'Substance Week' at Legislature:
Published: 04 July, 2008
MONROVIA, This week at the National Legislature was one classified as “Substance Week” wherein several crucial national matters were discussed in the full view and hearing of the public.
Woods Honored in Las Vegas
Published: 04 July, 2008
Samuel Kofi Woods
USA, Liberia's Minister of Labor Samuel Kofi Woods says the Government of Liberia is committed to a dignified and humanized labor environment in the post-war West African nation.
MONROVIA, Weekend's comments by former United People's Party (UPP) presidential hopeful now member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Milton Teahjay, have drawn reactions from the National Elections Commission (NEC), the True Whig Party (TWP) and a stalwart of the ruling Unity Party (UP).
President Sirleaf holds talks with Egpytian First Lady Susan Mubarak
Zimbabwe Runoff not Credible
Published: 03 July, 2008
EGYPT, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on the African Union (AU) to pronounce the June 27 presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe as not credible and declare the results unacceptable, if the Union is to maintain its credibility.
Direct County Dev. Funds to LACE
Published: 01 July, 2008
Rep. George Mulbah
MONROVIA, A member of Bong County Legislative Caucus has called for the transfer of county development funds to the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) for transparent implementation of community projects across the country.
Cllr. Barbu: ‘I’m grateful to BWI, it made what I am’
MONROVIA, “Several multimillion-dollar companies, including Liberian-American Mining Company (LAMCO) and Bong Mining Company (BMC) massively exploited Liberia's resources without the necessary benefits to its citizens.”
Maritime Seeks Jobs for Seamen
Published: 30 June, 2008
Senator Joyce Musu Freeman Sumo
Montserrado County Senior Senator Joyce Musu Freeman Sumo has disclosed that the Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Edward Beyan Kessely, is presently scouting for jobs for Liberian seafarers in the Americas, Europe and the Far East.
Rep. Dunah Disassociates Himself from Nimba Fund
Published: 30 June, 2008
Rep. Dunah: 'I was not part of those that took 10%
NIMBA COUNTY, Nimba County Electoral District #3 Representative, Worlie Saywah Dunah, has disassociated himself from reports linking him with the county's lawmakers' alleged decision to take 10% out of the county's development fund.
We'll Take Maritime World by Storm
Published: 30 June, 2008
BMA Commissioner Binyah Kesselly
MONROVIA, “We are eager to step up in the maritime world and take it by storm, understanding fully well that at the Bureau of Maritime Affairs (BMA), we plan and we execute.”
To Defeat UP in Next Presidential Race:
Published: 30 June, 2008
Cllr. Charles W. Brumskine, LP and Amb. George Weah, CDC
MONROVIA, Soccer legend George Weah's Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has resolved to form a coalition with constitutional lawyer Charles Brumskine's Liberty Party (LP) ahead of the 2011 general and presidential elections.
Cllr. Augustine Toe/JPC, President Pro-tempore Isaac Nyenabo At press conference and Speaker Tyler
Lull in Legislative Works
Published: 27 June, 2008
MONROVIA, There appears to be a lull in work at the National Legislature, as most of the time is spent behind closed doors while the public anxiously await the passage of the appropriation bill as the fiscal year draws to a close.
US Congressional Team to Train Lawmakers
Published: 27 June, 2008
MONROVIA, A visiting United States Congressional team is expected to hold a special session with the House of Representatives (HOR) on Monday during which members of the Lower House will be given training in selected thematic areas on legislative proceedings.
GAC Receives GOL Bank Statements
Published: 27 June, 2008
Auditor General John Morlu II
MONROVIA, The Ministry of Finance (MOF) yesterday turned over to the General Auditing Commission (GAC) documents representing government transaction covering the fiscal period of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 but Auditor General John Morlu is quoted as expressing 'dissatisfaction and disappointment' over the Ministry's late cooperation.
CDC, LP Could Have Led Chaotic Government
Published: 26 June, 2008
Labor Minister Kofi Woods II
MONROVIA, A former human rights advocate, now politician, has said that both the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Liberty Party (LP) could have led a chaotic government had either of them been elected to the helm of power in the 2005 elections.
'Do Away With Past Mistakes'
Published: 26 June, 2008
VP Boakai: 'Avoid past mistakes'
MONROVIA, Vice-President Joseph Boakai has called on members of the Cooperatives Development Agency (CDA) to do away with mistakes of the past and remain resolute in improving the status of farmers.
Late Budget Review to Further Delay
Published: 26 June, 2008
MONROVIA, With barely three days to the end of the 2007/2008 fiscal year, the National Legislature only announced last night that a Joint Legislative Budget Group would begin a review of the 2008/2009 draft budget it (Legislature) had received a fortnight ago and appealed to the public to bear with the delay.
Nimbaians Concerned about County Funds
Published: 25 June, 2008
Cllr. Gbeisay: 'Nimba lawmakers' decision is wrong and inconceivable’
The people of Nimba County have expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which their lawmakers are reportedly requesting for 10% of the county's development funds.
