BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA

NEWS SUMMARY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019

Today’s edition of our daily news summary highlights stories about Pres. Weah holding major meetings with members of the Legislature; the signing of the Domestic Violence Bill into Law by President Weah; German philanthropist’s donation of ambulance to NPHIL; news about UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia’s departure from the country after completion of his tour of duty here, as he takes leave of VP Howard-Taylo.  n

Other news in our summary includes the stories on NEC’s final hearing into electoral dispute in the just ended Montserrado County By-Election, ordering Re-Run at Six Precincts in Dist.15, among other news.  

Dominant stories  

President Weah Signs Domestic Violence Bill 

Liberia’s President, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, has signed into law the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) passed recently by the National Legislature. On July 19, the Liberian Senate concurred with the House of Representatives in passing the Act which was introduced during the term of the 53rd Legislature. It comes into full force when printed into handbills by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The signing of the DVA into law by the President comes amid growing violence against women and children and entrenched gender inequality practices. By and large, the law will promote gender equality, women and children protection amongst other things. The Act makes domestic violence, which includes physical or mental abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation, a serious crime against the individual and society, The News newspaper writes. 

Related Caption: Pres. Weah Signs Domestic Violence Bill into Law(Daily Observer), President Weah Signs Domestic Violence Bill into Law (The New Dawn), President Weah Signs Domestic Violence Bill into Law(Heritage), Domestic Violence Act Signs Into Law (The Inquirer)

German Philanthropist Donates Ambulance

A German philanthropist Petra Windisch de Lates has donated an ambulance to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). The Mercedes Ambulance with 14500 km capacity is valued at over $20,000.00. According to NPHIL release, the donation is a result of discussion held between Madam Petra Windisch de Lates and the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia Cllr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah when she visited Liberia in March this year. This latest donation, the release pointed out, is due to DG Nyenswah’s continued lobby for assistance from international partners and organizations for the smooth operations of the Institute. During an inspection of the ambulance on the compound of NPHIL located in Congo Town, the Deputy Director General for Technical Services Dr. Mosoka Fallah commended Madam de Latest for her kind gesture, the News newspaper writes. 

Related Caption: German Philanthropist Donates US$20k Ambulance to NPHIL (Daily Observer), German Philanthropist Donates Ambulance to NPHIL (Heritage)                                                                  

NEC Orders Re-Run AT six Precincts In Dist.15 

The Chief Hearing Officer at the National Elections Commission (NEC) Cllr. Muana Ville has called for re-run of the by-election at six precincts in District#15, Montserrado County. Giving his ruling Wednesday, August 14, 2019, into complaints filed by candidate Telia Urey of the four opposition collaborating parties and candidate Bishop Slebo Frank, Cllr. Ville said the Hearing Board of NEC could not call for a re-run of the entire by-election as requested by complainant Urey. He said the complainant did not establish and prove that there were huge irregularities that warrant re-run of the by-election in the entire district. However, he said votes in the quarantined areas were compromised and do not fit the credibility standard set by NEC; therefore, a re-run is required. Cllr, The News newspaper writes.             

Related Caption: Why District #15 Reruns Was Ordered NEC Hearing Office Provides reasons (DailyObserver), NEC Declares Re-Run In District 15…But CDC Rejects(The Inquirer), NEC Orders Election Rerun (New Dawn)

UN Resident Coordinator Bids Farewell…to VP Howard-Taylor

Liberia’s Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor has expressed gratitude on Behalf of the Liberian people to the Out-Going United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, His Excellency Yacoub El Hillo, for being real partner to Liberia. VP Howard-Taylor acknowledged that Ambassador El Hillo leaves behind a legacy of true and dedicated service in support of Liberia and in service to the Liberian people. She recounted the many programs and interventions made by the outgoing UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, including the UN’s support to the Government’s Pro-poor Agenda for Propensity and Development. Speaking earlier during the visit, Ambassador El Hillo noted that Liberia has made tremendous progress over the last decade in peace building initiatives making specific mention to the much publicized June 7 protest,The News newspaper writes. 

