Distinguished Service Award
Published: 03 July, 2008
In Longfellow's psalm of life poem, he said, “Learn to labor and to wait.” And sure enough, T. Mennewa Nyan has done just that. As a result of his great labor, he has received an honor that is not so easy to come by. Some leaders do recognize and appreciate the services of those who serve them. Some are so top heavy, they cannot even come near their subordinates. The sooner some of the world's leaders start to show appreciation for those on the lower rung of the ladder, the better the world will be, as it gives hope to the down trodden that some day they too will be lifted up.
Power Why People Clinch onto It?
Published: 01 July, 2008
The word POWER is so powerful and enjoyable to an extent that no one wants to give it up, not even innocent children who do not understand its meaning. People would go to any length and do just about every ugly trick on the books to maintain a grip on it. Some engage in all kinds of political gimmicks even including taking the lives of innocent people who have nothing to do with their games. Most times people point fingers at African leaders accusing them of being power-drunk. Come to think of it, even politicians in the developed world do love the game of power play, but they do it in a more discreet fashion whereas Africans are very crude in their power manipulation.
Parents should never be too busy to spend time with their children, especially during school activities that help to propel the growth of their kids' minds academically. Such activities may appear simple to some parents but to the children they serve as memorable events that should always be cherished by parents who care about the development of their children. On Friday June 27, the Providence Baptist Church Daycare and Kindergarten saw some of our busiest media personnel such as Philip N. Wesseh, among others, spending nearly the entire day participating in a day-long king and queen contest.
African Women in Peacekeeping
Published: 27 June, 2008
The role of women in peacekeeping around the world shows that women are joining their male counterpart in almost every field of study and in a stiff competition for excellence. Years back no one would have imagined a lady in military uniform especially in Africa, but today it is totally a different ball game. African women are not only involved in their respective countries' military, but are now in international peacekeeping initiatives around the globe. They may not be in high numbers as the males but their presence and efforts are highly commendable by all.
Education is so important that one should never waste time in doing everything possible to acquire it. Education is indeed a key to success. Kids are taught so many things they never get to see or feel while in school. It is essential that practical approach should always complement theoretical work in one's search for a holistic education. Most of our schools teach our children materials that they are not familiar with culturally. Since we have not advanced to a point where we can locally produce all of our own textbooks, it is important for us to ensure that we physically expose our kids to some of the materials we teach about.
A true Muslim is noted for keeping the five pillars of the religion. One of such pillars is to pray five times a day. Adherents to the precepts of Islam worldwide are mostly noted for keeping the 'Friday Prayer' or the Friday Sermon so holy to the extent that they always shut down their business entities or activities on Fridays to gather together and observe the Friday Prayer. Not only does the Friday Prayer present one big congregation of Muslims but also at the end of Ramadan Month every Muslim is under obligation to pray after observing fasting for the greater part of the day during Ramadan.
At Three Months What's He Thinking about?
Published: 23 June, 2008
Everyone in this world has got something to think or worry about - be it good or bad. Infants' worry may not be as grave as that of the older folks who have to worry about their upkeep and their daily survival. Be as it may, infants do worry about when mommy will stick the breast in their mouth for that juicy milk to flow down their throats. Another thing the infant in this picture could be thinking or worrying about could be when mummy will put him in a hot bath - something he may not like for now.
Mary Laurene Brown School, A True School of Excellence
Published: 20 June, 2008
Education is the bedrock of any society of substance as it is only through education that great strides of development and advancement can be made. Education becomes meaningful when one develops the interest for advancement where there is a solid foundation from the onset. I have visited a number of schools in the city and around the country and it is unfortunate and shameful that most of them do not even have textbooks, a library let alone talk of a lab - not to mention a computer lab. How can we impact knowledge in our children when they do not see some of the facilities stated above. Yesterday I had the opportunity of visiting the computer lab at Mary Laurene Brown School of Excellence and I was very impressed with the set-up of the lab. It is fully air-conditioned with competent instructors.
