The Bureau of Public Affairs   

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

NEWS SUMMARY FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2014

Today selected stories for our news summary include, the continuous fight against Ebola, material donation to Paynesville School by INGO, the need for Hon. Christiana Tah to resume work and the deportation of a Ugandan for drug trafficking among other stories.

Dominant Stories

Canadian Doctor On Front Lines Treating Ebola Patients In W/Africa

A Canadian doctor is on the front lines in West Africa where health officials are fighting to contain the spread of the deadly Ebola disease in one of the worst outbreaks experienced in years. Dr. Tim Jagatic is working 12-hour days with Doctors without Borders in an isolation unit run by the health ministry in Conakry, Guinea- an Ebola hot zone, the FrontPage Africa reports.

Related Stories:7 Ebola Patients In Guinea Fight Off The Disease

An International medical charity confirms at least seven people infected with the deadly Ebola virus in Guinea, where 101 people have died so far during the recent outbreak, have recovered well enough to return home. At least seven patients infected with Ebola virus in Guinea have recovered well enough to return home, the BBC reports. The medical charity Medicins San Frontiers (MSF) confirmed the patients had managed to shake the virus despite its high mortality rate, FrontPage Africa reports.

Related Caption: Women Help To Combat Ebola(New Democrat)

Ugandan Lady To Serve Sentence At Home For Drug Trafficking

A Ugandan woman, ShiratNalwadda, found guilty of unlawful possession, trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs has been sentenced to 4-years in jail to be served in her homeland of Uganda. Presiding Judge Blamo Dixon of Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice announced the four-year sentence when he rendered his final judgment against the defendant Monday after the jurors’ rendered her guilty last week. “The defendant is hereby adjudged guilty of the said crime, and she is hereby further sentenced to imprisonment for the period of four consecutive years with immediate effect. The defendant is also hereby ordered to be deported from Liberia through diplomatic channels to serve her sentence in the Republic of Uganda” said Judge Dixon. Judge Dixon said the evidence produced by the prosecution before the court established the guilt of the defendant beyond all reasonable doubt. Defendant ShiratNalwadda a native of Uganda was arrested by state security at the Roberts International Airport on November 30, 2013 with 1.2 kilograms of heroin found in her luggage which the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) puts its value at US $30,000 an equivalent of L$2,400,000.00.  She was charged with the alleged commission of the crime of unlawful possession, trafficking and distribution of narcotic drug and subsequently indicted by the Grand Jury of Montserrado County on December 11, 2013 but denied the charges during trial.  Shirat 24, told the court that she had come to Liberia based on invitation extended her by a friend called Ekina and before coming to Liberia she was thoroughly checked in Kampala and when she arrived in Liberia, the security at the airport, checked her twice before calling her for the third time to notify her that drug was found in her luggage adding she has not come across drug before.  During the trial the prosecution produced three regular witnesses who confirmed and affirmed the allegation in the grand jury indictment against the accused, while the defense counsels also produced three witnesses including the defendant herself.  In final argument before the jurors’ verdict the prosecution headed by Cllr. Serena Garlawolo maintained its position that it has established a prima facie case against the defendant beyond all reasonable doubt to warrant her conviction. To the contrary the defense counsel also headed by Atty. Zumo Jallah called on the jurors not to declare the defendant guilty as the charges levied against the defendant were false, fabricated and misleading, FrontPageAfrica reports.

Related Caption: Ugandan Drugs Dealer Convicted(New Dawn), Ugandan Convict Awaits Deportation(New Democrat)

Other Stories

44,000 Employees OnGoL Payroll

Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director General George Werner, has disclosed that a total of 44,000 Civil Servants are currently on the payroll of the Government of Liberia. Director Wisner said the number will reduce because the CSA under its reform program is still deleting the names of ghost employees, those on multiple payrolls and users of false identity to receive pay. According to the Liberia News Agency (LINA), the CSA Director General made the disclosure Monday when he appeared on the ELBC Radio Talk show, “The Super Morning Show”. He also disclosed that the CSA has succeeded in reducing the number of employees at the Ministry of Education from more than 900 to 400, reports the New Dawn Newspaper.

Related Caption:44,000 Employees On Gov’t Payroll(Insight Newspaper)

Ellen Unhappy With Low Women VRU Turnout

According to the News Newspaper, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed disappointment over reports of low turnout of Women during the National Election Commission (NEC) recent Voter Roll Update (VRU) exercise. The President made the statement at the official launch of the “Liberian Women National Political Forum” and Liberian Women Dollar Campaign In Liberia” held at the Monrovia City Hall on Wednesday, April 8, 2014. The Liberian Leader called on women of the forum and other well-meaning Liberian women to get totally involved in electoral processes if they are to assume their rightful places in the decision making processes of the country.

Sawyer Leads Delegation

The Chairman of the Governance Commission Dr. Amos C. Sawyer at the head of an ECOWAS observer mission has concluded an observation on the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Guinea Bissau which took place on April 13, 2014. Prof. Sawyer left Liberia on April 8, 2014 on the invitation of the President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead a group of 220 observers from around West Africa, pens the News Newspaper.