Related Caption: UN Envoy Bids Farewell to VP Howard-Taylor (New Dawn newspaper), UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia Bids Farewell to VP Howard-Taylor (Heritage newspaper)

‘Remain Steadfast’ Dr. Wulu Challenge Graduates
Graduates of the Richard M. Nixon Institute have been called upon to remain steadfast in their academic sojourn. Dr. Jacqueline A. Wulu, a Liberian-American Physician and Facial Plastic Surgeon wants the students to press forward if they must achieve their goals. Dr. Wulu made the statement Sunday, August 11, 2019 when she served as keynote speaker at the 54^thcommencement program of the Richard M. Nixon Institute in Monrovia. The Institute is part of the John & Minnie Wulu School System (JMWSS), which also includes John Wulu Elementary School in Jallah Town and Minnie Wulu Elementary and Junior High School located at St. Paul Bridge on Bushrod Island. She urged the graduates to determine their future by making the right choices that would lead them to success and should never give up, The News newspaper writes. 

Related Caption: Press Forward Dr Wulu Urges Graduates (New Dawn), “Remain Steadfast’’ Dr. Wulu Challenges Graduates (Hot Pepper), ‘Remain Steadfast’…Dr. Wulu Challenges Graduates (Heritage)

Liberia Feminist Forum ends one-day women interaction

Over 200 women from across different spectrums of the Liberian society have ended a one-day women forum at the Monrovia City Hall. The forum, sponsored by a local Liberian women group, called Liberia Feminist Forum highlighted the challenges around women’s access to justice, information and the implications of seeking justice for women, types of family marriage and inheritance, among others. Speakers at the forum were Deddeh Kwekwe, Teresa Mugadza, Sussie T. Telleh, Cllr. Deweh Gray, Cllr. Ruth Jappah and Cllr. Abla Williams. Presenting on the topic: “Marriage Under a Dual Legal System (Traditional and Statutory Weddings), Cllr. Deweh Gray says under the customary law, women are entitled to one third of property acquired. She discloses that in the case where a child is not legitimate, that child cannot inherit a property, pens the New Dawn newspaper. Related Caption: Feminist Want Women’s Rights protected…Call for Women to Unite (The Inquirer)               

 Other Stories  

President Weah Holds Major Meeting… with Legislature 

In continuation of his drive to foster good working relationship with members of the legislature, President Dr. George Manneh Weah is this Friday expected to hold a two-day meeting with that august body. Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Smith Toby said the meeting will discuss critical national issues geared toward moving the country forward. He said the meeting is as a result of the president’s last visit to the Liberian Senate to discuss state of the country when it was suggested that he holds a retreat with members of the legislature. Toby said the purpose of the meeting is for the two branches of government to brainstorm on issues that are germane to the forward march of Liberia. Some of the issues expected to be discussed include salary harmonization, reducing of legislators’ salary, and current state of the country’s economy, among others. Toby said the president expects or hopes to see all 103 lawmakers in attendance, the News newspaper writes.

Dillon Takes Seat Declares Assets today

The winner of the Montserrado County Senatorial  By- Election Hon. Abraham Darius Dillon is expected to formally take seat as a Senator of  the 54^th Legislature on Thursday, August 15, in the senate Chamber: Dillion has, at the same time, vowed to declared and publish his asserts shortly after his induction. On Friday, August 2, 2019, authorities of the National Elections Commission (NEC) declared Abraham Darius Dillon winner of the July 29 Senatorial By-election in Montserrado County, and subsequently certificated him, Daily Observer newspaper asserts.

2019 Miss Liberia USA Scholarship Pageant Contestants Call On Ambassador Kemayah:”Encourage Young Liberians To Follow Their Dreams’’

Contestant of the just ended 2019 ‘Miss Liberia United states of America (USA) Scholarship Pageant ‘are encourage young Liberians to follow their dreams, exhibiting self-discipline and respect throughout their journey. The Contestants, representing the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Indianapolis and Georgia: also stressed the importance of hard work and passion as drivers o success in the quest to achieve goals and dream, Hot Pepper Newspaper says.

MoH Official Highlights Importance Of Improved National CRVS 

The Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, has stressed the need for an improved Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) collection to ensure national growth and development. Dr. Jallah made the call during the official commemoration of the African Civil Registration and Vital Statistic Day held at the ELWA Hospital in Paynesville, outside Monrovia. The day was celebrated under the theme: Birth Certificates for all; Fundamental for protecting Human Rights and Protecting Inclusion. Jallah cited that Civil Registration enable nation government as well as partners to identify the priority areas that need intervention to ensure a better livelihood for citizens in a particular area, Heritage says.