FINANCE MINISTER PROJECTS STEADY ECONOMIC PROGRESS DESPITE HICCUPS

TOP STORIES

FINANCIAL NEWS

pg 5

LAW & ORDER pg 5 IS THE COSTA SHOW BACK ON 102.7 FM

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

FrontPage

WEEKDAYS MONDAY-FRIDAY-7:30-10 AM

BUYING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2014 TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1

SELLING L$85.00/US$1 L$86.00/US$1 L$86.00/US$1

www.frontpageafricaonline.com

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

VOL 8 NO.560

REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET

We are still investigating Dr. Slawon and once the investigation is completed we will make that public,
- Ben Kolako LACC Public Relations Officer

SLAWON ON THE HOOK

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

PRICE L$40

CORRUPTION WATCH pg. 12

See PG 2

C
Monrovia

Page 2 | Frontpage

Thursday, March 27, 2014

onfirmed health authorities in Liberia say there has been no new suspected deaths from the deadly Ebola virus since the admission early this week of four (2 in Guinea, 1 in Foya and 1 in Zorzor) reported cases. I can confirm to you that there has been no reported case of Ebola on admission in any of Liberias hospitals. Samples from suspected persons have been provided to MSF in Guinea for preliminary examination. Further confirmation from the preliminary findings will be provided from Lyon, France, a source who was privy to a discussion with senior administration officials and health authorities Wednesday. Precautionary measures FrontPageAfrica reported Wednesday that several businesses have taken precautions since reports surfaced that the deadly virus had crossed over to Liberia from neighboring Guinea. Some stores and supermarkets had their employees wear gloves and hand sanitizers were in short supply at most convenient stores and supermarkets as many consumers heed warnings from the Ministry of Health to wash their hands, avoid handshakes, kissing and sexual activities. FrontPageAfrica also reported that nurses at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center were in panic mode after a patient came down from Ganta, Nimba County with apparent symptoms of the disease and experiencing bleeding nose. FPA also reported an unconfirmed suspected case of Ebola in the New Kru Town area. On Wednesday, a senior health official provided the following update. Preliminary diagnosis of the patient transferred from Ganta to JFK shows that it was not Ebola, the patient is stable and recovering. The diagnosis of the reported case at Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town showed dysentery, no vomiting and no fever. The patient was admitted over a period of four days. There is no national emergency and the border remains opened. FPA later learned that the patient who was brought down from Ganta came down to Monrovia to see a visiting relative from the U.S. and started bleeding from the nose during a meal. He was rushed to JFK where some medical practitioners first believed it was a case of Ebola but later found to not be the case. Local health authorities scrambling for answers Wednesday sought to allay fears. Several international media outlets reported Tuesday that a Canadian who came from Liberia and was originally suspected of contracting the Ebola virus has been confirmed not to have Ebola and 27 persons identified to have had contacts with the suspected victims are being closely monitored by health authorities and permitted very minimal contacts with others. There have been no reported case involving health care workers, the source told FrontPageAfrica. Bernice Dahn, Chief Medical officer told FrontPage Africa Monday that the disease is reported to be spreading along the border with Liberia, specifically in the communities and towns close to Guinea towns of Guekedou, Nzerekore, Kissidougou and Macenta. "The team is already investigating the situation, tracing contacts, collecting blood samples and sensitizing local health authorities on the disease," Dahn said. The World Health Organization is said to be in the process of "confirming suspected cases to know what medical practitioners are dealing with. This is coming amid reports that Canadian authorities on Tuesday isolated a man showing symptoms of haemorrhagic fever resembling Ebola after travelling from Liberia. According to the Associated Press, the man who recently travelled to West Africa is seriously ill and being kept in isolation in a Canadian hospital with symptoms of a haemorrhagic fever resembling the Ebola virus. It was later determined that it was not the case. The man had shown symptoms of hemorrhagic fever after arriving in Canada and remains quarantined in a Saskatchewan hospital, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. JFK Case Stable, Recovering AP quoting Cailin Rodgers, a spokeswoman for Canada's health minister, said lab tests determined the patient does not have the deadly virus that is thought to have caused at least 64 deaths in Liberia and Guinea. All we know at this point is that we have a person who is critically ill who traveled from a country where these diseases occur," Dr. Denise Werker, Saskatchewan Province's deputy chief medical health officer, said prior to the results of the tests. There is no risk to the

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

general public at all about this. On Wednesday, medical practitioners in Liberia explained that suspected cases from Zorzor which was initially reported on Monday involving one death and one admission at Zorzor Curran Hospital, Lofa County: The admitted patient is steadily recovering and a death audit confirmed that the alleged case of death in Zorzor does not meet the case definition of Ebola. Regarding the patient transferred from Ganta to JFK, officials at the hospital told FPA that preliminary diagnosis ruled out Ebola. The Patient stable and recovering. Regarding the case in New Kru Town, administrators at that hospital told FPA that the reported case at Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town the diagnosis has been negative, that the patient experienced dysentery, no vomiting, no fever and has been admitted over a period of 4 days Ebola is one of the most contagious viral diseases known, often resulting in death. The virus cannot be prevented with a vaccine and is untreatable with medication. The reported cases heightened interest in the national legislature where lawmakers greeted the news of suspected Ebola cases in Liberia with great deal of seriousness with both the Senate and the House of Representatives mandating their Health Committees to closely work with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in tackling the disease. During separate regular sessions Tuesday, the issue of the outbreak of the disease was discussed with consensus for collaborative efforts with the Executive Branch of government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in tackling the spread of the disease. Senator Peter Coleman of Grand Kru County who once served as Minister of Health of Liberia told his colleagues to take seriously the current news of the spread of the virus in Liberia by making interventions in the best interest of the population. Senator Coleman also stressed isolation and confinement of affected persons as some of the surest ways of preventing the virus from spreading to others and the need to make National decision in terms of the provision of funding to the national emergency efforts. Guinea curbs spread

Many experts have suggested that Liberian authorities quarantine areas where the disease has been reported similarly to what has been done in neighboring Guinea where it was announced Wednesday that the outbreak of deadly Ebola have been stopped from spreading beyond the country's remote southeast, although the number of deaths from suspected infections rose to at least 63. U.N. agencies and medical charities such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have scrambled to help Guinea - one of the world's poorest countries - to cope with the virus, amid fears it might spill across borders into neighboring West African nations, Reuters reported Wednesday. According to Reuters, laboratories have so far only confirmed 13 cases of the disease out of 45 tested. More samples, some of them from Sierra Leone and Liberia, have been sent for examination. "The epidemic is not spreading to other regions," Guinean Health Minister Remy Lamah told Reuters by telephone from the affected area in Guinea's remote Forest region. "Medical equipment has been shipped in," he said. "MSF is helping us to control the outbreak." An MSF spokesperson said the number of suspected infections had risen by just two from Tuesday to 88, according to government figures. Four more people died, however, bringing the death toll to 63. Since its discovery in 1976 in what is now Democratic Republic of Congo, only around 2,200 cases of Ebola have been recorded. Of those, 1,500 were fatal. The outbreak of mysterious haemorrhagic fever was first detected in Guinea in February. Scientists have since identified it as the most virulent Zaire strain of the Ebola virus. The virus is believed to reside primarily in bats between rare outbreaks in humans. Some experts believe it may have been carried by bats from central Africa, where it is more common. In an effort to contain the disease, Guinea has banned the sale and consumption of bats and other types of bush meat, and banned public funerals for those killed. Volunteers from the Guinean Red Cross were disinfecting the homes of victims and dealing with infected bodies. The disease incubates for up to three weeks and its symptoms are similar to malaria and

