Liberia: President Weah Submits Fiscal Year 2020/2021 National Budget at US$535.4 Million
Despite the shocks created by COVID-19, Finance Minister Samuel Tweah predicted that this fiscal year’s budget will perform better than the last budget 2019/2020 owing to the measures put in place, and just as 2019/2020 budget year performed better than 2018/2019. Capitol Hill, Monrovia – At long last, President George Weah has submitted the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 national budget to the Legislature in the tone of US$535,452,000. By submitting the budget, which is US$9 million more than the previous budget (US$526 million), the President fulfilled his promised to the Legislature when he requested for additional time to submit the budget by July 15, 2020. He said despite the two recasts made last budget year, the budget ended with a surplus and the total suplus will be known by September this year. With several fiscal policies and reforms, he noted the budget will perform in the succeeding years to come.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 08:03 UTC
Liberia: Three Accidents in Seven Days Leading to Nine Deaths on Monrovia-Ganta Highway
Liberia: Three Accidents in Seven Days Leading to Nine Deaths on Monrovia-Ganta HighwayMonrovia-Ganta Highway – Seven days, three crashes, nine dead. Tuesday, July 14, 2020 was the deadliest, adding six lives to Monriva-Ganta highway’s road toll – now 27 for 2020 alone. According to Kanneh, figures collated on the highway show that most drivers don’t act in compliance with road signs. He said the most prevalent among the factors are negligence and disregard for road traffic regulations on the part of drivers involved in the accidents, particularly overtaking and overspending. “I can’t talk about road accidents and not talk about the danger confronting motorists,” he said.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 08:02 UTC
Liberia: CARI Officer-in-Charge Paulette Findley Debunks Leaked Audio Linking Her To Alleged Plot to Sell The Entity’s Assets
Findley: “CARI has no asset that values my time to conspire to sell. Tokpah, in the audio, disagreed with Findley and recommended to Findley to give him US$200.00 instead of one generator. Celebrating Dr. Nyanquoi Jomah’s suspension from CARI, Findley, in the audio, said her stance on Jomah has instilled fear in some workers of the entity. Tokpah, in his response, said he warned Jomah to be mindful with Findley because of the connections she has with the executive. “I warned Jomah, I warned him, I warned him.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 07:52 UTC
Liberia: Lakpazee Community Residents Aggrieved of Rehabilitation of Road Leading to Rep. Pelham-Youngblood’s Home While Main Community Road Remains Deplorable
The residents’ disappointment comes in the wake of the Ministry of Public Works’ decision to pave the road leading to the fallen lawmaker home in the district. Residents see the rehabilitation of the road leading to the late Munah Pelham’s home as being insensitive to the plights of the district’s residents. Speaking to FrontPageAfrica, the residents blasted government for ignoring the rest of the main routes leading to Matadi and Fiama Communities. The roads are very bad.”Another resident of Fiama, Joseph Kamara, also frowned on the selective construction of the road leading to the fallen lawmaker’s home. “That is being very selfish – to recondition Munah’s house road and leaving all those potholes looking like wells on the main road undone,” Kamara said.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 07:52 UTC
Liberian Fishermen Unite To Oppose The Licensing Of Six Chinese Supertrawlers
Each supertrawler may be capable of catching at least 2,000 tons of fish per year of key, bottom-dwelling species that are important to local fishermen. The country’s maximum sustainable catch of these key species – including by local fishermen – is only 7,136 tons a year, according to fisheries scientists. We slowly see more fish for local fishermen to catch and women to process. These supertrawlers would unfairly compete for the same fish as local fishermen and reverse all of that progress. In earlier decades, local fishermen could not earn a livelihood because of rampant overfishing, but in recent years things have improved.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 07:41 UTC
Central Agricultural Research Institute Refuses to Reinstate Senior Staff, Pay All His Salary
FrontPage Africa/Gerald C. KoinyenehMONROVIA – The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) has refused to reinstate and pay a senior staff of the agency several months of salary and benefits despite a court order for it to do so. A month or so later, CARI wrote the United Bank of Africa (UBA) a letter seen by FrontPage Africa, asking the bank not to pay Jomah until further notice. “Thanks to all well-meaning Liberians as well as international partners through their intervention…” Jomah wrote in a Facebook post. “My driver said ‘Oldma, people are saying since you removed Jomah from CARI, people really afraid of you. Bartholomew Colley wrote to Findley back in April after she did not turn out for a meeting on the matter a month earlier.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 07:41 UTC