Police, It Is Dangerous to Stand before a Moving Vehicle
Published: 19 June, 2008
The police always caution vehicle operators to drive with care. Unfortunately, not all of the vehicle operators drive with care. It is therefore dangerous for the police to stand before a moving motor to effect an arrest as most of the vehicles they attempt to stop are not roadworthy. In the process, many police officers have lost their lives; such vehicles run over them. The law may provide that an operator of a motor vehicle should obey the instructions of the traffic police but engines do fail sometimes. I am therefore cautioning our police officers to be very careful with moving vehicles because their lives are very dear to their families and the state.
SCENES FROM LONE STAR MATCH
Published: 17 June, 2008
The Lone Star Must be Encouraged
Published: 16 June, 2008
Liberians need not give up hope! Lone Star is a team in the making and the right people are around to do the job. While covering the game between Senegal and Liberia yesterday, I heard many comments regarding the performance of our young team. Some of the comments were negative, while others were in the affirmative. However, come what may, our country is developing a good team and Liberians must bear in mind that Rome was not built in a day. Countries like Senegal had been to the World Cup more than once and even when Liberia produced the World best player, King George Weah, we never made it to the World Cup finals.
Most often, a lot of people with dreadlocks are called Rastafarians. They are also associated with controversial issues. But upon seeing this Rasta brother, I was interested, as I wanted to know what Rastafarians' core belief is. He then made me to understand that Rastafarians stand for equal rights, justice and love amongst mankind having in mind one God and one aim. He further made me to understand that not all Rastafarians have dreadlocks and not all dreadlocks are Rastafarians.
For Return of Calm in Harper, Internal Affairs Boss Deserves Commendation
Published: 12 June, 2008
A few days ago, the people of Harper City took the headlines owing to a land dispute between the citizens of Rock town and Watchuken. The dispute resulted in two deaths. Of late, land disputes continue to claim the lives of those who survived the 14-year-old civil strife in our country. Liberians will have to take a cue from other countries that have experienced similar situation and shun violence in order to move this nation forward. I am quite aware that it took the efforts of many people to restore calm but two great sons of Liberia, who deserve commendation in resolving the crisis are Internal Affairs Minister Ambulah B. Johnson and Justice Minister Cllr. Philip A. Z. Banks.
Kids Who Walk Miles to School in the Counties, President Sirleaf feels Your Pain
Published: 11 June, 2008
It is often said that there is no easy road to success. This does not mean that children should endure hardship in acquiring education that is a right and not a privilege. It is a painful exercise for little kids, who should be driven to school in comfort, to walk miles to and from school daily. This kind of hardship only serves as a setback, especially for those who are not determined to learn. This hardship presupposes an uneven distribution of educational opportunities for the vast majority of our school-going kids.
From Repair of Plastic Wares, Man Earns L$30,000.00 Monthly
Published: 09 June, 2008
There is dignity, joy and happiness in self-employment once you are determined to make life in a positive way. There is a big job rush everywhere and especially those that are unskilled for the job market these days. Most of the time people prefer to work for Government for little salaries that cannot sustain them and their families and in the final analysis they are involved in massive corruption and shame and disgrace when they are caught in the act or after it. Liberia is one of the few countries where people go to any length to seek employment that does not earn them a meaningful salary.
An adage which says mothers are so special that no one can easily replace them manifested itself recently when the First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia bestowed the crown of Mother of the Year 2008/09 on Madam Vivian Gborlu Kezeli-Gaye for her 'dedication and commitment' to both the church and humanity. While I sat at the proceedings, I thought of the Daily Observer's Publisher, K.Y. Best's recent speech at a symposium, where he high-lighted women's role when he spoke on the topic, Importance of Media and Civil Society Partnership to Ensure the Enforcement of Human and Women's Rights.
Service in High Places: A Peep into V.P. Boakai's Office
Published: 05 June, 2008
Most often it is not an easy task to perform the function of top personnel of the second highest office in the country, the office of the Vice-President of the Republic of Liberia. To perform such dedicated service requires experience and a good educational background. And one of the most important requirements is confidentiality. And from all indications, the people I meet in that office no doubt are well-equipped and experienced and the staff very organized and efficient. One person in that office that impressed me a lot is the Chief of Protocol that is so eloquent in speaking and very diplomatic in whatever he does.
