Liberia: ‘This Has Created Trauma for my Family’: Passport Director Blacklisted by US, Threatens Lawsuit
On Thursday, US State Department of State designated Wonplo and his entire family blacklisted from entering the US. The law also requires the Secretary of State to either publicly or privately designate such officials and their immediate family members. In addition to Mr. Wonplo, I am announcing the public designation of his spouse, Dennice Wonplo, and their minor children. Also uncertain is the fate of Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge Yarmie Quiqui, who presided over the case and dismissed charges against Mr. Wonplo. The US stance on Mr. Wonplo follows a recent wave of concerns over major lapses in Liberia’s judicial system.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 09:35 UTC
Liberia: The Real Facts Surrounding African Union’s Sanctions Over Liberia’s Failure to Pay Dues
By the end of 2008, the Government had succeeded in restoring full membership rights of Liberia in all international organizations. At the meeting, the AU decided to impose sanctions on member states who do not pay 50% of their assessed contributions within six months. Former Liberia AU Ambassador George Patten appealed with the AU for consideration while he tried to lobby with the Liberia government to pay its obligations, which unfortunately did not yield fruits. At the end of the financial year in 2019, only 50% of member states had paid their dues. The sanctions measures is aimed at ensuring that the AU’s 55 member states meet their financial obligations to the Union in time.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 05:03 UTC
Liberia: A Wake-up Call from Uncle Sam – Blacklisting Ex-Passport Director Puts Judicial Branch on Notice
ON THURSDAY, the United States Department of State designated Wonplo and his entire familyblacklisted from entering the US. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, the judicial branch of government turned a blind eye to multiple reports detailing allegations of bribery and corruption in the judicial system. FOR EXAMPLE, the 2019 US State Department Human Rights Report noted that judicial officials and prosecutors appeared subject to pressure, and the outcomes of some trials appeared to be predetermined. In addition to Mr. Wonplo, I am announcing the public designation of his spouse, Dennice Wonplo, and their minor children. This designation reaffirms U.S. commitment to standing with the people and government of Liberia in their fight against corruption.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:52 UTC
Liberia: Pressure Mounts for Implementation of TRC Recommendations As Justice for War and Economic Crimes Takes Center Stage at Int’l Confab
The concerted demand came at a recent international conference sponsored by the European based Global Initiative for Justice (GIJ). Other participants included major stakeholders from the United Nations (UN), and leaders of various international organizations who emphasized the need for justice on the issue of war and economic crimes in Liberia. Under the theme “In pursuit of Justice”, the virtual conference convened by the GIJ in collaboration with the International Justice Group (IJG) was moderated by Morgan State University Professor Welma Redd. The conference comes eleven years since the official submission of the TRC Report and Recommendations of 2009. In the aftermath of the Liberian civil war, scores of Liberian war crimes suspects have been arrested and tried in the United States and Europe but none of such justice measures have taken place in Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:52 UTC
Liberia: Anti-Rape Protesters Lament Snub from Government’s SGBV Conference
Madam Solanke also blamed the situation on the leadership of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia and the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL). So, we knew that it was something deliberate because it’s just impossible for the National Civil Society Council to see someone that is active less important. Taking into consideration a national conference on rape-it was not a conference to call one particular group or stakeholder”. “A national conference is a national conference; it is not a committee, corporation or stakeholder meeting. It is a national conference of a whole nation”.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:41 UTC
Liberia: FPA Boss Donates Laptops, Stationery Supplies, Masks to Press Union After Headquarters Was Burglarized
“I have been a beneficiary of the Press Union of Liberia. When I went to prison, the Press Union stood by us; when we are in trouble, the Press Union come to our aid. It’s important for us to recognize the Press Union when they have problems”. In an interview with reporters shortly after the donation, Mr. Sieh put the cost of the donation at US$1500. Receiving the items, the Vice President of the PUL, Mr. Daniel Nyankonah commended Mr. Sieh for the donation.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:30 UTC
Liberia: Fake University in Nimba Offers Graduate Degree Program in 16 Weeks
The institution is alleged to be offering Bachelor’s degree within 12 weeks and Masters’ degree within 16 weeks of studies. In recent days, there have been reports from Nimba County that a Sierra Leonean was operating what looks like a fake institution of higher learning in the area. “It is surprisingly bewildering that an institution granting degree will do so in 12 and 16 weeks for Barchelor and Master’s degrees respectively,” Rep. Domah complained. Zarwolo, said before graduation, students must complete a minimum of 144 courses approved by the school’s faculty based in Goderick, Sierra Leone. When asked what are some of the courses the institution is offering, he referred FPA to the school’s website.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:28 UTC
Liberia: House of Reps. Demands Plan to Get Young People off the Streets; Summons Youth and Sports Minister
Rep. Gwaikolo said because Liberia is a youthful nation with a large number of young people, it was incumbent upon relevant stakeholders to adequately prepare the youth to take on the mantle of leadership for tomorrow. Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Youth and Sports Minister Zeogar Wilson has been summoned by the House of Representatives to apprise plenary with plans and programs the ministry has put in place to help get young people off the streets. Rep. Gwaikolo said because Liberia is a youthful nation with a large number of young people, it was incumbent upon relevant stakeholders to adequately prepare the youth to take on the mantle of leadership for tomorrow. “This is evidenced by large number of young people idling in the communities without engaging in purposeful activities. Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters at his Capitol building office after session, Rep. Gwaikolo said the spiraling number of disadvantaged youth in every major city and town in Liberia was troubling.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:18 UTC
