The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

NEWS SUMMARY FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

The parent company of Global Bank-Liberia’s request for President Johnson Sirleaf to prevail on Liberians to invest in the Bank as shareholders, President Johnson Sirleaf’s congratulatory message to Portugal on the occasion of that country National Day, the Liberia National Red Cross Society distribution of relief items to storm victims in Voinjama, Lofa County, the relocation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to allow the US$ 16 million dollars renovation of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex and the appeal for medical assistance by the family of a 16-year old girl are among stories dominating our selected dailies for today Thursday, June 12, 2014 summary.

DOMINANT STORIES

Keystone Bank Executives Meet Pres. Sirleaf

The INSIGHT newspaper reports that top Executives of Nigeria’s Keystone Bank, the parent company of Global Bank have paid a courtesy call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry office urging her to prevail on Liberians to invest in Global Bank as shareholders. The delegation led by the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Her Excellency Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie included the Chairman of Keystone Bank, Moyo Ajekigba; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Ikeazor; Managing Director of the Liberia Office, Philip Olujobi; among others. Ambassador Obi-Nnadozie who presented the delegation to President Sirleaf emphasized that Liberia-Nigeria relations are strong on the political front, but that much more is required to strengthen and consolidate the economic aspect of the ties. She informed President Sirleaf that the team, which has already met with officials of the Central Bank of Liberia, is in the country to explore the possibility of making investment interventions in the country’s economy and share its success story with Liberians. For her part, President Sirleaf welcomed the Bank’s delegation to Liberia and expressed satisfaction about Nigeria’s interest in the country on all fronts. She added, “Your new approach of encouraging Liberians to invest in the Bank is even more laudable and provides an opportunity to meet our middle-income objective as enshrined in the Agenda for Transformation.” President Sirleaf proposed to the bank executives that it will be good to see the banking sector come together to support key projects or national interventions such as agro-processing, construction, etc.

Related Captions: Pres. Sirleaf Meets Keystone Bank Executives-Wants Liberians Own Shares In Global Bank-Liberia(The Analyst), Top Bank Executives Meet Ellen…Want Liberians Own Shares in Global Bank-Liberia(The News), Keystone Bank Executives Meet Pres. Sirleaf(FOCUS), Nigeria Bankers Meet President Sirleaf (New Democrat), Ellen Seeks Nigerian Banker’s Support(The New Dawn)

Ellen Congratulates Portugal

The Heritage newspaper quotes a Foreign Ministry release as saying that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and People of the Portuguese Republic on the occasion commemorating that country’s National Day. In her message to His Excellency Anibal Cavaco Silva, President of the Portuguese Republic, President Johnson Sirleaf, on behalf of Liberia extended her heartiest congratulations to the Portuguese Leader, and through him, to the Government and People of Portugal following the official observance of that country’s historic anniversary. While expressing satisfaction over the Liberia-Portugal Relations, the Liberian President stated that the long-standing ties between both countries remain cordial and friendly, assuring the People of Portugal Liberia’s commitment to working closely together with that sisterly nation for the mutual benefits of both governments and for the achievement of global peace, security and prosperity. The Liberian Leader then wished for President Silva’s personal well-being and good health and for the People of Portugal continued peace and success.

Related Caption: Pres. Sirleaf Congratulates Portugal (The New Dawn)

LNRCS Donates Relief Items To Storm Victims

The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) Lofa Chapter has distributed relief items to victims of the rainstorm that hit Voinjama City and its environs last May. The items included 100 bundles of zinc, seven cartoons of zinc nails, buckets, blankets, lappers, pots and mats. LNRCS Lofa Chairman Joseph Vannie said the materials donated were the Red Cross way of identifying with the disaster victims, the New Republic reports.

Related Captions: Storm victims Get Recovery Materials(INSIGHT), Storm Victims Get Assistance(The News), LNRCS Donates Relief To Storm Victims(FOCUS), LNRCS Identifies with Storm Victims in Lofa(Daily Observer), Storm Victims Get Recovery Materials (INSIGHT)

Sports Ministry To Relocate

According to the FOCUS newspaper, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is expected to relocate its offices from the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville to 19th Street Sinkor due to the pending renovation works on the Complex.The Ministry has been occupying the SKD Sports Complex for nearly nine years, but it is expected to relocate on Saturday, June 21, 2014, according to its Press and Public Affairs Department. The repair works at the Complex is estimated at US$16 million and the agreement was signed between the Liberian government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in July-2013. The senior engineer and chief of the Chinese technical team, Mr. Yi Xuebo said, “the renovation is duly authorized by the PRC and it is a Chinese fully funded project.” Engineer Yi said, “The US$16 million is temporary because it could be a bit higher during the actual construction period.” He named areas to be renovated as the playing pitch, track, tennis court, scoreboard, practice pitch and around the field. The renovation is expected to last for about two years.

Related Caption: Sports Ministry To Relocate For SKD Complex Renovation(Daily Observer)

US$19M For Urban, Rural Infrastructure At Senate for Ratification

According to the Daily Observer, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent to the Senate for ratification a financial agreement for urban and rural infrastructure and rehabilitation projects. President Sirleaf informed the Senate that the ratification instrument is the second additional package of financing for urban and rural infrastructure and rehabilitation projects between Liberia and the International Development Association. “The objective of the project is to support government’s effort to improve road assess in the city of Monrovia and targeted road area as well as to improve the institutional capacities for the management of the roads sector. More specifically, the project involves among other things the rehabilitation of Monrovia City streets, construction of the Cotton Tree Bokay Town Road section; rehabilitation of the Vai Town Bridge and Gabriel Tucker Bridge convergence road intersection, and the construction of a new feeder loading facility in the Port of Monrovia.”

