The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

NEWS SUMMARY FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014

The most dominant stories on today’s newsstand include the appointment of a new LACC Chair, call for fight against child labor and abuse, and the upcoming U.S – Liberia dialogue in Monrovia.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s congratulatory message to Newly Appointed Italian Prime Minister, the low turnout of eligible female voter at the ongoing voters roll update, the summoning of NEC and PPCC by the Liberian Legislature, and electrifying of 3,542 homes by LEC as well as the arrival of U.S Counselor in Liberia are some of the selected stories for our today’s news summary.

Dominant Stories

Ellen appoints James Verdier as LACC new Executive Chair

Following his confirmation by the Liberian Senate, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has appointed Cllr.  James N. Verdier, Jr.  as Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. His appointment took effect February 24, 2014. He replaces Cllr. Frances Johnson Allison. In her letter of appointment to Cllr. Verdier dated February 24, 2014, President Sirleaf said: “please accept my congratulations and my expression of trust in your ability to make a meaningful contribution in your area of responsibility as we strive to move our country forward in a process aimed at enhancing peace, reconciliation and development.” President Sirleaf in November last year appointed Cllr. Verdier as Acting Executive Chairperson of the LACC pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate, The Heritage newspaper reveals.

Related Caption: Verdier Appointed LACC Chair (IN PROFILE DAILY), New Anti-Corruption Chief Confirmed (The News Newspaper), Veridier Appointed LACC Chair (InProfile Daily), James Verdier Appointed LACC’s Executive Chair (The Inquirer Newspaper), and Cllr. Verdier Chairs LACC (New Democrat Newspaper) Cllr. James N. Verdier, and Jr. Appointed As LACC Executive Chair (FrontPage News)

Media Urged To Help Fight Child Labor/Abuse

Deputy Labor Minister for Bank and Empowerment, Neto Z. Lighe, has called on the media to help fight child labor/abuse in the country. Speaking at the opening of a two day workshop to guide journalists in reporting on child related matters, including child abuse, Minister Lighe observed that the issue of child labor or abuse is a serious national problem that cuts across every sector of the Liberian society, including parents themselves, who according to the Labor Minister, are major players of the act, the Heritage newspaperreports.

Related Stories: MOL, UNICEF Build Media Professionals’ Capacities (The Reporter Newspaper), and Labor Ministry Warns Against Child Labor (The New Dawn Newspaper)

Gov’t Hosts U.S. – Liberia High Level Dialogue

The Government of Liberia is expected to host its second high level policy dialogue with the United States of America early next week in Monrovia. The high level policy dialogue which was initiated January 13, 2013 with its first meeting held in Washington DC in May 2013 aimed at strengthening the relationship between both countries through policy making. The second meeting which is to be held in Monrovia will focus on three major areas; Agriculture and food security, power and energy infrastructure, as well as human development and education throughout the country, reports the Inquirer Newspaper.

Related Stories: U.S – Liberia Partnership Dialogue Kicks Off March 4 (The Reporter News)

Other Stories

Pres. Sirleaf Addresses Forum In Abuja

The New Dawn newspaper says addressing a conference in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s centenary amalgamation, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has observed that the winds of solidarity, cooperation and the pursuit of integration continue to blow strong among all African nations, and that tomorrow, perhaps the dream of Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah for political union will come true. On arrival at the Nandi Azikewe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria on Wednesday, President Ellen and delegates were received by high ranking Officers, and Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Alhassan Conteh. According to a dispatch from Abuja, the theme of the one-day Summit, hosted by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of Nigeria, is “Human Security, Peace and Development,” The summit brought together leaders from all over Africa, as well as international and regional organizations and development partners. President Sirleaf was invited to make a presentation on “Human Security and National Reconciliation: The Liberian Experience.” In addition to a keynote address by President Jonathan, setting out the human security and development agenda for Africa in the 21st century, the Summit heard goodwill messages by visiting Heads of State, Governments and Heads of Delegations. Nigerian officials pointed out that the commitment and contributions of Nigeria to peace in Africa and around the world are widely acknowledged. It is in that spirit that the country seized the opportunity of the centenary celebrations to hold a one-day Summit-level international conference, whose theme is premised on the fact that human security engenders solidarity among people and also ensures peaceful co-existence, unity and social cohesion which are the bedrocks of sustainable development in any nation. The conference also sought to reaffirm Nigeria’s and Africa’s commitment to global human security, peace and development; highlights the importance of a continental and global agenda for peace and human security for the 21st century; and to seek global support for the agenda.

