The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

The passage of the Land Rights Act into Law; President Weah’s  congratulating message to the Australian Prime Minister following his recent election victory as well as the National Elections Commission’s  issuance of Election Writs are stories highlighted in today’s edition of our daily news summary.

DOMINANT STORIES  

Land Rights Act Finally Passed…House of Representatives Concurs with Senate 

At long last, the Land Rights Act (LRA) was passed by the 54^th Legislature with the concurrence of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 4, during the 54^th day sitting of the lawmakers. The House’s concurrence on Tuesday followed years of open hearings, debates, committee reports, and conference committees at work. The unanimous decision by full plenary of the House of Representatives  follows a submission of the final report of the Bill by the Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, and the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions, claiming that clarity has been made on all crucial areas within the original Act. The same joint committee in August, 2017, submitted a report to plenary of the Lower House on the third version of the then proposed Land Rights Act of 2017, after receiving same for concurrence from the Senate. The committees were, however, requested to return to committee room for more in-depth consultations among senators, and the general public for suggestions, reports the Daily Observer.

Related Caption:Land Rights Act Finally Passed(News)  

Weah Hails Australian Prime Minister…Following Success Election 

The Newsnewspaper quotes a Foreign Ministry release as saying that President George Manneh Weah has sent a congratulatory message to His Excellency Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia on his   election as Prime Minister of Australia. According to a Foreign Ministry release, in the message to His Australian counterpart, President George Manneh Weah on behalf of Liberia extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Morrison as he ascends to the highest office of his country. President Weah indicated that the recent election in Australia demonstrates the level of progress made in the consolidation of the democratic process which he noted has brought pride, not only to Australia but the entire commonwealth. The Liberian leader expressed confidence that as Prime Minister Morrison takes on his herculean task of shaping the future of his country, the cordial ties of friendship and corporation subsisting between the two countries and peoples will be further strengthened in the spirit of Friendship and Cooperation. “It is my fervent prayer that the Almighty God will continue to endow you with increased wisdom and resilience to lead the people of Australia to prosperity and continued happiness,” he stressed.

Related Caption:Following Successful Election: Weah hails Prime Minister Scott Morrison Australia(The Heritage)  

NEC Issues Election Writs Today 

The National Elections Commission or NEC issues two separate Elections Writs today, Thursday, 6 September to Elections Magistrates in Montserrado and Sinoe Counties, respectively to conduct by-elections in both counties. In a press release Wednesday, 5^th September, NEC says the Writs of Elections are in fulfillment of two letters of Notifications from the 54^th Liberian Legislature, announcing vacant seats in the Liberian Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively. According to the release, the vacancy letter from the House was received on August 23, 2018, while the letter from the Liberian Senate was received on 3^rd September, 2018, the New Dawn daily newspaper reads

 Other Stories   

 Africa is the Best Place to be…ADB President told Chinese Business Leaders at FOCAC 

An inside story of the New Dawnnewspaper reads that the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, has urged Chinese business leaders to attend the Africa Investment Forum scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 7-9 November 2018. Adesina made the call while addressing delegates at the 6^th Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs, which took place on the sidelines of the 2018 Beijing Summit, attended by leaders from 53 African countries and China. “I am sure you all know Africa is the place to be. African economies are growing well and the GDP growth rate is projected to average 4.1% this year”, he said. Akinwumi had lively exchanges with high-level officials and business leaders from China, led by Vice Premier Liu H, Governor Yi Gang of the People’s Bank of China, and the President Development Bank Zheng Zhijie, the paper writes.

Major Enhancements in Cargo as GLS-NAS Marks First Financial Year in Liberia

The Global Logistics Services Inc. and National Aviation Services joint venture company, GLS-NAS, has successfully completed its first financial year in Liberia reporting a progressive increase in cargo capacity at Roberts International Airport warehouse in Monrovia, Liberia. This is part of a 25-year air cargo operations concession awarded by the Government of Liberia that includes the design, finance, build, maintenance, operation and transfer, (DFBMOT) of a new, modern cargo facility at RIA. The new facility, covering 2,700 sqm, is scheduled for completion in 2019 with a view of improving RIA’s air cargo operations to meet international standards and support export supply chain capacity in the country, the New Dawn reports.

Montserrado District #13 Youth urged to Embrace Education

Montserrado County Electoral District #13 Representative aspirants Andy B. Jallah admonishes young people, especially school-going children to commit to their education sojourn, if they should realize their dreams. He challenges young people, especially college and high school students in the district and Liberia at large to embrace integrity and public service. In an interview with this paper at the start of the inter-communities quizzing tournament for students and graduates at the Bassa Town Hall in new Georgia Estate, electoral district #13, Mr. Jalleh reminds students, that the commitment to serve should be the basic reason for people to aspire for leadership, noting that experience to do the things that others have failed to do for the people, the New Dawn newspaper reads.

