Liberia's Joint Ownership Of Its Natural Does Not Only Yield High Profits, But Transfers Technology, And Inoculates The Country From Security Threat
It is about time for Liberia to establish joint ownership of its natural resources and lure investors onto labor-intensive economic sectors such as manufacturing industries. Such an approach would not only diversify Liberia's economic activities, but also perhaps extend the life span of our depletable resources and inoculates Liberia from security threat.
Warnings of Security
Threats Undermine National Security & Reconciliation
(Editorial)
Last February, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf accompanied by an array
of government officials and business leaders participated in a well
attended and successful private sector forum on Liberia in Washington,
DC. The main objective of the meeting was to attract investors to
Liberia and the central theme was that Liberia had found peace and
stability after decades of turmoil. For the past two weeks, President
Sirleaf, Vice President Joseph Boakai as well as Minister of Defense
Samukai crisscrossed the US and carried the same message to Liberians
in the Diaspora as well as to potentials investors.
Tension Brews At GSA, Workers
Want Fallah Out, But… Forum
The premises of the General Services Agency (GSA) yesterday became
tense when workers of that entity decided to demonstrate for what
they described as “unjust treatment being meted out to them
by the GSA Deputy Director Richard Fallah.
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Minister
Brownie Samukai
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Minister
Brownie Samukai Discusses Liberia Security Sector Reform in US
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
Jacques Paul Klein, former UN Representative in Liberia summarized it
best, when he said that very diplomatically Minister Samukai had put
his fingers on the delicate but serious problems the security sector
reform was facing in Liberia. The meeting was taking place at the United
States Institute of Peace (USIP), convened by Dr. Dorina Beckoe, of
the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention.
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John S. Morlu II
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Auditor-General
Working on Tight Rope -
Forum
-Can He Fight Corruption?
-As He Wants 2006/2007 Budget Audited
What appears to be a new crusade in the fight against corruption in
Liberia by the newly commissioned Auditor-General of Liberia, John
Morlu, is unfolding amidst challenges and temptations; writes, Josiah
S. Hallie.
TRC
Receives Unprecedented Support on Buduburam As Refugees Turn Out in
Dozens to Give Statements
(A Press Release Issued by TRC)
Buduburam, Ghana: Dozens of Liberian Refugees residing on
the Buduburam Liberian Refugee Camp in the Gomoa District, Central
Region of Ghana, are queuing up at statement taking sites to give
their statements to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Statement Taking Team currently conducting Statement taking pilot
activities on the camp.
The
Financial Autonomy Act is a Sham – Drop the Tax Exempt provision
(By Phil George)
Legislators that support the Financial Autonomy Act in its current
form should be ashamed of themselves for bad leadership. How can legislators
exempt their income from taxation while expecting ordinary citizens
to pay taxes? What kind of message does that send to the ordinary
citizen?
A
Letter From Monrovia – Home, Sweet Home
(By James Thomas-Queh)
I must have left you off in suspense and perplexed on this most delicate
subject- corruption – a great pain in the neck of this government.
Well, I poked my nose once more into two of the most spectacular and
symbolic examples for which this administration would be remembered.
Decentralization
Of State Power In Liberia: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
(
By Abraham James)
The thesis of the author is that there is a need for a comprehensive
Local Government Legislation to decentralize state power in Liberia.
Decentralization is considered here in connection with the transfer
of state power from central to local authority. It relates to the reorganization
of centralized institutions to give greater autonomy to local bodies
throughout Liberia.
Exams ‘Thieves’
Outsmart WAEC -As
Flexibility Fee Bankrolls Criminality - Rorum
According to a famous adage, “never count your eggs until they
are hatched.” If this adage is indeed true, then it became a
reality when scores of senior students from several high schools took
to the streets in great jubilation at the end of the exams without
first of all awaiting the results of the exams thus leaving them caught
with their pants down when it was announced that the exams had been
cancelled due to rampant dishonesty.
WAEC’s
Credibility At Stake -
Rorum
In a quest to build one’s capability in order to cope with unfolding
challenges in contributing to the growth and development of the society
and helping to shape global direction and opinions positively, while
remaining self confident, the only cardinal “key” to unlock
such doors is sound, credible
GEMAP Slips
- Forum
The President of Liberia and an advocate of good governance of over
a decade, Madam Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf has expressed reservation over
the performance of the Governance Economic Management Action Plan
or GEMAP.