FrontPage COMMENTARY EDITORIAL LIBERIA: NEW NIGERIAN

v

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Frontpage

Page 3

Commentary

UN CHIEF HITS THE NAIL ON LIBERIAS HEAD

Liberians agree that we are all fed up with the war but peoples patience are being tested by an atmosphere of arrogance, intolerance and a group of leaders out of touch with the experience of those at the bottom of the economic ladder. UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI MOON, in his twenty seventh progress report to the Security Council was right when he declared that every precaution must be taken to prevent any reversal of the hard-won gains made by peace operations in West Africa over the past decade. WHILE WE welcome Mr. Bans assertions, it is important for the government of the day to take heed and put measures in place that will ensure that we avoid the pitfalls that would cause Liberia to reverse the gains made. SINCE THE WAR came to Liberias doorsteps in December 1989, some 200,000 died. A war which started with a quest to rid Liberia of Samuel Doe resulted into one war after another and one killing after the next. DOE WHO came to power through a coup detat which in 1980, which ended decades of Americo-Liberian rule pledged to rid Liberia of rampant corruption, nepotism and neglect of Liberias poor, a pledge none of his successors have been successful in doing. SO WHY DID we go to war? Why did so many current officials labored so hard, losing many great Liberians along the way, to rid Liberia of a man when all they are doing is the same thing both Doe and his predecessors did so wantonly without remorse or concerns for those languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder. THIS IS WHY WE agree with the UN Secretary General that despite some progress, limitations persists in gaining access to justice and basic services, and efforts have been slow to create a protective environment for civilians. THESE ARE THE very basic issues that governments before this government struggled with to the detriment of the poor, neglected and outcast. SADLY, DESPITE strong inroads made, the country, according to the UN Chief remains fragile: The prevalence of mob violence and vigilantism continued to demonstrate the weaknesses of and lack of public confidence in the justice institutions of Liberia. These forms of violence also continued to test the quick response capacity of security institutions. Since my last report, 37 incidents of mob violence were reported, with 9 occurring so far in 2014. The police, with limited presence and mobility, were on some occasions overwhelmed by large crowds and required intervention by UNMIL to restore order and protect civilians." THE UN MISSION in Liberia reported a 44 per cent increase in incidents of mob violence over a five-month period in 2013 compared with the same period in 2012. The study also indicated that mobs had become more violent and volatile, prompting increased police intervention with lethal force, SG Moon indicated. MORE IMPORTANTLY, the UN Chief pinpointed high unemployment as a matter of concern in Liberia, stating High unemployment among young people and associated socioeconomic and security risks continued to be a concern. Government efforts had minimal effect, with the Governmentfunded Liberia Youth Empowerment Programme employing only 3,219 young people since March 2013, falling short of its targeted 10,000 jobs. THE GOVERNMENT of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has its work cut out in going into overdrive to alleviate some of the problems affecting the state. Too many cases of corruption in high places are going undetected and too many people are
v

AT RISK OF REVERSING GAINS!

T
peace.

TROOPS IS UNNECESSARY NEO-COLONIALISM

Chorphie Charlie <gbanapekin@hotmail.com, Contributing Writer
he days of the antebellum plantation style democracy has ended. Therefore, the international community cannot continue to impose a bad government upon the suffering people of Liberia, in the name of protecting

viable form for political community, in which the citizens maintain self-rule, by preserving their natural autonomy, while collective individual authority merge into the authority of the state. In Liberia, it is the reversed." (Chorphie Charlie , 2005: "Political Judgment Against Miseducated Liberians.") Thus the real threat to Liberia's peace, is not some mythical figure or group attempting to disrupt social cohesion- but the willful abused of power, as exhibited repeatedly by the President and her cabal's callous disregard to the suffering of the people, while normalizing governing social pathologies of public theft, electioneering fraud, injustice, bad economics, and the whole behavior of arrogant unaccountability. So, instead of a desperate attempt, to exploit international sympathy for the need to deepen peace and harden stability in Liberia, our president must create abiding democratic conditions, foundation on political and economic rights, to secure the blessings of liberty. Bringing in more Nigerian troops does not addresses the crippling social dislocation of the suffering Liberian people, except to remind us about the profound words credited to that great American founding father Thomas Jefferson, that "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." So the question must be ask: what is the purpose of bringing in men with guns? Is this is signal that our President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is finally admitting she had never enjoyed the trust of the Liberian people- due to the huge presence of UNMIL? That considering UNMIL draw-down, she is exposing her tyrannical tentacles? If President Sirleaf cannot govern the nation, on her own, to inspire confidence from the people: then she should simply do the honorable thing, to resign from office , instead of imposing a regime of political suppression. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is simply exploiting international commitment to see continue peace in Liberia, in order to protect an elite power structure. We the people, patriotic Liberians, from across the world, are fed up with armed men imposing their crude anti-democratic governance upon our people. We need a government of the people , to allow the free will of citizens in a democratic society, to pursue life , liberty , and happiness. Again, Jefferson reminds us, citizens do not need more government but "That government is best which governs least." President Sirleaf should send her Nigerian troops back to Nigeria, and focus on rebuilding our army, providing more peace training to our national police, and deliver basic social services for a suffering people. "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"- Thomas Jefferson. Vox populi ! On the altar of Jehovah, I pledge undying resistance to political tyranny. Above all else, the people's struggles must continue. Excuse me , while I throw out-gosh! About the Author: Chorphie Charlie is a Social and Political Commentator residing in Philadelphia, USA. He can be reach at Email: gbanapekin@hotmail.com
LIBERIANS AGREE that we are all fed up with the war but peoples patience are being tested by an atmosphere of arrogance, intolerance and a group of government officials out of touch with the experience of those at the bottom of the economic ladder. THIS IS why we must all work to preserve the peace and protect the gains made but it must start at the top, from the presidency all the way to the janitors. Power is a sweet commodity but abusing that power or taking those who give it to you for granted can be a bitter pill to swallow when we are quick to forget the journey we embarked on to get to the pinnacle of power.

Recent announcement by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to bring additional military troops from Nigeria, is nothing short but PURE TYRANNY. "Self government" is the purpose of modern democracy, foundation on the "office of the citizen," not a President who has lost faith with the people and hiding behind the veil of peace. President Sirleaf latest action could be describe as a form of economic predatory, "a voracious, greedy, and murderous animal that exploits the helplessness of another to cannibalize. When situated amongst the suffering people of Liberia, a predator adopts a chameleon character, by pretending to rescue the people from their economic misery and provide equitable life, only for the predators selfish interest-to live fat and large while the people wallops in extreme poverty. This is the nature of an economic predator-to use and abuse the loyalty of the people [for peaceful coexistence] without regard to help create opportunities for improving the living condition of the people." (Chorphie Charlie, 2013: "Economic Predators, Not Solution to Liberia's Problems") The moral compulsion here resents the disinformation campaign, by the President and her supporters, that those opposing her bad governance practices are beating drums of war. How comical, if this issue was not about the lives of suffering pregnant mothers, who cannot access basic healthcare for themselves and their dying children; suffering mothers who cannot afford (one dollar a day) to feed their children; suffering mothers, who children cannot access basic education, and the list goes on; while President Sirleaf and her cabal continue to loot the public treasure, and feed off the collective riches of the state, with reckless disregard to the suffering of the people. The false consciousness, since the inception of this administration, to simply rely on international goodwill, without appealing to the desires and needs of the suffering Liberian people, posits the real problem which has ignored basic political rights and freedom of the people. The Sirleaf government has failed to seriously combat, the critical issues of an education system that is a "mess," increasing hopelessness among young people without jobs; compounded by the heartless action of the government, to undermine the disruptive innovation of the youths, who have found their own means to create jobs, especially phen phen riders and street peddlers. The international community should ensure the social protection for a venerable population, not providing more military protection for a government on the verge of despotism. Simply put, "Leadership is a legitimate contract founded upon the leaders promised to obey the commands of citizens. Hence, for political legitimacy of the state, citizens will their autonomy to a leader, this being a fundamental principle of political philosophy. However, such legitimacy also claims a deeper justification in the leaders exercise of authority, then merely an original social contract. It presents itself as the only
suffering and unable to make ends meet. BEGINNING WITH the crucial Mid Term elections this year, Liberia is poised for a key chapter in its post-war political renewal. On the one hand, the country has endured ten years of peace, a relatively calm period bolstered by the fact that many Liberians have turned a new leaf and looking to putting the dark days of the wary behind. However, like the UN chief has aptly put it, we cannot afford now or in the future to make any mistake that would cause us to revert to anything resembling war or chaos.

FrontPage

Page 4 | Frontpage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB

Send your letters and comments to: editor@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Reader's Page

Thursday, March 27, 2014

COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

FINANCE MINISTER TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR BUDGET SHORTFALL

The Editor,

WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY......?

YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

Shame must be cast on all those so-called "well meaning" Liberians who have refused to stand up in defense of Costa and others like him who are victims of all kinds of injustice in our country. Today it is Costa. Yesterday it was Rodney Sieh and others. Who will it be tomorrow? Don't ask, folks, for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee! Ambassador (Prof) Dew Tuan-Wleh Mayson tuanwleh@yahoo.com

In recent times, so many things have been happening in our Liberia that give cause for worry and concern to all patriots. First there are the many scandals regarding corruption at every level of Government leading Transparency International to label our country as "one of the most corrupt in the world". The continued lack of jobs, adequate food, housing, education, health, transport and security--all the basic elements necessary for a halfdecent standard of living--have meant that the mass of our people have been permanently banished to that awful state of poverty and backwardness. We have thus been given the disgraceful title of being "the second most miserable country in the world" with a misery index of 90.5. But it must be said that we Liberians have tolerated this state of affairs with unnatural patience. Gladdened by the accolades which have been poured on our President by the international community--a welcome change from the shame which enveloped us during those long years of the civil war--many of us have remained tolerant of the Government and even of its excesses. We could also bask in what we considered our freedom to vent out our anger and disappointment without much fear of repression. Suddenly, however, we have been awaken from our sleep of stupor. Did I say suddenly? No, in fact, the creeping assault on our freedom of speech and assembly has long been coming. Without stopping to list the names of the victims which include students, journalists, civil society defenders, etc., let us single out the case of Rodney Sieh, arguably one of our better journalist who was arrested, re-arrested and detained on outmoded, so-called libel charges. In protesting Rodney's arrest, I described him as the "wind that is blowing and exposing the rear end of the chicken which all types of feathers are attempting to cover up." Now the alarm has sounded again: Henry Costa, a young talk-show host who dares to discuss on radio topics which are burning the hearts of our people--this young gadfly has been arrested, handcuffed and thrown into prison--a place which Government's own reports have described as not "fit for human habitation". The trial judge, ostensibly intimidated and severely compromised, refused to grant bail. We may ask, seeking an honest answer: What is Costa's crime? Is he guilty of the corruption which the President herself has described as "a cancer eating at the fabric of the nation"? Is Costa guilty of nepotism and cronyism which the recently-revealed US supported report says is making it difficult for "economic gains to reach those languishing at the bottom of the ladder"? Is he guilty of pursuing " policies of exclusion" which, as the US report cited above warns--if these policies are not addressed "the potential for renewed conflict remains high"? Is he guilty of any of these? The answer is a resounding no, no, no! Costa's "crime"--his real crime"--is that like Rodney Sieh before him, he has dared to expose the rear end of the chicken which all types of feathers are trying to cover up. That is why we must applaud the work of that indefatigable lawyer and progressive, Kofi Woods, the Press Union of Liberia and all the brothers and sisters who have manifested their solidarity with Costa resulting in his being released from prison.

SELTUE R KARWEAYE SR. UPPSALA UNIVERSITY This Dude since taking over at the Ministry of Finance keep accepting responsibilities for budget shortfalls. This is called inefficiency! One would have expected that the over-hyped One Year Performance Contract signed between President Sirleaf and her Ministers would lead to the weeding out of non performing Ministers, or the Directors General of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA) that fall short on performance and implementation, but in spite of the dismal 2012/13 figures, they have all mostly retained their positions. So I am not surprised at the new budget short fall in the tune of US 47 Million in the 2013/2014 budget. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is Insanity."Albert Albert Einstein JAY WION WORKS AT NPRC "Foh me par, my mouth full ya Liberian people." Like his boss, Ma Ellen, they both "GRADUATED?" from Havard University. One admitted to failing economics and the other got an IT certificate, and you put all of that together and you get VOODOO economics, or what I call "Ellenomics." So wipe your tears and say your prayers for the 12 nightmare years aren't over yet; and then the Old Ma will hand the Throne over to him come 2017 or to another flunkie crook. Jerry Wehtee Wion, Washington DC USA MICHAEL PAYE GONQUOI MANAGER AT SELFEMPLOYED There will always be budget shortfall, and the reason is known. This is the third consecutive repetition in budget shortfall with long explanation, and the long explanation has not yet solved the problem in three consecutive fiscal years. JOHNSON WAH ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL, MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA I think the minister was wrong politically, to say he takes the blame for budget short fall, given the explanation he puts forward as being reason for the shortfall. But If he admits that he made a mistake for making a major financial projection that caused the economy of a whole Nation to hit "red", then the honorable thing to do is to resign, as a public official. GEORGE RAMBO BUDGET ASSISTANT AT UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN LIBERIA (UNMIL) There is a need to increase revenue collection especially on luxury goods. Also, the collection of real estate tax should be enforced across the country. MASSA MAGNIFICENT CRAYTON COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE AT OSIWA Apply the income tax law across the board for ALL income; cash (US$ and L$) and kind, as stipulated n that will also help in the revenue collection.

GOOD BUT OUT OF CONTEXT

A response to an FPA technology news
The Editor, This is a response to an article featured in your online news outlet captioned: Venturing Into Science & Technology: Architect Eyes Restoration of Program at UL in May 2013. I am a registered architect (FLCA Registered #200910) practicing in Liberia. Liberia is now a member of the African Union of Architects (AUA), and soon to be a member of the International Union of Architects (IUA). While the cause of this young man [Francis K. Dadzie] is noble indeed, I however wish to caution you and anyone referring to himself/herself as "an architect". The title architect is a highly responsible title bestowed only on individuals who have been duly registered and licensed by a state board of architectural registration. In the case of Liberia, that responsibility is the duty of the Liberian Chambers of Architects (LCA). There is a list of registered architects by the LCA, which was published in all the daily papers. I suggest that you find a copy of this or check with the LCA as to who is actually qualified and registered to pass themselves as architects. The titles architect and engineer are taken so very lightly and wantonly, in addition to being taken for granted or completely disregarded, in Liberia. Architects assume the responsibilities for the general life safety of the public, structural soundness of buildings they design, aesthetical looks of the environment they practice in, transforming the ways people live, work, and play in a more efficient, environment friendly and cost saving manner. In other countries, it becomes a misdemeanor, punishable by hefty fines and jail term for anyone to pass himself as "architect/engineer" without first being licensed and registered. Until we take the profession serious as it should be, there will always be this type of situation and an abundance of substandard structures which liters the country all in gross violation of every section of the national building codes. The message I am trying to get across here is that before you title someone as a professional architect/engineer, please check with the local licensing body of that particular profession. This can mislead the public and could become a lead way for disaster. The excuse will be, "but the newspaper says that person was professional." As I write this email, I am correcting and re-designing a building of which Mr. Dadzie is associated with and is listed as the architect. This saddens me that his drawings, in as much as it were approved by the Ministry of Public Works and a building permit issued, is based on what I would call a "child's play". I hope that this would help to clarify your idea of professionalism in the process of preparing future articles for print. A copy of this email shall be forwarded to LCA president for his file and records. Thank you for granting me the space and time to share my professional views. You are indeed truly professional. May God bless the works of our hands and save the state. Adolphus G. Mccritty, designbuildersdchristell@yahoo.com

LIBERIA LEGISLATURE APPROVES KUWAITI PETROLEUM DEAL

MOSES HARRIS TOP COMMENTER WORKS AT RETIRED I pray that there are additional funds for this project because, with all that is mentioned to be undertaken with the US$14 million, I say, this amount is inadequate. NPA, just the cost of the purchase of the marine equipment and the removal of the shipwreck will consume most, if not all, of the loan amount. Please make all efforts to make this port fully operational in order to repay this loan at it's maturity as most lenders will, in the future, will think of waving our loans; after all the bad publicity (corruption) we are receiving nationally as well as internationally.
The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

DISCLAIMER

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666; 077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com; rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade. williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793 Francis F.B. Mulbah, Layout Editor; 0886639382 REPORTERS Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528 Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline. com Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline. com, 0886-304498

EDITORIAL TEAM

Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@ FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com

Thursday, March 27, 2014

FINANCE MINISTER PROJECTS STEADY ECONOMIC PROGRESS DESPITE HICCUPS

Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

PAGE RONT

FINANCIAL NEWS

CRY OVER GUILTY VERDICT Defendant Demands Proof

For Jurors Guilty Verdict At Temple Of Justice
Kennedy L. Yangian k Kennedylyangian@ frontpageafricaonline.com