Female Lawyer Enters Rivercess Race

A female legal practitioner has declared her intent to canvass for a senatorial portfolio in the October 2014.  A former President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Cllr. Teplah Reeves has outlined her plans to ably represent the people of Rivercess County when elected.  Cllr. Teplah Reeves, who when quizzed on her party’s affiliation, stated that “I will be contesting my county’s senatorial seat on the ticket of the mighty Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in the October 2014 mid-term election at the level of the Senate.”
 The Rivercess County Senatorial aspirant said she has seen the plans of women from 13 of the 15 counties she toured to bring change to Liberia, and averred that it is predicated upon same that she has consented to participate in the forthcoming mid-term 2014 election to bring transformation and change in the county alongside Government’s development programs, FOCUS reports.

Child Amputees To Benefit From London Marathon

New Democratreports that the wife of South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon and her twin have raised about 30,000 to help children in need after they completed the London Marathon in about five hours and 15 minutes. About the London Marathon experience, Victoria said; “It was amazing, London was alive. It was hard but it was fantastic.” People have been very generous and we are just really looking forward to helping the children of Liberia.”

‘Have Mercy On Christina Tah’: Clergyman Urges High Court

FrontPageAfricaasserts that the word Reconciliation continues to resonate on the lips of all Liberians with many hoping that the only way to heal the wounds inflicted by the 15 civil war that divided the nation and its people is through genuine reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia was seen as the ideal platform for reconciling the nation, but the commission mandate has since expired and its recommendations yet to be taken to the national level for discussions and perhaps implementation. Yet still Liberians including politicians, members of the clergy and ordinary Liberians continue to preach reconciliation with the hope that the more it is said, the better the nation and its people can reconcile. On the day commemorating national fast and Prayer day, a religious cleric Rev. Dr. Kortu K. Brown of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church, appealed to the Supreme Court of Liberia to in the name of reconciliation have mercy on Justice Minister, Cllr. Christina Tah who is current facing six months suspension imposed by the Supreme Court of Liberia. “We are praying for reconciliation, I hope Supreme Court can have little mercy on Christina Tah. You said six months, but it has been four months now, at least you can temper justice with mercy. May God bless the Supreme Court in Jesus name”, Rev. Brown.  Rev. Brown made the appeal in the presence of Associate Justice Phillip Banks and Associate Justice. Cllr. Tah was suspended from practicing law in the country for six months and as Attorney General of Liberia who serves as legal advisor to the Government; her absence has been impacting the Ministry of Justice in the discharge of its duties.

UN Cites Tah’s Absence

                             
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon cited the absence of Liberia’s Justice Minister Tah as having impact on the operations of the Ministry of Justice.  On 18 February 2014, Secretary General Moon told the Security Council that recommendations from a September 2013, baseline assessment conducted by the Liberia National Police with UNMIL which provided a comprehensive assessment of police capacity, including integrity and effectiveness are currently stalled due to lack of clarity about leadership at the Ministry of Justice, suggesting that Tah’s absence has created a vacuum and posing problems for the security sector.  Stated Secretary General Moon “Recommendations included reviewing the organizational structure of the police, improving conditions of service, decentralizing training, management and administration, strengthening a public complaints mechanism and expediting a legal framework to address senior appointments, promotions and rank structure. Feedback from the Ministry of Justice and police leadership has been positive. " "A joint steering committee, comprising the police, UNMIL and UNDP, was established to prepare a new strategic plan and a development framework for the police. A draft of a new legal framework for the police was finalized in August 2013 and submitted to the Ministry of Justice, but remains stalled owing to a lack of clarity about Ministry leadership”.  Last October, the Supreme Court suspended Minister Tah from practicing law for six months after finding her in contempt of court.  The court ordered Tah to explain why she should not be held in contempt for releasing FrontPageAfrica managing editor Rodney Sieh from prison.   The court had jailed Sieh for failing to pay a $1.5 million libel fine to former agriculture Minister J. Chris Toe. Cllr. Tah said then that her decision to release Sieh on “compassionate” grounds was part of her duties as Attorney General.  As Liberia’s chief prosecutor and legal advisor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, her suspension raises questions for the government.  She has now served four of the six months amid growing speculations of a plot to oust her from the Sirleaf administration. FrontPageAfrica citing senior Executive Mansion sources, reported last week that Tah, under pressure from Sirleaf, had submitted her letter of resignation to the President but it is unclear whether the President has accepted. Sources hinted the FPA that the presidency have been looking to replace the suspended Minister with someone whom the President and her close advisors believe would be friendlier to “their interest.

