BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA

NEWS SUMMARY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

The sole dominant story in today’s summary is Foreign Minister Kemayah pushes for the commencement of the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Center- as India donates medical supplies to Liberia.

“Greenfield Nomination Will Inspire Women Globally” Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Says, as she Hails Biden Pick for UN Ambassador, UNDP donates Toyota land cruiser jeep to Commission on Small Arms,Nyenpan begins noble journey as President Weah heaps praises on him, China celebrates FOCAC 20th anniversary with Focus on enhancing China, Liberia relations among others.

DORMINANT STORIES  

As Minister Kemayah pushes for the commencement of the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Center, India Donates Medical Supplies To Liberia 

The Government of the Republic of India has made a donation of 441 cartons of medical supplies to the Government of Liberia to aid in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The Indian Government, through its Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Y.K. Sailas Thangal, made the donation on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in the C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. Auditorium. Ambassador Thangal, in his presentation, expressed great pleasure and honor in handing over the lifesaving drugs from India as a token to the Republic of Liberia. The Indian Ambassador emphasized that the medical supplies given is part of the medicines which have already been handed over to the Liberian Government earlier this year, bringing the donation to 641 cartons of medical supplies. For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., welcomed the Indian Ambassador to Liberia and commended him on his trip, in the midst of the second wave of the Covid-19. Minister Kemayah, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, extended profound thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of India for the donation of the lifesaving drugs. “As we receive these drugs today, the Government of Liberia is positive that your government will exert all efforts to bring into reality the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Center or “Bali Island” as we formally call it; as well as, the road project which is intertwined with the Bali Island,theHeritage newspaper quotes a Foreign Ministry release.

Related Caption:India Donate Medical Supplies To Liberia(The News) andIndia Gov’t Boosts Liberia’s Health Sector-Donates Medical Supplies; As Minister Kemayah pushes for the commencement of the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Center

OTHER STORIES

“Greenfield Nomination Will Inspire Women Globally” EJS Says, as she Hails Biden Pick for UN Ambassador

Wasting no time to from his government, even as defeated President Donald Trump files tons of lawsuits countering results of the just-ended November elections that saw Biden emerging tops for the popular electoral college votes, news of Biden’s pick of Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield as his next Ambassador of the United Nations is being greeted in Liberia with extreme glee. Ambassador Greenfield who last served as Washington’s top emissary to Liberia, also chaired the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (ELS Foundation) since 2018, paying an invaluable role in guiding its strategy to advance women’s public leadership through supporting the work of the EJS Center. According to Thof America at the United Nations. Speaking about the nomination, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said: “Linda Thams Greenfield is an accomplished diplomat, a tireless advocate for gender equality, a champion of close ties between the United States and Africa, and a personal friend. Her nomination will serve as inspiration for women around the world who aspire to ascend to the highest levels of diplomacy”.

UNDP Donates Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep To Commission On Small Arms

e Analyst newspaper, former President Sirleaf has been overly effusive over the news that President-elect Joe Biden chose Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to represent the government and people of the United States 

In support to the Liberia National Commission on Small (LiNCSA), the United Nations Development Program on November 23, donated one Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep procured under the ECOWAS-EU Small Arms project to the Small Arms Commission as a means of buttressing the Commission’s efforts on arms control and trans-regional crimes in the sub-region. Making the presentation on behalf of the United Nations Development Program to the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), Mr. James P. Monibah, Team Leader on Governance and Public Institutions extended greetings to the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms on behalf of UNDP’s Residence Representative Dr. Pa Lamin. Reaffirming their partnership, Mr. Monibah said the Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep is UNDP’s way of support to the Liberia National Commission Small Arms. UNDP according to Mr. Monibah, has always enjoyed the shared collaboration with LiNCSA and hope to see more of this in the years ahead. Welcoming the team from UNDP, the Coordinator of the Small Arms Commission Mr. A. Blamoh Sieh, elaborated on the ECOWAS-EU Small Arms project, which he said was launched in Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland Counties. Mr. Sieh said the project was aimed at creating and enhancing community awareness on the danger of small arms and other harmful effects in the communities, the Analyst newspaper asserts.

