‘A Threat to National Security’: LTA Warns Liberia’s GSM Companies against Non-Compliant Posture on Additional Surcharge
“The fact remains that we do not have the capacity to pay the surcharge as the industry has not generated that level of income. As we were under the belief that the surcharge was on hold, there were no attempts to pass this on to the customer,” the GSM Companies insisted. The surcharges would place Liberia as one of the most expensive countries for communications across Africa.” – Orange Liberia & Lonestar Cell MTNAre GSM Companies Depriving Government? In a recent analysis by T. Moses Saywah, he noted that despite the crumbling effect COVID-19 is having on businesses and the Liberian economy, GSM Companies in the country continue to flourish in their business. When business is good, that means tens of millions of dollars for both GSM companies.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 15, 2020 16:18 UTC
Liberia: Police in Nimba Accused of Using Excessive Force to Enforce Lockdown; Motorcyclist Left Injured
A local official of Tappita, Nimba County said, speaking on condition of anonymity said the police beat Austin Gbor, a motor cyclist, broke his arm and abandoned him as he cried for help. But Police Spokesperson Moses Carter aid the motorcyclist got injured while running from the police, and the police did not intentionally injured him. Tappita, Nimba County – Reports from Tappita, Nimba County say officers of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberian National police assigned in the area to enforce Government’s lockdown mandate have injured a motorcyclist. But Police Spokesperson, Moses Carter, quoting the Nimba County Police Commander, said the motorcyclist got injured while running from the police, and the police did not intentionally injured him. However, since their deployment in the area, there have been reports of the use of excessive force against the residents.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 15, 2020 14:26 UTC
Liberia: ‘Stop Muzzling the Opposition’, Cummings Tells Ruling CDC-Led Government
ANC Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings (r), COP Acting Chairman, Menipakei Dumoe (l) and some officers of the LNP. “The constitution is regarded as the organic law of the land,” Mr. Cummings added. The police accorded us the opportunity to see Mr. Dumoe and I want to commend them for the opportunity”. Mr. Cummings added that Mr. Dumoe has done nothing illegal, or violated the laws of the country, through his comment posted on Facebook was “ill-advised”. The ANC leader has meanwhile promised to provide the necessary support to lawyers representing the legal interest of Mr. Dumoe in the matter.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 23:26 UTC
Liberia: Churches Reject Resumption of Worship Services in Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic
Monrovia – Three (3) religious denominations in Liberia have rejected President George Manneh Weah’s pronouncement on the recommencement of divine worship services in churches operating in the country beginning this Sunday, May 17, 2020. Previously, the Liberian Chief Executive mandated the closure of all churches, and mosques, among others following the outbreak of Covid-19 in Liberia. In a statement issued under the signature of the Vicar General of the Episcopal Church in Liberia, The Ven. It remains whether or not churches of other denominations or beliefs will follow the decision taken by the Catholic, Bethel and Episcopal churches in Liberia to delay the commencement of regular worship services. Meanwhile, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) is expected to reportedly issue a statement very soon.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 23:14 UTC
Lutheran Church In Liberia To Continue ‘Nonphysical Contact’ Service
By: Bishop D. Jensen Seyenkulo, Presiding BishopIn consultation with the Senior Pastors of the Monrovia District of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, I have come up with a plan for our Church. The ministry of the Lutheran Church in Liberia is in three-fold: Preaching, Teaching and Healing. We will update our church leaders and members on a weekly basis. God bless you; God bless the Lutheran Church in Liberia and God bless our nation, Liberia! D. Jensen SeyenkuloBishop, Lutheran Church in Liberia
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 20:48 UTC
Liberia: Council of Patriot Executive Menipakei Dumoe Ordered Released from Detention
Minister Dean said an investigation by the Joint Security Forces, which includes the examination of materials from Dumoe’s home, is continuing. Monrovia, May 14, 2020: Justice Minister Frank Musah Dean Jr. has ordered the release of opposition politician Menikpakei Dumoe. Dumoe was arrested on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 after a search of his home – which was sanctioned by the courts – for making comments deemed threatening to national security. Minister Dean said an investigation by the Joint Security Forces, which includes the examination of materials from Dumoe’s home, is continuing. Liberia currently faces an existential threat that should claim the attention of all of us.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 17:48 UTC
Liberia: Senate Committee Break Ranks with President Over Reopening of Worship Centers
Senator Peter Coleman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health says wants churches to remain closed, says opening could undermine the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Monrovia – The Senate Committee on health has advised against President George Weah’s call for the resumption of worship services at churches and mosques across the country. Last week, President Weah announced the resumption of services with restriction to 25% of congregation present at one time. “I, and the people of Nimba County disagree on this announcement and want churches remain closed as was previously announced. Foreign travelers are prohibited from entering Liberia and the country’s land borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire remain closed, although transportation of essential goods is exempt.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 14:42 UTC
Liberia: ‘No Free Electricity’; US$20 Coupon for Lockdown
Monrovia – Part of President George Weah’s stimulus Package plan is to provide free electricity for citizens during the lockdown under a declared State of Emergency. However, the company responsible for distribution, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has told a Senate Oversight Committee that it is not capacitated to provide free electricity. The question is, how do they provide free power when their production level cannot meet the demand? The forty-five thousand household is a small percentage of the more than three hundred thousand households in Montserrado County. The question is, how do they provide free power when their production level cannot meet the demand?
