Standards in Liberian schools have been lowering for many decades now but they have, no doubt, worsened in these post-war times. There have been countless complaints from tertiary institutions and other quarters about poor performances of high school graduates bearing genuine credentials.
County Funds Are for Opportunity not Menace
Published: 03 July, 2008
There have been so many squabbles among county legislative caucuses, local authorities and officials at the Ministry of Internal Affairs over development funds that the money loses its value in terms of development. In some counties invectives are publicly hurled among officials, while in other instances suspicions over 'unaccounted for sums' have dampened confidence between the local people and the local administrations.
Last week, following more than half a year of inquiry, the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), through the Ministry of Finance, turned over, in part, government records on public spending needed by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to audit the current administration's past two years in office.
Donor Commitments: Timing Delivery Is Paramount
Published: 01 July, 2008
Liberia's Poverty Reduction Forum held in Berlin, Germany, over the weekend scored a 'success', judging by the new commitments our partners have made, well near US$300 million. This should be tremendous amount of money for settling the war-torn nation back on its recovery course.
Message to Sharm El Sheik
Published: 30 June, 2008
Yesterday, Robert Mugabe, the octogenarian president of Zimbabwe, celebrated just another controversial electoral victory over his suppressed opposition and this would see him continue, without any dent, as the country's leader for another term of office.
Locked in the 'Old Liberia': Meeting Time and Beating Deadlines
Published: 27 June, 2008
For obvious reasons, most people have often referred to the current administration under Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as a 'responsible government'. Firstly, the head of the administration has had vast national and international experiences and brought on board individuals of impeccable international records, satisfying a long-term public ire against mediocrity in Liberia's public bureaucracy.
Taking the Consequences of our Actions
Published: 26 June, 2008
In a criminal investigation, it is prohibited for a matter to be discussed in the press for fear that whatever is said could be prejudicial to the parties involved. However, in the ongoing investigation regarding the mass killing of about 14 persons and their bodies dumped in the Farmington River, several arrests have been made and those arrested, held on suspicion of murder, have already been arraigned before the courts.
Today the Big Talk on everyone's lip centers round poverty reduction. There is a dire need for environmental improvement, inclusive growth and increasing the level of cooperation and integration. This simply means that new dwellers from the rural areas that come into the city and begin to live in established, organized and orderly communities should try to follow the norms of that area; build in accordance with those norms and existing codes so that standards are maintained.
On CBL Functions: Things That Matter
Published: 24 June, 2008
Last week the House of Representatives agreed to amend a certain portion of the 1999 Act which established the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), mainly the Bank's 'sole right' to remain the financial institution that was mandated to print and issue banknotes and mint coins in the country.
The Census and What They Indicate
Published: 23 June, 2008
Population Census recently released indicates that while Liberia's population has not grown considerably, it shows where the population density is and what should be done, development-wise to promote growth and progress.
'Back-to-the-soil' Must be Practical
Published: 20 June, 2008
Over the last few months the hype in the local media, just as in the international, has been the rising cost of grain and oil. Liberia which imports nearly 70 percent of the food consumed here is out to tackle the global food crisis with a 'back-to-the-soil' program launched yesterday.
Aid, A Good Relations Builder
Published: 19 June, 2008
At the end of World War II, the United States government launched its program of technical assistance to such countries as India, Iran, and Liberia. The aid project was aimed at providing technological skills, knowledge, and equipment to poor countries throughout the world. It also encouraged the flow of investment capital to these countries. The project received its name from the fourth point of a program set forth in President Harry Truman's 1949 inaugural address. Technical assistance, mainly in agriculture, public health and education, was provided through contracts with U.S. business and educational organizations. Organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank were created to help develop the program.
Shaping Africa's Opposition
Published: 18 June, 2008
Africans and modern African states have grappled with the concept of governance, but it is actually democratization of their societies that has posed a grave challenge. This week selected countries from around the continent are having their opposition parties attend a seminar in Abuja on government and opposition relations.
