News of the Government of Liberia’s release of its one year progress report on the implementation of its Agenda for Transformation, the UNMIL SRSG, Ms. Karin Landgren, appraisal of Liberia’s progress, the Government of Liberia plan to launch a five-year National Action Plan in the fight against the trafficking of human beings within the Republic, Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein’s assessment mission to Liberia are among stories highlighted in our Friday, March 21, 2014 selected dailies.

DOMINANT STORIES

Government Releases First Year Progress Report On AfT

A one year progress report on the implementation of the government’s five-year development strategy known as the Agenda for Transformation (AfT) will highly feature when stakeholders convene a one day Steering Committee meeting of the Liberian Development Alliance (LDA) in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County Saturday, March 22, 2014. According to a Ministry of Finance press release, the Steering Committee meeting is expected to bring together about 100 heads of ministries, agencies and commissions as well as development partners, private sector and the civil society actors who will discuss the one year implementation progress report that will be presented for the Committee’s review and acceptance. The release also said the Steering Committee meeting will advance recommendations to accelerate the AFT’s implementation within the second year. The Agenda for Transformation (AfT) is the government’s five-year development strategy which follows the Lift Liberia Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and is the first step in achieving the goals set out in Liberia’s long-term vision of socio-economic transformation and development. The Agenda for Transformation was launched along with the National Vision 2030 at a national conference in Gbarnga, Bong County on December 12, 2012. After a year of implementation, the Government of Liberia intends to report back to the Liberian people on the progress made so far and to this end, a one day Steering Committee Meeting is planned to be held at the Fair Grounds in Buchannan, Grand Bassa County on Saturday, March 22, 2014. The AfT sets out precise goals and objectives that Liberia will achieve in the next five years in order to take the necessary steps toward its long-term goals, which are to become a more prosperous and inclusive society. It is structured along five pillars (Peace, Security & Rule of Law, Economic Transformation, Governance & Public Institutions, Human Development and Cross-cutting Issues). The government works along with development partners to make major investments in priority areas to deliver the results promised in the AfT. The Liberia Development Alliance (LDA) is the high level coordination mechanism for the implementation of the Agenda for Transformation (AfT).  The LDA Steering Committee, chaired by the President of the Republic of Liberia, is comprised of key Cabinet Ministers, heads of development partner organizations, private sector actors, and civil society representatives.The LDA Steering Committee meets regularly to review progress on the implementation of the AfT. The Minister of Finance serves as the national coordinator of the LDA overseeing the Technical Secretariat, which runs the day-to-day affairs of the LDA.  The Secretariat works with Ministries, Agencies and Commissions in the various sectors to coordinate the implementation of the AfT, FrontPageAfrica reports.

Related Caption: GoL Releases AfT Progress Report(FOCUS), Gov’t To Give Progress Report On AfT Tomorrow(INQUIRER), First Yr. Progress Report On AfT Release – Gov’t. Holds Big Cofab(The NEWS), Big Govt Meeting For Buchanan Saturday…First yr Progress Report On AfT On Agenda(The Analyst), Gov’t Launches 5 Years Strategic Plan(New Democrat)

SRSG Briefs Security Council On UNMIL’s Progress

According to the New Republic Newspaper, briefing the United Nations Security Council yesterday, the Special Representative of Secretary-General (SRSG) and Coordination of United Nations Operations in Liberia, Ms. Karin Landgren, lauded Liberia’s progress as it enters its second post-conflict decade but noted that Liberia continues to face complex and daunting challenges to institutionalizing reforms in critic in all sectors and building capacity for effective governance. The UN envoy highlighted advances in Liberia’s important reform processes, including decentralization, constitutional review, and national reconciliation, while noting the progress had been slow in some areas. Turning to reconciliation, Ms. Landgren noted that implementation of the Reconciliation Roadmap had made some progress, particularly in areas funded by the international community, but that the Government’s contribution to its implementation has been limited.