President Sirleaf Hails appointment of new Italian Prime Minister

The President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy following his appointment as Prime Minister of that Republic. President Johnson Sirleaf extended her deepest congratulations to the Italian Prime Minister on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia and recalled the longstanding relations between Liberia and Italy, which, she said, has spanned more than a century and a half. The Liberian President noted that the relations between Liberia and Italy have remained friendly and cordial over the years. President Sirleaf expressed hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Renzi, the relations between both countries and peoples will increasingly grow stronger. “As you assume your demanding tasks and responsibilities at the head of the Italian Government, let me assure you of my government’s support and determination to work cooperatively with you in  striving together for world peace and progress.” the Liberian leader stated. President Johnson Sirleaf then wished for the Italian Prime Minister personal well-being, and for the Government and People of Italy, continued progress and renewed economic prosperity under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Renzi, the Insight Newspaper quotes a Foreign Ministry’s release.

VP Warns Church Leaders

According to the New Democrat Newspaper, Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has urged the new leadership of the Assemblies of God, Liberia (AGL) to remain committed to performing its duties. Speaking at the induction of the AGL National Leadership at the Sinkor Assembly of God Church, he said he believes that good leadership will lead to success in its works as it presides over the house of God. According to him, the commitment to serve in a leadership is something that leads to growth. He then warned the church leaders to focus on things that would lead the church to the right path.

LEC Connects 3,542 Homes

The New Democrat Newspaper quotes Lands, Mines and Energy Minister Patrick Sendolo as saying 3,542 homes in 21 communities in Monrovia and its environs have been connected to electricity. According to the paper, Minister Sendolo named some beneficiary community including Soniwen, Jallah Town, Saye Town, Logan Town, 12 Street, West Point and Duala among others. Minister Sendolo during his appearance at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Press Briefing warned residents of these communities against power theft.

Us counselor due here

The Department of State’s Counselor Thomas Shanna is traveling to West Africa between February 26 – March 5, 2014 to visit Nigeria and Liberia. The Counselor is traveling to Nigeria, as the leader of a Presidential Delegation to Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration in Abuja. He will than travel to Lagos for discussions on range of issues of mutual interest, a visit to U.S Government Assistant Project, and interaction with Nigerian youth. Counselor Shannon is expected in Liberia to open the second meeting of the U.S – Liberia Partnership Dialogue and consult with stakeholders on areas of Liberia’s progress and development, reports the New Democrat Newspaper.

British Envoy Meets G. Gedeh Local Authorities

According to The New Republic Newspaper, a successful discussion held between British Ambassador accredited to Liberia and the local authorities of Grand Gedeh County have ended in Zwedru, the administrative seat of that county. At the end of the meeting held behind close door, Ambassador Fergu Colrane Dyee told pressmen that he was in the country to access the condition of Ivorian refugees and also get acquaintance with the local dwellers in knowing their challenges and priority needs. The Government of Great Britain, according to Ambassador Dyee has been supporting the voluntary repatriation of Ivorian Refugees back to their country.

S.A Firm sign deals with Media Link

A South African Public Relations and Communications firm has signed a affiliated agreement with Media Link, a leading Public Relations and Marketing company in Liberia. A release issued from Johannesburg, South Africa late Thursday said, Busan Masteller was happy for Media Link to become its partner in Liberia. By this, Media Link joins other Public Relations firms in the world to foster better cooperation and effective work in its operations Liberia and other parts of the world. Burson - Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, today announced further important strategic moves in Africa, pens the New Republic Newspaper.