Giving Mugabe a Carte Blanche
Published: 17 June, 2008
Non-interference into the internal affairs of another African country has always been accepted as vital commandment worth keeping for peace and harmony sake among African Governments.
Rendering Unto Our Children
Published: 16 June, 2008
Coincidentally, the celebration of Father's Day, a day universally set aside to honor all fathers, came just day before the observance of the “Day of the African Child.” This day is set aside for governments, families and institutions to rededicate themselves to commitments made to all children. In short, let us render unto our children the things they deserve that will, in the future, make Liberia a better place. This does not mean we should play around with the children of others, while ours seem to go free, because someone else may be playing around with yours.
Deal Severely with Margibi Massacre Perpetrators
Published: 13 June, 2008
The psyche of violence, brute and savagery that marred the civil war in Liberia seems to linger in some parts of the country. A lot of the people are yet hesitant to seek redress before the courts or through other available legal means inherent in the country's justice system and are becoming law unto themselves.
Meeting the Educational Goals
Published: 12 June, 2008
Two things have overwhelmed the Government since its three years in power the population explosion and the almost insurmountable quest for learning. There is a puzzling population growth wherever one turns in the country with an obviously high presence of infant population.
Averting an Imminent Calamity
Published: 11 June, 2008
There is a strong indication in a new atlas published by the United Nations recently that the environmental landscape of Africa is rapidly changing. There are evidences of 'disappearing glaciers in Uganda and vanishing lake in Mali'.
Restore Moral Decency to Our School System
Published: 10 June, 2008
Over the weekend, Education Minister Dr. Joseph Korto issued a statement in which some startling revelations were made about the looming moral decadence in our school system.
Who Will Step into Sayeh's Shoes?
Published: 09 June, 2008
As the first post-war Government enters the end of the first half period of its administration, foremost in its mind today ought to be an assessment of its role in the last three years to determine whether the Liberian people are better off today than they were three years ago and what can be done towards economic and social enhancement.
Fundraising Rally a Challenge to Market Women
Published: 06 June, 2008
Former Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Li Songtian, who became popular here during his tour of duty owing to his benevolence, had often stated: “We Chinese believe in teaching people how to fish and not to give people fish all the time.”
Let the Rule of Law Prevail
Published: 05 June, 2008
Government needs to become more vigorous and dynamic in putting into effect safety regulations, enforcing zoning laws and guarding against fire hazards. The practice of driving sellers off the streets and the sidewalks and then the next day using a blind eye at violators until they make a full comeback may be quite costly nationally, some day.
Saving Maryland from Tribal Explosion
Published: 04 June, 2008
Following May 8, 2008 dawn raid on Watchuken in Pleebo/Sodorken District by men from Rock Town in Harper District, tension had been nearly tangible in the Pleebo-Harper axis in Maryland. Although the people from Watchuken who lost two of their men in that attack had not threatened reprisal, they have continuously requested justice in the 'unprovoked' attack by Rock Town.
MYS, LNP Must Take the Blame
Published: 03 June, 2008
Sunday will remain a sad story for the families of at least eight persons who were trampled to death at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium during the joint World Cup and African Nations Cup 2008 qualifiers. These were young soccer fans of their national team who had gone to join thousand others in cheering the team only to end up meeting an unexpected and sudden death. Their death could easily have been avoided if the organization of the match was handled cautiously.
Beware of this Double-edged Attempt
Published: 02 June, 2008
We are all aware of the story in the Bible concerning the prostitute who was taken to Jesus for him to condemn her. The public was always testing Jesus' wisdom and moral authority; therefore there were mischief-makers who always found some way to put him to a test. It was clear that the woman was a violator and that the public felt that no other punishment but death could have been meted out to her. But when the crowd went to Jesus, he sized them up and began to “write on the ground.” This is the only indication in the Bible that Jesus could write.