Related Caption: Ellen Seeks Ratification on US$19 M Loan Deal(The News)

Ministry Of State Retires 26 – Pres. Sirleaf Praises Honorees For Committed And Dedicated Service

Pres Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has praised retirees of the Ministry of State (MOS) for the many years of committed and dedicated service to the Republic of Liberia. The Analyst newspaper quotes an Executive Mansion release as saying that President Sirleaf made the remarks at a program for 26 personnel of the MOS who were honorably retired after serving the Presidency of the Republic of Liberia for between 33 and nine years while some had attained the retirement age of 60 years. The program took place at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium at the Foreign Ministry on June 11, 2014.

Related Captions: Ellen Praises Honorees For Committed & Dedicated Service(Heritage), Govt. Retires 26(INSIGHT)

Tumor Causes Girl to Go Blind – Family Appeals For Help

The Family of Vecencia E. Mature, 16, is appealing to the Government of Liberia, humanitarian and religious organizations, philanthropists to immediately assist in providing medical assistance for their daughter and sister who has gone blind. Vecencia, is a 9^th Grade student at the ELWA Academy school in Paynesville City. The senior sister of Vecencia, Ms. Edith Mature explained, Vecencia fortunately suffered loss of her sight while sitting the 9^th Grade West African Exams Council’s (WAEC) test recently. Anyone wanting to assist the family can contact Mrs. Magdalene Mature, mother and Edith Mature, senior sister on mobile numbers 0886521087 and 0886519558, the Analyst reports

Related Captions: Tumor Causes Girl To Go Blind… Family Appeals For Help(Heritage), Girl 16, Goes ‘Blind’…Family Appeals For Help(The News)

Police Launch Search For Missing Woman

Officers of the Liberia National Police assigned in the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) concession area have launched a massive search for a missing woman. The woman, identified as Nengbeh Bondo, is 45 years old. The LNP Commander in the area, John Binda, told the Liberia News Agency Tuesday that family members informed the police that the woman went missing on Saturday, June 8.  Nengbeh Bondo worked with the Salala Rubber Corporation as a contractor before her disappearance, the New Republicreports.

Related Captions: Police Launch Search for Missing Woman(INSIGHT), Police Search For Missing Woman(FOCUS)

Sierra Leone Closes Borders

According to the New Democrat newspaper, Sierra Leone has shut its borders to trade with Guinea and Liberia on Wednesday and closed schools, cinemas and nightclubs in a frontier region in a bid to halt the spread of the Ebola virus. Sixteen people have died of Ebola in Sierra Leone, a figure that has doubled in the last week, Ministry of Health figures showed. Authorities will also mount health checkpoints in the eastern Kailahun district and mandated that all deaths there be reported before burial. Anyone who dies of the virus must be buried under the supervision of health personnel, the Information Ministry said. The decision to close district schools came after a nine-year-old whose parents died of Ebola tested positive for the virus, Deputy Minister of Information Theo Nicol told Reuters.

Liberians to Get 20,000 Jobs

A London-based private security firm, owned and operated by group of Liberians has disclosed plan to operate in Liberia, promising over 20,000 jobs for young people. The security firm is expected to begin operation across the country later this month. The CEO and Co-founder of the Advanced Security Liberia Limited, Cheik Sekou Jomah Cheriff, said the firm is targeting young and energetic Liberian youth, who are willing to work and contribute to national development. “Our venture in Liberia has long been planned when the government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf called on Liberians living abroad to return and contribute to nation building,” Cheriff said, writes the New Dawn newspaper.

300 Women Trained in Poultry Farming

TheHeritage, INSIGHT and FOCUS newspapers under the same captions report that about 300 women, who completed a two-day training in poultry farming in Grand Cape County, were given 400 chicks to raise and build their capacities. The Executive Director of Sustainable Livelihood Promoters Program (SLPP) in Vonzua Town, Grand Cape Mount County, Daniel Waritay made the disclosure to the Liberia News Agency (LINA) Monday. He said the training, sponsored by Finn Church Aid (FCA) based in Finland, is to encourage women's participation in Liberia's poultry industry. He added that the SLPP has decided to provide periodic training in the poultry business to help upgrade the skills of those who are involved in poultry production.

OTHER STORIES

US Secretary Of State Calls For Action Against Rapist

United States Secretary of State John Kerry has called for global fusion to combat the plague of rape and sexual violence around the world. In an article titled “Let there be no hiding place for Rapists in war,” the US diplomat said acts of rape make the world less secure, less prosperous and less free. Secretary Kery said he made enormous efforts to put the issue on the front burner of national and international diplomacy, The New Republic writes.

Group Of 77 Benefits MYS, Chinese Gesture

The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy has donated Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Furniture to the Group of 77. Group of 77 comprises men, women, and children who are physically challenged and need more help from the physically fit people in order to survive. The items included 40 pieces of bamboo stool, 6 pieces of bamboo shelf, 1 set of luxury sofa, 1 set of corner sofa and double hanging chair amongst others valued at US$3500. Speaking at the turnover ceremony held on the compound of the Group of 77. Madam Li Hong, wife of the Chinese Ambassador said the program is in line with the agreement signed in 2007 by her government and government of Liberia, Daily Observer reports.

Liberia Scores ‘Big’ In Referee Seminar

Liberia has remarkably performed yet again, on the international stage of football refereeing by clinching the first place amongst several member countries of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at an advanced level course for emerging referees. Held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the international conference assembled more than 30 young and talented referees from across the African continent, representing their respective national associations. Report by CAF authorities says Liberia ranked ‘first’ in the training through the exceptional performance of its young CAF/FIFA badge referee Isaac Montgomery, who scored the highest marks both during the practical demonstrations and the theoretical aspect of the course in Cameroon, The NEWS reports.