PAGE RONT

LAW&ORDER

Frontpage

Page 5

MONROVIAinance Minister Amara Konneh says, Liberias real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for fiscal year 2013/2014 is estimated at 8.1 percent, something he said is slightly lower than the 8.3 percent growth recorded in 2012. Briefing Journalists at the Ministry of Information on Tuesday, Minister Konneh said this growth in 2013 was driven largely by the increased activities in the mining sector, something he said that would have a positive impact on the countrys economy. . This is expected to continue in the medium-term, particularly with the start of iron ore exports by China Union and the ramping up of production by Arcelor Mittal, he said. The increase in exports in the extractive sector is a result of Liberias stable macro economy, which attracts the foreign direct investment needed to generate foreign exchange and create jobs. Konneh admitted that the countrys economy experienced some difficulties in the second quarter of this fiscal year something he attributed partly to the depreciation of the Liberian Dollar against the United States Dollar both legal tender in Liberia. The minister said while the price of the US$ to the Liberian Dollar has stabilized, due in largely to the efforts of the Central Bank of Liberia, the decline in the value of our currency is a demonstration of the need to increase exports and diversify the economy and attract more foreign exchange. Otherwise, we will remain dependent on the large aid and security related inflows we currently receive, which are likely to fall over time; and continue to be subject to global demand and prices, because our productive base is mostly characterized by the export of primary commodities like rubber and iron ore, he said. UNMIL DRAWDOWN IMPACT Minister Konneh said the country service sector has been another driving force of economic growth, it is expected to be hit as the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) draws down its presence in the country, and as Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) activity reaches arguably lower levels. He said this is set to cause a slowdown in domestic demand for services such as food, entertainment, domestic support, etc. This will, of course, have a corresponding impact on employment and a secondary effect on economic activity, said Minister Konneh. The finance minister told journalists that a mitigating factor is also the increase in exports in the mining sector. He said the GoL has worked hard to ensure this by removing infrastructure and bureaucratic bottlenecks that hindered its concessionaires from rolling out their operations which would then lead them to begin producing and exporting according to set timelines. Through our efforts along with concessionaires, we project a boost in tax revenue collection by approximately US$400million per annum; and we expect an increase in employment of Liberians

by approximately 80,000-90,000 jobs in the next 5-10 years, said Minister Konneh. So, while we are working to diversify our economy and reduce our reliance on the extractive sector for revenue, we are making good use of our natural resources to support our development efforts. Agenda for Transformation The finance minister commenting on the progress made on the governments five-year economic platform the Agenda for Transformation (AFT) said the GoL planned to implement 277 concrete actions during the first year (2013) but was able to complete 147, constituting a 53% performance. Honestly, this leaves much to be desired. However, we were able to accomplish goals that are contributing significantly to fulfilling our immediate and long-term needs as a nation, he said. Minister Konneh said the government under the Peace, Security and Rule of Law Pillar, has been able to build and put into operation its first security hub in Gbarnga, Bong County, rolling out efforts at decentralizing the security infrastructure to ensure that security and judicial services are accessible to the Liberian people in all corners of the country. We have trained and deployed 439 new LNP officers, 972 new Police Support Unit (PSU) officers and 234 new BIN officers; and we have constructed a new training facility in Harper, Maryland County to train more security officers, particularly the LNP. The AFL now has a Liberian Chief of Staff and commanding general, he said. Continued Minister Konneh: They have renovated the Todee training facility, and are currently conducting training for more than 210 officers in FY2014/15 and 350 in FY2015/16 in their move to become a development army. China-US Collaboration Minister Konneh disclosed that the governments of both the United States of America and the Peoples Republic of China continue to enhance the capacity of the Armed Forces of Liberia adding that both governments donated road equipment for the use of the engineering battalion of the AFL to build roads and bridges across the country. He also said the US Government has also helped to train the Coast Guard and donated boats for patrol in an effort to protect Liberias waters from illegal activities such as fishing and piracy. Minister Konneh commended his colleagues for the leadershipprovided in the security sector, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defense, the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) for their commitment to keeping all of Liberia safe, acknowledging that there are still challenges which the GoL must address in order to fill the void that UNMILs departure will create.

L
Monrovia-

ast week verdict rendered by a six- member jury at the Criminal Court C at the Temple of Justice that found defendant Arah Kamara guilty of Theft of property has left in the defendant in a confused mood. Defendant Arah Kamara a land surveyor was charged by the Grand jury of Montserrado County during the May 2010 Term of Court for theft of property due to compliant filed by an thru Goda Baker and Hesta Baker. In the complaint the plaintiff alleged that in the year 1977 and thereafter the private prosecutrix acquired 500 out of a 800 acres of land from their grandmother Elizabeth Moore Johnson in the lower Virginia area and because their grand mother and aunt wanted to keep a close control of the land allegedly hired the services of Arah Kamara a registered surveyor with the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy who was also paid for the services. The prosecutrix further stated that their grandmother only sold 300 acres of the land out of the total of 800 acres of land acquired but alleged that the defendant did misuse the kind gesture of their grandmother by knowingly, willfully and intentionally stealing, converting and exercising unauthorized control over the remaining 500 acres of land whose value is US$4, 000, 00.00 the claim he has since denied. The defendant was tried and later found guilty of theft of property when the six- member jury rendered their verdict last week Friday but rejects the verdict adding that the verdict was the most questionable verdict in the history of the Judiciary. In a statement issued barely a day after the jurors verdict defendant Kamara indicated that the prosecution in the case had the ultimate burden to prove his guilt beyond all reasonable doubts instead they failed miserably to establish with precision and certainty the exact location and portion of the land which they claimed was stolen by him. Defendant Kamara furthered that the indictment against him stated that he purposely and knowingly exercised unauthorized control over 500 acres of land value at US$ 4m however to the contrary the private prosecutrix who filed the complaint admitted that it was 21 lots of land in question, an admittance which grossly varied with the indictment. He continued that what was most interesting is that the prosecution which prepared the indictment upon oath for the theft of 500 acres of land submitted a legal memorandum for the theft of 21 lots of land since it cannot prove the allegation in the indictment. While everyone in Liberia frowns on dubious land sales in the country it is not in the interest of justice to impute guilt on anyone without proof in the interest of deterrence said Kamara in a special press statement. Defendant Kamara also stated that as the final judgment of the matter is expected to be rendered by the sitting Judge of the Criminal Court C at the Temple of Justice Blamo Dixon he is of the expectation that the judge will set the jurors verdict aside and render judgment according to law noting that if the contrary is to happen one could wonders will it be for the 500 acres of land or the alleged 21 lots of land which is yet to be proven in the face of the verdict that demands proof.

Page 6 | Frontpage

hile Acknowledging the existence of a U.S. Government funded report on governance labeled Sensitive But Unclassified(SBU) which was recently obtained by FrontPageAfrica and used as the backdrop for a number of publications this week, to highlight several governance lapses in the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf-led government, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia says FrontPageAfrica

LIBERIA GOVERNANCE STAKEHOLDER SURVEY THE REPORT LIBERIAS STAKEHOLDERS DID NOT WANT YOU TO SEE

quoted selectively from the document and took many things out of context. The US Embassy statement reads: Recent articles in Front Page Africa (FPA) quote a U.S. Government funded report on governance. This was a report intended for internal use to assist us in project development. The U.S. Government conducts such assessments in countries where it works to better understand the

LIBERIA

Thursday, March 27, 2014

impact of our programming and assistance. Unfortunately, the newspaper quoted selectively from the document, taking many things out of context. We urge all members of the media to remain objective in their reporting. Beginning today, we will begin publishing verbatim in both online and print, the entire 124-page LEAKED document and let our readers judge the report and its context for themselves.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

LIBERIA GOVERNANCE STAKEHOLDER SURVEY THE REPORT LIBERIAS STAKEHOLDERS DID NOT WANT YOU TO SEE

LIBERIA

Frontpage

Page 7

Page 8 | Frontpage

LIBERIA GOVERNANCE STAKEHOLDER SURVEY THE REPORT LIBERIAS STAKEHOLDERS DID NOT WANT YOU TO SEE

LIBERIA

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Thursday, March 27, 2014

LIBERIA GOVERNANCE STAKEHOLDER SURVEY THE REPORT LIBERIAS STAKEHOLDERS DID NOT WANT YOU TO SEE

LIBERIA

Frontpage

Page 9

To be continue in next edition

Page 10 | Frontpage

PAGE RONT

THERE ARE FAR WORSE DISEASES OUT THERE

n outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in the west African nation of Guinea has revived fears of a global contagion, but infectious disease experts say Ebola poses little threat to travellers. Although Ebola violently attacks the body, it kills up to 90 per cent of those infected and can only be transmitted via bodily fluids, which greatly reduces its ability to spread, says Jay Keystone, a travel physician and professor in the department of medicine at the University of Toronto. If we had a case in Canada wed isolate the case, the patient would live or die, and wed be highly unlikely to have it transmit, says Keystone. In terms of transmission, he adds, there are far worse diseases out there. The biggest recorded outbreak of Ebola was in 2000 in Uganda, with 425 infected and 224 dying as a result, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). But large outbreaks like this have happened only about once per decade, and most years the WHO records a handful of cases or none at all. In comparison, according to the WHO, malaria kills 1.2 million people annually, while 100,000 to 120,000 people die every year from cholera. The Public Health Agency of Canada has posted a list of 32 of the most prominent diseases travellers need to be concerned about. Mark Tyndall, head of the division of infectious diseases at the Ottawa Hospital, says that worried flyers should consult a travel physician to find out if there are specific health concerns and precautions for the regions they plan to visit. We have quite a good network in Canada of travel clinics, and if people are traveling, they should take advantage of these places where people know exactly what [travellers] should be concerned about for different countries, he says. Heres a look at some of the most infectious diseases around the world. Foodand diseases water-borne