Family Nursery Center & Kindergarten Observes 17th Gala Anniversary
Published: 04 June, 2008
As is always said school days are the best days in terms of companionship amongst students and faculty members. Yesterday the kids of the Family Nursery spent the entire day having fun with their former students on their Mamba Point school campus, where an elaborate program was held to mark their Gala Day. They sang and danced cultural dances.
James T. Chea Memorial School in Buchanan Making a Difference
Published: 03 June, 2008
The time is 7:15 am and the school bell tolls loud across Sugar Cane Farm in Lower Buchanan on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The school children mostly girls are all gathered for morning devotion. The fresh cool sea breeze moves in with unfamiliar smell from the waterfront from old Fanti Town where women are patiently waiting for the fishermen at sea, as the kids sing with such melodious voices. Some of them, however, look like they are still missing their early morning sleep.
John A. Ballout Jr., A Senator Worth Emulation
Published: 02 June, 2008
At times it is difficult to really determine whether a leader is made or born. All in all, good leadership combines talent and the willingness to acquire new skills. A good leader should not be emotional and temperamental in the discharge of their duties. Hallmark of a good leader include good listening and a calm comportment where everyone is hotheaded. Since the inception of our new political dispension, there has been a lot of political wrangling between some local administrators and some members of the National Legislature as to who wields power in the counties.
Cell phones have become a necessity for many people throughout the world. The ability to keep in touch with family, friends, business associates and access email messages are only a few of the reasons for the increasing importance of cell phones. Today's technically advanced cell phones are capable of not only receiving and making phone calls, but are also handy for storing data, taking pictures, etc. When cell phones were first introduced in Liberia, they were bulky and expensive, and some even required a base unit that had to be transported along with the phone. Good reception was a major problem and in general, early cell phones could only be used in certain locations where the signal was particularly strong.
Buchanan Women Engaged in Boiled Corn Business
Published: 27 May, 2008
The women have always been the backbone of the family in tough times, especially when it comes to feeding in the home. They will go the extra mile to make sure food is put on the table to satisfy the kids. During the civil crisis, the women were the brave ones in search of food to feed their children and the elderly. It is therefore not surprising to see the women of Buchanan engage in every little business to earn an income for the upkeep of their families in the face of mass unemployment in that county. Our women who endured difficult times should never be treated in a manner that is unbefitting of someone who had made tremendous sacrifices for the survival of the family.
Job Rush at ArcelorMittal in Buchanan
Published: 26 May, 2008
The high rate of unemployment in the country is so high to a point that wherever and whenever there is news of a vacant job, people rush wild for it. People are just desperate for employment no matter the type of job on offer. I know there is a global inflation hitting every country but Liberia is worst because our civil conflict has added salt to injury. A little over two weeks ago, I was in the port city of Buchanan to be exact near the premises of ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. There I observed scores of unemployed people hanging around the entrance of this company daily and as early as 6am.
Sea Destroys Afua Nana's House in Buchanan
Published: 23 May, 2008
The sea erosion, as inundation of coastlines by the sea is referred to, as marine transgression, according to the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy Dr. Eugene Shannon. This marine transgression continues to be a yearly nightmare for the people of Buchanan. Hundreds of houses have been destroyed over the years, and the threat of marine transgression continues to haunt innocent people of Buchanan, rendering them homeless.
Some tasks are so tough to perform and at times they just seem impossible to carry out. No matter how difficult, determination and motivation are two key factors that play a significant role in tackling such tasks. Most often than not when you rely on people to help you in carrying out such task, disappointments sometimes await you at your doorstep. Self-confidence and determination are needed to take on certain responsibilities. The main persons you look up to are never there for you and relying on them is just a joke.
Exams, Do They Really Determine the Qualification of Students?
Published: 20 May, 2008
Psychologically, can exams determine or judge whether a student is fit to be promoted to the next class or graduate from school? Some exams are administered under extreme circumstances in which case the student may not be in the right state of mind; this sometimes contributes to failure. On the other hand, a student could engage in the act of cheating and score a very high mark; this student later often cannot measure up to standard. How do we then determine if in fact exams qualify a student?