The public is taken aback by a Petition submitted to the House by a spurious group calling themselves the 'Unconstitutional Dissolved Armed Forces of Liberia'. This group, comprising some former Armed Forces personnel, is calling for the impeachment of the President for allegedly dissolving the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Monrovia: Needing a Security that Guarantees
Published: 28 May, 2008
Inhabitants of the Township of Logan Town were awed Monday morning by the death of Bishop John Alfred Quao, head of the Salvation Church of God, whose religious goodwill was reportedly exploited by his assailants to take away his life.
Zimbabwe: Undermining Africa's Liberation
Published: 27 May, 2008
Sunday, May 25 was African Liberation Day. In yesteryears, there would have been speeches about self-determination for the African people and condemnation of the European colonialists for subjecting the continent to direct foreign rule and a rip-off of its resources.
Dying for a Change Concept
Published: 26 May, 2008
A young Zimbabwean activist met his death recently, one of 43 to die in that country since the undetermined March elections. He was Tonderai Ndira, a young man who was possessed with the new concept of change in that country. In order to achieve his political objectives he was an active participant in a so-called Residents Association mobilizing folks and campaigning for simple things like better streets, more rubbish collections, healthy water supplies - things that concern folks in every developing African country.
For a long time, Liberian businesspersons have been haunted by the stigma of acquiring loans and then defaulting on re-payment. More than anything else in the past, this was a key reason why Liberian entrepreneurs could not access loans from banks and financial institutions. Defaulting on loans by a countless number of businesspersons eroded the trust of potential creditors in Liberian entrepreneurs.
Of Bureaucratic Layers and Weak Law Enforcement
Published: 22 May, 2008
While in Cape Mount this week attending a Cabinet retreat, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf announced a plan to create yet another commission, this time a Land Commission to investigate disputes arising from claims over land around the country.
The Physically Impaired Are Rejected
Published: 21 May, 2008
No one knows how many girls would remain disadvantaged by 2011, when President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's term of office runs out. No doubt, the woman who viewed her election in 2005 as 'shattering the glass ceiling' has continued to press to turn things around for girls in our society who are regarded as 'disadvantaged'.
Too Much Strain in Transport Fares
Published: 20 May, 2008
Over the last few weeks, as the transport industry experienced the double-barrel of increase in the price of petroleum products and the police enforcement of the regulation of a single passenger in the front seat, the industry quickly slipped into confusion.
Making Cabinet Retreats Tangible
Published: 19 May, 2008
This morning, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her Cabinet are in the beach resort town of Robertsport in Grand Cape Mount County on yet another leg of the Government's rotational cabinet retreat.
Last weekend, as President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited the port city of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County to assess work in progress at ArcelorMittal and Buchanan Renewable Energies (BRE), she found a side attraction of making a short visit to areas that are being affected by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean.
Summit Must Translate into Concrete Actions
Published: 15 May, 2008
Peace and security in the Mano River Basin remains fragile and elusive. Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Ivory Coast have all experienced periods of violence which witnessed armed insurrections launched from Ivory Coast to Liberia in 1989; Liberia to Sierra Leone in 1991; and Liberia to Ivory Coast in 2003. This was a circle of violence that ruined trust and confidence amongst these neighboring states whose economies have been left battered and the people impoverished.
Unification Is 'to Provide and to Protect'
Published: 13 May, 2008
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Liberians will celebrate National Unification Day for at least the 48th time. In its 1959/1960 sessions, the National Legislature under the administration of William V. S. Tubman passed an act declaring May 14 each year a National Unification Day.
Be Proactive in Performing Your Duties
Published: 12 May, 2008
Last Saturday the so-called Zoning Committee on Enforcement undertook another 'robust demolition exercise' of breaking down all marked structures erected in violation of the Zoning Laws in the country.