EBOLA OUTBREAK
Travelers should be more concerned about malaria and hepatitis A, experts say

EBOLA

Thursday, March 27, 2014

A recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has renewed fears of a global contagion, but infectious disease experts say it poses little threat to travellers.
between a quarter to half a million people a year and kills nearly 10,000 people annually, Lee says. With Ebola, we have these [small] outbreaks, but the Lassa virus is definitely more of an emerging virus, he adds. As with Ebola, there is no vaccine for Lassa. Like Ebola, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted by bodily fluids typically through unprotected sex or the sharing of dirty needles. HIV can develop into auto-immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which weakens a persons immune system to the point where the body can no longer fight off infection. Although the death rate of HIV/AIDS has dropped significantly in the past decade, it still killed an estimated 1.6 million people in 2012, according to WHO. HIV is a worldwide health concern, but Tyndall says that given the public awareness of it, he says he cant remember seeing a return traveller who contracted HIV. He acknowledges that theres a lot of risky behaviour that people engage in, but when it comes to HIV, he advises travellers to simply use common sense. Whether youre in Canada or Nairobi, you probably dont want to have unprotected sex with people you dont know.

Countries such as Mexico and Cuba are popular destinations for Canadian travellers, but visitors run the risk of contracting food- and water-borne illnesses due to bacteria such as E. Coli, which can contribute to so-called travellers diarrhea, as well as diseases such as hepatitis A, which in extreme cases can lead to liver damage. A recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in Guinea has killed more than 50 people. (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, E. Coliand hepatitis A thrive in locations with poor sanitation or unsafe food handling practices. There are immunizations available for hepatitis A. As for those nasty E. Coli bacteria, Tyndall says we cant do much about that other than equip people with some antibiotics to take with them in case they get diarrhea. Tyndall says typhoid fever, a bacterial disease transmitted through food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person, remains a particular concern in many Asian countries. A typhoid infection typically lasts four weeks, and can include severe stomach pain, internal hemorrhaging and even fits of delirium.

A typhoid vaccine is available, although it is not 100 per cent protective, says Tyndall. Insect-borne diseases Vector-borne diseases or diseases transmitted by insects and ticks affect millions of people every year. Malaria, the most deadly vector-borne disease, kills more than 1.2 million people annually - mostly African children under the age of five, according to WHO. Insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are typically found in subtropical countries and are transmitted by mosquitoes. Both diseases can produce headaches, joint pain and vomiting, but the latter can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can

lead to significant blood loss. There is no effective vaccine for either disease. Airborne diseases For many people, the most frightening diseases are those that are transmitted via the air. Spread by coughing and sneezing, measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to science. Measles, which produces a fever and severe rashes, kills an estimated 122,000 children every year, according to the U.S.-based Measles & Rubella Initiative. Most North Americans are immunized as children against measles, but it remains a major concern in India and southern Africa. Tuberculosis, another airborne

disease, killed 1.3 million people in 2012, according to WHO. It is a leading killer of people with HIV. TB is caused by bacteria that typically affect the lungs, leading to chronic cough, fever and weight loss. Travellers can be vaccinated for TB. Diseases transmitted bodily fluids or blood by

Although Ebola gets a lot of media attention, the Lassa hemorrhagic fever is far more prevalent, says Jeffrey Lee, an assistant professor in the department of laboratory medicine and pathobiology at the University of Toronto. The Lassa virus, which is endemic in west African countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria, infects

Thursday, March 27, 2014

he spread of Ebola, one of the most lethal infectious diseases known, has spooked nations with weak health care systems. In Guinea's southeast, home to all the confirmed cases, residents are avoiding large gatherings and prices in some markets have spiked as transporters avoid the area. Health authorities in Liberia said they had now recorded eight suspected cases of Ebola, mainly in people who crossed the border from Guinea. Five of these had died but tests were still being carried out to check if the cases were indeed Ebola, the Reuters news agency reported. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said a total of 86 suspected cases, including 59 deaths, had been reported in southeastern Guinea near the border with Sierra Leone and Liberia. Laboratory tests have confirmed 13 cases of Ebola in Guinea so far, the first outbreak of the disease in West Africa. "People are really frightened. They have seen people die in a matter of just two or three days. They are constantly worried who is going to be the next fatality," said Joseph Gbaka Sandounou, who manages operations for aid agency Plan International in Guekedou. Samples taken from those who died in Liberia had been sent to Conakry for testing, according to the Geneva-based WHO. In Guinea, authorities have taken steps to quarantine suspected cases in the districts of Guekedou, Macenta, Nzerekore and Kissidougou. In Sierra Leone, authorities set up a task force after the death of a 14-year-old boy who had

W AFRICA SCRAMBLES TO PREVENT EBOLA SPREAD

PAGE RONT

EBOLA

Frontpage

Page 11

G
Conakry

TERROR GRIPS EBOLA-HIT WEST AFRICA

severely as they were struck down by the virus. "People have never experienced anything like this before. Rumours are rife among communities who are trying to come up with their own explanations," said Sandounou. Ebola had never spread among humans in west Africa before February but five deaths being investigated in Liberia, one in Sierra Leone and others still being tested could bring the toll from the epidemic to above 70. "We are not at the end of this epidemic, we continue every day to record a number of new cases or fatalities," said Guinea's chief disease prevention officer Sakoba Keita, confirming the two new deaths. "But the daily incidence is lessening. We believe the peak has passed." The tropical virus -- described in some health publications as a "molecular shark" -- causes severe fever and muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, the shutdown of organs and unstoppable bleeding in severe cases. Scientists have examined 45 samples from victims

attended the funeral of a suspected Ebola victim. Authorities have yet to confirm if the boy died of the disease. No handshakes Ebola was discovered in 1976 in thenZaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo. Scientists have identified the outbreak in Guinea as the virulent Zaire strain of the virus. Because people who fall sick with it

tend to vomit, have diarrhoea and suffer both internal and external bleeding, their bodies are often "covered in virus", Peter Piot, one of the co-discoverers of Ebola and now director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told Reuters. This means anyone in close contact with them - such as nurses, doctors and carers - is at risk, he said.

The virus causes a raging fever, headaches, muscle pain, conjunctivitis and weakness, before moving into more severe phases of causing vomiting, diarrhoea and haemorrhages. In the southeastern Guinea town of Macenta, prices - especially for products like chlorine - have risen due to shortages, resident Mamady Drame said.

People have also started avoiding shaking hands. "Can you imagine that people are hesitant to even greet each other? That is a shocking symbol in our culture," Drame said. In the distant capital, where there have not yet been any confirmed cases, some bank staff handling cash wore gloves and clients were encouraged to wash their hands before entering.

uinea battled Wednesday to contain an Ebola epidemic threatening neighbouring countries as fear and confusion gripped communities under siege from one of the deadliest viruses known to mankind. Aid organisations have sent dozens of workers to help one of the world's poorest countries combat a haemorrhagic fever outbreak which has killed at least 63 people, many of whom have been confirmed as infected by Ebola. "On Monday, two more deaths were reported in our area. People are really frightened," Joseph Gbaka Sandounou, a unit manager for Plan International in Guinea's south, was quoted as saying in a statement. "They have seen people die in a matter of just two or three days. They are constantly worried who is going to be the next fatality." The British-based charity said people of Guinea's southern forests -- the epicentre of the outbreak which began in February -- had been terrified by seeing neighbours bleeding

A man desinfects protection material at a warehouse of the Swiss branch of NGO Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) on March 25, 2014 in Conakry, set to be used in areas plagued by Ebola haemorrhagic fever (AFP, Cellou Binani)

of the epidemic, with 19 testing positive for Ebola, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement. Other highly-contagious tropical bugs, including Marburg and Lassa, can lead to similar symptoms but the authorities have not announced which pathogens were been picked up in samples where Ebola was not detected. - Danger of panic spreading -

Sierra Leone warned on Tuesday that a 14-year-old buried recently may have been infected in Guinea, while the deaths of four women and a boy in Liberia are being tested for the killer virus. Guinea has banned inhabitants of the south from eating bats, a common feature of the local diet, as the creatures are considered to be the natural host of the virus. Transmission of Ebola to

humans can come from wild animals, direct contact with another human's blood, faeces or sweat, as well as sexual contact or the unprotected handling of contaminated corpses. Doctors Without Borders, which is known by its French initials "MSF", said the spread of the disease was being exacerbated by people travelling to funerals in which mourners touch the dead

person's body. No treatment or vaccine is available, and the Zaire strain of Ebola detected in Guinea -- first observed in the Democratic Republic of Congo 38 years ago -- has a 90 percent death rate. Guinea is among the planet's poorest nations despite vast untapped mineral wealth, with a stagnating economy, youth unemployment at 60 percent and a rank of 178th out of 187 countries on the UN's Human Development Index. Plan, MSF and other aid organisations are providing treatment and sanitation facilities and relaying public health information, especially to schools, via the media and text messages. "We are doing everything we can to treat the patients with dignity, whilst at the same time protecting the community and family from possible contamination," said MSF emergency coordinator Marie-Christine Ferir. "We want to avoid the danger of the population panicking and it is important to transmit all the information necessary to understand the disease and how people can protect themselves."