Establishing
National Developmental Benchmarks That Will Serve As A Blueprint
(
A Press Release Issued By A Liberian Economist Residing In
The United States)
A Liberian economist residing in the United States is calling on the
government of Liberia and other key decision makers to pass a historical
law that will comprehensively establish national developmental benchmarks
that will serve as a blueprint against which all current and future
national developmental policies will be based to ensure continuity in
Liberia’s national development policy
The Tug on My
Heart
(By: Emmanuel Dolo)
Liberia has been tugging at my heart since I left that country nearly
two decades ago. But lately, I have been thinking about returning
home to Liberia with greater frequency than ever before. These thoughts
have been the mark of a painful search for the complex strands that
have linked me so profoundly to my homeland. I have been thinking
about how the war scattered us all over the world.
Mittal
Steel did the right thing – will Firestone?
(
A Press Release Issued By Global Witness)
Mittal Steel, the world’s largest steel company, has moved one
step closer to living up to its corporate social responsibility pledges
by renegotiating its deeply unfair $900 million iron ore concession
agreement with war-ravaged Liberia.
What’s
Liberia Share Of Its Natural Resources Such As, Iron Ore And Diamond?
Nigeria Holds 57% Stake In Its Oil Industry While Sierra Leone Gets
Only 3% Of Its Diamonds Profits
(
By J. Yanqui Zaza)
The recent news that Liberia is now permitted to mine and export its
diamonds and that the Legislators have approved the Metal Steel agreement
brings mixed feelings. On the one hand, economic activities would
increase, while on the other, most Liberians could suffer more misery.
Predictably, had Liberia increased its share of the revenue and profits
from the sale of its natural resources, multinational corporations
would have had reduced opportunities to increased their profits at
the expense of ordinary Liberians.
The
Role of Education in Shaping the “New Liberia”
(By Adetokunbo K. Borishade)
In 1989, the late Dr. Mary A.B. Sherman reminded us of the dialectical
relationship that exists between education and the society it serves.
This message was the focus of her keynote address at the 21st Annual
Conference of the Liberian Studies Association in 1989. Dr. Sherman
eloquently pointed out the evolutionary and synergistic processes
involved with educating a society: “Education originates from
that society, contributes to changing it and is, in turn, changed
by the society.”
Rejoinder:
Auditor-General Morlu
wants Big Bucks to Curb Corruption
(
By James K.B. Kamara)
Without an audit by ECOWAS and E&Y, would Liberia be prosecuting
Chairman Bryant, former Speaker Edwin Melvin Snowe, and a slue of other
former public servants? The GEMAP formed its foundation in the audit
of the 5 state owned enterprises and Central Bank of Liberia. Could
Liberians have allowed GEMAP without a professional audit of those institutions
to establish the factual basis of gross economic malfeasance on the
part of government functionaries?
A
Letter From Monrovia - Home, Sweet Home (Part
I)
(By James Thomas-Queh)
I never thought on an early return to Monrovia when I departed that
near decimated city on May 6, 1996, aboard the famous “Bulk
Challenge.” And you can not blame me - that was my second desperate
departure into exile - the first being in August 1980. But then again
the nostalgia of home was always present.
Nigeria
Election – Recipe for A Coup D’Etat
(
By Ramses K Nah)
Elections in Africa are already the joke of the world and Nigeria’s
recent elections has validated this notion and emboldened the stagnation
of democracy on the continent. What an utter disgrace to Obasanjo?
What was he thinking?
Auditor-General
Morlu wants Big Bucks to Curb Corruption
(By Ruel Francis Dempster)
The blueprint and budget submitted to the National Legislature by
the newly appointed Auditor-General (AG), John S. Morlu II, is an
effort well deserving of commendation and emulation by other heads
of institutions of Government. The document embodies both vision and
substance.
Linking
Mental Health and Culture: Exploring the Liberian Case
(
By Emmanuel Dolo)
The transition from war to peace represents not only political and economic
shifts. It also reflects a cultural and psychological change in the
lives of Liberians. And in light of the recent shootings at the Virginia
Tech University, it became critical to write this article considering
that in its recovery from war to peace, at least 100, 000 former demobilized
fighters are parading the streets amidst a pool of other war-affected
people.
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G. Baccus Matthews
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Gabriel
Baccus Matthews Rises Again and Utters Empty Words
(By Theodore T. Hodge)
It is the month of April and Gabriel
Baccus Matthews, former chairman of the Progressive Alliance of Liberia,
commonly called PAL, has risen again to bask in national spotlight.