Land and Citizenship Issue
Published: 09 May, 2008
Yesterday it was learned that the Governance Commission was debating the land issue, particularly the constitutional aspect of it that stipulates non-blacks cannot own real property in this country.
Several generations of Liberians must have been puzzled, enthralled, perplexed and bemused by the acquittal of the charge of treason of former army officers Charles Julu and Andrew Dorbor by a Monrovia court last week.
Once again, the Senate was yesterday drawn into their usual corruption charges that have marred proceedings in the Upper House since the resumption of business last January.
Public Safety, Like Healthcare, Gives Longevity
Published: 06 May, 2008
Yesterday, Monrovians woke up to a public transport regulation, not new though, yet re-instituted after 19 years of flouting; it requires only one passenger in the front seat of a taxi cab.
Setting the Record Straight
Published: 05 May, 2008
Last week, former Chief Justice Emmanuel Gbalazeh in an interview on Judicial Reforms 'blamed' the Peoples' Redemption Council, (PRC), for blocking judicial reforms at the time when he headed the Judicial Branch of the Government.
Needless Brawl for GSM Operators and LTA
Published: 02 May, 2008
This week, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) estimated that about 735,000 Liberians and residents in the country are users of mobile phones. It claimed the source of data is the GSM service providers themselves but the companies have publicly denied ever giving out such information.
Making Tax Cuts Inefficient
Published: 01 May, 2008
In the last few months of soaring global prices of oil and grain with most developing states facing food and economic crisis, the authorities here have jostled to keep the local market stable and protected from the ripples of the global market confusion.
Setting Up Food Production Task Force
Published: 30 April, 2008
"We must make every effort to support … farmers so that in the coming year we do not see even more severe food shortages." These are the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who is now chairing a Task Force to tackle the global food crisis.
Monrovia's Sanitation Crisis May Bounce Back
Published: 29 April, 2008
There are certainly not many heaps of refuse in Monrovia and its outlaying parts as the situation had been a couple of months ago. Then garbage was left to pile at street corners and rot releasing offensive smell, which brought not just discomfort to passers-by and community residents but was a means of attracting ailment.
If this government thinks it is serious about primary education being a right to every Liberian child, then it needs to make sure that that policy is rigorously pursued in all parts of the country.
Start Rolling Back Malaria in Your Communities
Published: 25 April, 2008
Today, April 25, 2008, is World Malaria Day. The day will be characterized and celebrated with global news headlines reminding the world that 40 percent of the world's population are afflicted by this disease, translating to nearly half a billion people of our world. The disease is also on record as killing about a million people around the world, annually.
Probe Public Corporations' Past for Economic Crime
Published: 24 April, 2008
The Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), with its own set of hitches, has covered most of the country in public hearings that donors had thought would have been too elaborate for an under-resourced country as Liberia to hold.
The Ban Isn't Paramount Now
Published: 23 April, 2008
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who flew to Liberia on a four-nation African tour, said he was in the country to monitor progress being made here. Mr. Ban has been carrying a simple message from Accra to Monrovia and would certainly do the same in Ouagadougou and Abidjan, a message that African nations should not roll back their respective gains, be it in development as in Accra and Ouagadougou or peace and security as in Monrovia and Abidjan.
Collective Security Is Priceless
Published: 22 April, 2008
Reports over the weekend that communities in Monrovia and outlaying parts had formed task forces to coordinate activities of community watch teams under the supervision of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) appear to be one of respite for victims and non-victims of armed robbers.
African Leaders, Where Are You?
Published: 21 April, 2008
When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he hid himself from God as the Good Lord was taking his usual stroll in the Garden. Puzzled about the whereabouts of Adam, God asked: “Adam, where art thou?” Adam replied, “Here am I, Lord; I knew you were coming so I hid myself.”