Related Captions: SGSG Landgren Lauds Liberia’s Progress(Insight Newspaper), Progressing But Faces Complex, Daunting Challenges-SRSG Landgren tells UNSC regarding Liberia (The Analyst)

Jordanian Princess Visit Liberia

The Daily Observer newspaper writes that Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, who is also peace Messenger of the United Nation (UN), Thursday, March 20, arrived in the country for a one-day visit with two of UN organizations: World Food Program (WFP) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein’s visit is intended to take stock of progress made and review challenges facing UNICEF and WFP-supported projects targeting vulnerable households in Bomi County; specifically those in Gboyay town and Suehn Town in the Suehn Mecca District. The Jordanian Princess was in 2007 selected by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, as a UN Messenger for Peace, the highest honor bestowed on a global citizen by the UN boss to address pressing problems, especially humanitarian problems, around the world.

Related Caption: Princess of Jordan Visits Liberia (The News), Princess of Jordan on Assessment Mission (The Inquirer)

Gov’t   to Launch 5-Yr. Action Plan

The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Ministry of Labor has announced that it will launch a five-year National Action Plan in the fight against the trafficking of human beings within the Republic. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to officially launch the plan on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Monrovia City Hall. Labor Minister F. Juah Lawson making the announcement yesterday at the Ministry of Information regular weekly press briefing, said senior officials of government, the diplomatic Corps, the UN system, Civil Society, the Liberia Labor Congress (LLC), the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), National Traditional Council among others dignitaries will be in attendance. Ministry Lawson giving a background of the National Action Plan said emerging from a 14-year civil crisis complemented by the gradual restoration of the rule of law, human trafficking, among other Transnational Organized Crimes, has become a major post-conflict national security challenge, writes the Inquirer newspaper.

Related caption:   MOL on Human Trafficking…Launches Five Years Action Plan (The Analyst), Labor Ministry Launches 5-Year Anti-Child Trafficking Plan

 (FrontPageAfrica)

Grand Gedeh Launches ‘No To Mob Violence’ Campaign

Grand Gedeh County has kicked off its version of the “No To Mob Violence” campaign in the provincial capital Zwedru, with a call for people to seek legal redress when offended, instead of resorting to lawlessness. According to the organizing committee, the sensitization is aimed at creating public awareness against mob violence, no matter where it is found in the County, and brings perpetrators to justice. The “say no to mob violence” public awareness kicked-off with a drama performance on mob violence by the Gedeh Rooster Cultural Troupe. The launching ceremony was held at the Zwedru Peace and Reconciliation Center, commonly known as the ‘Triangle’. The Grand Gedeh County official anti-mob violence campaign comes in the wake of its official launch countrywide by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on January 25^th this year. The ceremony was graced by local government officials, including chiefs and representatives of international NGOS, UN Missions in Liberia, women, youth and civil society groups. The county anti-violence committee was set up two weeks ago by Superintendent Peter L. Solo, with a mandate to create awareness amongst citizens and residents of the County that government wants strict adherence to the rule of law and abhrs mob violence in any form. The county committee comprises nine members of diverse backgrounds, headed by County Project Planner Washington Yonly, with UNMIL Communication and Public Affairs Coordinator Napoleon Viban, the Analyst writes.

Related Caption: Grand Gedeh Moves Against Mob Violence(INSIGHT)

OTHER STORIES

Liberia To Get Modern Museum

The FOCUS newspaper reports that the Director of the National Museum of Liberia, Mr. Albert S. Markeh disclosed on Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Monrovia that the Governments of the People’s Republic of China and that of Liberia have signed an agreement for the construction of a multimillion dollar National museum in the country. According to him, the construction plan derived from an advocacy that drew the Government of China’s attention. He explained that the pending project has already received a major boost with the Chinese Government ready to provide over US$1.5 million dollars while the Government of Liberia is to provide the land space.

“Light Weapons Pose Threats” – EU Ambassador Says

The Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) Ambassador Attilio Pacifici has told a gathering of security men that small arms and light weapons represent a major threat to the security of the state. Ambassador Pacifici said the illicit spread of small arms and light weapons is feeding internal conflict worldwide and resulting into the collapse of states. He disclosed that small arms and light weapons are the main weapons used in conflict and armed violence. He estimated that small arms and light weapons killed 500,000 people every year, the NEWS newspaper reports.