In April, 1979 he called for a peaceful demonstration against the
government of Liberia --- the demonstration was meant to call attention
to the high price of a bag of rice. Things went out of hand and many
demonstrators lost their lives; the event became known as the “rice
riots” and forms a sad chapter in Liberia’s contemporary
history.
The
Ganta Tropical Storm: A Challenge to Liberia’s Environment
(
By Syrulwa Somah)
In March 2007, a severe tropical storm raked and disrupted normal
life for the people of Ganta in Northern Liberia. The storm left scores
of people severely injured, and destroyed close to 200 residential
homes, offices, schools, and a hospital building. Indeed, the people
of Ganta definitely deserve special care and attention for this great
misfortune.
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President Laurent Gbagbo
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Peace Process in Côte d’Ivoire: Laurent Gbagbo Wins it All
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
Laurent Gbagbo, the embattled President of Côte d’Ivoire
emerges as a winner in his five year struggle to end the rebellion
that has divided his country since September 2002, following a failed
military coup. The signing of the March 4 Accord in Ouagadougou led
to the formation of a new government headed by Soro Guillaume, leader
of the rebellious New Forces and once a disciple of Laurent Gbagbo.
The
One Who Pays The Piper Selects The Tone
(
By: Aagon Gweh Linford)
Once again, Liberians are set to witness yet another drama in the new
government of Liberia's first female president Ellen Jonhson-Sirleaf,
as she carries out what is expected to be the first major cabinet re-shuffle.
The
Ministry of Justice Sets Record Straight
- Government has won more cases than it has lost
(A Press Release Issued By The Ministry of Justice)
The Ministry of Justice wishes to make clarification to the general
public regarding its performance in criminal cases that have come before
the courts of Liberia, since the coming to power of the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
administration.
International
Non Governmental Organisations-Agents of Social & Economic change
in post- war Liberia or Agents of ‘Sustainable Dependency”?
- Part 2
(By Jimmy Shilue)
Although the reconstruction process of Liberia has generated significant
‘good way’ from the international community, the stark
reality is the international community does not have defined framework
for reform and reconstruction.
Interpreting
The Liberian Constituion: City Vs Township
(By Alphonso W. Nyenuh)
The purpose of this writing is not to discuss the Snowe Supreme Court
case (which to me has become mute) but to provide the public with
the accurate, logical and legal interpretation of Chapter V, Article
40 of the Constitution of Liberia.
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The
Anticipated Cabinet Reshuffle: What if…
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
Heads will be rolling”, used to say one of President Tubman’s
butlers and a confident who walked the streets of Monrovia, putting
fear in the hearts of government officials by spreading rumors of impeding
cabinet shuffles. Today, life in Monrovia has turned most uncertain
for many in President Sirleaf‘s government since she hinted at
the possibility of reshuffling her one-year old government.
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Gyude Bryant
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The
Question of Immunity and Economic Sabotage--A Test Case
(
By Amos Ziah Koukou)
After 14 years of devastating civil war in Liberia and the signing
of the Accra Peace Agreement that culminated into the establishment
of the Charles Gyude Bryant led transitional government, Liberians
at home and abroad celebrated the dawn of a new day which was supposed
to mark the beginning of the end of not only the war, but also the
beginning of the erection of a foundation for good governance.
GAO:
Restoring Liberia’s Humanity
The General Auditing Commission, or better still, the General Accountability
Office has three critical, but patriotic duties to accomplish in its
quest to ‘remodel’ Liberia and restore the ‘humanity’
of the Liberian people after 14 years of self-inflicted violence—and
by extension, after nearly 160 years of lingering under the politics
of misrule...
Don’t Forget
Computer Wiring in Public Building Design
Now that the country is in the process of a major reconstruction push,
we need not forget that many of those public buildings must be fitted
with wiring for computer networks – it should not be an afterthought.
I’m not underestimating the ingenuity of our folks but if past
and current construction is anything to go by, there seems no comprehensive
enforcement of city planning or building code.
Scott Family Liberia
Fellows Program Description
Liberia is beginning to rebound from 14 years of civil war that killed
over 270,000 people, destroyed basic infrastructure, and left government
systems in ruins. The war finally ended in 2003, and elections in
2005 led to the inauguration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Scott Family Liberia Fellows - Job Description
The Government of Liberia, working in cooperation with John Snow,
Inc, and the Center for Global Development, and through the generosity
of the family of Ed Scott, is seeking approximately 5-6 Fellows to
work in Liberia for one year.