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 14:19 UTC
Liberia: President, Citing COVID-19 Pandemic, Wants Mid-Term Senatorial Elections in December
In a communication to the senate the Liberian President said, he has been informed by the National Elections Commission about the impossibilities to conduct the pending mid-term election and referendum on the constitutional date which is the second Tuesday of an election year. As such the NEC has suggested December 15, 2020 as an ideal date to conduct elections and referendum.”Prior to the end of his tenure, Cllr. According to the NEC, the new adjusted date will accord them ample time to conclude the remaining preparatory activities and allow the elections to go ahead in December. The extension also leaves room for the declaration of results, potential election protests and resolution prior to senators being seated by January 2021. “In consideration of all the challenges, I request a joint resolution of the legislature by extending the election date from October to December 2020,” the President said.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 14:06 UTC
Liberia: ArcelorMittal Staff Tests Positive for Coronavirus, 1st Case in Grand Bassa
BUCHANAN ─ ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) informs the public that a member of its workforce in Buchanan has tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID19). The relevant county and national health authorities are closely involved and the County Health Team is overseeing management of the case. ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 18 countries. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 11:26 UTC
‘Just Sam’: A New Yorker With Liberian Roots Heads into American Idol Finals on High Note
Judges Lione Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan have been impressed with Diaz, a front-runner in the long-running American Idol’s 18th season. Diaz says she’s been singing in the subway and on the trains in New York since middle school. Glendy Junius-Reeves, a Liberian living in Virginia who is part of a support group for Samantha “Just Sam” Diaz, says she and thousands of Liberians were driven to Diaz’s story. We tell people about “Just Sam”; share her story; get people to get to know her.”Diaz is currently one of the top 7 contestants of American Idol. Being able to audition for American Idol has truly changed my life.”
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 09:23 UTC
Tolbert’s Vision, Liberia’s Failure: When Will We Get It Right?
President Tolbert laid out workable plans aimed at catapulting the Liberian nation at a height to eradicate ignorance, poverty and disease. Housing, healthcare, agriculture and education were some of the paramount societal interventions that boosted under President Tolbert’s. The most interesting question that comes to my mind is, how could President Tolbert get all of these things (and many more) right within about nine years and nobody seems to have a clue within forty years? I believe if the country had followed the guidance of President Tolbert citizens wouldn’t be faced with this level of confusion and identity crisis. Leaders, just like family have the responsibility to lay out clear and workable plan(s) aimed at lifting their citizens out of poverty.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 01:52 UTC
Liberia: Senator Dillon Alarms Over Delay in Submission of Recast Budget; Stimulus Pact in Limbo
Nearly a month later, that hasn’t happened according to Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon. Due to the delay, the Montserrado County Senator is raising alarm by calling on those responsible to submit the recast budget in a timely manner. “We don’t seem to be exerting our oversight as an institution and as a senator I am concern. I am concern that pretty close to one month not a bag of rice has been given to our people,” said Senator Dillon. “We need time to review the recast budget so that we can do the appropriate appropriation and pass it on time to allow a speedy implementation of our people.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 01:52 UTC
Forum Collaborates with Rescued Kids in Hardship to Aid Liberian Orphanages in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Critical Thinkers (CT), a Facebook Messenger-based forum of Liberians is looking to get involved in identifying with some the most vulnerable Liberian orphanages. With this need in mind, Critical Thinkers (CT), a Facebook Messenger-based forum of Liberians decided to get involved in identifying with some the most vulnerable Liberian orphanages. Critical Thinkers is a select group of Liberians engaged in dialogue, intellectual debates, the sharing of published articles, news clippings, podcasts, videos, and exchanges on current events. We seek to analyze information from all sides of the Liberian political and socio-economic spectrum, be it from the government or the opposition. Critical Thinkers wishes to thank all its members who voluntarily contributed toward this worthy cause.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 01:07 UTC
Liberia: Finance Minister Predicts Negative Economic Growth In 2020, Eyes Support to Vulnerable Citizens
Finance and Economic Planning Minister Samuel Tweah appeared as guest on a live stream panel discussion Monday hosted by the US Institute for Peace (USIP) in partnership with the World Bank Group (WBG). Monrovia – Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah has predicted negative economic growth in Liberia this year, as a result of the deadly Coronavirus outbreak in the post-conflict nation. According to the Liberian Finance Minister, Liberia will continue to experience economic difficulties depending on the Coronavirus response to the nation. But Minister Tweah maintained that a response to the pandemic in Liberia must firstly address the private sector, including petty traders and marketers. According to the Liberian Finance and Development Planning Minister, Coronavirus induced economic weaknesses will aggravate debts across the African continent, adding that, “as Minister of Finance, this is the biggest headache I’m dealing with”.
Source:Front Page Africa
May 14, 2020 00:56 UTC