JFK Honors Dr. Billy Johnson

John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) on September 3 held an official exit honoring ceremony for outgoing Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Billy C. Johnson for his “outstanding and committed” work at the country’s major referral hospital. Shortly after he was honored, Dr. Johnson described the occasion as being a totally unexpected event and of which he is very appreciative. Johnson recalled that during his administration, he succeeded by putting in place many development packages, including salary increment, ensuring a high standard for medical and surgical practices, and making JFK a place of “safety and satisfaction.”As CMO, Dr. Johnson said there were a significant reduction in the morbidity and mortality rates, thus making the hospital #1 and leading to a drastic reduction of maternal and child death as contained in the millennium project, asserts the Daily Observer.  

Bridge Liberia to Launch Girl SuperPower Campaign 

As United Nations (UN) reveal an increase in the number of girls not in school worldwide, Bridge-Liberia is expected to officially launch a new campaign dubbed GirlSuperPower, calling on Liberian policymakers to prioritize the need for gender equality in education. The launch of the campaign, which will bring together Liberian women stakeholders, with a panel discussion on 20th September 2018 on the topic, ‘‘Using Education as a Tool for Girls’ Empowerment,’ several Bridge students, predominantly girls, will also be in attendance at Kendeja Public School in Paynesville. According to Bridge Public Affairs office, the launching of the GirlSuperPower campaign is based on reports that ahead of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, UN data revealed an increase of over 6% in the number of girls not in primary school, in just one year pens the Daily Observer.

MICAT Begins Push for GOL to Ratify UNESCO Cultural Conventions

The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism has finally forwarded the long overdue UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) seven conventions for the protection of cultural heritage to President George Weah for review and onward submission to the House of Representatives and the Senate for ratification. Although Liberia is one of the oldest members of UNESCO and a signatory to these conventions, the country has not been able to domesticate it through ratification. Deputy Cultural and Tourism Minister Lance Gbagonyon, who is leading frantic efforts to have the conventions ratified, says the ratification will unlock funds from UNESCO that will help Liberia preserve some of its damaging cultural heritage and position the country to retrieve lost artifacts.“The ratification of the conventions, which is long overdue, will ensure the safeguarding of the country’s cultural heritage at the international and national levels, according to the Daily Observer.

MOP Climaxes 2018 Youth Peace Summer Camp

After four weeks of educative programs, the Messengers of Peace (MOP) on Tuesday, September 4, certificated and awarded 75 youths at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) for successfully participating in the 2018 Youth Peace Summer Camp. The program, which brought together 25 adolescents and 50 young adults under the supervision of experienced and skilled facilitators, provided youths with knowledge in public speaking, understanding conflict, building self-esteem, understanding Sustainable Development Goals as well as Photography and Pastry-making.MOP executive director, Gwendolyn Myers, said that for three years, through the assistance of mentors, specifically government officials, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral agencies, and international non-governmental organizations, MOP has been able to organize and manage a successful peace summer camp for people with ages 5-29 years, writes the Daily Observer.

USAID Official Praises Gov’t…For Amending Budgeting Law

An official of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has praised the Liberian Government through the Legislature for amending portion of the country’s budget law. Recently, the Legislature amended the 2018/2019 budget law, making a number of changes. The amendment was made to Section 9 of the budget law following continuous advocacy from citizens and civil society organizations calling forms in the County Social Development Fund reforms. Madam Emiliey Krunie, USAID Democracy, Rights and Government Director said amendment to the budget law will provide accountability and transparency in the country, reports the News Newspaper.

LNCSA TO License Local Hunters

The Commissioner of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LNCSA) Benoni Knuckles discloses plan to register and license farmers and hunters carrying Single Barrel guns in the country so they would be tracked whenever those guns are misused. Speaking Wednesday, 5^th September in Monrovia he says hunters are only allowed to use Single Barrel guns for hunting purposes. Mr. Knuckles notes that hunters are mostly in remote areas, underscoring the need to decentralize the small arms control unit of the Liberia National Police to help with today, adding that in order to maintain the peace, arms need to be under control, maintained and be accounted for, the New Dawn reads.

Boosting Regional Electricity Grid House of Representatives Ratifies Additional Financing Agreement for West African Power Pool

 The House of Representatives, acting upon the recommendations of its Joint Committee on Lands, Mines (WAPP) project and was signed between Liberia and the International Development Association (ADB) in the tone of $45.3 million. The agreement entitled, Additional Financing Agreement for the WAPP Interconnection Project for La Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. It is aimed at supporting government’s effort in providing reduced and affordable electricity that will be efficient and reliable for Liberians and its neighboring countries including Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the Frontpage Africa newspaper reads.