Supreme
Court Justice Johnson, STAY Away From The Bryant Case
(
By Gbe Sneh)
When Bryant was sworn in as the interim Chairman of the NTGL and he
delivered his inaugural speech under the theme, “There Will
Be No Business As Usual.” some, including this writer breathed
a sigh of relief, however be it with skepticism in some quarters.
We placed our scarce resources in this man’s care to lead us
through the transition. Now, look at what he did instead.
In Zimbabwe
a Bishop Stands up to a Dictator
(
By Theodore T. Hodge)
It is always fascinating when a religious leader, frustrated by the
suffering of his flock, decides to stand up --- even at the risk of
losing his own life. This happened last week in Zimbabwe. Archbishop
Pius Ncube of the Southern Belawayo diocese has vowed to participate
in an anti-government protest, even if it means his life.
Electing
a Woman President is not Enough
(By Phil George)
After 14 years of war, Liberians have come to their senses by choosing
the path of peace and democracy in a free and fair election. They
also made history by electing the first woman president on the continent
of Africa. That is something to be proud of, no doubt.
Liberia's
Role In The Explosion Of Freedom And Independence In Africa
(By Abraham James)
On March 6,2007, President John Kuffuor of Ghana hosted world leaders
from around the world to Ghana's jubilee celebration. Fifty years,
ago Ghana became the first of the colonies in Sub-Saharan Africa to
gain independence. The event was a memorable achievement in the struggle
for African independence.
Executive
Mansion's Response to theWorld Association of Newspapers
I write to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 15, 2007
directed to Her Excellency, the President of Liberia, in which you
raised concerns relative to the safety of the Publisher of the Independent
Newspaper, Mr. Sam Dean and the general issues bordering on press
freedom in Liberia.
Does
Liberia Need a Benevolent Dictator: A Response to Mr. Bedell and Others
(
By George P. Gonpu)
Mr. Thomas Bedell’s highly provocative question on whether or
not Liberia needs benevolent dictatorship has drawn interesting responses
from a number of Liberians. He and a few Liberians provide perspectives
that seem to suggest that the attitudes of Liberians and their failures
to be grateful to their leaders
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| President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf |
Don’t
Wait for the President - do Your Jobs and be Creative
(
By Phil George)
When the president has to give directives to remove garbage from the
streets of Monrovia, or to remove squatters or looters from the foot
of the Gabriel Tucker’s bridge, it suggests that some officials
are not doing their jobs.
Peace
Dividends: More Cash For Monrovia Landlords, But No Funds For Children’s
Health, Education, Or Democracy
(By J. Yanqui Zaza)
The idea of using Liberia’s priority funds to pay rent arrears
to domestic creditors (comprising pre-dominantly of Monrovia landlords)
and, subsequently, to waive real estate taxes owed by the same landlords
indicates that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s economic policy
is set on the course to widen the gap between the rich and poor.
Building
Capacity for Reconciliation: Lessons from Lost Opportunities
(By Emmanuel Dolo)
Follow the trail of bloodshed before and during the civil war and
you will find countless acts of ethnic bigotry and governments too
immersed in discrimination, thus too feeble, to make meaningful difference
in the prejudices and inequities that pervaded the society.
New
Accord Signals Peace in Côte d’Ivoire
(
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
In a nationwide address on Friday March 9, 2007, Ivoirian President
Laurent Gbagbo profusely thanked his colleague from Burkina Faso, Blaise
Compaoré for successfully overseeing the latest peace negotiations
between the Ivorian government and rebels of the New Forces who have
been in control of the northern half of the country since September
2002.
Life
in the U.S.A. and Liberia: Some Reflections from a Former Saint Teresa’s
Convent Schoolteacher
(By Evans Duncan)
Well, I woke up this morning and I've been introspecting and I have
been a bit nostalgic. It is strange that I have not been homesick
for nearly a decade, at least not that I remember. Maybe I feel this
way because of my renewed sense of hope for the future of Liberia.
It is difficult to walk through the world on a day-to-day basis without
a sense of hopefulness.
President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and delegation are back in the country
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and delegation are back in the country
following an official visit to a number of European countries including
Spain, Japan and Belgium. The President told reporters upon arrival
Friday at the Roberts International Airport, that Netherlands has
been requested to consider the reconstruction of the Vai Town Bridge.
Open
Letter to Mr. Eric S. Kaba
(
By: Theodore Hodge)
I read your rebuttal to my earlier pieces with some degree of shock.