Ship Builder Discovered in Buchanan
Published: 19 May, 2008
Liberia is a blessed country with so many natural resources and talents yet we allow everything to go to rot. We are blessed with good vegetation yet we complain of lack of food. We are also blessed with multiple talents yet untapped. We need to rediscover ourselves as a country and people to meet the challenges of the new world. Since the founding of our nation, we have not put into motion the necessary mechanism to propel and advance our country in a more technical fashion. We have not invested time and resources in advancing our country in the field of science and technology to help untapped talents that could help reduce our dependency on other nations for everything.
Culture Ambassador Welcomes Cote D'Ivoire into MRU
Published: 16 May, 2008
The signs of peace are written all over the Mano River Basin after years of bloody conflict in the four states of the union. There is nothing better than being at peace with one's neighbor, especially where inter-marriages and cross-border trade are a common phenomenon. A strong regional cooperation is a vital tool for lasting peace in our sub- region. This is why we applaud our President, Madam Sirleaf, as Chairman of the Mano River Union (MRU) and the presidents of Guinea and Sierra Leone for admitting our sister Republic of Cote D'Ivoire into the Union.
Wood Business Booms in Buchanan
Published: 15 May, 2008
The port city of Buchanan once an economic nerve in Grand Bassa County is experiencing serious unemployment setback since the departure of LAMCO after the civil conflict. During the days of LAMCO, many trooped into the county for employment and a better livelihood but today the picture is different. Oriental Timber Company tried to fill the vacuum but the situation has remained the same. Even though the county has always been blessed with investment, the Buchanan Renewable Energy that is now in full operation cannot just replace LAMCO in offering employment to as many Liberians as before.
Someone once told me when you enter the remotest village in Grand Bassa County you can hardly find a decent building, and that the only decent building you would find is a church house. The people of Bassa are devout church-goers. Don't get me wrong; church goers may not necessarily be devout Christians but all in all they do not joke with their church affairs. Most Bassa people will stop at nothing unless they are either elders or pastors in the church.
Ellen at Arcelor Mittal in Buchanan
Published: 12 May, 2008
On Saturday May 10, 2008, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, at the head of a government delegation, paid a day's visit to Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, at the invitation of the AcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. The President and her delegation, which included the Bassa Legislative Caucus, toured the facilities of ArcelorMittal including multi-million-dollar worth of equipment recently shipped to Buchanan by the company. When the President met with the Acting CEO of ArcelorMittal, Mr. Malvinder Singh, and other top executives of the company, she did not hide her feelings about making sure that qualified Liberians are placed in top managerial positions. She said she had seen a lot of improvement in the company's operations and urged them to do more.
I am told most of the disputes in olden-day Africa, especially Liberia, were settled under the 'Palava Hut' by chiefs, elders and other influential citizens in towns and villages. Also under the same hut, these people had to reach some hard decisions for the well-being of their subjects to remain safe. But certain period in our history, power-hungry men, who claimed that they were excluded from the decision-making process, bypassed this process. They further claimed that they were coming under the banner of liberation when they instead unleashed carnage on the peace-loving people of Liberia; thereby destroying a practice we upheld until the madness came in.
News of her arrival in the county (Lofa) had spread like a bush fire. The citizens were enthusiastic about the fact that the visit of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to their county would lead to much needed change in the areas such as social amenities and human services. As the presidential convoy approached the city of Zorzor, hundreds of people, young and old were seen running to line the route, joyfully and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their leader (who was leading the cabinet to Voinjama for a three-day retreat).
It is often said 'practice makes perfect.' This adage came to my mind recently when I was in Saclepea, Nimba County on a reportorial tour of duty. While walking through the center of town, I came across this little boy who, according to his mother, had the habit of tuning the radio whenever it was news time, especially for news from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
There are some animals that are considered domesticated while others are not depending on human affiliation with such animals. Monkeys, for example, to some are considered as pets while to others can be served as a delicacy for a hearty meal. The same goes for dog as a pet to most people while some eat the animal. As meat. However true, most won't admit to the latter. All in all, pets are determined by those who keep them and also the owner's relationship with such animals.
