Liberia: Gender Ministry’s Exempt During COVID-19 Lockdown, Increases Sex & Domestic Violence, Says Child Rights Activist
Monrovia – Liberian child rights activist, Satta Fatumata Sheriff has frowned on the decision by the George Weah—led government to close the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and declare it as non-essential during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. “No one should be allowed to live in constant fear of being abused or assaulted at home due the government inability to acknowledge that domestic violence is an essential issue during COVID-19. The government cannot just close the Ministry and pretend as if, a silent domestic violence war isn’t happening in thousands of homes across Liberia. “People are going to need counseling, emotional and psychosocial support, therefore the Government must create a National SGBV Response System to meet survivors needs and to also encourage people to seek help when they experience domestic violence. Now is the time for the Ministry of Gender to step-up and find new ways to approach sexual abuse during this lockdown.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 22:18 UTC
LIBERIA: WAJA Boss Steps Down from Presidential Committee Probing Violence against Journalists
In a statement Sunday, Mr. Quaqua says his decision stems from the lack of activity since the committee was established. The Government constituted the committee after receiving a petition from the Press Union of Liberia, amid street protest by journalists on 12 March 2020. Essentially, after giving what I thought was sufficient notice in my April 1st statement, there has been no tangible action to proceed with the investigation. Mr. Quaqua has not hidden his disagreement over the appointment of a presidential advisor, former Information Minister Laurence Bropleh as head of the committee. Essentially, after giving what I thought was sufficient notice in my April 1st statement, there has been no tangible action to proceed with the investigation.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 21:22 UTC
Liberia: Making Sense of Dillon’s receipt of “Operational Fund”
But barely before the dawn of the rising sun, Senator Dillon, with light, camera and small action, took receipt of an SUV which costs a staggering US$35,000. The Liberian Legislature needs change from top to bottom. But such change truly cannot emanate from Senator Dillon and those trying to whitewash his actions on social media. Under the watchful but sleepy eyes of the Liberian Legislature, 66 bogus concession agreements were passed during the Sirleaf’s administration, according to international anti-corruption watchdogs. But Senator Dillon is clever – a credit which is due him.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 15:56 UTC
Liberia: Lebanese Father and Son Sentenced to Jail by Criminal Court ‘C’ Amid Guilty Verdict for Theft of Property
Liberia: Lebanese Father and Son Sentenced to Jail by Criminal Court ‘C’ Amid Guilty Verdict for Theft of PropertyThe pair were ordered to restitute the amount of US$1,370,390.60 to the private prosecutor, Ezzat EidMonrovia – Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge Yarmie Q. Gbeisay has sentenced Lebanese businessmen Salah Farhat and Tamer Farhat after they were found guilty for the crimes of ‘Theft of Property, Misapplication of entrusted property and Criminal conspiracy’. The report further revealed that the private prosecutor, Ezzat Eid and Salah Farhat, both Lebanese nationals, have been friends for a long time. On April 56, 2020, Salah Farhat and his son Tamer Farhat were found guilty for stealing over US$1 million dollars from Tayo Motors. In addition to the stealing, Salah Farhat, a shareholder in the company and son, Tamer Farhat, an employee, were also found guilty of theft of property, misapplication of entrusted property and criminal conspiracy. The indictment stated that Defendant Salah Farhat, a 25-percent shareholder, had allegedly misapplied the company’s fund and properties in the amount of US$1,663,186.58.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 15:33 UTC
Analysis of COVID-19 Pandemic and the Consequence of African Traditional Practices and Beliefs
The COVID-19 pandemic presents the reality of how the “free world” is being destroyed from within as a result of the coronavirus. President Donald J Trump described the virus as a “vicious enemy “and warned Americans to brace for a “very horrendous” number of coronavirus deaths in the coming days. The plan was named after the former Secretary of State, George Marshall, while ex-President Wilson’s 14 Points-principles for a peaceful Europe, was the beginning of the United States world order and supremacy. The month of March is recorded as the month that saw severe toll of the coronavirus deaths and infection. On two separate occasions, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump’s test for the coronavirus was negative.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 08:48 UTC
Liberia: An Open Letter to the 54th National Legislators
Sadly, Liberia is amongst least developed countries in Africa that have challenged health systems. A case of COVID-19 is an outbreak, that has seen countries closed borders, shut all windows of entries and grounding flights, declared health emergency and LOCKDOWN while other evacuate citizens where feasible. It has Squashed long standing political ties, diplomatic relations, trades and bilateral alliances all lost to the fight against a universal enemy, COVID-19. CURFEW and an effective NON-INTERCOUNTY movement, especially from epicenters (Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba and Grand kru Counties) for the 21-day State of Emergency. Honorable members of the 54th Legislature, having confirmed 50 cases and still counting, call for creation of more quarantine centers for mandatory confinement and isolation of closed contacts and conduct more testing.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 08:37 UTC
Partial Curfew or Lockdown? The Indecisiveness of Government- A Recipe for CoronaVirus’ Victory Over Liberia
GoL MUST consider in its national CoronaVirus plan, the very large procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers. Across our projects, MSF teams are improving infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to protect patients and staff and slow the spread of the coronavirus. In Spain, Italy, Belgium, and France—all currently pandemic hotspots—we also support several hospitals that have been overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 patients. In Liberia, MSF teams are distributing soap. In South Africa, our teams are ensuring patients suffering from HIV/TB co-infection get medication refills delivered straight to their homes.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 01:41 UTC
COVID-19 the Facts, Fight, Fear & Faith
