‘Encroachments on Wetlands A Recipe for Disaster’
On World Wetlands Day EPA alarms over severe environmental threatsThe Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nathaniel Blama, has said that encroachments and pollution of wetlands in the city of Monrovia and its environs presents a severe environmental threat. According to Mr. Blama, this unfortunate situation may lead the city down a path of disaster with huge consequences if nothing is done to halt the encroachments on the wetlands. He made these remarks on Monday in Paynesville, as the EPA and partners observed this year’s World Wetlands Day. We do ourselves more harm than good when we cut the mangrove.”He noted that wetlands are not dumpsites and wastelands. The Agency also noted that population growth is a serious threat to wetlands, because many people in search for land to dwell have illegally constructed on wetlands.
Source:Daily Observer
February 06, 2020 02:28 UTC
Three Dynamite Fishermen Behind Bars
The issue of dynamite fishing has come to the fore as three fishermen are currently being held at the Monrovia central prison, popularly known as “south beach”, following their involvement into illegal fisheries activities, specifically dynamite and chemical fishing. The three dynamite fishermen who are in detention are Jusu Sonii, Pecious P. Kings and Albert P. Hills. Director Kpedeh confirmed that NaFAA, with the help of the security groups will apprehend all fishermen involved in illegal fishing activities, including the use of dynamites and chemicals. In January 2020, fisherman Wolobah Gibson, a resident of the Kpelle Town Community in Bernard Farm, was arrested for his involvement in alleged dynamite fishing. Employees of the Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Division of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority caught a fisherman and two fish mongers who were regularly involved into dynamite fishing.
Source:Daily Observer
February 06, 2020 02:28 UTC
FLY Joins Call for Increase Women’s Representation at the Legislature
Amidst low representation of female lawmakers at the National Legislature, the president of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Amos Williams, has called for affirmative actions that will ensure at least 30 percent of women’s representation in the governing process of the country. “To increase women representation, we can provide money to these women to help engage in campaign activities. We can also work with political parties to circumvent women’s wing situation and provide them the space to even become chairpersons or secretary-generals of parties,” Mr. Williams said. He then called on political parties to ensure that women are given 30% in the party’s structure, which will give them the space to seek representation at the Legislature. He continued: “if women are given key positions in political parties, it’s a way of giving them the chance to contest.
Source:Daily Observer
February 06, 2020 02:24 UTC
Govt. Donates Bus to LFA
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) on Wednesday, February 05, 2020, received a 61-seater bus from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Youth and Sports minister, D. Zoegar Wilson, who presented the bus to the LFA, said the donation is part of government’s support to the national football teams. Wilson said the government remains supportive of sports in the country for the development of young people who are involved in sports. Wilson also congratulated LFA and women’s U-17 and U-20 national teams for progressing to the next stage of their respective competitions. He said the progress of the teams is a demonstration that the game is gradually improving in the country.
Source:Daily Observer
February 06, 2020 02:20 UTC
UBA Liberia Launches Push and Pull Service with MTN Mobile Money
MONROVIA – United Bank for Africa Liberia Limited has launch the PUSH AND PULL Service with MTN Mobile Money, making it the second GSM Company to partner with the Bank on this initiative. UBA Customers can now transfer money from their UBA Account to their Lonestar Cell MTN Mobile Money Wallet and vice versa. With this seamless platform, UBA customers will also be able to do bank account balance inquiry and monitor their bank transactions from both platforms. To use the ‘Push and Pull’ service, UBA and MTN customers need to simply dial *156#, select option 7 for Financial Services and follow the prompts and visit any UBA Branch to link their Bank Account to their Mobile Money Account. To sign up to MTN Mobile Money is free, but customers will need visit any Lonestar Cell MTN service center or a registered Mobile Money agent with a valid identification card and fill out an application form.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 16:52 UTC
Liberia gets more endorsements at the UN: Amb. Kemayah to serve as Vice Chair of the Special Committee on United Nations Charter
The Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization was established by the United Nations General Assembly at its Twenty-ninth (29th) Session in 1974 to consider specific proposals that Governments might make with a view to enhancing the ability of the United Nations to achieve its purposes; as well as other suggestions for the more effective functioning of the United Nations that might not require amendments to the Charter. Represented by His Excellency Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations, Liberia will serve as Vice Chair for the 2020 Session of the Special Committee, which convenes from February 18-26, 2020. The African Group’s endorsement of Liberia to serve as Vice Chair of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization follows its recent endorsement of Liberia to represent Africa on two (2) United Nations Bodies. The African Group in December 2019, endorsed Liberia to represent it on the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a period of Three (3) years each, beginning 2021. Liberia is also the current Vice President of the United Nations Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Source:GNN Liberia
February 05, 2020 16:51 UTC
Liberia: “No Amount of Negative Criticism Will Stop Me” – First Lady Weah Tells Detractors
“This is not benefiting me anyhow, I just want you to know that, “said Mrs. Weah in an interview Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Mrs. Weah noted that it was disheartened for people to think that she was diverting monies allotted to the First Lady’s Office for use by the Clar Hope Foundation. While thanking the Liberian government for budgetary support to her office, Mrs. Weah clarified that such support was being used for its intended purpose of humanitarian interventions. It is not for me,” Mrs. Weah stated. Current status of City of Hope ConstructionThe entire facility of City of Hope is being constructed on six acres of land.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 05:08 UTC
Public Health Issues Must Not Be Politicized: Preventing Coronavirus Is Critical Like Averting another Ebola
Experts have argued that that experience could be used as a foundation to curb any future public health crisis. The National Public Health Institute and the Ministry of Health, which have received support from the Liberian government and international partners, say they are prepared to tackle any epidemic. Despite enjoying a more confident public health sector, we are cognizant that we don’t have the resources to deal with the challenge that the Coronavirus presents. INCREASING SURVEILLANCE AND STEPPING-UP PUBLIC AWARENESS is vital to averting any public health crisis. Science or public health issues have national implications; anything less than being serious will lead to an absurd outcome.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 05:03 UTC
