MONROVIA – The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) says it is deeply troubled by persistent sexual and gender-based violence and attacks on women and girls especially during this COVID-19 crisis when everyone should be practicing social distancing. Sexual and gender-based violence at this time undermines the fight against COVID-19. These onslaughts mostly against women and girls must be stopped. These acts of savagery against women and girls also perpetuate gender inequality in the society. AFELL stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice in the prosecution of the alleged perpetrators.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 21:43 UTC
Monrovia – President George Manneh Weah has donated 300 bags of rice and 700 face masks to the Liberia Football Association (LFA). Making the presentation on Friday, May 29, Youth and Sports Minister Zeogar Wilson said it was the president’s way of identifying with the male and female national teams during the coronavirus pandemic. Receiving the items, LFA Vice President Wilmot Smith thanked the chief patron of sports, while promising that the items will be used for the intended purpose. Smith also lauded the cordiality that exists between the LFA and sports ministry. The LFA will begin the distribution of the items to players on Monday.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 21:42 UTC
MONROVIA – United Bank for Africa (UBA) celebrated Africa Day 2020, by bringing together global leaders at the 2nd UBA Africa Day Conversations, screened live across the continent. UBA helps set the debate around African economic development through its series of “Africa Conversations”. Leaders emphasised the need for meaningful collaboration between governments and the private sector, as a requirement for the quick recovery of the economy of the African continent post Covid-19. “African governments need to accept the support of the Private Sector in alleviating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. The UBA Africa Conversations concluded with the need to act quickly and effectively, highlighting that Africa has lessons to teach the world in containment, but was economically vulnerable.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 21:42 UTC
Monrovia – The Collaboration of Political Parties (CPP) expresses grave disappointment over the decision of the Liberian Senate to investigate Senator Darius Dillion for making comments critical of the Liberian Senate. The CPP acknowledges the bravery of Sen. Dillon to expose bribery in the Senate, which understandably caused embarrassment to Senators, but done in the best national interest of Liberia. The CPP vehemently objects and will oppose any attempt to silence, suspend or remove Dillon from the Senate. The CPP strongly condemns the Senate’s harassment and intimidation of Dillon for doing the right thing. We call on all well-meaning Liberians to stand against this injustice and ensure that Sen. Dillon remains in the Senate to continue fighting for you.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 13:30 UTC
Group of 17 pre-trial detainees released from prison by court order. The LNBA is an umbrella organization responsible for serving and regulating the practice of all legal practitioners. Over the past 2 months, LAC advocacy has triggered the court ordered release of nearly 200 PTDs. Since 2017, LNBA/LAC staff have been advocating for the immediate release of these PTDs with support from USAID’s Legal Professional Development and Anti-Corruption Program (LPAC). Mr. Furnari also praised the LNBA Executive Committee for creating a special COVID-19 Committee led by Dr/Atty.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 11:48 UTC
The Movement Against Violence and Impunity in Africa (MAVIA) is calling on the Supreme Court of Liberia to immediately release rulings into the case, Isaac Jackson versus Government of Liberia. This case is long overdue and stalled the effective running of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom. Jackson took his case to the Supreme Court, there has been no ruling. You know Isaac Jackson represents Liberia at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom. Isaac W. Jackson, embattled Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization and the Government of the Republic of Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 11:37 UTC
President Weah, organizers of the online sports conference, along with Youth and Sports Minister Zoegar Wilson“We are all aware, there have been millions of people who have contracted the disease in the past few months. In addition, many of the world’s largest and most prosperous economies are being shattered by the effects of Covid-19, causing businesses’ failures, massive unemployment, and the reduction of productivity and growth,” President Weah said. He added: “The fact remains that the negative impact even a small downturn in our economies is magnified and aggravated. “Without a doubt, sports have been an important unifying factor in maintaining social cohesion, youth development, and peace in our respective countries. Weah: ‘Without a doubt, sports have been an important unifying factor in maintaining social cohesion, youth development, and peace in our respective countries’.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 31, 2020 06:56 UTC
he Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat urged the authorities in the United States of America to intensify their efforts to ensure the total elimination of all forms of discrimination based on race or ethnic originAddis Ababa – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has strongly condemned the murder of George Floyd that occurred in the United States of America at the hands of law enforcement officers, and wishes to extend his deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Recalling the historic Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) Resolution on Racial Discrimination in the United States of America made by African Heads of State and Government, at the OAU’s First Assembly Meeting held in Cairo, Egypt from 17 to 24 July 1964, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission firmly reaffirms and reiterates the African Union’s rejection of the continuing discriminatory practices against Black citizens of the United States of America. He further urges the authorities in the United States of America to intensify their efforts to ensure the total elimination of all forms of discrimination based on race or ethnic origin.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 29, 2020 09:56 UTC
The observance of this year’s National Unification Day, which had as its Theme: “Reconciling Liberia for the 21st Century: Taking Ownership of National Unification,” was characterized by a live podcast panel and interactive discussion, reflecting on the significance of the National Unification Day. Bartholomew Colley, while concurring with Mrs. Norman, stressed that the promotion of unification in Liberia should be a shared national vision. Can Liberia achieve genuine national unification? How have traditional practices and processes supported national unification over the years; or in what ways have traditional processes not supported national unification? What options should we consider as we look forward to sustainable national unification?