Page 12 | Frontpage

PAGE RONT

HUMANITARIAN NEWS

Thursday, March 27, 2014

LONESTARCELL MTN MAKES LIFE-SAVING DONATION

Supports Cancer Awareness & Treatment in Liberia!

onestar Cell MTN has again contributed significantly to Liberias health care delivery sector. Through its Lonestar Cell Foundation, a specialized equipment and assorted drugs valued at over Eighteen Thousand United States dollars (18,000USD) have been donated to the Hope for Women International Medical Center in Paynesville. Delivering the equipments of behalf of the LonestarCell Foundation, Mr. Massaquoi Kamara, Chairman, said the Foundation has a long-standing partnership with the Hope for Women Medical Center and was delighted to make the donation of such valuable life-saving equipment and drugs. Accompanied by Mrs. Cora Peabody and Ms. Jeanne Juste who are members of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Kamara said the Foundation partners with many other medical centers in the country and especially as this is Cancer-Awareness Month, Lonestar Cell Foundation was quite pleased to be making the donation. Receiving the donation, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, Proprietor and Chief Medical Officer of Hope for Women International expressed sincere gratitude to theLonestar Cell MTN Family for rendering the needed support to the hospital. According to Dr. Jallah, the equipment is known as URIT 660 and can perform nine different testsrelating to cancerous tissues including detecting prostate cancer. She said that with the donation of the equipment, the need for patients to travel outside Liberia to do tests is now minimized. She said indeed the Center was grateful because not only is the donation of the equipment timely, it is also an expensive and sensitive machine that is available at only a few health centers in Liberia. Dr. Jallah said that Hope For Women Medical Center was sending the Laboratory Technician, Junior NehmonSehgren will depart the country for Accra, Ghana in a few days to acquire extensive training in the effective use of the machine. She said that the care and effective use of the machine were vital to the successful fight against cancer. The Cancer Society of Liberia was represented at the donation ceremony by Mrs. Paulette Findley who congratulated the Lonestar Cell Foundation and the Lonestar Cell MTNfamily and pledged her organizations support to work with Hope for Women International. The Head of Corporate Affairs of Lonestar Cell MTN Dr. Larry Konmla Bropleh said his company will continue to work with the government of Liberia in supporting its agenda in health and education. He said that Lonestar Cell MTN through the Lonestar Cell Foundation was impacting in significant ways Health and Education. He recounted that in 2012 two major grants were made: $40,000 (Forty Thousand United States Dollars) to Hope for Women Medical Center to support the fight against cancer and $100,000 (One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) to Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County for the development of a state-ofthe art ICT Laboratory. Attorney Bropleh said the Lonestar Cell Foundation sees itself as a conduit to assisting the government of Liberia to make better the lives of all Liberians, noting that last year the Lonestar Cell Foundationsponsored over 350 young women who had lagged behind in their educational sojourn due to the Liberian civil crisis to acquired computer knowledge and improve their lives.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET F

Monrovia or the second time, the head of Liberias Commission on Higher Education, the body responsible for regulating the higher education sector is facing investigation by the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission. Frontpageafrica following up an investigation into at least three checks valued over half a million United States dollars issued in 2012 to some lower employees of the commission under questionable circumstances was informed by the LACC that Dr. Michael Slawon, Director General of the Commission is still being investigated. Ben Kolako, LACCs Director of Public Relations confirmed to Frontpageafrica that investigation into several payments in the name of some employees of the Commission on Higher Education but money allegedly said to have been turned to Dr. Slawon is under investigation by the LACC. We are still investigating Dr. Slawon and once the investigation is completed we will make that public, Kolako told frontpageafrica. In 2012, the LACC began investigation into payments made in the name of some employees of the Commission accordingly for local travels to Maryland and other counties when in fact such travels were not undertaken but checks encashed and money allegedly given to Dr. Slawon who is said to have converted the money to his personal use. In a letter dated June 8, 2012, the LACC invited one of the employees in whose name some of the payments were made to be available for investigation. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is pleased to present its compliments and to inform you of an ongoing investigation into circumstances surrounding the payment of staff domestic travel allowances and other benefits at The National Commission on Higher Education, Ministry of Education, the LACC stated in the letter. The LACC letter furthered According to information available to us, several staff members allegedly received payments for domestic travels between the period January 2010 to march 2012 to travel to various counties. As an employee at The National Commission on Higher Education, Ministry of Education, we believe that you could provide some information on domestic travel as well as provide relevant documents regarding staff domestic travel. Some of the employees concerned according to Frontpageafrica investigation have already made statements to the LACC about the checks. According to investigation, at least three checks in the amount of US$104,000; 250,000 and 200,000 were amongst the checks issued to junior employees of the Commission for which the LACC is conducting the investigation. Dr. Slawons long tale of corruption The ongoing investigation is the second time he is facing investigation by the LACC as he was earlier investigated by the Commission for receiving funding to undertake foreign travel to

PAGE RONT

CORRUPTION WATCH

Frontpage

Page 13

Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale

we investigate his case. Dr. Slawon failed to state why the Commission has been following the activities of the fake Dr. Peters, but has not been able to take action against him as he has moved from the AME Zion to Cuttington and now to St. Clement with the knowledge of the commission. It has also been established that some universities and colleges are operating outside their accreditation without action from the regulatory body as officials of the commission are associated with some of these educational institutions. Entity in tatter FrontPageAfrica has also gathered that the Commission on Higher Education could not be traced on the internet as efforts to gather information about the commission were thwarted due to the lack of an operating website. This further indicates that the Commission is not able to provide information to Liberians and other individuals outside the country since it cannot be traced through the global search engine, the internet. Dr. Slawon also told FrontPageAfrica that the Commission is in the process of developing a website for the first time. We were in the process of building our website when we were located on Broad Street but the process stopped after we had to move to this new office in Paynesville but as we speak we are in the process of building our website. The person who is doing the website is the head of STARZ computer training institution. During a visit at the main offices of the Commission, it was difficult to locate due to the lack of a posted Liberian flag as it is done by many state entities across Liberia. The building housing the Commission, formerly used by the Forestry development Authority and the Governance Commission now resembles a residential building with clothes and other personal effects visibly displayed on the fence of the building but Dr. Slawon has blamed the situation on lack money. Right now what we are looking for is money to pay for our mortgage. We need seven thousand United States dollars to pay our rent we have no money in our account right now as I speak to you. I went to the minister of education, she said do you best oh so every little money we get we are saving it for mortgage, right now we dont even have light because no fuel. He continued We will do our best to pay for the Mortgage for this building so furnishing and putting symbols or flag is not necessary right now. We need fuel to start inspecting the various universities around the country so for someone to ask why we are here and no symbol or flag they are all necessary but secondary. We can always be seen or found, but let us do the work we are put here to do which is to strengthen the capacity of the young people of this country. Dr. Slawons personal loan from entity Fund A check of US$2,190 issued in the name of one T. Nimley Nyenpan