Global health is in freefall, robust health infrastructures in wealthy and powerful nations buckled and capitulated as Health professionals scramble to understand the virus, its morphology, and pathogenesis. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites) But we’ll emphasize on the pathogenic agent of Covid 19, Virus! To accept these facts, it must first be settled that COVID 19 is not a scam. Testing, testing, testing. In fact, in South Korea the first country to battle the highest number if COVID 19 cases outside China traced the rapid spread to a church.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 01:30 UTC
Liberians In Canada Present COVID-19 Stimulus Package to Group Of 77
The group which is headed by Mr. Leo L. Johnson, , presented 50 bags of rice to the Group of 77 in Monrovia on Friday, April 24. Making the presentation, Mr. Sesay disclosed that the association was cognizant of the numerous challenges confronting disadvantaged and less fortunate citizens during this pandemic. Receiving the donation, the head of the Group of 77, Madam Wayfa Ciapha commended the Liberian Association in Canada for the gesture. The group named members of the Task Force as Mr. Abraham Sesay, Miss. “The taskforce will begin the distribution of the first 150 bags of rice benefiting the Group of 77, healthcare workers and several orphanages across Montserrado County”.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 00:45 UTC
Liberia: World Bank Report Sees ‘Serious Weaknesses’ in ‘Unprepared’ COVID19 Response
We look forward to working with other development partners in supporting the Government’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” said World Bank Liberia Country Manager Khwima Nthara. World Bank Report on Liberia’s COVID19 ResponseA total of US$1 million is intended to strengthen the human resource surge. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, a current data of 120 confirmed cases puts health workers at 28 percent of the overall infection. There are also 222 health workers as contacts – 209 in Montserrado and 12 in Nimba. Health workers have been complaining of inadequate supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), thereby exposing them to high risk of contracting the deadly virus.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 00:28 UTC
Liberia: Cities Alliance Donates 150 Wash Stations to MCC and PCC
MONROVIA – The City Corporations of Monrovia and Paynesville received 150 Hygiene wash Stations from UNOPS Cities Alliance with support from Comic Relief. “I want to thank UNOPS Cities Alliance and Comic Relief. And we are currently working with Cities Alliance to develop the city development strategy, a long term initiative. This marks the second donation of hygiene wash stations donated to the government of Liberia. On March 24, 2020 UNOPS Cities Alliance with support from Comic Relief donated 75 wash stations to the major markets within Greater Monrovia.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 26, 2020 00:22 UTC
Sen. Dillon Collaborates with Reps. Richard Koon, Edward Flomo to Identify with Storm Victims in Montserrado County Districts 11 and 13
Sen. Dillon Collaborates with Reps. Richard Koon, Edward Flomo to Identify with Storm Victims in Montserrado County Districts 11 and 13Senator Abe Darius Dillon made a cash presentation of L$400,000 to Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon (Montserrado District #11) and a check of L$200,000 to Rep. Edward Papay Flomo (Montserrado District #13) to boost their efforts in helping the distressed residents recondition their houses. Monrovia – Montserrdao County Senator, Abraham Darius Dillon has formed a robust partnership with Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon (District #11, Montserrado County) and Edward Papay Flomo (District #13, Montserrado County) to identify with storm victims of the two districts. On Friday and Saturday last week, a disastrous storm hit parts of Montserrado County, damaging of several houses and leaving many homless. “Today we are here with Rep. Richard Koon, who have been on his feet from the very beginning. Meanwhile, representative Koon thanked Senator Dillon for the timely intervention and promised to use the money for the intended purpose.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 24, 2020 23:47 UTC
Liberia: Isaac Vah Tukpah Foundation Distributes Food, Nonfood Items to Disadvantaged Liberians In Montserado County
According to the organization’s Chairlady and Operation Manager, Cecelia Kpor, the foundation, with support from its founder, Isaac Vah-Tukpah has decided to launch this humanitarian outreach to identify with disadvantaged and underprivileged Liberians in these times of crisis. Madam Gosoe, speaking further, said the founder, Isaac Vah-Tukpah is a Liberian based in the United States who established the foundation to give back to his community. He started his foundation from the root level, and now we intend to extend to the rural areas. It is foundation that is always there for the people,’ she said. Also speaking at separate occasions, the beneficiaries of the gesture, thanked the Isaac Vah-Tukpah Foundation for identifying with them during these times of needs.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 24, 2020 23:37 UTC
World Bank Group and IMF Mobilize Partners in the Fight against COVID-19 in Africa
WASHINGTON — The World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund today convened African leaders, bilateral partners, and multilateral institutions to spur faster action on COVID-19 response in African countries. This comes in response to calls from the World Bank Group President Malpass, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Georgieva, and other partners for creditors to suspend debt repayments in order to provide much-needed support to the poorest countries. “The World Bank Group is putting its full capacity to work for people across Africa as they fight this pandemic,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass. World Bank Group and IMF leaders applauded the groundbreaking accord among G20 countries to temporarily suspend debt payments to IDA and least developed countries beginning May 1, 2020. The World Bank Group is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response, increase disease surveillance, improve public health interventions, and help the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 24, 2020 23:26 UTC
Liberia: COVID-19 Confirmed as Cause of DEA Boss’s Death as President Weah Extends ‘STAY HOME’ Order
Information Minister Lenn Eugene Nagbe confirmed to FrontPageAfrica Friday that test results conducted on Mr. Soko, came back positive for COVID-19. Information Minister Lenn Eugene Nagbe confirmed to FrontPageAfrica Friday that test results conducted on Mr. Soko, came back positive for COVID-19. A senior security official told FPA early Friday the symptoms prior to Soko’s death indicated COVID-19 but the test results would determine. Mr. Soko was taken to the 14 Military Hospital late Thursday; but authorities tell FPA that he arrived too late and died before arrival. FrontPageAfrica has learned that Mr. Soko has in recent days participated in a number of high-security meetings relating to the government’s COVID-19 response.
Source:Front Page Africa
April 24, 2020 21:22 UTC