GVL Rehabilitates Behwan – Garraway Beach Roadway

Golden Veroleum Liberia on Saturday, 12 April began rehabilitating a 17-kilometer stretch of road linking Behwan to GarrawayBeach in Grand Kru County. When completed, citizens and other residents will easily commute to and from farm to market, national and local functions. Prior to the rehabilitation, people walked to their destinations, as vehicles could not easily travel the route. For those who could afford the high transportation cost, used motorbikes as the only alternative that dare the bad roads. The road is the major route leading to the area, which host over 3,000 people.  As GVL earth moving equipment began the rehabilitation work, Weteken Commissioner, Steve Natt could not hold back his excitement: “I am so very happy today; this is the day we have been patiently waiting for. Garraway Administrative District, Grand Kru County supports GVL operation 100 percent.” Commissioner Natt continued, “GVL is really concern about the well-being of people where it is planting palm. This company will succeed here. Almost all the cars and motorbikes refused to come here, only because of the bad condition of this road that GVL is fixing today.”  Meanwhile, GVL Community Affairs and Social Sustainability Manager for Grand Kru County, OforiLartey says, the road rehabilitation is in fulfillment of GVL commitment enshrined in a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will be officially sign between his company and citizens of that area today.  “We have not signed the MOU/Social Agreement yet and we are providing basic social services to the community. This indicates that we are committed to our word and here to develop communities where we operate,” Lartey commented,” New Dawn reports.

 Gbarpolu Women Laud Gov’t, Firm For Lofa Bridge

The Chairlady of the Women Organization in Lofa Bridge, GotaKonneh District in Grand Cape Mount County, Massa Gola has commended the Liberian Government and the B and V Timber Company for the renovation of the Lofa Bridge, the IN PROFILE DAILYreports.

20 Teachers Offered Land

The FOCUS newspaper reveals that twenty teachers of the Noak’s Ark High School in Gardnersville Township have been given house spot each in the Township of Johnsonville.
The school’s proprietor, Mr. Joseph Bestman said the land have been given to 20 teachers of his institution to improve their livelihood. According to him, a survey has been conducted on the acres of land and that the deeds are undergoing processing for subsequent distribution among the beneficiaries. He mentioned that the gesture given to the teachers is aimed at serving as motivation for the quality services provided his school over the years. The proprietor of the Noak’s Ark High School said some of the beneficiaries have served the institution for five to seven years, and as such they need to benefit from their services rendered. Mr. Bestman who is also a Mathematics Instructor at the University of Liberia (UL), disclosed that out of the 20 teachers, three females have benefited from the house spot located in Johnsonville Township, Montserrado County. He clarified that the beneficiaries are not binding to provide teaching services for the school, but can serve if they want to impact the society through teaching young and elderly people. Mr. Bestman argued that teachers provide professional services, but are underpaid in Liberia. He frowned on the deplorable condition of teachers who have served the Liberian society for years. Mr. Bestman said the improvement in the livelihood of teachers cannot be overemphasized in Liberia.  He added that the six acres of land given to teachers of Noak’s Ark High School has no political undertone but intended to appreciate his employees.

Referendum Sought On 30 Percent Women Political Participation

The long-standing debate in Liberia regarding the granting of exclusive rights to women to have 30% participation in elective positions has been dealt a blow with a committee of the House of Representatives of the 53rd Legislature insisting that the proposal be taken to referendum. The 30% women participation in the amended election law has been preached by prominent Liberian women for years and was recently proffered by the Liberian Senate, but it seems to be losing ground as Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Elections and Inauguration and Judiciary are recommending that, this aspect of the law be sent to the Constitution Review Committee (CRC). The bill was passed by the Liberian Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for subsequent concurrence, but it has turned out to be different after the House committee on Elections careful review of the bill. In the committee’s report to plenary in response to plenary’s mandate, the Committee Chair Representative Gabriel B. Smith (IND-District 1# Grand Bassa County) said, the two committees made several changes in the Senate version of the bill. The committee in its report recommended that plenary sent the Gender Participation Bill to the CRC for a referendum because in their mind if passed it will limit women potential to just 30% noting that women of Liberia are competent enough to fight for more than 30%. The committee contrary to the Senate version of the amended law on fees charged for candidates wanting to participate in a given election also recommended to plenary that fees be increased but not at the level where ordinary Liberians cannot afford. They accused the Senate of increasing election fees by five to six hundred percent of the previous fee charged by the NEC.  The Liberian Senate in the amended law increased the fees for candidates planning to contest future elections for the presidency to US$ 25,000.00; Senate US$5,000.00 and Representatives US$ 3,000.00. In their report the House Committee recommended that the fees be reduced to US$ 20,000.00 for Presidents, US$ 10,000.00 Vice President, US$2,500.00 Senate and US$ 1,500.00 Representatives.  After several minutes of heated debate, the committee was requested to take the report back to the committee room for revision and report back to plenary after their Easter break, FrontPageAfrica writes.

INGO Donates Materials To Paynesville Schools

Global Outreach, a non-governmental organization based in the United States of America has donated several educational materials estimated at US$27,000 to three schools in the Monrovia suburb of Paynesville. The items, including nine desktop  and three laptop computers, three printers, footballs and jerseys, were donated to the St. Michael, St. Louis and Worldwide Mission Elementary and Junior High Schools in Paynesville City . Presenting the items on behalf of the organization Saturday, Global Outreach Mission representative in Liberia, Jeremiah Tulay said the gesture was a way of identifying with educational institutions in the country following a civil conflict, the IN PROFILE DAILY reports.