Thailand but failed to travel but instead allegedly consumed the money. The LACC confirmed that Dr. Slawon refunded the amount received for the Thailand travel back into government coffers while the investigation surrounding the domestic travel checks is still ongoing. Dr. Slawon is also said to have diverted a Mitsubishi Pickup purchased for the Commission from Prestige Motor Corporation on 6/11/07 for US$24,600 to his personal use as it is no longer amongst the assets of the entity. Weak follow-up on corruption related cases could be some of the reasons why investigation into alleged corruption by Dr. Slawon and others continues to linger at the LACC since 2012, two years on. UN Secretary highlights LACC General

uncooperative and 30 were found to have misrepresented their assets or did not complete the exercise. Secretary General Moon stated in the report that however, as with the first report, the sanctions recommended by the Commission against uncooperative senior officials have not been addressed and the next steps are unclear. The President appointed a new Chair for the Commission in November 2013. The General Auditing Commission completed audits of county development funds in 10 counties, although the reports have yet to be completed, stated Secretary General Moon. Slawon long controversies standing

Mining Engineering, Mining Technology amongst others when in fact, such disciplines are new to Liberia with little or no expertise available to teach courses in those areas, but the College was accredited by the Commission on higher education and it is operational. On the website of the college, it offers courses in Petroleum Technology, Mining Engineering, Mining Technology, but there is no indication on the staff directory of the institution that it has the required professors and other qualified professional teachers to undertake such academic programs. Credential Clement fraud at St.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in his twentyseventh progress report on the United Nations Mission in Liberia presented to the Security Council specifically pointed out weak follow-up on corruption mainly cases investigated by the LACC. Secretary General Moon indicated that although some measures have been taken to improve transparency and accountability in Liberia, follow-through on cases of possible corruption remained weak. In the report, Secretary General Moon mentioned investigation of several cases by the Liberia AntiCorruption Commission as some of the cases where follow-ups have not been carried out. Some measures were taken to improve transparency and accountability, although follow-through on identified cases of possible corruption or maladministration remained weak, stated the Secretary General. According to the UN Secretary General in October 2013, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission released its second report on the verification of assets of presidential appointees where of the 77 officials audited, 25 were found to have made truthful declarations, 22 were judged

Under Dr. Slawon leadership at the Commission, there is proliferation of Universities and colleges in the country with no indication that the Commission on Higher Education is implementing its mandate in providing policy guidelines for establishing higher learning institutions in Liberia, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and accrediting all higher institutions of learning and ensuring that these institutions have the requisite qualified instructional staff before they are accredited to operate. A fake St. Luke Medical School, which operated in Liberia for years under the watch of the Commission before public pressure led to its closure, is another indication of the inability of the Commission to perform its duties to expectation. An investigation by FrontPageAfrica has gathered that Dr. Slawon is running the Commission single-handedly, making all decisions to the extent of using the entity money for his private visit under the guise of a loan. There is no such policy where the government of Liberia allotted funding is used to give loans to officials to undertake personal travels. In a memorandum, Dr. Slawon has warned all employees of the entity not to make any public statement except sanctioned by him. Currently at St. Clement University College, which claims it has the capacity to offer courses such as Petroleum Technology,

FrontPageAfrica has gathered that the Vice President for Administration at St. Clement University College, Ndien Peters, has a fake credential. He claimed to have acquired his terminal degree that does not exist as a University in South Africa. According to an investigation, Ndien Peters claimed to have acquired a PhD in International Studies from Anoited or Annointed University in South Africa, but a FrontPageAfrica investigation has gathered that such university is not listed amongst universities in South Africa. Said Dr. Slawon: The National Commission on higher education has for long had a problem with the doctorate credential of Dr. Peters dating from his days as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the AME Zion University, because of the pressure from the Commission, he resigned and went to Cuttington University, where we also followed him and he later resigned and surfaced at the St. Clements University in Paynesville. The Director of the Commission furthered: We have done our research in Washington DC to find out whether Peters is a Doctorate degree holder, they said, no. We also follow up our research in South Africa by writing the university, he claimed to have graduated from, but we did not get any response, so we have instructed the St. Clements University not to allow him to make contact with students while

was payment for Dr. Slawon on which it was indicated travel allowance. FrontPageAfrica has gathered that Dr. Slawon used the amount to undertake a private visit to his family in the United States of America, thus shifting the cost on the Commission. Under the 2013/2014 budget of the entity, the Commission was not allotted money for allowance for foreign travel. Based on the purported loan of US$2,190 taken by Dr. Slawon from the Commission without policy backing if it is not paid, the entity could source money from other budget items to cover the deficit spending. The Director General said he had to attend a program at the AU which prompted the borrowing from the Commissions account, but a source informed FrontPageAfrica that his trip was purely to the United States of America and back to Liberia. I am the English speaking repertoire of AU for curriculum harmonization and training. Normally when invitations come, they ask us to take money from our country to fund our trip. The money I borrowed is not money to use for operation, it is money we have over the past accumulated for the mortgage of this building because in our budget, the government did not put money there for a mortgage. We didnt take money to go use for our personal business. He also stated: I went to America last year, but I went to the AU before going to America. I have my own ticket to go to America. I could not take it to carry to the AU conference. After the AU conference in Ivory Coast, it was Christmas season, so I decided to go to the States for two weeks. He admitted taking the money, promising to repay: If people say I borrowed the money, yes, it is true, but it will be paid back from payment from the AU, it was not something that was hidden, it was opened and not money for the Director General to take. Normally, we receive traveling allowance, but this time around, we dont have traveling allowance because the government says no money for traveling allowance. This is not something to make an issue out of. The National Commission on Higher Education is responsible for providing policy guidelines for establishing higher learning institutions in Liberia. It also coordinates, monitors, evaluates and accredits all higher institutions of learning. The entity used to be a Department under the Ministry of Education, but has now been granted a Commission status, and it has relocated from the Ministry of Education building to a separate office. In the 2012/2013 national budget, the Commission was allotted US$1, 328,535 while in the current 2013/2014 budget, it is allotted US$609,872. Observers believe the Commission is currently operating like a dead entity and is further compounding the education mess facing the country. Dr. Slawon has served the Commission for over six years with no proven record of performance in improving the higher education system of the country. Investigation continues.

Page 14 | Frontpage

BIN LADEN SON-IN-LAW CONVICTED AT NYC TERROR TRIAL

IN BRIEF

NEW YORK (AP) sama bin Laden's son-in-law, the voice of fiery al-Qaida propaganda videotapes after the Sept. 11 attacks, was convicted Wednesday of conspiring to kill Americans for his role as the terror group's spokesman. The verdict came after about five hours of deliberation in the case against Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, the highestranking al-Qaida figure to face trial on U.S. soil since the attacks. The Kuwaiti imam had testified during a three-week trial that he answered bin Laden's request in the hours after the attacks to speak on the widely circulated videos used to recruit new followers willing to go on suicide missions like the 19 who hijacked four planes on Sept. 11, 2001.

MUDSLIDE SEARCHERS PRESS ON WITH DOGS, BARE HANDS

ARLINGTON, Wash. (AP) ith search and cadaver dogs leading the way, rescuers using small bulldozers and their bare hands pushed through sludge strewn with splintered homes and twisted cars to find 10 more bodies in the debris of a Washington state mudslide, authorities said. Despite the grim discoveries as the search entered its fifth day Wednesday and the likelihood that more bodies will be found officials were still hoping to find survivors. "We haven't lost hope that there's a possibility that we can find somebody alive in some pocket area," said Snohomish County District 21 Fire Chief Travis Hots.

PERTH/KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) ew satellite images have revealed more than 100 objects in the southern Indian Ocean that could be debris from a Malaysian jetliner missing for 18 days, while planes scouring the frigid seas on Wednesday also reported seeing potential wreckage. The latest sightings came as searchers stepped up efforts to find some trace of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, thought to have crashed on March 8 with the loss of all 239 people aboard after flying thousands of miles off course. "We have now had four separate satellite leads, from Australia, China and France, showing possible debris," Malaysian Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told a news conference. "It is now imperative that we link the debris to MH370." The latest images were captured by France-based Airbus Defence & Space on Monday and showed 122 potential objects in a 400-sqkm (155-sq-mile) area of ocean, Hishammuddin said. The objects varied in size from one metre to 23 metres (75 ft) in length, he said. Flight MH370 vanished from civilian radar screens less than an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing, and investigators believe someone on the flight may have shut off the plane's communications systems. Partial military radar tracking showed it turning west and recrossing the Malay Peninsula, apparently under the control of a skilled pilot. Malaysia's air force has released few details of its radar tracking beyond saying the plane was last detected off the northwest coast heading towards India. But the country's deputy defence minister, Abdul Rahim Bakri, told parliament that no action was taken when the unidentified plane was spotted because it was assumed it had been ordered to

