Information Communication Technology (ICT) Is it Important for the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS)
Published: 11 November, 2008
Word that the Liberian Government is faced with an embarrassing situation regarding the Knuckle-gate, (Email scandal) should come as no surprise. In my previous articles, I focused on physical security on Networks and hackers' threat to data security. Sadly, it's just another dubious plaque on the Government's ICT wall of shame.
LTA Envisions Digital Penetration, Connectivity
Published: 04 November, 2008
Telecoms sector regulator, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has announced strategies that will accelerate digital penetration and connectivity in Liberia.
The Quest For Information Technology (IT) Knowledge
Published: 15 July, 2008
The world is taking a new trend and Liberia must strive to be at par with other countries when it comes to Information Technology (IT). IT shouldn't be considered a phobia in which people lumber themselves with an inferiority complex, while looking at others leisurely manipulate a conventional P.C. Computer knowledge is not meant for a cadre of individuals. It is beneficial to all of us at the rate in which the world economy is moving. Most records are no longer kept on paper because keeping them organized is a pedantic work. Information systems softwares help companies, institutions and private entities keep all their vital information in an easily accessible array.
Internet Connectivity: What You Need to Know
Published: 01 July, 2008
The Internet popularly known as the Information superhighway or the World Wide Web is sometimes deemed the eighth continent on earth. This is because it's a place where people congregate and each individual is counted as a branch of this network. Speed, reliability, and access to information, are three factors that help make the internet & World Wide Web a viable and reliable resource for information retrieval. With this being said, accessing this digital proxy system must be as useful to the individual as possible. Hence in selecting the best mode of connectivity, there are a few things that internet users need to consider. In this week's article, we want to let internet users in Liberia know which choice of connection best suits their needs.
Liberia has come a long way when it comes to development and technological advances. During this recuperation process, we have been able to viably enhance our road networks, provide streetlights in certain parts of the country, provide potable water to our citizens, etc.
How to choose a durable solar power system
Published: 03 June, 2008
Today in Liberia, most can agree that of late, our climate's temperature has significantly increased, to the point that one must opt for a bath towel rather than the usual handkerchief, to effectively wipe the sweat off our faces. This new heat wave can be consequentially attributed to the worldwide greenhouse effect which leads to global warming. Solutions to this crisis are still being researched by top scientists in the world. As we said before in our global warming article, we as citizens of this planet have a part to play since we are also directly affected. Though we may not have the requisite technological equipment in Liberia that would enable us to be part of the cadre of these worldwide environmental scientists, we can assist them by diverting to other energy sources. Fossil fuel has systematically become the bane of our existence and there is a dire need for a new source of energy.
Liberians should stop admiring technology; rather we should be capable of putting technology into practice. There are some Liberians who whine about petroleum being too costly, so as a result they can't afford to have lights in their homes and do other works that involved electricity.
Last week, the Daily Observer Science & Technology team embarked on a new and convenient form of technology that has been made available to all Liberians. SMS Banking. This week, we aim at enlightening the public and more especially entrepreneurs, business tycoons, companies and organizations on another new way to carry out business transactions efficiently.
ABOVE RIGHT: Eden C. Reeves, International Bank's IT Manager
SMS Banking in Liberia
Published: 06 May, 2008
MONROVIA, In the world of technology today, Liberia proves to be steadily advancing. Many years ago, Liberians were not as privileged to patronize certain technological amenities as they are now. Some of these include e-mail, internet browsing, cell phone use, GPRS, and SMS banking. On the contrary, as we can notice today, there has been a lot of improvement and availability of these various technologies. People can be found browsing the internet on their cell phones through the GPRS service. Now the new service that has been introduced is SMS Banking.
The Liberian banking sector continues to make significant strides in a bid to put the country at par technologically with other developed nations and in line with the twenty-first century scheme of things.
