pillars that make a nation strong as, 1) the People, 2) the Rule of Law and 3) a serious, committed, dedicated and Proud Workforce, the Heritage newspaper asserts.

Top official Outlines IMF Financial Support To Liberia Since 2008

The representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Liberia, Mr. Goeffray Oestreicher, says financial assistance to Liberia by the IMF since 2008 stands at about US$1.2 billion. He said the IMF is in Liberia to make interventions like surveillance, technical assistance and training, as well as financial assistance. Addressing leading business executives recently at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce first monthly business luncheon in Monrovia, Oestreicher stressed that it is important to keep debt affordable. He said the IMF is mostly known for financial assistance and the promotion of economic stability and global growth by the encouraging countries to adapt sound economic and financial policies. “To do this the IMF regularly monitors global, regional, and national economic developments. It also seeks to assess the impact of the policies of individual countries on other economies,” he noted. According to Oestreicher, over the past ten years, the Liberian economy has been challenged by certain factors, some of which are beyond the country’s control, says the Heritage newspaper.

As Neuro Surgeons’ Team Arrive Soon: Liberians To Benefit From Free Medical Services

Liberia’s only practical Neuro Surgeon has disclosed that a team of professional Neuro Surgeons are expected to arrive in the country soon. Dr. Alvin Nah Doe of the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital said the neoro surgeon team, which is coming with huge consignment of Neuro Surgical equipment and materials; mission is to conduct different surgeries for people suffering from neuro surgical problems throughout the country. Dr. Doe mentioned that the team is expected to visit hospitals in the country, including the Tappita Hospital in Nimba County. Doe along with the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the JFDMRRH, Dr. Saygbeh M. Vanyanbah, who also appeared at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing, on Thursday, October 11, 2018 called on Liberians from the 15 counties to make use of the nearly free services that are expected to end within three weeks, the Heritage newspaper writes.

Related Caption: 20 Neuron Surgeons Expected In Liberia(The News)