Lack of Electricity at G.W. Gibson Hinders Students’ Preparation for Regional WASSCE Exams
Monrovia – Students of G. W. Gibson High School located on the Capitol Bypass in Monrovia are calling on the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to restore electricity to their school campus to enable them prepare for the upcoming regional exams. The G.W Gibson, which is supervised by the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), is one of the largest public schools in Monrovia. The school’s student council president, Alfred T. Nimely, in an interview with journalists, said for the past three years the school has been without electricity. According to Nimely, although the school has science and computer laboratories, these facilities are not functional because of the lack of power. So, we have continued to prevent the students from doing that but now they are going out of patience,” Mr. Kangar said.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 16, 2020 07:41 UTC
Liberia Represents Africa on United Nations Advisory Committee for UN Global Food Systems Summit 2021
New York – The Republic of Liberia has been appointed by the United Nations as a member of the United Nations Advisory Committee for the United Nations Global Food Systems Summit 2021 as one of the two African Countries; along with the Kingdom of Morocco, to represent the Continent of Africa on the Advisory Committee. The appointment of Liberia along with Morocco on June 22, 2020, to represent Africa on the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Food Systems Summit 2021 followed the endorsement of the two Countries by the African Group of fifty-four (54) Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors to the United Nations in June 2020. Ambassador Kemayah then assured the Chair of the Advisory Committee, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohamed, of Liberia’s support for the United Nations Secretary-General and his Reform Agenda; and reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering commitment and support to Madam Mohamed in the discharge of her duties and responsibilities as Chair of the United Nations Advisory Committee for the Global Food Systems Summit 2021, and for the attainment of the terms of reference of the Advisory Committee; and the goals and objectives of the Global Food Systems Summit 2021. The Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations stressed the need for more concrete actions to address food insecurity globally. In the same vein; we wish to reiterate our passionate call on you – Madam Chair and Members of this Advisory Committee; and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General and the entire Secretariat of the Food Systems Summit 2021; for Africa to be given the opportunity to host the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Food Systems Summit 2021; this when done will go a long way in practically demonstrating that this Global Food Systems Summit 2021 is the Peoples’ Summit.”During the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Food Systems Summit 2021, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-Generaland Chair of the Advisory Committee,Her Excellency Madam Amina J. Mohammed made a presentation on the Role and Approach of the Advisory Committee; while Dr. Agnes Kalibata, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Global Food Systems Summit 2021 presented on the overall vision, objectives, and expected outcomes of the Summit scheduled to be held in 2021.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 15:11 UTC
Liberia: Cllr. Arthur Johnson Challenges Nominations of NEC Chairperson and Co-Chairperson Designate; Says Nomination Violates Electoral Law and Constitution
This, he said, violates both the Constitution of Liberia and the electoral law of LiberiaMONROVIA – Renowned lawyer, Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson has asked the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of the chairperson and co-chairperson-designate of the National Election Commission (NEC) who were recently nominated to steer the affairs of the NEC for the next seven years. Johnson argues that the ongoing confirmation hearing is in sharp violation of the spirit and intent of the Elections Law of Liberia as well as the Constitution of Liberia, Articles 53, 54, and 89. Prior to her preferment, Mrs. Davidetta Browne Lansanah was nominated, confirmed, appointed and commissioned co-chairman of the Electoral Body. She was subsequently appointed Acting Chair of the Commission after the Liberian Leader withdrew the nomination of the then Chairman-designate, Nwabudiki.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 08:26 UTC
Liberia: Sen. Milton Teahjay Sues FPA for US$4.7 Million in Damages Denying Receiving Bribe from Cllr. Nwabudike; Admits to Bargaining Confirmation for Jobs