In the Spirit of the Wright Brothers
Published: 22 April, 2008
Mr. Harry W. Gbusseh, a 31-year old Liberian, born August 19, 1978 to Robert P. Gbusseh and Nohn Gbusseh (both deceased) from Gbeiblin, Nimba County, has a dream. A lecturer of Arts and Crafts at the Ganta United Methodist High School, he has a fervent ambition of becoming an aircraft design engineer.
Sebastian Muah, Managing Director, Socketworks , and Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey, President, UMU
The United Methodist University (UMU) and the international software giant, Socketworks, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Monrovia. The MOU was signed on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the main campus of the UMU on Ashmun Street.
When walking through any part of Liberia, there is a silent killer that some of us are unconsciously falling victims to. I'm sure that a lot of people have noticed that many of the buildings in Liberia are covered with brick-red roofing. Seven out of 10 times the roofing is most likely to be Asbestos.
The Lonestar GPRS Craze!
Published: 01 April, 2008
Media Officer Ms. Wanneh J.L. Gopeya
The topic of the day in the streets of Liberia seems to be the new General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) being provided by Lonestar Telecommunication Company.
IA Glance at Science n Liberia
Published: 25 March, 2008
T. Kudar Jarry, Jr., Chief Chemist, LPRC
This past week, the Daily Observer Science and Technology team decided to take a good look at Science, the laboratory and the grievances student have when they are faced with obstacles that pertain to Science.
Information Technology (IT)
Published: 18 March, 2008
Information technology (IT), as defined, is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.
AMEU: Raising University Standards with Cutting Edge IT
Published: 20 November, 2007
The president of the African Methodist Episcopal University has vowed to make her university second to no other university in Liberia. Dr. Jean Bell Manning, who is no stranger to Liberia nor is she a stranger to the educational sector of Liberia, made this promise during an impromptu assembly of students.
80,000 Commuters Caught in Morning Traffic
Published: 13 November, 2007
Approximately 80,000 commuters are caught in the snail pace traffic every morning since the road reconstruction program began under the aegis of the Ministry of Public Works.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) HIV prevention and blood safety project in Liberia and Sierra Leone concluded a four- day blood safety seminar over the weekend.
Technology and Professionalism at Liberia's Doorstep
Published: 30 October, 2007
An internationally renowned and quality pre-inspection shipment company, SGS is on its way to Liberia in response to calls to standardize the shipment of goods in and out of the country. It is among others short listed by the Liberian Government to do business in the country.
Technological Revolution Evolving in Post Conflict Liberia
Published: 12 June, 2007
Mr. Roland Martin, Managing Director Global Technology
Today, Liberians are taking the initiative to own their private companies when it comes to the technological aspect of development in the country. Moreover, young men and women have developed interest in computer technology. An increasing number of local computer schools including graphic design are being erected and operated by the youth.
Executive Mansion Announces New Website
Published: 07 May, 2007
The Executive Mansion, seat of the Executive Branch of the Government of Liberia, announces a new website designed to bring President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Administration closer to the Liberians and their partners. The website was launched by Mr. Amara M. Konneh, the Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for Public Affairs and Information Technology in the Office of the President.
Liberia is best for ICT Development in Africa
Published: 01 May, 2007
Mr. Vonsee (r) with Matthew Smith (c) and Erich Vielge of the CISCO team
A visiting high level delegation of the American-based information and telecommunications technology firm, CISCO, left the country Thursday with fond optimism about the development of the ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) in Liberia.
Liberia Moves into Tech Age
Published: 01 May, 2007
President Sirleaf unveils the plague at the Center, with Konneh (r) hands clasped photo by C. Jablasone
MONROVIA, May 1,---President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, opening an Information, Communications Center at the University of Liberia last Friday at the close of a weeklong Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policy conference, said “Today Liberia moves into the technological age.”
Buchanan Magistrate Transfers Murder Suspects to Circuit Court
Published: 18 April, 2007
GRAND BASSA COUNTY, April 18,---The Buchanan Magisterial Court has transferred two murder suspects to the Second Judicial Circuit of Grand Bassa County for prosecution.
Can you use your Visa Card in Liberia?
