The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR FRIDAY, MAY 19 , 2017

News of Orange, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators’ launch of its brand in Liberia is the lone story dominating today’s edition of our summary of the local dailies.

The summary also includes President Sirleaf’s congratulatory message to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Norway on the occasion of their 203rd Constitution Day on May 17 and her congratulatory message to H.E. Mr. Édouard Philippe, on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of France. 

DOMINANT STORY

New GSM Company Promises Expanding 4G Service To 10 Counties- Orange Takes Over Cellcom

Orange, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators, announced Thursday, May 18, 2017 the launch of its brand in Liberia automatically changing Cellcom Liberia to Orange Liberia. The acquisition of the former operator Cellcom was finalized by orange through its subsidiary Orange Cote d’Ivoire, on April 6, 2016, allowing the group to reinforce its presence in West Africa. The new company is expected to invest over 20M United States dollars in the economy of Liberia but request tax flexibility from Government. Bruno Mettling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Orange Group and Chairman and CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa commended government for repealing the 0.01 percent tax on calls. In line with its Essentials 2020 strategic plan. Orange says it has built up considerable presence in the region, which offers strong growth potential, and is a strategic priority for the group’s development. The company has promised to provide its marketing expertise and world-class technical capability to further strengthen the operator’s established network and enhance customer service in Liberia. The FRONTPAGE AFRICA newspaper reads that Orange is presently in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East, where it has more than 120 million customers.

Related Captions: Orange Appeals For Transparency, Stable Tax Regime In Liberia (Daily Observer), Orange Launches Brand in Liberia Continues to Build on its Strong Presence in West Africa (The INQUIRER), Orange Grips Liberia With Storm Launches Its Brand; And Continues To Build On Tis Strong Presence In West Africa (FOCUS)

OTHER STORIES

President Sirleaf Congratulates Norway on ‘Constitution Day’

The INSIGHT newspaper reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Norway on the occasion marking their 203rd Constitution Day on May 17. According to a Foreign Ministry release, in her message to His Majesty King Harald V, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in my own name, noted that under King Harald V’s guidance, relations between Liberia and Norway have never been better than what both nations currently enjoy. The Liberian leader recounted some of Norway’s aid to Liberia to include energy, security, and forest management. Additionally, President Sirleaf noted that in December, 2016, the Norwegian Foreign Minister, H.E. Børge Brende was in Liberia to participate in the official inauguration of the first operation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant. Barely four months later, the Liberian Government received in Monrovia the United Nations Development Program Goodwill Ambassador, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway who observed, at first-hand, Liberia’s progress in consolidating peace, and in planning for the implementation of the globally-agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The Liberian President informed His Majesty King Harald V that Prince Haakon’s visit to the country provided yet another opportunity for discussion of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest to both nations and peoples.

Liberia Applauds New French Prime Minister

The INSIGHT newspaper reads that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, extended congratulations to H.E. Mr. Édouard Philippe, on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of France. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader said, “We are assured that you will bring to this high office valuable experience acquired through your rich political career, including your service as mayor of the port city of Le Havre.” She further extended best wishes for the success of Mr. Philippe’s personal contribution towards reshaping the political landscape of his country, especially during this critical period of France’s democracy. President Sirleaf looks forward to working with Prime Minister Philippe and offered sincere wishes of success in his new task.

Tax Evaders Booked; Liberia Revenue Authority Enforces Compliance

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) on Thursday embarked on its tax compliance exercise on some businesses in Monrovia, to enforce compliance of government’s revenue generation. These businesses according to the LRA were booked for withholding taxes which is causing loss of government revenue. The Withholding Tax Division in collaboration with the Legal Department of the LRA kicked off the enforcement exercise forcing several big businesses to comply, while shutting down others. Thursday exercise brought to book businesses which the LRA said have over time been delinquent in their tax payments. The LRA obtained closure orders from the Tax Court at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia to shut the doors of these delinquent businesses for failure to pay legitimate taxes, reports the FrontPage Africa newspaper.

SKD Renovation Completed

The much anticipated second renovation work at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex has been completed. The renovation of SKD Sports Complex which started in October 2013, under the administration of Lenn Eugene Nagbe as Minister of Youth and Sports (MYS) has been completed and is now ready for all football activities in the country. Liberia is expected to host the special West Africa Football Union (WAFU) tournament on the Samuel Kanyon Doe this year. The tournament will be played in Monrovia in honor of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. According to the Youth and Sports Minister, Saah Charles N’Tow, the renovation works at the SKD has been completed and turned over to the Liberian Government, the INQUIRER newspaper reads.

‘Put Liberia First Business Campaign’ Launched

The Liberian Business Association (LIBA-Liberia) and the United States chapter of the Liberian Business Association (LIBA-USA) have pre-launched a new business idea, “Put Liberia First Campaign,” to encourage Liberian-owned business entrepreneurs to support each other. Jackson George, Executive Director of LIBA-USA, who pre-launched the campaign, told a cross section of Liberian businesses that the campaign is also aimed at encouraging Liberians to support Liberian-owned businesses. Mr. George said the “Put Liberia First Campaign” will serve as a promotion tool to encourage business owners to prioritize Liberian-owned businesses, as well as products created by Liberians, on the market, writes the Daily Observer.

WHO, H6 Partners Turnover “Waiting Homes”

The Liberian Government and H6 partnership intensify their efforts to prevent maternal mortality across the country. On May 11, 2017 the World Health Organization turned over to the Rivercess County Health Team a maternal waiting home in Boegeezay Town, Central Moweh District. According to the National Coordinator of the H6 Program-Liberia, Madam Bentoe Zoogley Tehoungue, the program is contributing to the country’s effort to improve maternal health. She said the maternal waiting home is one of six counties (Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Kru, Maryland, Rivercess and River Gee), the INQUIRER newspaper reads.

‘Gov’t Needs To Focus On Youth Capacity Building’ - MOP Writing Competition Winner Jackson

Ms. Domaris E. M. Jackson, the winner of Messengers of Peace Youth Peace Dialogue Writing Competition for April, has called on the Government to build the capacity of young people across the country and recognize their contributions, especially to Liberia’s peace building. Ms. Jackson made the appeal Thursday at the official award ceremony at the Soltiamon Christian High School in Sinkor, when she received L$10,000, making her the third winner of the monthly competition which began in March. She stressed that government officials and some adults have failed to understand that while there are some irresponsible young people, the task of building an inclusive society requires the support of everyone, including the entire youth population. Ms. Jackson, 20, indicated that peace and security are the inborn rights of every individual in society, reads the Daily Observer.

Regional Forum On Sustainable Development Set For May 17-19

The 2017 Africa Regional Forum on sustainable development in preparation for the 2017 High-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF) will convene at the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 17 to 19 May 2017, under the theme: “Ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth and prosperity for all.” This theme is well aligned with that of the 2017 HLPF, which is “Eradicating Poverty and Promoting Prosperity in a Changing World”. The theme of the regional Forum is premised on a number of considerations and trends with respect to poverty eradication. The theme of the regional Forum is premised on a number of considerations and trends with respect to poverty eradication, the INSIGHT newspaper reads.

25-Year GoL, GLS Agreement Submitted to Legislature

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has submitted a 25-year concession agreement signed between the Government of Liberia and the Global Logistics Services to the National Legislature for ratification. The concession agreement is intended to actualize government’s initiative at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) through the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) of financing, designing, operating, maintaining and transferring a new state-of-the-art cargo handling facility and cargo operation at the RIA. The concession agreement, according to a communication addressed to both Houses of the National Legislature on Thursday, was consummated on March 29 between the Government and GLS, the FOCUS newspaper says.