Liberia: JFK Chief Executive Officer Refutes Claims that Hospital Sends Patients Out to Buy Drugs
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Chief Executive officer of Liberia’s premier medical provider, the John F. Kennedy Medical center, Dr. Jerry F. Brown has denied allegations that the hospital often sends patients out to buy drugs that should have been provided by the hospital. Patients are sent outside for gloves, drugs and lots of things before they are paid attention to. Another observer, Patrick Kollie, added; “Everyone knows that JFK always tells her patients to go outside and buy their drugs. When dedicated, the Medical Center was composed of four institutions: John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital; Maternity Hospital; Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (a paramedical and nursing school); and Catherine Mills Rehabilitation Hospital (a psychiatric care facility). It is also the teaching hospital for the University of Liberia’s A.M. Dogliotti School of Medicine.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 04:07 UTC
Liberia: TARSNOL Alarms Over Increasing Wave Of Accident & Lack Of Electricity Along City Streets
Monrovia – Traffic and Road Safety Network of Liberia(TARSNOL), a media advocacy group has slammed the “alarming wave of fatal motor accidents” which it blames as being responsible for the death and injuries of valuable citizens in Liberia. Therefore, he is calling for the amendment of the vehicle and traffic laws. Mr. Wheon is calling on the Ministry of Transport to work with relevant stakeholders for vehicles roadworthy inspection before preceding with vehicle registration. In the same way TARSNOL informed the government that the supply of electricity along the street is equally important as done at home. “Nowadays, the cities are dark thus eroding night time beautification of the city and posing a serious risk
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 03:56 UTC
Liberia: Montserrado County Superintendent Questions the Independence of Sen. Dillon’s County Development Council
Florence Brandy, Superintendent of Montserrado County speaking at the program marking Montserrado County District#5 official endorsement ceremony for the Senatorial bid of Representative Thomas FallahMonrovia – Florence Brandy, Superintendent of Montserrado County has criticized Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillon for establishing a County Development Council without any official of the county becoming a part. Senator Dillon, following his induction as Montserrado County Senator in 2019 organized what he termed as Montserrado County Development Council which is chaired by Madam Comfort BedellIn January, Senator Dillon presented a check of US$12,000.00 to the County Development Council for development. “You (Senator Dillon) founded the county council without a member of the Montserrado County being a part of it. Right back to your pocket,” Montserrado County Superintendent Brandy Said. So, he does not have oversight.”According to the Montserrado County Superintendent, Senator Dillon has not been supportive when it comes to supporting the development of youths in the county.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 03:56 UTC
Liberia: A Questionable Trajectory
Indeed, mining in general, and unregulated artisanal mining in particular, is foisting environmental degradation and social breakdown upon rural communities. Indeed, with these neglected risks Liberia seems to be at a critical juncture. To be sure, the challenges for Liberia are daunting and considerable, and conflict or a return to extreme political and social tensions appears to be a constant threat. But such policy should not be confused with job-creation schemes or national development because the objective is different. If so, what are the underlying elements of these conditions, and how do we make war or political violence an unacceptable mode of political and economic transaction in Liberia?
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 03:45 UTC
The Endless Battle Against Corruption
Corruption may involve many unwanted vices including bribery, nepotism embezzlement, and some practices such as undue interference into the works of the judiciary by the executive to tilt the balance of the scale. At this particular moment in time, corruption is a pandemic that has literally taken hold of every fabric of the Liberian society. Note that Transparency International’s Corruption Index ranks countries according to their perceived levels of public sector corruption in accordance with expert(s) assessments and opinion surveys. Briberies, patronages, and other vices, including sex for grades are just a short list of the issues that have corrupted Liberia’s education system at all levels. So, in order to win the battle against corruption, we need to ensure that there is a genuine, honorable, and patriotic justice system.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 03:00 UTC
Rural Women Step up Political Participation
The project has the overall objective of increasing inclusive and equitable civic and political participation for women, people living with disabilities and other marginalized groups. Many years ago, women involvement in political leadership, especially for rural women, was not a priority. Women did not push to exercise their right to political participation, but instead supported men into political leadership positions. In order to encourage women participation, it is important to call on men in the counties to serve as ‘drivers’ who support women and their decisions to take on political responsibilities. As main drivers of the women empowerment in the counties, women groups in towns and villages have plenty of potential.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 02:41 UTC
Liberia: US State Department Bans Entry of Passport Director Involved in ‘Significant Corruption’
US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, in a statement Thursday announced the public designation due to Wonplo’s involvement in significant corruption. In addition to Mr. Wonplo, I am announcing the public designation of his spouse, Dennice Wonplo, and their minor children. This designation reaffirms U.S. commitment to standing with the people and government of Liberia in their fight against corruption. In addition to Mr. Wonplo, I am announcing the public designation of his spouse, Dennice Wonplo, and their minor children. The decision by the US State Department deals a major slap in the face of the Liberia justice system often criticized for corruption and bribery.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 10, 2020 16:41 UTC