Sen. Teahjay: You and myself we’ve been in that place all these years. Sen. Teahjay: That’s not true. Sen. Teahjay: Karmo you know you’re my man. Karmo: And that’s the name I heard, they say Nwabudike gave you ‘mah’Sen. Teahjay: That’s not true, that’s not true. The publication which the Sinoe County Senator claims is libelous clearly indicated that Sen. Teahjay denied ever receiving money from Cllr.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 08:18 UTC
Liberia: House Speaker Bhofal Chambers Leads Lawmakers in Condemning Firestone’s Decision to Lay off Employees
Speaker Bhofal Chambers told the management of Firestone its decision is not only inhumane but similar to strangulating a helpless person to death, just as in the case of the late George Floyd. Capitol Hill, Monrovia – House Speaker Bhofal Chambers has led members of the House of Representatives in condemning Firestone Liberia’s anticipated action to lay off 374 employees on Liberia’s Independence Day- July 26. The people of Liberia are saying that it is inappropriate to do that now,” the Speaker said in his closing remarks. The decision was based on a motion by Rep. Acarous Gray (District #8, Montserrado County). Several lawmakers including Representatives Edward Karfia of Bong County, Ellen Attoh, Ben Fofana, Ivar Jones all of Margibi, along with Mariamu Fofana and Clarence Massaquoi of Lofa County also condemned the company’s decision.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 08:01 UTC
Liberia: Grand Bassa Officials Sign Bogus Logging Agreement with ‘Serbian’ Company
Gertrude Nyaley, the technical manager of the community forest department of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the government agency that oversees the sector. “This is an interesting development and speaks volumes to the continuous meddling in community forest activities by county authorities. This situation has plagued community forest activities across the country and complicates the work of the FDA.” Nyaley said the FDA would investigate the matter. Communities can sign logging contracts under the CRL but not until they reach a forest management agreement with the FDA. Vambo and Marloi are at the boundary-harmonization stage of a nine-step, legal process for community forest status, according to Nyaley.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 07:41 UTC
Liberia: One Nimba Movement Condemns Government’s Decision to Slash County Social Development Fund, Calls for comprehensive Audit
Of the allocated amount, Nimba County received US$1.55 million, Grand Bassa, US$1.02 million, while Bong got US$527,000, representing their respective SDF shares of 50 percent, 33.3 percent and 16.7 percent. “The Movement expresses great dismay at the comical display by the Government of Liberia in remitting the amount and making it a newsworthy issue. It is also requesting the Nimba County Legislative Caucus and the Government of Liberia to mandate the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a full-scale audit of the operations of the Nimba County Social Development Fund and the County Development Fund covering the period after the last audit to ascertain that the funds were used in keeping with law and procedures. It is during the setting decisions are made to expend the fund garnered from the SDF and County Development Fund (CDF). The group called for the County’s legislative caucus to proceeds with the hosting of the next County Council sitting in a manner and style that will reflect the true and genuine wishes, aspirations and desires of the majority citizens of Nimba County.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 07:30 UTC
‘Liberia Needs Deliverance’ Clergyman Blames Country’s Woes to Killing of President William R. Tolbert, Jr
Tolbert and his officials’ sins, according to the coup’s leader, Master Sargent Samuel Kanyon Doe were misrule of power, corruption and nepotism. The self-professed Prophet Zor says the death of Tolbert, along with other officials was a national tragedy that has brought curse to the land. “This year mark us 40 years going to war and instability, and trouble and lawlessness being so much in Liberia. Responding to why he was meeting with these selected groups, Prophet Zor explained these institutions, through their actions or inactions led to the war and mayhem. “The reason is the killing of President William R. Tolbert, Jr.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 15, 2020 07:30 UTC
Liberia: Mother of Eight Explains Ordeal in Surviving During COVI9-19 Pandemic; Struck By Hunger
Prior to Covid-19, Bone and her children ate two meals a day, but now, it is either one meal a day or none. Both partners appreciated Oxfam for the support adding that the cash transfer is the first to empower women through cash transfer during the pandemic. Shah Liton, Country Director, Oxfam in Liberia said the effect of the pandemic has also largely affected Liberia with an already poor economy. Each project participant received $109.50 United States dollars to their mobile money accounts. Currently, Bone with a smile beaming across her face, displays the text showing receipt of payment on her phone via mobile money.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 14, 2020 22:52 UTC