Liberia, Guinea Striking Mining Deal

Liberia’s Lands, Mines and Energy Minister, Mr. Patrick Sendolo and his Guinean counterpart Kerfalola Yansanne have announced the signing of a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at putting into motion modalities leading to the operations of West Africa Exploration (WAE). The two Mining Ministers including the Ministers of Transport of Liberia and Guinea along with National Investment Commission (NIC) Chairman Mr. Michael Wotorson told a news conference yesterday that West Africa Exploration is a mining company that will be mining iron Ore in Guinea and using Liberia’s railway and port and shipping same oversea. The Ministers noted that the project will bring enormous economy and social benefits to Liberia and Guinea and at the same time foster regional integration, the INQUIRER reports.

VP Boakai Urges Liberians To Pursue Technical Skills

Vice President Joseph N Boakai has stressed the need for Liberians to add skill training to their profession. He said if this is done, it will help the citizens become self-employed in the absence of jobs in the country. According to VP Boakai, when a person acquires vocational skill, it becomes difficult for one to get jobless. He made the assertions when served as Guest Speaker at the 5^Th Anniversary of NETLIB Vocational Training Institute recently in Oldest Congo Town. Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah Kamara, the Founder of NETLIB Vocational Institute has disclosed that NETLIB Vocational Institute has contributed immensely to the development of young people in Liberia for the past five years, reports the Insight Newspaper.

Nimba Ore Project Eyes 840 Employees

The West Africa Exploration (WEA) which will be mining the Nimba Mountain in Guinea has showcased its PowerPoint to both governments of Liberia and Guinea promising to employ over 840 Liberians for the construction of port facilities and export. Liberians will be employed to construct the railways and other infrastructures for the transportation of iron ore between neighboring Guinea and Liberia through the ports of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. In addition to developing infrastructure for its Nimba iron ore project in Southeast Guinea, authorities of WAE also told stakeholders of Liberia and Guinea yesterday that the company will construct schools, hospitals, clinics and other needed infrastructure for locals in the railway communities, pens the New Democrat Newspaper.

558 Chinese Peacekeepers Arrive

China sent its 16^th contingent of peacekeeping soldiers to Liberia on Wednesday night for the United Nations Mission. The first detachment of the 558 strong troops dispatched by the Beijing Military Area Command took off from Beijing International Airport. China sent its first peacekeeping troops to Liberia in December, 2003, pens the New Democrat Newspaper.

Liberia Resumes Logs Shipment

The New Dawn reports that an official of the National Port Authority or NPA says thirteen thousand logs are being shipped out of Liberia by Atlantic Resources, after a prolonged moratorium on logging activities here. At the Port of Greenville in Sinoe County, President Sirleaf was informed of the shipment during an interaction with the director of ports at the NPA, whose name could not be verified immediately. President Sirleaf visited the port while concluding a day’s assessment of projects in Sinoe County during which she visited the people of Juarzon District, making several stops and distributing lappers and other items among the people in towns where students, youth, women and children assembled to greet her. At the time of informing the President of the shipment on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Greenville Port, the NPA authority said the first log vessel had just left the port three days prior to her arrival there, and another vessel had docked at the port, waiting to be uploaded. The NPA official said besides the Kuwaitee Loan here, they were creating a marine infrastructure, while under the loan agreement, some marine equipment including tug boats, pallet boats, allotment lots and other logistics will be provided to keep the port functional. He said the shipment of logs was a good start for the economy, while confirming to the President that understanding has been reached for Golden Veroleum or GV to use the Greenville Port.

Golden Veroleum Liberia To Invest In Oil Mill

Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), a company with huge investment in oil palm in Sinoe County has disclosed plans to construct an oil mill complex in the country. An Executive mansion press release quoting the Senior Comptroller of GVL, Mr. Jeffrey Benson, said the move will add value to the company’s operations in the country. He was speaking during a meeting with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is currently on a visit to the county,  IN PROFILE DAILY reports.