Nyenpan Begins Noble Journey…President Weah Heaps Praises On Him

President George Weah has described fallen Public Works Minister Mobutu Vlah Nyenpan as an important member of his cabinet who will be missed dearly. President Weah who recalled his interactions with Nyenpan with deepest regret for his loss, noting that his previous interactions with him were all characterized by great respect, commitment, integrity, diligent and sincerity.  Mourning the death of Minister Nyenpan, the Liberian leader acknowledged that he (Nyenpan) did all that he could do to justify the confidence reposed in him to serve. Minister Nyenpan who served as Public Works Minister for three years prior to his demise was amongst the president’s first appointed cabinet ministers in 2018. Speaking Wednesday, November 25, 2020, in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building, where the late minister’s body was lying in state, President Weah praised Nyenpan for his tireless work in road connectivity, maintaining that despite he has being referred to as “bad road medicine,” but the late minister was the bad road doctor; “I am the bad road medicine, he was the bad road doctor.” He said in the midst of financial challenges, Min. Nyenpan was committed to making sure that roads were connected and dedications always done on time, The News newspaper asserts.

Diaspora Liberians Amplify Push for “Yes” on Dual Citizenship

In spite of controversy concerning the conduct of the national referendum with the Supreme Court ruling that the National Elections Commission should not go ahead with the printing of ballots for the propositions on hand until separated to have enough awareness about so citizens can best decide how to vote for or against them, Liberians in the diaspora are campaigning that their compatriots here should all vote “Yes” to the Dual Citizenship proposition that is the first among the three congested propositions to be voted for. “We are asking the Liberian people to vote “Yes” to proposition 1 because that will help to bring development to our country, and only Liberians can rebuild Liberia,” Emmanuel S. Wettee, Chairman of All Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship told the Daily Observer on Wednesday, November 25. Wettee in his quest for passage of the Dual Citizenship proposition argues that Liberians fled the country in numbers during the course of the war and have stayed in the United States and other countries around the world for years and gained some status, and they are wishing to return to contribute to the building of their country, The Daily Observer newspaper writes.

China Celebrates FOCAC 20th Anniversary With Focus On Enhancing China, Liberia Relations

The People’s Republic of China (PRC has celebrated the 20th Anniversary Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) In the year 2000, shortly after the adoption of the United Nations  Forum on Millennium Declaration (UNMD), Chines and African Leaders gathered in Beijing to inaugurate FOCAC. Speaking to members of the media through a Video Conference on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Ren Yisheng said this year’s celebration of FOCAC will focus more n enhancing countries including Liberia. Ambassador Yisheng said since then, the family of China and African nations have had its own platform for collective dialogue and mechanism for practical cooperation, ushering in a new chapter in China, African relations. He said over the two decades, FOCAC has established itself as a pacesetter for cooperation with Africa, a champion of multilateralism, and mutually beneficial cooperation “it has grown into a big family where all are equal members bound by brotherly ties and treat each other with respect, regardless of size or strength, says the News newspaper.)

Nigeria Customs Service Student Delegation Concludes Study Visit to LRA Customs

A delegation from the Nigeria Customs Service, Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) comprising of senior students and lecturers recently concluded a week-long study tour in Liberia.

The delegation was in the country as guest of the Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and their visit was aimed at conducting a strategic study tour by students of Senior Course 4 of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College.

According to a release from the LRA, the strategic study tour highlighted the assessment of programs and activities of the LRA Customs Department in “Sustaining Customs Operations under the COVID-19 Environment”, information and experience sharing about customs administration including approach mechanisms relative to customs operations. Speaking during an interactive engagement with members of the Nigeria Customs Service delegation, LRA Commissioner for Customs, Saa Saamoi expressed thanks and appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service, Customs Command and Staff College, for selecting LRA Customs as one of the destinations for its student study tour, the Daily Observer newspaper quotes LRA release.

‘Stand Firm, Protect the Constitution’..Former Liberian diplomat urges AMEU grads, others

The Daily Observer newspaper is reporting that Olunbanke King Akerele, an experienced public official who is known for preaching patriotism in the Liberian political arena, has cautioned graduates of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) to foster Liberia’s agenda by upholding the Liberian Constitution with patriotism void of defending individual or self-interest. The AME University is one of the prominent universities in Liberia setting the pace to convince the public of its readiness to prepare Liberians in solid and quality education. It is so far the first to introduce an e-learning program apart from the traditional classroom lectures and chalk-board writing.  It has gone further to introduce Graduate Programs that put out 54 students along with undergraduate students on November 25, 2020 at its 20^th Commencement Convocation. In total, the AMEU put out 586 graduates, whose excitement could be felt by their marching under the hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war.” In her charge to the graduates and Liberians in general, the outspoken former official who had served Liberia in various ministerial positions including Foreign Affairs and Commerce and Industry, said: “Liberians must stand firm to protect the Constitution because, if not protected, we are nothing.” Speaking on the theme, “What legacy is this generation leaving for the next,”