Refugee's Quest for Education
Published: 29 April, 2008
The clarion call by our education authorities for all to attain some standard of education irrespective of one's age or status seems to be claiming the attention of many persons, including the refugees in the country. Despite the recent food crisis which has hit the Ivorian refugee camp near Saclepea in Nimba County, one person, in spite of the difficulty of finding something to masticate as a refugee, remains focused as he searches for support to continue his education. He is Mr. Lagou Oumei Bertin, 52. Bertin, who is at least about two to three feet tall, says prior to crossing into Liberia as a refugee, he was in the 11th grade class where he managed to learn how to operate a computer.
Making Ends Meet: The Mano River of Today
Published: 28 April, 2008
The Mano River we knew yesterday is no longer the one I saw last week when I traveled to that region. The entire concession area, which used to be fully electrified with good housing facilities, healthcare delivery system and good road network comfortable enough for VIPs, has finally deteriorated to a dense forest only comfortable now for wild animals. All of the facilities have been destroyed by the country's civil war. Wanton poverty, giving rise to child labor, is the order of the day in the region. These two ladies are carrying head loads of scrap to be weighed by the buyers for subsequent payment. Their stories are sad and their conditions are deplorable.
Water is considered as the most important on the surface of the earth. Even though most parts of the earth are covered with water yet water is seriously lacking in some parts of the world. One can do without electricity for some time but that cannot be said of water. On a daily basis water is used by everyone either for domestic or industrial use. In the urban areas water is more wildly used than in rural areas where it is mostly used for domestic purposes. The most important aspect of the scarcity of water, especially in Third World countries, is the absence of clean and safe drinking water.
Let’s Subsidize the Farmer
Published: 24 April, 2008
There is a rising public interest in growing and eating locally-grown produce, an exercise that will help Government save millions of dollars on the importation of food. Mr. Clarence Adolphus Moore, a small-scale cash crop farmer, grows cassava, plantain, yams, potatoes and rice on 200 acres of land in Tubmanburg, Bomi County. He says Liberia's declining farming industry needs a big prop-up to ensure self-sufficiency in food production. With about 30 people working with him, he said he started his venture last February, cultivating cassava which is now being harvested.
The wives of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) are apparently busy as their husbands or even more because they are their most trusted kitchen cabinets that put on the final touches to present the VIPs in public. Some of the wives of VIPs are very powerful and influential in making political and crucial decisions. There have been instances where some First Ladies act as presidents in the absence of their husbands. I am quite sure this trust and confidence come about owing to the fact that your second half will find it difficult to betray you.
Ingenious Transportation by Train Track
Published: 22 April, 2008
With gradual return of calm and normality in many parts of the country, one issue that has persisted in the nation's capital Monrovia is the scarcity of commercial vehicles to take commuters and their goods to and from their destinations on time. Another is the rising cost of petroleum making availability of transport even more difficult. Of course, there are many other national concerns including the wave at which armed robbers continuously challenge the security network. (Don't ask me about this because it is no longer news). Over the weekend, I traveled to the much-talked-about historical township of Crozierville, founded in 1865.
A Special Tribute to Fred Deshield
Published: 18 April, 2008
The man Freddie D has momentarily disappeared but he is not dead. No, I know Freddie cannot die cause we have some unfinished business about arts and culture in Liberia. Anyone who knew Fred will agree with me that the man never ran out of ideas when it came to the performing arts in Liberia. He had a lifetime dedication to arts and culture in Liberia. I have known him since the early seventies and I just can't record any point in time when I saw Fred in an angry mood. Freddie never hurt a fly, never a human being. He was a very simple and humble gentleman who bled inside whenever things went wrong.
Joy of Doing What You Know Best
Published: 17 April, 2008
PLACE: KANDEJA
OCCASION: DAILY OBSERVER'S 27TH ANNIVERSARY
There are few moments that stand out tall among tons of events that crowd one's way as one moves ahead with this relatively short life. Some of those moments or events are joyous, while others may be the opposite. But when one finds absolute joy in what one does or knows best, you can see the blissfulness in the facial expression of what he or she does at all times. Some may say happiness is not always present at all events that one knows best. Granted, but on the average, one sees the thrill on the faces of the doers.