Published: 20 March, 2007
MONROVIA, March 20,---A few weeks ago I dropped in to Monalisa along with a friend to grab a burger and some fries. I was paying therefore I made sure that I had enough money for our meal and extra for soft drinks. Mid way into our meal, another long time friend that I had not seen for ages dropped in and I felt obliged to buy him something. He wanted a beer but I had only enough money left to buy a can of coke. Not that I did not have money, I did not have sufficient cash. I had electronic money. I had a Visa Credit Card with enough credit to buy my friend more then 10 crates of beer if he needed it and a Visa Debit Card with enough “cash” to by half as much. Unfortunately, unlike most parts of the world, I could not use my electronic money at Monalisa. I therefore out of embarrassment, had to give my friend a non-theological excuse that it was the Sabbath and I would not want to corrupt him with alcohol. Of course Monalisa does not take credit or debt cards yet, but they will as soon as they can determine a cost effective way to do so. With the percentage of foreign traffic in Liberia, an establishment as such can increase its sales by at least 20% if they took electronic money as well.
Bill Gates Offers Tech Boost for Liberia
Published: 15 September, 2006
Pres. Sirleaf at Georgia Tech.
MONROVIA, September 15 -- Computer giant Microsoft, owned by billionaire Bill Gates, through its Senior Director for Community Affairs Division, Dr. Akhtar Badshah, has pledged to build ten Community Technology Centers across Liberia to address the IT capacity issue in the country, an Executive Mansion release said Thursday.
During the turn of the last century log transport relied heavily on drifting logs along waterways to awaiting sawmills downstream. This method of transporting heavy logs was the most economically feasible, albeit dangerous, transport medium; to the dismay of log drivers who often succumbed to the drowning after falling in gaps between the logs on which they threaded.
Mobile Oven Used for Roasted Meat Distribution
Published: 12 September, 2006
The sales of roasted meant in the country is becoming more and more convenient for consumers with the introduction of a local mobile roasting technology machine by the Fulani petty traders.
Understanding How the Internet Works
Published: 30 May, 2006
No doubt the Internet has brought tremendous changes to the world and the way we as a people do things. But most noticeable of all the changes brought is the way the Internet has reduced the world which is geographically separated, into a global community. The technologies which leverage the Internet have opened a myriad of opportunities for almost everyone in the world. Emails are used by individuals to communicate with friends and relatives across continents in mere seconds despite the presence of the traditional postal system; business transactions are done over the Internet without face-to-face interaction as is done in the traditional brick and mortar entity; and even political campaigns are being run on the Internet. The benefits the Internet provides are incredible and continue to bring improvements to societies including those that are on the other side of the proverbial digital gap. It is amazing how something that was developed and used by the United States Government and academia only a few years ago for research purposes, has transformed the world and invoked new paradigms to the way we live.
Liberian Refugee Students Drive Home Opportunities
Published: 02 May, 2006
MONROVIA, May 2 --Several Liberians refugee students studying in Canada have organized the Computer For School, Liberia (CSFL) and have shipped 300 computers into the country to provide to Liberian students “skills required to thrive in today's knowledge-based economy”.
The Internet: A Brief History
Published: 21 March, 2006
n 1973, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated a research program to investigate techniques and technologies for interlinking packet or computer networks of various kinds. The objective was to develop communication protocols which would allow networked computers to communicate transparently across multiple, linked packet networks. This was called the Internet-ting project and the system of networks which emerged from the research was known as the "Internet." The system of protocols which was developed over the course of this research effort became known as the TCP/IP Protocol Suite, after the two initial protocols developed: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP).
Traffic Lights Gradually Return To Monrovia
Published: 28 February, 2006
A Pictorial of traffic light on the Bushrod lsland Photo by Jacob Roland
MONROVIA, February 28 --Everywhere in the world there are motor accidents, in both developed and developing countries. Most of these accidents are caused by a number of reasons. Some are caused by bad road conditions, carelessness on the part of drivers or some other reasons that might be difficult to explain. In the wake of these constant occurrences of accidents, governments around the world are putting measures into place to reduce the number of accidents that occur on a daily basis by posting police officers at major places with heavy human flow, designing crosswalks and most effectively, installing traffic lights at major intersections, especially in the cities.