Liberia: Former Lawmaker Introduces ‘Pro-Poor’ Bill to Empower Liberian Businesses
The bill, which is the Small Business Empowerment Act 2020, seeks to empower Liberian businesses. Part of the draft bill, LIFE shall be funded from the national budget of Liberia and contributions from government’s bilateral partners, philanthropists, private equities and individuals. In section 3.4 of the bill, custodians of LIFE shall be the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) under the supervision of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). Section 4.2 of the draft bill calls for bidding from the Government of Liberia to be done by only small businesses valued up to United States one million dollars or its equivalence in Liberian dollars, in addition to having 51 percent shares owned by Liberians. The bill gives foreign businesses the opportunity to only bid for procurement contracts valued over United States dollars one million or its Liberian dollars equivalent provided that such business shall allocate 25 percent of said contracts to small business in partnership.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 04:52 UTC
Liberia: Justice Minister Dean Says Suspects in the Death of German National Are Former Prisoners
Justice Minister Frank Musah Dean at the SenateMonrovia – Justice Minister Frank Musah Dean has told the plenary of the Liberian Senate that suspects arrested in the murder of the German investor in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, are perennial and repeated offenders. The Justice Minister further informed the lawmakers that because of alleged offenders’ past, the government of Liberia will push for a speedy trial. “The defenders in the murder of the German investor are said to be perennial and repeated offenders. “The defenders in the murder of the German investor are said to be perennial and repeated offenders. Other Murder CasesProviding updates on other cases, Justice Minister Dean also told senators that while the government has concluded investigations into some, others are still unconcluded due to limited resources.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 04:52 UTC
Federation of Liberian Youth President Calls for 30 Percent Women Representation in Government
Monrovia – Amidst low representation of women lawmakers at the national legislature, the president of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Amos Williams has called for affirmative actions that will ensure at least 30 percent of women’s representation in the governing process of the country. Mr. Williams indicated that the Liberian Senate currently has only one female lawmaker representing the entire women and children of Liberia. “To increase women representation, we can provide money to these women to help engage in campaign activities. He then called on political parties to ensure that women are given 30% in the party’s structure, which will give them the space to seek representation at the national legislature. He continued: “if women are given key positions in political parties, it’s a way of giving them the chance to contest.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 04:41 UTC
Handball Association to Presents International trophy to MYS
Monrovia – The Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA) is expected to present to the Ministry of Youth and Sports a trophy won by Planet 44 female team in the just-ended Annual Mayor Marathon and Athletic Event held in Kenema, Sierra Leone. Jonathan Kollie, President of the Liberia Handball Association, told a FrontPageAfrica that several registered teams of the association were invited to express their interest to go for the event but only Planet 44’s male and female teams. “As you are aware, this is the first time a team from the LNHA has won a trophy from an international game. The sponsor and owner of Planet 44 female team, Mrs. Maima Massaquoi, appreciated her players for the trophy they won against their opponents. According to her, their performance out of Liberia showed how focus, serious and prepare they are for other international tournaments.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 03:45 UTC
Liberia’s Ambassador to Senegal Dies; Govt. Reportedly Failed to Provide Her Medical Assistance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced her demise on February 4. According to the Ministry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Senegal, died at 2:00 am in Tunis, Tunisia where she had gone to seek medical attention. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family for the loss of Ambassador Fossung. All was ignored,” a Foreign Ministry source said. The allocated amount is small, because the budget does not adequately address the pressing demands of the Foreign Missions and the Home Office.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 03:33 UTC
Liberia: District #6 Peace and Reconciliation Tourney Kicks off
Paynesville – A peace and reconciliation tournament aimed at uniting residents of Montserrado County’s electoral District #6, has kicked off with 20 participating communities. “We have already achieved one of our objectives, to unite the people by merging the 52 communities in the district to form 20 communities, out of which came the 20 teams,” Mr. Perry said. “The district had political tension especially between young people during the just-ended senatorial by-election and we decided to melt that feeling on the football pitch,” he added. Deputy Minister Todd said the participants are all Liberians and residents of the district who see sports as a single unifier. “I believe that through this tournament, friends from different political backgrounds can unite,” Minister Todd said.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 05, 2020 03:33 UTC
Lonestar Cell MTN, UBA Liberia Roll-out Push and Pull Service
Lonestar Cell MTN, Liberia’s leading GSM and mobile financial services company, announces that from today, February 5, 2020, UBA customers can now connect their bank accounts to their MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) accounts. Thanks to this seamless connection, UBA customers can conveniently send money directly to their MoMo accounts from their bank accounts and, similarly, send money from their MoMo accounts directly to their bank accounts. To use this service, customers need to visit their nearest UBA branch, dial *156*7# and follow the prompts. We assure our customers that when it comes to safe, secure and convenient digital payments, with MTN MoMo, we’ve got you.”Mr. Olalekan Balogun, MD/CEO of UBA Liberia expressed satisfaction in partnering with Lonestar Cell MTN to bring efficiency their customers, “UBA has been at the forefront of digital banking in Liberia and we remain committed to working with institutions like Lonestar Cell MTN to digitalized payment systems in the country. Just visit any Lonestar Cell MTN service center or registered MoMo agent with a valid identification card and fill out an application form.”
Source:Daily Observer
February 05, 2020 03:22 UTC