CSOs Urge Senate to Suspend Senator Kaine
Published: 25 June, 2008
Jarwlee Tweh Geegbe
In the wake of the Margibi massacre, the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Liberia have urged the Liberian Senate to suspend Senator Roland Kaine of Margibi County.
Gov't Updated Response to Global Price Hike
Published: 25 June, 2008
MONROVIA, The Government of Liberia wishes to provide the public with the following update on its ongoing response to the Global Commodity Price increases.
President Sirleaf and other heads of state at ECOWAS Summit
Support Women in Elections in Africa
Published: 25 June, 2008
ABUJA, NIGERIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on leaders in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support women candidates in upcoming elections in a number of member countries of the Community. If exercised successfully, the President noted, the measure will help to promote women empowerment in the region.
House Wrestles over Foreign Travel Selection
Published: 25 June, 2008
MONROVIA, The House of Representatives (HOR) of the Liberian Legislature was yesterday embroiled in a heated debate over appropriation of foreign travel which should be available to every member of that august assembly.
Gbarpolu Senator Slams Alarmists
Published: 24 June, 2008
The Senior Senator of Gbarpolu County who is also Assistant Secretary-General of the ruling Unity Party (UP) has dismissed an assertion from opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and Liberty Party (LP) that Government lacks the ability to deal with the current crime rate in the country.
Let Grassroots Farmers Participate in PRS
Published: 23 June, 2008
Rep. Gbenimah Slopadoe
Grand Kru County Representative Gbenimah Slopadoe has called on the Government to incorporate grassroots farmers in the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) by creating an avenue of making grants available to them to enhance their meaningful participation.
Henry Fahnbulleh, new Sec. Gen. of UP and Cleameceau Urey, elected new Vice Chairman of UP
UP Elects Executive Corps
Published: 23 June, 2008
MONROVIA, The ruling Unity Party said it had elected Clemenceau Urey and Henry B. Fahnbulleh as First Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General respectively to replace partisans that had earlier resigned to take up posts in the Government.
Bill to Reduce CBL Powers Sparks Debates
Published: 23 June, 2008
CBL Governor Mills Jones
MONROVIA, A major Constitutional debate is in the offing as members of the Lower House of the National Legislature have passed a bill restricting major functions of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to legislative approvals. The bill, which seeks to reduce the sole and sensitive powers of the CBL to issue banknotes and mint coins, was passed into law by members of the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 13, 2008.
ABUJA, NIGERIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 34th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which meets in the Nigerian Federal capital, today.
(L-r) Dr. Sayeh, Messrs. Nyanin and Gutman at the signing ceremony
World Bank Unloads US$10M Here
Published: 23 June, 2008
MONROVIA, Barely a few days after the Government of Liberia launched the 'Back-to-the-soil' sensitization campaign in Paynesville, the World Bank has provided US$10 million grant to boost food production in Liberia.
ABOVE: Senator Gloria Scott and President Pro-tempore Isaac Nyenabo
BELOW: Senator Roland Kaine and Senator Lahai Lansana
Sober Reflection at Legislature
Published: 20 June, 2008
MONROVIA, This week in retrospect at the National Legislature saw strange behaviors among lawmakers, their cronies and special aids following the silencing of two Representatives for one month and the jailing of another one for alleged conspiracy in a murder trial. At least the usual flamboyance and 'arrogant pride' were reduced while those hooked on prison doors continued to jitter, wondering when it could be and who is next. It was also a period of recollecting and attempting to regain or mend broken fences, particularly in the Senate.
Ellen Family Threatens Media House with Law Suit
Published: 20 June, 2008
Mr. Karnley
MONROVIA, A member of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf family from the Gola Clan in Grand Cape Mount County has told reporters that the family is in consultation with other family members as well as their legal counsel to institute legal action against a media house that recently reported that the President was in a state of poor health that she could not manage the affairs of the Nation.
MONROVIA, “You people have all the opportunity, all the monies, riding big, big cars. But, do you have any farms in your counties? I know that no representative or senator has a farm in the county he/she is coming from. Do you have farms in your counties?”
We Need Roadmap to Union of Africa
Published: 19 June, 2008
COTONOU, BENIN, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says Liberia is in agreement with the principles of a union of Africa. She has, however, stressed the need for the continent to develop a roadmap which will lead to the formation of such a union.
Nimba Wants County Dev. Funds Apportioned by Population
Published: 17 June, 2008
The citizens of Nimba County have suggested that county development fund included in the national budget should be apportioned to counties based on population and not the one-sum-to-all basis as had been distributed in the past two budgets.
MONROVIA, The Chairman of the Margibi County Caucus of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament, Liberia Chapter, Rep. Samuel Sulonvayaoo Bengo has called on the government to 'speedily bring to book' those involved in the massacre of over sixteen youths in Margibi County, recently.
In the Fight against Criminals:
Published: 17 June, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has challenged neighborhood watch teams to help her Government in the fight against increasing criminal activities in the city and its environs.
