Liberia: Monrovia’s Residents Decry Hardship, COVID-19 as Reasons to Snub Liberia’s 173rd Independence Day celebration
In the wake of the presidential proclamation, FrontPage Africa’s microphone visited Monrovia and spoke with cross session of residents and asked on what they make of this years’ Independence Day Celebration. Kpehe Blama, Legislative staff: “July 26 celebration this year will not be as compared to the past years. So, there is no cause absolutely to celebrate any Independence Day until 2023.”Mamie Harris, Vendor, Carey Street: “This year’s celebration is very bad. But the debate that we should not celebrate our Independence Day because of the condition cannot hold water. I stand with those in favor of celebration because it is my Independence Day.”
Source:Front Page Africa
July 24, 2020 07:41 UTC
Liberia: Minister Musah Dean and Governor Alloysius Tarlue, Others to Appear before Court to Testify in L$16 billion Trial
Liberia: Minister Musah Dean and Governor Alloysius Tarlue, Others to Appear before Court to Testify in L$16 billion TrialMONROVIA – Criminal Court ‘C’ has issued a writ of subpoena for Justice Minster Frank Musah Dean and three others in connection with the alleged printing of extra L$2 billion banknotes. Judge Yamie Gbeisay’s issued the writ of subpoena demanding the appearance of the top government officials before the court on July 28 to speak to their previous communications that all the banknotes printed by Crane Currency were accounted for by the Central Bank of Liberia. Judge Gbeisay wants the Country Attorney General to surrender the original copy of his January 10, 2020 communications to Crane Currency Acting Commercial Director Peter Brown which led to the dismissal of the criminal indictment against the Swish Company. In a January 10, 2020 communication signed the Minister of Justice, the ministry stated that after an exhaustive review of all information connected with allegations of additional or missing banknotes supplied, it established that every banknote manufactured by Crane was delivered to and accepted by the Central Bank of Liberia. The Presiding Judge’s action is due an application filed by defense lawyer Counselor Abraham Sillah consistent with Chapter 17, Section 17.3 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 24, 2020 07:27 UTC
Liberians Residing in Houston, Texas Identify With Less Fortunate And Vulnerable Citizens In Several Towns And Orphanages
ULAH is the umbrella organization of the Liberian community association in Houston, Texas that protects and seeks the welfare of its members and other communities in need. She disclosed that the initiative is just the beginning of forging a long standing relationship between ULAH and various towns, communities and groups in Liberia. Mr. Karnley used this medium to commend members of ULAH who made contributions towards the rice distribution to orphans and needed families in Liberia. The committee is responsible for humanitarian initiatives intended to improve the living condition of citizens and help move Liberia forward. Thank you very much and may God bless you” the Town Chief of Billy Town stated.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 24, 2020 07:18 UTC
Liberia: Pastor Distributes Gasoline to Commercial Motorcyclists to ‘Attract Souls to Christ’
During the service, Reverend Tailey Wulu Garley, Senior Pastor of the church, told the motorcyclists to “know God for themselves” while carrying out their normal activities. Garley told the motorcyclists that they still have time in their favor, urging them to “repent and turn to God while they are still young”. Garley told the commercial bikers. Speaking to FrontPageAfrica during the distribution of the gasoline to motorcyclists after the one-hour devotion service, Rev. Another motorcyclist, Junior Morris, said for the past one week he has been attending the church service since he heard about the free gasoline.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 24, 2020 07:18 UTC
Liberia: GVL Management Alarms Increase Palm Theft at Concession Areas
Monrovia — Golden Veroleum (Liberia) Inc. (GVL) says some unknown persons residing in communities within its GVL concession areas in Sinoe County are in the “constant habit” of stealing palms from the plantations. GVL Communication Coordinator, Alphonso S. Kofi, said the company has been carrying on community awareness aimed at discouraging the act to enable it maximize production to match its labor and other costs. However, the company has been experiencing palm theft for years from the hands of residents in Butaw area, Sinoe County. The company consequently has issued a warning to persons involved to desist or risk legal action when getting caught. Adding that “GVL is losing millions of dollars to the criminals.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 24, 2020 07:07 UTC
ALJA Brands Teahjay’s Libel Lawsuit Against FPA as a Distraction
ALJA urged the Sinoe lawmaker to immediately withdraw his ill-advised libel suit against FrontPage Africa. In the wake of the publication, Senator Teahjay on July 12, 2020, initiated a legal action against the Paper. The Association says Senator Teahjay willfully admitted to seeking a quid pro quo from Cllr. Nwabudike that would benefit him personally as chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Autonomous Agencies. ALJA says the Senator’s admission was an inadvertent indictment of himself, members of the Senate Standing Committee on Autonomous Agencies, and the Senate’s plenary for engaging in acts that eroded the fundamental intent and purpose of the confirmation hearings.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 24, 2020 07:07 UTC
Liberia: Betting Company Starbet Demands Release of Containers Allegedly Ceased by National Lottery Authority
Monrovia – The management of Starbet, a new sports betting company in Liberia is demanding the immediate release of its terminals ceased by the National Lottery Authority (NLA). The Starbet management said the NLA’s action was in violation of the Act establishing the NLA and warned the authority will be held responsible for any loss the entity will incurred. It continued: “In view of the above, we are kindly requesting the immediate release of our terminals so that we can continue providing services to our customers without further interruptions. We also reserve rights to hold those responsible for any direct or indirect loss of business.”It can be recalled in March, NLA vindicated StarBet over allegation that the company fraudulently and illegally entered the Liberia’s lottery sector. The Inquirer Newspaper in March quoted NLA’s Spokesperson Preston Gayflor as saying the company has gone through all of the legal formalities and has been cleared and licensed by NLA to operate as a legal and legitimate sports betting company in Liberia as required by law.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 09:56 UTC
Liberia: 2018 Incident Involving Lawmakers Shows Flaws in Controversial Amendment to Traffic Law
Dillon testified that the impounded vehicle contained plates used by lawmakers from earlier years, as opposed to the plates used when the lawmaker’s vehicle was stopped. The June 2018 traffic incident also raised a lingering issue involving lawmakers using one plate at the front of their vehicle and no plate at the backend. Some former lawmakers are reportedly also using the old REP plates without the LB inserted in the circle on the left of the plates. While some lawmakers use those plates for staffers, others use in addition to the traditional REP plates. The law also does not say anything about regular commuters who follow exempted officials in traffic in view of traffic officers.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 08:02 UTC
Liberia National Police Raids QNet Head Offices After FPA Report Uncovering Alleged Human Trafficking
Monrovia – Officers of the Liberia National Police on Wednesday, July 22, launched a raid on the head offices of Qnet International in Paynesville City, arresting 11 persons linked to an alleged human trafficking scheme. Based on the FPA report, the Government ordered the arrest of operatives and officials of Qnet International, a Chinese firm operating in the country. “My very self is against human trafficking, so my business is against human trafficking. So, even down to the founder of the company is against human trafficking so they will never support it,” Kollie said. Those who are carrying on human trafficking should be brought to justice, and should bear the full weight of the law,” he added.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:41 UTC
Liberia: Who’s In Charge of the National Legislature?