Source:Front Page Africa
May 29, 2020 06:11 UTC
Monrovia – Scores of drivers and commuters plying the Bushrod Island road, outside Monrovia continue to experience severe difficulties and hardship due to the prolong delay of the ongoing rehabilitation works on the road by the Ministry of Public Works. He turned off the engine, disembarked from his blue Almera vehicle and walked few steps away to take a glance of the long traffic ahead of him, leaving his passengers uncomfortable in the already crowded and tight vehicle. He told FrontPage Africa that the situation is a normal routine that commercial drivers encountered. ‘Sitting in Traffic’ the normTraffic congestion, mainly on the Bushrod Island, continues to negatively affect timeliness at various workplaces. Increasing hardshipThe current situation of severe traffic congestion occasioned by the ongoing renovation works and multiple potholes is also imposing economic constraints on commuters.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 28, 2020 22:07 UTC
IN HIS COMPLAINT, Senator Tengbeh claims that Senator Dillon and Cohorts have in recent months embarked on a “smear campaign” aimed at denigrating the Liberian Senate both wholly and individually. The Lofa County Senator alleged that his peer has willfully and intentionally distorted the image of the Senate, causing massive injury to the characters of Senators and the institution. SENATOR TENGBEH SAID: “On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Senator Dillon accused all Senators who affixed their signatures to the Senate resolution containing the COVID-19 recast budget and certain fiscal measures of receiving bribes. SENATOR DILLON is not perfect. SENATOR DILLON is not God.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 28, 2020 21:45 UTC
Senator Tengbeh in his communication claimed that Senator Dillon and Cohorts have in recent months embarked on a “smear campaign” aimed at denigrating the Liberian Senate both wholly and individually. The Lofa County Senator alleged that his peer has willfully and intentionally distorted the image of the Senate, causing massive injury to the characters of Senators and the institution. Said Tengbeh: “The constant invectives rained by Senator Dillon on the Liberian Senate are abhorrent and prohibitive. Since entering the Senate Mr. Dillon has used his presence to shine light on numerous misdeeds in the Senate and became the first elected official in recent memory to make public the salaries of the members of the legislative branch. Mr. Dillon has been a vocal voice in numerous confirmation hearings, asking serious questions to nominees for appointed positions.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 28, 2020 20:15 UTC
In cancelling the bid, the minister argued: “Our farmers need equipment and tools suited for Liberia; for our farms and crops. ADB to Minister: ‘New Procurement Will Delay’The African Development Bank which is one of the funders of the project disagreed. On Monday April 27, Minister Cooper, sent an email to Bob Fassah of the ADB. Slamming ‘Half-Baked Truths’Three months into her reign at the MOA, Minister Cooper is no doubt facing some serious challenges. For the immediate future, the agriculture minister is racing against time to fulfill many of the deliverables she set out to accomplish for a sector which has been lagging behind for decades.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 28, 2020 19:01 UTC
MARGIBI COUNTY – Communities in Margibi and Bong Counties, represented by Green Advocates International (GAI) and three of its local partners, filed a complaint with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), against the operations of the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Margibi County (Liberia). CAO is the independent watchdog and accountability mechanism for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), of the World Bank Group. How could the Assessment team be bias in favor of the affected communities? We understand that during lockdown your operations and revenues are suffering, but we are convinced that it is within the financial capabilities of the Socfin group to pay full salaries to their employees during the Covid-19 outbreak.”Historically, the Salala Rubber Corporation in Liberia (SRC) was established by a merger in July 2007 between a standalone rubber processing factory called Weala Rubber Company and a standalone rubber plantation formerly called Salala Rubber Corporation. The plantation was setup in 1959 by the Weala Rubber Company and was acquired by the Socfin Group in 2007, after the civil war in Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 28, 2020 18:45 UTC
Saryee said the donation is just the first of several other that will be carried out by the organization. Therefore, we are appealing to our parents not to doubt but to follow all the measures,’’ The Voice chief stated. In response, the Chairman of Kamara Town, Chief Momo Ballah, lauded the group for the kind gesture, stressing that it is the first group ever to reach out to them since the outbreak of the disease in the country. Like Chief Ballah, several other residents of both towns, thanked the group for what they described as a laudable initiative. So, the one these people did, I am so satisfied,” noted Mary Clarke, a resident of Kamara Town.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 28, 2020 18:33 UTC