Africa Now Ready To handle Any Ebola Outbreak Unlike in 2014… NPHIL Boss Tells Ongoing Regional Confab

The Director General of the National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) Mr. Tolbert Nyenswah, has told and ongoing conference in Abuja, Nigeria about Africa’s preparedness to now handle any Ebola outbreak unlike in 2014. Director Neyenswah attributed the continent’s preparedness to the investment of US based Center for Disease Control by supporting both Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Liberia’s center for Disease control. A release signed by the Communication Consultant of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Sorbor George, quoted Director Nyenswah as saying Liberia too was prepared for any eventuality, considering efforts made in just 20 months to strength the health system .Director Nyenswah served as Keynote speaker and panelist at the Prestigious International Conference, on the theme strengthening health Security through field epidemiology, Pens the Heritage.

On Rehab Land Issue: Howard, Weaver Families Open To Dialogue

James D. Weaver, administrators Testate Estate Intestate say they are open to all illegal occupants of their properties despite being victorious in the case of Action against Mr. Benjamin Paygar. Sometimes ago, the Civil Law court ruled in favor of J.C.N. Howard and Weaver Families in a Cause of Action case involving Mr. John Wesley Howard & Sean Patrick Howard, Administrators representation the Testate estate of the late J.C.N. Howard, Sr. and Mr. James D. Weaver, Administrator representing the intestate of the late Mr. Lewis N. Weaver of the city of Paynesville versus Mr. Benjamin Paygar who was said to be claiming 137.5acres and 45.6 acres of land in Rehab community.  However, despite the Eviction Order, the two families said they do not intend to unceremoniously dispossess or evict anyone from the property without the opportunity to negotiate or discuss the matter says the Inquirer newspaper.   

LICPA Scouts Training Opportunities For Liberian Businesses, Member Firms 

The Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountants has embark of refresher training for its members and member firms as well as individual businesses in order to get accountants and partners acquire new skills and ideas to conform to present day reality. At least 50 members of individual businesses and member firms benefited from the first in a training refresher workshop which began on Monday, September 3 and ended on Wednesday September 5, 2018 at a local restaurant in Monrovia starting with a British consultant, Mike Lloydbottom who said management is about evaluation. LICPA’s leadership strategy of bridging the skills gap and seeking globalization of the practice of accountancy in Liberia has also landed Mr. Lloydbottom to encourage the participants in stating that failure is a gift and a blessing. Mr. Lloydbottom who is in Liberia as guest of LICPA has introduced a new concept of how to operate a business and said change is challenging but failure to change is even more challenging because to stand still means you are going backward, the Inquirer newspaper reports.

President Weah Applauds the Kingdom Of eSwatini on 50^th Independence Celebration

The President of Liberia Dr. George MannehWeah has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and People of the Kingdom of eSwatini, on the occasion marking the commemorating the 50^th Independence Anniversary of that country on Thursday, September 6, 2018. The event Marks the official celebration of the Kingdom of eSwatini’s Independence Day. The Kingdom of eSwatini formerly Swaziland gain its independence from Great Britain on September 6, 1968. According to a Foreign Ministry release, in his message to His Excellency King Mswatini III, the Liberian leader on behalf of Liberia, extended heartfelt felicitations and best wishes to the Government and people of eSwatini as they commemorate this joyous occasion,   the Inquirer newspaper is quoted as saying.

Girl With Swollen Eye, Nose Needs Help

According to the Inquirer newspaper, little Mama Cooper, 12, is said to be suffering from a strange sickness which has almost disfigured her entire face due to severe pains and needs urgent help if she is to survive. Mama Cooper whose photo was posted on social media by Madam Ne-SuahBeyan-Livingston, a humanitarian narrating the little girl’s ordeal, said Mama was brought from a village behind Margibi and was taken to the ELWA hospital for examination through a partnership with CPI. According to Madam Livingston, the little girl was spotted by a lady who went to visit her mom and saw her in this condition anmd brought her to her organization’s attention and the organization contacted one of its partners to help. On her page, Madam Livingstone noted. “You are beginning to understand now when I say, I can’t stop thanking for community partnership initiative, USA headed by Winnie High.”

BWI Holds Matriculation

The Inquirer  newspaper is reporting that in an effort aimed at executing its statutory mandate of providing quality Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) to the youths of Liberia, the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) has concluded the 2018/2019 Matriculation ceremony of the incoming Freshmen Students. The ceremony which was characterized by excitement which was visible on the faces of newcomers was held on Monday, September 3, 2018 in the auditorium of BWI in Kakata, Margibi County. Delivering the motivational talk, Varial W. Jackollie, an instructor of the Agriculture Department disclosed that BWI is a renowned institution that has produced middle level technicians for the Labor market since 1929. He said the institution is focus on adequately implementing the primary reason of its existence since assuring the freshmen students of reaping huge educational benefits at the institution.