The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

NEWS SUMMARY FOR THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017

News of U S Ambassador Christine Elder’s assertion that the relationship between the United States and Liberia remains strong; the decision of the Liberian Cabinet to review and give updates on key priority projects in keeping with its 150-Day target and the agreement signed between the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank to strengthen partnership at country levels are among stories carried in today’s edition of our summary of selected local dailies.

‘U.S. –Liberia’s Relationship Remains Strong’ Says Ambassador As American Embassy Observes Country’s Natal Day

The INQUIRER newspaper reads that the US Ambassador to Liberia has said that the relationship between the United States and the Government of Liberia remains strong, stating that the United States Government’s commitment to said relationship is deep, and their mutual goals are clear. Ambassador Christine Elder said that the relationship also allows both countries to make great strides forward in cooperation, development, and added that the reopening of the Mount Coffee Power Plant, the extension of UNMIL through Liberia’s political transition, the U.S.-Liberia 

Cabinet Updates On Priority Projects, Others

Cabinet has received and reviewed status updates on key priority projects along the 'Last Mile' in keeping with its 150-Day target set during the Cabinet retreat in March of this year. Cabinet also received an overview of the status of the execution of Fiscal Year 2016 /17 budget and FY2017/18 draft budget.  According to an Executive Mansion release, Cabinet received and carefully reviewed priority sectors covering agriculture, commerce, education, energy, health, ICT, Ports, public buildings, roads, water, and the Kendeja Cultural Center.  According to the INQUIRER newspaper, Cabinet was also brought up to speed on the draft Calendar of Events marking this year’s 170th Independence Celebration of the Republic of Liberia. Meanwhile, in an effort to ensure all Cabinet members adhere to the Code of Conduct, Cabinet has directed with immediate effect, the enforcement of a “Cabinet Etiquette for the Upcoming Electoral Campaign”. The Etiquette mandates that all members of Cabinet remain fully compliant with the Letter and Spirit of the Code of Conduct.   

AfDB, IsDB Sign 2bn Deal

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen partnership at country level. According to the New Dawn newspaper, both parties have agreed to jointly pull together the sum of US $2 billion over the next three years to finance projects in agriculture and food security, renewable energy, small and medium enterprises, and human development (health and education). To realize the shared objective of the agreement, the IsDB and the Bank agreed to each contribute US $1 billion over three years for joint activities focusing on these priority areas and sectors.

As Code of Conduct Debate Heightens: Supreme Court To Hear LP, NEC Arguments Today

The Supreme Court of Liberia is expected today, Thursday, July 13m 2017, entertain legal arguments into an appeal from the decision of the National Elections Commission (NEC), barring resigned Forestry Development Authority (FDA) Managing Director, Harrison S. Karnwea of the Liberty Party from contesting the ensuring October 10, 2017 representative and presidential elections. The Supreme Court, which is located at the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill in Monrovia, is the final arbiter of Justice in the country. Mr. Karnwea is a Vice Presidential aspirant wanting to contest on the LP Ticket along with Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine in the upcoming elections, the Heritage newspaper reads.

Related Caption: S/Court Hears Karwea-LP Case Today (The INQUIRER)

EPI Bids WHO Official Farewell

An inside story of the Heritage newspaper reads that the Expanded Program on Immunization within the Ministry of Health has held an honoring program for outgoing EPI Specialist of the World Health Organization (WHO). A release from the ministry said the EPI honored Dr. Zakari Wamba for helping to improve EPI activities in the country. Dr. Wamba, who was described as selfless and opened minded, is leaving Liberia after being retired. Speaking at the program, Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Francis Kateh thanked the outgoing WHO personnel for his service to the ministry, Liberia and the world as a whole. Dr. Kateh called on his colleague to remain as Ambassador for Liberia as his time in the country would never be forgotten. The CMO also used the occasion to call on county health teams to regularly visit health facilities and hospitals in the country, the Heritage.

African Legal Support Facility Adopts New Medium-Term Strategy

The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) has approved and adopted a new medium-term strategy which aims to focus on critical issues that matter to African communities, governments and the entire continent. Among other things, the Medium-Term Strategy (2018-2022) will strengthen the Facility to achieve greater results. The New Dawn newspaper says the new year-year Strategy catalogues the lessons learned since the 2013 adoption of the ALSF’s previous strategy and describes the evolving context of the organization’s work, and identifies the potential challenges this new context entails. Established in 2008, the ALSF is an international public institution, hosted by the African Development Bank Group. Its mandate is to support African states by providing legal advisory services, launching capacity building events, and developing unique knowledge management tools.

TOTAL - Liberia, Rosetta Steps Launch Adult Literacy Program

The FrontPage Africa reads that the Rosetta Steps Literacy Center in New Kru Town, Bushrod Island Center, in collaboration with TOTAL Liberia launched the Adult Literacy and Accelerated Learning Program with the aim of providing basic literacy skills including reading, writing and small business to adults with little or no educational experience as a mean of empowering them and building their self-esteem. Speaking at the launch of the program recently, Ms. Harris noted that the program, dubbed “Learn to Earn” is currently benefiting 32 students, predominately female who own small businesses.