Soldiers' Welfare Is National Security Priority
Published: 18 April, 2008
The army is meant only for loyal and patriotic citizens who sign up to offer their lives in repelling attacks on the state and to protect both the state and the lives of both citizens and non-citizens residing in it. At all times the army must remain an attractive service to the most patriotic and loyal of the citizenry.
Costly Ignorance; We're Losing Our Roads
Published: 17 April, 2008
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has reported that it has encountered problems with rural residents who are usually collecting laterite and gravel from roads and highways, exposing the surfaces of newly-rehabilitated roads to erosion during the rains. In a press briefing yesterday, the Mission disclosed that most of those engaged in the act are some unscrupulous residents and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Short-term Solution to Food Crisis
Published: 16 April, 2008
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Heeding the President's Admonition
Published: 15 April, 2008
The President has read the riot act to the armed robbers who have recently renewed with vigor their dangerous nocturnal prowling. Stern measures will be enforced by the police and where they prove ineffective, she has warned of even drastic and 'unpopular' actions to curb the menace which has become a block in the wheels of national progress.
Making the Best with What Is at Hand
Published: 14 April, 2008
There is a compelling need for sober reflections on this day. It is 29 years since the famous rice riot tore the social and political fabric of our nation asunder. Since that time we have gone through a social and political crucible. We hope and pray constantly that we as a nation and people are able to look at situations more objectively and with a positive view.
We Must Prove Worthy to Be Aided
Published: 10 April, 2008
In these post-war times, Liberians have shown high expectations for the return of their country to normality. Such high fervor backed the spurring national debate on why United States President George Bush did not commit hundreds of millions of dollars to the country but offered one million textbooks on visit to the country in February.
Let's Look Before We Leap
Published: 09 April, 2008
Yesterday, students of Kendeja High School, who had to give up their school building last month to make way for a four-star hotel, became enraged by what they regard as a show of insensitivity by Government to their educational pursuit.
Working to Achieve Architectural Harmony
Published: 07 April, 2008
The Liberia Chamber of Architects is a professional group in the country which, like any other specialized set, seeks at all times to make a difference as achievers in its specialized field, to protect its role in the society and to take advantage of the opportunities in its way.
Embracing Zoellick’s ‘New Deal’ on Hunger
Published: 04 April, 2008
This week, World Bank President Robert Zoellick advanced a ‘new deal’ to members of the international community to fight poverty and hunger in Third World countries in the wake of rising prices of food and energy.
No Rip-off in Global Trend
Published: 03 April, 2008
The squeeze in rising prices from the global market is being felt so heavily in Third World countries that there have been pockets of demonstrations on the high prices of basic goods and services in Senegal, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast this week.
Beware of Vicious Circle of Crimes
Published: 02 April, 2008
Recently, the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Buchanan Grand Bassa County was compelled to dismiss six cases of several accused, including an alleged rapist. Judge Benedict Holt, Sr. took the decision after the state prosecutor filed a motion of 'nulle prosequoi' for the accused who were indicted since May 2006 and by March 2008 they had not had their cases tried.
The Farming Path of Revitalization
Published: 31 March, 2008
There appears to be a depressing outlook on the horizon regarding food production world-wide. In recent times most rice growing countries in Asia and other parts of the world are cutting down on exports in order to reserve their production due to the shortfall.
Lifting Nationalism through Football
Published: 28 March, 2008
On Wednesday evening, thousands of football lovers were highly elated after they had gotten news that the national football team, the Lone Star, had triumphed over the Sudanese national side in Omdurman, Sudan.
End Sacrificing Justice for Politics
Published: 27 March, 2008
The Unity Party (UP) Government came to power with a banner that there would be 'hard decisions' with the objective of helping to restore values that had been broken by years of political upheaval and civil war.
Weed Out the Corruptible
Published: 26 March, 2008
While on their way from accompanying the President to a Cabinet retreat in Voinjama last week, two officers of the Presidential guard services, the Special Security Service (SSS), were caught at the weekend with bags of marijuana on their vehicle.