IN LIBERIA, and most countries in Africa, where democracy is practiced, this is not often the case. TUESDAY’S FRACAS was just in a long-line of bad tidings that continues to shine a negative light on Liberia. NEARLY TWO YEARS AGO, IN June 2018, Rep. Korlubah was involved in a similar tussle over use of illegal license plates. Nearly all of those elected in the national legislature are guilty of breaking the laws. Transport officials, queried by FrontPageAfrica Wednesday explained that members of the legislature are currently are using two license plates because nearly all of them have refused to turn in their old plates.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:29 UTC
Liberia: War Crimes Implications of UK Probe Lingers as Agnes Taylor Returns
Since the case never went to trial, no witnesses or victims ever got to testify against Agnes Taylor. However, the highest UK Court had a slightly different understanding of the kind of authority / control that is required under that particular UK law. Legal experts note that the crimes that Agnes Taylor allegedly committed could qualify as war crimes and crimes against humanity. “Since we came to power, I have never one day called for the War Crimes Court. You the journalists called for War Crimes Court, Liberians are calling for war crimes court, both the victims and perpetrators are calling for war crimes court,” said President Weah.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:29 UTC
President Weah Submits US$54 Million Credit Agreement to Boost Health Sector amid COVID-19 Surge
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – President George Weah has submitted before the Legislature for ratification a US$54 million loan agreement between the Government of Liberia and the International Development Association (IDA) for the improvement of healthcare services in Liberia. It shall be carried out through the Ministry of Health by a project implementation Unit (PIU),” the President wrote. The hospital is one of the largest providers of secondary level health services in the country, but currently functions at “maximum capacity”. Meanwhile, the agreement is submitted at a time the country is grappling with COVID-19 amid concerns about the country’s weak health care system. The Government is hopeful that the loan, when ratified, will be a milestone in strengthening the health sector.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:27 UTC
Liberia: Senate Probes Senator Morris Saytumah over Legislative Staff Salary Cuts
MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate has constituted a three-man committee to investigate Senator Morris Saytumah of Bomi County over claims of staffers salary cuts. During Wednesday’s session, Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie asked Senator Saytumah to turn over to the committee the payroll of the Senate. Senator Morris Saytumah is the Senate committee chairman on ways means and finance. Present in the meeting was the Senate committee chair on executive Senator Saah Joseph. For his part, Senator Morris Saytumah of Bomi County who chairs the Senate committee on ways, means and finance differed with the claims of the Legislature not being harmonized.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:07 UTC
Liberia: Fallah Leads CDC Primary Ahead of Worzie, Sheriff in District 1 Primary
The primary is being conducted on a district by district basis, beginning with District One. Montserrado County District #5 Representative Thomas Fallah is already leading the race following the conduct of District One convention with a total of 559 votes. CDC Spokesman Worzie, Representative Fallah of Electoral District Five, and Montsrrrado County and popular comedian Sheriff are all seeking to capture the most votes after the 17 district primaries. The primary is being conducted on a district by district basis, beginning with District One. The process witnessed a tough debate process in which contestant for the Montsrrrado County outlined various reasons, making then competent for the slot.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:07 UTC
UNICEF Liberia and Gender Ministry Provide “Safe Home” for COVID-19 Infected Parents’ Children
The center came as a result of the joint efforts and cooperation between the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in Liberia and UNICEF Liberia Country Office, and funded by the Andalucia’s Regional Government of SpainMonrovia – Julue-Ta, a new interim safe home for children has been established by the UNICEF Liberia and the Ministry of Gender Children to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children whose parents are admitted to the coronavirus treatment unit. The safe home will serve as an interim care center to provide alternative care services for 30 children. The center came as a result of the joint efforts and cooperation between the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in Liberia and UNICEF Liberia Country Office, and funded by the Andalucia’s Regional Government of Spain. And that is why we have temporary space to separate children from infected parents,” Minister Tarr said. “In the context of Liberia, and building upon the Ebola experience, interim care centers have proved crucial for protecting children separated from their families,” she said.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 23, 2020 07:07 UTC