Many African-Americans are in the great United States of America giving their God-given talents to the people of that great society. The good thing about the US is everyone is given the opportunity to excel, irrespective of their native background, color or creed. Many African-Americans today are making history in the US in many areas of discipline. America is the great equalizer, it does really matter who you are but what you can do.
Small Arms and Light Weapons Still Threaten our Freedom
Published: 15 April, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her address to the Nation yesterday drastically spoke against the threat of armed robbery in our society and I think it is time for everyone to take a break and have some sober reflection. Since the end of our civil conflict, weapons brought in by various warring parties continue to create insecurity for innocent citizens in our society.
Wilson Doe, 7, Needs Help to School
Published: 14 April, 2008
Over the weekend, I visited Mt. Barclay community on Kakata highway and I really had a nice time interacting with people of that community. Mt. Barclay, just a stone's throw from Monrovia, has a lot of kids, many of whom are of school-going age but their parents cannot afford to shoulder the responsibility of sending them to school. While in Mt. Barclay, I came in contact with many little children and one of them really won my admiration. He is little Wilson Doe, a seven-year old still in kindergarten.
By Thy Sweat Thou Shall Eat Bread
Published: 10 April, 2008
In life nothing comes easy especially things that are of substance that help to glorify one's standard of living. To earn success in life, struggle should be the hallmark or key to one's success in that way life will have more meaning in appreciating its value. In short there has to be a little rain to appreciate the sunshine. In some cases success without struggle is very short lived. Even a new born baby has to struggle to sit, crawl before walking which clearly means that life is divided into stages so to speak. Those who choose to take the shortcut in life must be at the receiving end of its danger. Some examples of those who engage in the shortcut method are the arm robbers and money doublers who sometimes find themselves behind bars for life.
Love of money, they say, accounts for most of societal ills of the world. People with plenty of it do not normally show concern for their downtrodden or poverty-stricken relatives and friends. According to the real definition, from an economic standpoint, money is regarded as something used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment.Having either considered one of the values listed, this little boy, as I was told, is always in the tendency of counting any amount he receives as a gift.
As the good old book the Holy Bible teaches us, we should always be our brother's keeper and for sure there are some who are indeed their brother's keeper. One of such persons is David G. Moore, a resident of New Jersey in the United States of America. There are over 200,000 Liberians living in the US and if just ten percent of them engage in what David Moore is doing for the education of needy children who are no relations of his, there will be a tremendous improvement in our educational standard. Please don't get me wrong; I am not saying Liberians living in America are not helping their people back home.
Deadly Weapons against Humanity: Need to Put an End and Move Forward
Published: 07 April, 2008
It is high time Liberians and all within our territorial boundaries declared war against the common enemies of humankind, be it male or female, against small arms, light weapons, HIV/AIDS, and lately sexual exploitation. It is common knowledge all around Africa that the instability light weapons and small arms have caused the people of the continent is immense. Untold sufferings leading to destruction and mayhem have characterized the so-called independence of Africa owing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. As if that is not enough, the deadly disease HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to destroy the life of humankind, especially those who are not aware of the disease.
Elections in Africa place very expensive burden on candidates who are vying for office. Some invest their earthly earnings to no avail, while others invest little or nothing to get elected. In societies where people are not educated or politically illiterate, candidates spend unnecessarily on the voters to induce them for their votes. There are those who invested heavily in the 2005 elections and are yet to recover from their financial encumbrances. Those who threw their weights behind the candidates that became victorious are today enjoying the 'fruits of their labor' even though not all of them have gained from such ventures.
Importance of Girl Child Education
Published: 03 April, 2008
Years back it was a taboo and unthinkable for anyone to send their girl child to school in the rural area. It was a common belief that conventional schooling was only for boys, even at that it was an uphill battle to send children from rural areas to school in Monrovia. Those who challenged that taboo and allowed missionaries to take their wards for a better education are today amongst the educated few of yesteryears. Today, we are blessed that the United Nations Children's Fund has taken a keen interest in campaigning for the education of the girl child. Educating a girl child removes some of the heavy burdens from poor families around the world as such a child is seen as a bread winner in most Third World countries.