With Alexander B. Gbartea & Jacob Roland Photo by Jacob Roland
PUSH Extends Computer Technology Training To Rural Liberia
Published: 21 February, 2006
MARGIBI COUNTY, February 21 --Despite the frustrating news emanating from the Firestone Plantation Company regarding the drop-out of kids from school to assist their parents in tapping 800 trees per day to meet up with their daily quotas and personal economic needs, the People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH) has established a computer lab on the plantation as part of its project to spread computer technology education services throughout the country.
Alfred W. George Draws Out Plan for Garbage Incinerator
Published: 31 January, 2006
A drawn out view of the garbage incinerator
Story by Alexander B. Gbartea & Jacob Roland Photo by Jacob Roland
MONROVIA, January 31 --Since Daily Observer, Liberia's oldest Independent Newspaper started reporting on the advancement of local Science and Technology in Liberia, it seems that more Liberians are not only getting motivated but are also gaining exposure to display their talents in the area of science and technology. This week, Observer Science and Technology caught up with one Mr. Alfred W. George, a resident of Jacob Town, Paynesville and a Deacon of the E. C. Church on the Somalia Drive. Mr. George, a father of eight children and former employee at the OMEGA Tower, told Observer Science and Technology that he did not enter college, but took a one-year course in Electricity and Electronics before going to OMEGA as an employee.
Dr. Richardson’s GeoServices Inc. Widens Transportation Industry -- Builds Trains Locally
Published: 17 January, 2006
MONROVIA, January 17 -- Despite the nearly fifteen years of civil conflict in the country, which affected almost every sectors of the Liberian society, the population of the country continues to grow. This population growth adversely affects a lot of sectors in the society.
Cement frame freezing unit, a creation of Mr. Steveson Jacob Roland
Liberian Invents Self Freezing System
Published: 10 January, 2006
There is a Liberian parlance that says, “When monkey is jammed, it eats pepper.” This week Observer Science and Technology caught up with a Liberian who invented his own freezing system, which he uses to freeze water and other food stuff for commercial purposes in order to sustain his family and himself. Mr. Sunny Steveson, who prefers to be called the 'father of invention', is a brilliant young Liberian who resides on McDonald Street. This guy is the inventor of a concrete freezer. When asked by Observer Science and Technology on how he started the self invented freezing idea, he said, he did not go to school to learn electronics. “I sat and meditated on it through visual imagination and all of a sudden, I found myself devising such a powerful freezing system.” My family and I have been living on it for the past two months.
Typewriters, Mimeographs Still Used in Monrovia
Published: 28 December, 2005
Mimeograh
Since the invention of computers and other digital printing machines, the use of type writers has become obsolete in the western world and even in other African countries that are advancing in science and technology. But for Liberia, the case is different.
Cathedral High School's Brightest and Best (L-R, Front to back): Musand M. Kromah, Augustus Howard, Jessica Cooper; Alex Mangona, Darran Wayzor, Mohammed Nouredine, Romel Blamo. Photo by Jacob Roland
The civil crisis in Liberia that began nearly 15 years ago and ended about two years ago, left in its wake destruction that is visible in every sector. The conflict did not only impinge on the economic and infrastructural sectors of the society, but the educational sector as well.
Guinea Bissau Turns Swords Into Saucepans
Published: 13 December, 2005
After many years of civil war and military coups, the streets of Guinea-Bissau's cities are littered with burnt-out cars, discarded household effects and even the old abandoned tanks and weapons.
Nat'l Ozone Unit Launches Awareness Campaign
Published: 27 September, 2005
MONROVIA, September 27 – Someone said that the comfort created by science and technology has its attending crashes that result in toils and woes upon mankind.