Liberia: Travelers to Pay US$75 for COVID-19 Test as of Dec. 1

The Government of Liberia has released new COVID-19 testing protocols for travelers intending to depart or arrive in the country, as it steps up efforts to prevent further local transmission of the virus. According to a release from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), as of December 1, 2020, all travelers will be required to pay a fee of US$75 testing fee in order to have their samples taken. All travelers are to download and complete a Health Screening Arrival Form from the Liberia Travel App on either Google Playstore or the Apple Store link to access the form. The guidelines, published by the Ministry of Health, require all “non-exempt” incoming and outgoing travelers to be tested for the disease. These measures also require the “exempt” travelers to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result from an accredited lab within 96 hours of testing. The new drive comes in the wake of the latest uptick of transmission in other countries, otherwise referred to as the “second wave”. The Government of Liberia is taking proactive steps to ensure that the new rate of spread does not affect normal activities as it did during the early stages of the pandemic, the Daily Observer newspaper quotes an Information Ministry release.

Related Caption: Travelers to Pay US$75…AS Gov’t Releases New Covid Testing Protocols (The News).

Amidst Increasing SGBV Cases, BFF Conducts Marital Seminar For Over 400 Liberians, Ivorian Couples

The Better Future Foundation (BFF), in collaboration with Family Federation for World Peace, and with support of pastors and grassroots churches has conducted an Honoring of Marriage & Family Seminar in Saclepea, Nimba County.  Held on the Theme: “RESTORE THE FAMILY, REBUILD THE COMMUNITY & NENEW THE NATION”, the seminar of marriage & family,” as the foundation for community peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. During forum, about seventy couples, including cohabiters including couples (whether legally married or not), widows/widowers with no further intention(s) for another marital relationship and people of all denominations and religious backgrounds were empowered with the necessary spiritual, and life skills to manage “healthy relationship. “BBF President, Augustine Arkor, speaking at the workshop said it was further intended to encourage everyone from various religious, socio-economic and other backgrounds, especially those who are in love or marital relationships, to respect, honor and fully commit to legitimizing their relationships before man and God as eternal husbands & wives,The Analyst newspaper writes.

Related Caption:BFF Conducts Marital Seminar for Over 400 Liberians, Ivorians Couples…Amidst increasing SGBV Cases(Daily Observes)

Liberia, 14 Other African Countries To Pay US$15,000 Bond To Obtain Visiting/Business Visa To US

The outgoing administration of US President Donald Trump has issued a new temporary rule that could require tourist and business travelers from two dozen countries – most in Africa – to pay a bond of as much as US$15,000 to visit the United States. The US State Department on Monday said the temporary final rule, which takes effect December 24 and runs through June 24, targets countries whose nationals have higher rates of overstaying B-2 visas for tourists and B-1 visas for business travelers. According to the document, countries whose tourist and business travelers could be subject to the bond requirement include those from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Mauritania, Eritrea and Sudan. Other countries include Angola, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, as well as The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Liberia, Myanmar (Burma), Papua New Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe. Trump administration said the six-month pilot programme aims to test the feasibility of collecting such bonds and will serve as a diplomatic deterrence to overstaying the visas, Hot Pepper newspaper reports.

Two Mining Companies Issued Pre-Cooperative Permits…In Gbarpolu County

The Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Cooperative Development Agency over the weekend issued Pre-Cooperative Permits to two Mining Cooperatives; the Bopolu Mining Multipurpose Cooperative Society and the Henry Town Mining and Agriculture Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Gbarpolu County. Assistant Mines and Energy Minister for Planning and Development Johnson S. Willabo, Jr., who is the Focal Person of the Liberia Forest Sector Project (LFSP) said Liberia is endowed with immense natural resources with 40% of the upper Guinea Forest which runs from Senegal to Cameroon called Gulf of Guinea, which he said, if properly utilized could bring increased wealth to the country and its people. He said when stakeholders around the world decided to meet and see where they can go and conserve forests, Liberia was one of the countries selected and got a grant from the Norwegian Government through the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). Minister Willabo said the problems of deforestation in the artisanal mining sector have become alarming, noting that there is a need to reduce cutting down of trees, The News newspaper says.