House Summons NEC, PPCC Heads

The plenary of the House of Representatives has cited the Chairman and Executive Director of the National Elections commission (NEC) and the Chairman of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) to provide clarity on the contract awarded to Efficient Logistic Service for the provision of vehicle rental and lease service for the period of 45 days to conduct the voter roll update. The National Election commission and the PPCC awarded US$1,909,876 to contract Efficient Logistic services to rent 200 vehicles for the period of 45 days for the voter roll update. According to the committee on public accounts and expenditure, NEC was requested to submit the matrix for the 200 vehicle, allegedly hired for the voter roll update and agreement signed between the implementing company and NEC, with the attestation of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Justice. Representative James Biney told plenary that NEC has failed to submit the matrix since the request was made, asserts the National Chronicle.

Support The Weaving Industry - Local Weaver Urges Gov't

 The Heritage newspaper reports that a local weaver has urged the Government of Liberia (GoL) to shift little attention to the weaving industry. Mr. Varney Kanneh observed that a well-coordinated and Government supported Weaving Industry would minimize the importation of cotton cloths and at the same enhances revenue generation in the country. In an exclusive interview yesterday with this paper at his workshop in Sinkor, Monrovia, Mr. Kanneh, who has over 20 years of experience in weaving country cloth, averred that government slow interest in promoting the industry was killing the dreams and aspirations of several of his colleagues who had thought that joining the industry would help improve their lives, while at the same time promoting Liberia’s culture and arts.   According to him, their industry was a unique one that portrays African value in terms of heritage, adding that he acquired his weaving skills 20 years through his elder brother who also received the knowledge from their late father.  Commenting on capacity building in the industry, the experienced Liberian weaver disclosed that  he had trained over 40 persons, most of whom, he said, are instructors on their own today.  Mr. Kanneh, who is also an experienced class room teacher and a prospective graduate from the University of Liberia (UL), stated that, aside from providing training for others, he has used weaving to carter for his family and educate himself.  Meanwhile, the veteran weaver is calling on his colleagues in the weaving industry to put more effort to the profession, urging that there is no vain labor and that effort is the prize for success in any undertaken.  It seems that weaving is becoming a serious business in Liberia, and that those involved in the profession are determined to attract national government attention. On January 15, 2014, two Liberian women in the weaving work also called on the government and its partners to help buttress the effort of weavers in the country, especially women.

Workshop To Safeguard Liberian Cultural Heritage Underway

A three day preparedness and response workshop to safeguard Liberia’s cultural heritage got underway Tuesday at the National Museum on Broad Street in the Capital Monrovia. The training exercise will provide participants knowledge in the area of building the country’s cultural heritage. A veteran Liberian cultural artist, Mrs. Yatta Zoe who spoke at the occasion, called for the teaching of the Liberian dialects in Liberian schools. According to the Liberia News Agency, facilitators at the workshop spoke on several topics ranging from preparedness for disaster in Liberia, education initiative in museum, to emergency preparedness and response. Meanwhile, the Assistant Minister of Information for Culture and Tourism, Louise Macmillan, who spoke at the opening ceremony, called on government to increase the budgetary allotment of the Culture and Tourism Department of the Ministry of Information to boost Liberia’s cultural heritage, the Heritage reports.

CSA Examines Allowance Policy

The NEWS newspaper says Civil Service Agency (CSA) has begun a systemic re-examination of allowance policy and practices at various government functionaries in the country. The policy is aimed at ensuring that compensations are awarded in a transparent and equitable manner that is fair to civil servants and affordable to the country. According to a release, the policy is part of the CSA medium-term pay strategy, amidst reports of misuse of general allowance. “It has come to the attention of Civil Service Agency that this policy has been misunderstood and abused. There are widespread cases of general allowances being reduced for reasons other than cause,” the release indicated.