Former U.S. Pres. George Bush, Herman J. Cohen, Former Pres. Charles Taylor and Former Pres. Samuel K. Doe
US Wanted Taylor in Power, Not Doe
Published: 16 June, 2008
MINNESOTA, USA, Former United States under Secretary for African Affairs, Herman J. Cohen said America wanted Charles Taylor, erstwhile leader of the disbanded armed rebel group, National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) to take power following the evacuation of President Samuel K. Doe.
ABOVE: Senator Jewel Howard Taylor and Rep. Edwin Snowe BELOW: Senator Roland Kaine at LNP Headquarters
Black Week at the Legislature
Published: 13 June, 2008
MONROVIA, This week at the Legislature was bleak with two members of the House of Representatives walking out of chambers with heads bowed after receiving one month suspension each without pay and a senator shoved in police cell for violations of the law that allegedly led to the death of a dozen plus persons in Margibi county over land dispute.
MONROVIA, Following the House's Judicial Committee's finding into the bribery allegation, Representatives Edwin Snowe of Montserrado and Samuel Bondo of Bong county were suspended for one month each for their role in the bribery scandal that engulfed the Lower House in the aftermath of the removal of Rep. Edwin Snowe as Speaker of the august assembly of the 52nd House of Representatives (HOR).
Minister Sayeh and Amb. Booth signing the Agreement Photo by George D. Kennedy
US Cancels Liberia’s US$394M Bilateral Debt
Published: 13 June, 2008
MONROVIA, The Government of Liberia has signed a bilateral agreement with the United States leading to debt waiver for Liberia to the tune of nearly US$400 million.
Rhoda Weeks Brown, Miata Beysolow, Willimae Tolbert King and CBL Governor Mills Jones
3 Women Mentioned for Finance Minister; CBL Governor, Too
Published: 13 June, 2008
MONROVIA, The Liberian public seems to have been energized by the Daily Observer's investigative series on who might be the nation's next Finance Minister.
A Monrovia-based local non-governmental organization (NGO), the Restoration of Educational Advancement Programs (REAP), in collaboration with Pointman Leadership Institute (PLI), has commenced a series of training workshops or seminars for various sectors of society on diverse topics.
Increase Teachers' Salary to US$150
Published: 12 June, 2008
Speaker Alex Tyler
MONROVIA, A coalition of civil society organizations has petitioned the House of Representatives (HOR) of the Liberian Legislature to increase the minimum salary of public school teachers to US$150.00.
MONROVIA, The controversy surrounding ongoing audit being conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) of government ministries and agencies continued yesterday with the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) contending that it is cooperating with the GAC.
Maryland County Senior Senator John A. Ballout has said that the ruling Unity Party (UP) must follow the good example of Students with Active Purpose Organization (SWAPO).
ABOVE: Prof. Wilson Tarpeh and John S. Morlu, II BELOW: Eugene Peabody and Augustine Ngafuan
Search Continues for New Finance Minister
Published: 11 June, 2008
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf returned to the country on Monday night, following a two-week foreign visit, but at home, she is faced with finding a replacement for her Finance Minister who takes up a post at the International Monetary Fund by July 7.
MONROVIA, Two thousand and five Presidential candidate, Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, has congratulated Senator Barack Obama of the United States of America for winning the Democratic Party primaries which determined the Party's Pre-Convention Presidential Candidate.
Lawmakers Schooled in Budgetary Appropriation
Published: 09 June, 2008
BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY, Members of the House of Representatives (HOR) of the 52nd Legislature were taken through basic principles and theories underpinning national budgetary appropriation at a three-day retreat held in the port city of Buchanan over the weekend.
ABOVE: Mr. Harry Greaves and Mr. Richard Tolbert BELOW: Mr. Francis A. Dennis, Jr. and Mr. Milton A. Weeks
Who Becomes New Finance Minister?
Published: 09 June, 2008
MONROVIA, One of the major challenges facing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf upon her return from her recent travel is the appointment of a new Finance Minister to replace the outgoing Minister, Dr. Antoinette Sayeh.
Greaves Reacts to Finance Minister Rumor
Published: 06 June, 2008
LPRC Managing Director, Harry Greaves
Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) Managing Director, Harry Greaves, has reacted to rumors that he could become Liberia's next Finance Minister.
EARS-Masses officials pose with residents of Caldwell Township
Local Pro-democracy Group Launches Campaign
Published: 05 June, 2008
A local pro-democracy organization, Effective Activity for the Restoration of Stability for the Masses (EARS-for the Masses), has embarked on a six-month seven-county campaign aimed at strengthening relations between the locals and members of the National Legislature.
RIA, INCHR Bills before Senate
Published: 05 June, 2008
MONROVIA,The Executive Branch has submitted two bills to the Liberian Senate to grant the Roberts International Airport (RIA) and the Liberia Independent National Human Commission (INCHR) autonomous status.
MONROVIA, Authorities of the Liberian National Police have denied allegation circulating in the media that some police officers were involved in accepting bribe at the SKD Sports Complex that caused over-crowdedness last Sunday resulting in the death of 10 football fans.
BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY, Slightly following in line with the Executive Branch of government, the House of Representatives (HOR) of the 52nd National Legislature will today hold another legislative retreat in the port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, to deliberate on myriad issues before the august assembly.