I know you and respect your right to agree or disagree with my views.
But I think you carelessly chose to express yourself with such trepidation
and angst over an already dead issue, but that’s up to you.
Statement on Government
Anti-Corruption Drive
(
A Statement Issued By The Civil Society Organizations)
In the last months and weeks, the Government of Liberia has proffered
charges against a number of persons for misusing and misapplying public
funds. Those who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law
include former Chairman of the National Transitional Government of
Liberia (NTGL), Charles Gyude Bryant, the former Minister of Finance,
Lusinee Kamara and the former Minister of Commerce, Rev. Samuel Wlue
The
Role of Education in Shaping the “New Liberia”
(By: Adetokunbo K. Borishade)
In 1989, the late Dr. Mary A.B. Sherman reminded us of the dialectical
relationship that exists between education and the society it serves.
This message was the focus of her keynote address at the 21st Annual
Conference of the Liberian Studies Association in 1989.
The
Knuckles Saga Continues
(By: Jonathan J. Williams)
Isn’t it sad that our collective conscientious are being judged
by a few people who choose to deviate from the central problems of
the Knuckles saga only to attack the character of people on either
side of the argument. Yes, it is true that we all have to search within
ourselves to see where we stand on this issue.
DESPICABLE!:
A Response to Mr. Theodore Hodge
(
By: Eric S. Kaba )
I normally do not like to do this but there comes a time when we must
take off our gloves and confront with “bare hands” that
which is not only absurd but despicable as well. This is the case with
Mr. Theodore Hodge’s completely senseless and baseless defense
of Mr. Willis Knuckles disgraceful, odorous and shameful act that was
caught on camera and made public a few weeks ago.
The
Issue Of Mr. Knuckles Is Not Simply A Moral Issue
(A Letter From George Fahnbulleh)
I believe your approach to the issue of Mr. Knuckles as simply a moral
issue is extremely simplistic and naïve. While this episode should
give us, as Liberians the opportunity to examine the historical relationships
between the patriarchal society which has dominated women over the
years, you have chosen to address the morality or immorality of the
this particular situation.
A
response to: The Knuckles Saga: Who defines morality?
(Saa M. McCarthy)
I write to respond to the article (http://www.theperspective.org/articles/2007/0303200701.html) published on The Perspective Website [March 3, 2007] authored by Dr. Francien Chenoweth Dorliae. Titled: The Knuckles Saga: Who defines morality?
CRUCIFY
HIM!!
(
By: S. Jabaru Carlon)
In Liberia today, especially since the past four months or so, it has
been all but good news; in spite of the many good things the Sirleaf
government is arduously trying to achieve. And for some of us connected
with that government, one way or another, it is quite disturbing that
we only hear from the distance the age-old malicious utterance of
Crucify
Him/Her”.
Sensing The Danger
Our new-born democracy in Liberia must be cleaned of all ills - ills
that have cost the country and people untold sufferings over the years.
Ills that have eaten and destroyed the moral, ethical and social values
of Liberia for decades. We can all bear witness to the ills of the
society that caused Liberia to lose its spot on the international
scene.
The
Knuckles Saga: Who defines morality?
(
By Francien Chenoweth Dorliae)
As a female Liberian citizen, I regretfully accepted Mr. Knuckles’
resignation. Unlike, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who I deeply admire,
my regret is not because of holding public officials to “high
moral standards”, rather it is because of my strong opposition
to intermingling government and morality.
The
former President of Switzerland, Mr. Adolf Ogi, Meets With President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
The former President of Switzerland, Mr. Adolf Ogi, has paid a courtesy
call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in
Monrovia.
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Information Minister
Lawrence Bropleh
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The
Perspective Condemns the Unilateral and Illegal Action of the Minister
of Information
Over the years,
The Perspective newsmagazine has been at
the forefront in the fight for social justice and political freedom
to ensure the advent of democracy in Liberia. One of the basic tenets
of democracy is the freedom of speech. In its many forms, the media
represents a clear manifestation of freedom in any nation.
Heroism
by President Sirleaf: A Moment in Our Lifetime
(By: Emmanuel Dolo)
In the aftermath of the Knuckles’ scandal, several questions
have loomed. Did President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf make the right decision
to have delayed her response? Was she right to have noted that she
regretted the decision to accept Mr. Knuckles’ resignation?
Others, particularly Mr. Theodore Hodge have even charged Liberians
who supported the suspension and/or termination of Mr. Knuckles with
overreaction and indifference.