Women’s Security Stressed – As Kandakai Decries Females’ Exposure To security Violence

IN PROFILE DAILYreveals that Former Education Minister, Dr. Evelyn Kandakai said women are still exposed to security violence in the country, adding that despite women’s tangible contributions being made in society, some men are still abusing women in various communities and homes. Dr. Kandakai made the statement yesterday at the launch of the Women Guide to Security Sector Reform held at Corina Hotel in Sinkor.

US$161,000 Multipurpose Complex For Nimba

The Nimba Citizens Union of Australia, in collaboration with the Tappita City Council, is undertaking a multi complex city hall project in Tappita, Nimba County as a way of contributing to development of county. The project, which is expected to be dedicated by July 2015, will contain facilities such as four conference rooms, offices, auditorium, 10 toilets, a children’s playground and a parking lot, respectively. It is estimated to cost over One Hundred Sixty-one Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars (US$161,500.00). A high-level delegation from the union, headed by J. Tolekpeh Quetee, president of Nimba Citizens’ Union of Australia was due to have arrived in Monrovia Monday, 17 March for the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 22, in Tappita. According to Edward Dennis, Assistant Secretary of the Union, the Chairman and members of the Nimba Legislative Caucus, Superintendent, and Development Superintendent and other officials of the county, private sector representatives and the business community have been invited to participate in the ceremony. The Nimba Union of Australia believes giving back to the county and the country at large, remains the prime focus of citizens in the Diaspora. The group encouraged citizens of other counties to emulate their example in order to continue the development of the nation, the New Dawn reports.

CRC Extends Consultations To Leeward Counties

Having operated in Montserrado County since the launch of its civic education early this month, the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has extended its activities to other parts of Liberia. Disclosing this to the Liberia News Agency Thursday, the CRC Co-Chair on Community Outreach and Consultations, Mr. Soko Sackor, said this will afford the Committee the opportunity to solicit and hear the views of all Liberians on the Constitution. He said the CRC has divided the remaining 14 counties into three zones; North/Central covering Bong, Nimba, and Lofa Counties; Southeastern Region covering Maryland, Sine, Grand Kru, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Rivecess and River Gee counties and the third zone comprising Gbarpolu, Bomi and Cape Mount counties. Mr. Sackor said the North/Central region team is headed by him and assisted by Mrs. Amelia Ward; the Southeastern team is headed by Counselor Gloria Scott assisted by Rev. Kennedy Sandy, while the third group is headed by Rev. Jasper S. Ndaborlor and assisted by D. Elwood Dunn, the Analyst report.

Heavy Storms Hit Margibi-School Building, Homes Destroyed

The New Dawn reveals that a major storm disaster has forced over 600 students out of school and destroyed scores of properties, leaving several community dwellers homeless along the Bong Mines Road in Margibi County.  The incident, which occurred recently detached the roof of the Sackie Gbonmon Town Public School and vandalized the roofs of over 20 houses beginning from Sackie Gbonmon to Vanyeamah community. Parents, Teachers and Students Association (PTSA) Chairman Forkpah H. Flomo said the situation has left the school’s authorities with no alternative but to forcefully shutdown the institution. Mr. Flomo narrated that though there was no death report, the force of the storm collected an old lady in Sackie Gbonmon Town and threw her into a kitchen which broke over her, but she survived. He said the victim was later admitted at a nearby clinic in Kakata where she is currently receiving medication. This has in addition compared victimized community residents to seek refuge at the door steps of their neighbors, Flomo noted. He lamented that his fear is that the academic year is nearing completion and there is no other place to conduct classes for the pupils, pending renovation of the school building. The PTSA Chairman said the administration of the school convened an urgent meeting a day after the incident and wrote education authorities and the leadership of Margibi County but there has been no response yet. He said the issue needs quick intervention from government and well-meaning Liberians to have the students returned to school for the completion of the academic calendar, which ends in June. Meanwhile, the affected community residents are appealing to humanitarian organizations and government for building materials, including zinc, nails, bags of cement and planks, among others to enable them renovate their homes.  It can be recalled that similar natural disaster occurred in Larkayta Township along the Bong Mines Road in Margibi County and left many persons homeless, says he New Dawn newspaper.