PAGE RONT

WORLD NEWS

Thursday, March 27, 2014

A NARROW WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Planes, Ships Chase New Leads In Search For Malaysian Jet
said, before leading the country's parliament in a moment's silence. "A considerable amount of debris has been sighted in the area where the flight was last recorded. Bad weather and inaccessibility have so far prevented any of it from being recovered. But we are confident that it will be." Wednesday's good weather was unlikely to last, in an area renowned among mariners for high winds and big waves. "This is only going to be a narrow window of opportunity by the looks of things, because another weather system is moving in for Thursday, which looks like that will bring an increase in winds again and also lead to a reduction in visibility through the rain associated with the cold front," Neil Bennett, a spokesman for Australia's Bureau of Meteorology, told Reuters. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak this week confirmed Flight MH370 had crashed in the southern Indian Ocean. Citing satellite-data analysis by British company Inmarsat, he said there was no doubt the Boeing 777 came down in one of the most remote places on Earth. Recovery of wreckage could unlock clues about why and how the plane had diverted so far off course in one of aviation's most puzzling mysteries. Theories range from a hijacking to sabotage or a possible suicide by one of the pilots, but investigators have not ruled out technical problems. Australia, China and France have all released satellite images over the past week showing possible debris in the same general area as the latest sighting, but no confirmed wreckage has been located. PASSENGER RELATIVES DISTRAUGHT An Australian navy ship returned to the area after being driven away by gale force winds and 20-metre (66 ft) waves on Tuesday, while a Chinese turn back, local media said. "It was detected by our radar, but the turn back was by a nonhostile plane and we thought maybe it was at the directive of the control tower," he was quoted as saying. Asked at the news conference whether air force radar operators thought the plane had been told to turn back by air traffic controllers, Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister, said he could not confirm it. MIDDLE OF NOWHERE A dozen aircraft from Australia, the United States, New Zealand, China, Japan and South Korea were once more scouring the seas some 2,500 km (1,550 miles) southwest of Perth in the hunt for wreckage on Wednesday, after bad weather the previous day forced the suspension of the search. "The crash zone is as close to nowhere as it's possible to be but it's closer to Australia than anywhere else," Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott icebreaker and three Chinese navy vessels were also in the search zone. Two Chinese ships were looking for a two-metre floating object spotted earlier in the day by an aircraft, China's state news agency Xinhua reported. The United States has sent an undersea Navy drone and a hightech black box detector which will be fitted to an Australian Defence vessel due in Perth in the coming days. The so-called black boxes - the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder - record what happens during flight, but time is running out to pick up locator beacons that stop about a month after a crash due to limited battery life. Malaysia said on Tuesday that the U.S. "Towed Pinger Locator" would not arrive in the search area until April 5, which would give it only a few days to find the black box before the beacon battery would be expected to run out.

BURGER KING BABY FINDS BIRTH MOM, FEELS 'PURE JOY'

woman who, as a newborn, was abandoned in the bathroom of a Pennsylvania fast-food restaurant said she has found her birth mother just three weeks after launching a search that garnered worldwide attention, and as her mother prepared to look for her. Katheryn Deprill, 27, said Tuesday she felt "pure joy" when she met her biological mother for the first time Monday at an attorney's office. And, after she learned the sad details of her conception and abandonment, she said she understood why her mom did what she did. "She is better than anything I could've ever imagined. She is so sweet and amazing. I'm so happy," said Deprill, who has become known as the Burger King Baby.

Canadian woman managed to convince her boyfriend and her town that she was pregnant with quintuplets for 34 weeks. It was only when Barbara Bienvenue, 37, went to the hospital to deliver the babies this month that doctors pulled her boyfriend aside to tell him she wasn't pregnant and never had been, according toCTV, a Canadian news station. "I lost everything, it was my whole life," her boyfriend Paul Servat told the Toronto Sun, adding that Bienvenue told him she was expecting twins, then triplets, then quadruplets, then quintuplets. He said her belly grew, and she experienced morning sickness and lactation. Marie-Pier Gagnon, a reporter for Le Canada Franais, a local French-language newspaper that covers Saint-Jean-surRichelieu, Quebec, reported on Jan. 23 that the couple was expecting quadruplets. They would be named Alexander, Sebastian, Charles and Rosalie, and they would be born via

WOMAN HAS PHANTOM PREGNANCY, WITH QUINTUPLETS

Cesarean section on Feb. 22 at the CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal. Photos of a colorful room with wallto-wall cribs accompanied the article. Gagnon wrote that the news spurred a movement on social networks to help the couple, and donations poured in. Then, on March 20, Gagnon published another article,

revealing that Bienvenue was never pregnant. Local police spokesman Sgt. Luc Tougas said his department is aware of the Bienvenue story, but it has not received any formal fraud complaints from the people who donated money and baby things to the couple. "The spouse, who was also jilted with this whole story,

has been reimbursing some of the associations," Tougas told ABCNews.com. "He was also very stunned. Right now, this woman is at the hospital undergoing psychiatric treatment. We suspect some mental issues." A Facebook page soliciting donations for the babies has since been taken down. ABC News sent an email to

the account set up to handle donations, but there was no response. Bienvenue experienced a phantom pregnancy, or pseudocyesis, and she is receiving psychiatric care, The Sun reported. Pseudocyesis is a very rare disorder in which a woman experiences all the symptoms of pregnancy, but is not pregnant.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

SCORING BOOTS FOUND?

Liberias Laffor scores in Sundowns 3-1 win over Platinum Stars
It was Laffors third league goal in succession and fourth overall in 11 appearances (706 minutes), which may have eased news of a transfer. Laffor produced an assist and a goal when Sundowns booked a quarter-final place in the Nedbank Cup with a 4-1 win over Golden Arrows on March 22. His man of the match performance against Arrows earned him 5,000 Rands or US$468.38. Acclaimed South Africa football magazine KickOff.com had reported last December that Laffor was on the list of unsettled players following a conspicuous absence from the clubs festive get-together. The 29-year-old played four games (176 minutes) in the runup to that report and a January transfer was not cast in stone. Head coach Pitso Mosimane dropped Snothi down the pecking orders with South Africa internationals Katlego Mashego (17 caps, seven goals) and Bongani Zungu (17 caps, a goal) and Zimbabwe internationals Khama Billiat (14 caps, four goals) and Cuthbert Malajila (16 caps, five goals) have been paired and preferred respectively.

Sports

Frontpage

Page 15

LAKERS RIP KNICKS IN PHIL JACKSON'S RETURN TO LA

SPORT BRIEF

nthony Snothi Laffor was on target when Mamelodi Sundowns beat Platinum Stars 3-1 in South Africas Absa Premiership at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium near Rustenburg on Tuesday. Sundowns got off to a flying start immediately after kick-off and should have found the curtain raiser after seven minutes. And their early harvest yielded fruits in the 22nd minute when Surprise Moriri profited from left-back Mzikayise Mashabas mesmerizing run to register goal number one. Laffor doubled Sundowns lead four minutes from the break when Lebohang Mokoena provided a cutback from the left by-line, which the lanky midfielder-cumstriker easily slotted home from close range. The Liberian captain could have scored a brace when he surged towards goal from around the center circle but lacked precision in rounding-off goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane, who brilliantly stuck out his right hand and cleanly won the ball. And Mokoena wrapped-up the win in the 78th minute with a long range drive to take the Brazilians to 46 points from 23 matches, three behind league leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand.

Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Los Angeles (AFP) eserve Xavier Henry scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the New York Knicks 127-96 in a showdown of Phil Jackson's current and former clubs. Jackson, who coached a record 11 NBA championship clubs, was named the president of basketball operations for the Knicks earlier this month. Jackson, who is engaged to top Lakers executive Jeanie Buss, guided the Lakers to five NBA crowns after coaching the Chicago Bulls to six NBA crowns in the 1990s with Michael Jordan leading the way on the court. The man charged with turning New York into a winner had a luxury box seat to view the Knicks on Tuesday, who desperately need every victory to try and reach the playoffs, being outclassed by the Lakers, who are already assured of missing the playoffs. BAYERN MUNICH CLINCH THE BUNDESLIGA TITLE IN RECORD TIME

ERRATUM

n our Wednesdays edition, we reported that Cyrus Wright is the president of the NPA Anchors Sports Association. Varmuyah K. Bayour is the associations acting president. Wright once served as president. We sincerely apologized for any inconvenience the assertion may have caused NPA.

MY RE-ELECTION IS A SIGN OF TRUST FROM MY MEMBERS

A. Macaulay Sombai, sombai121@gmail.com

LIFRA President

Monroviahe President of the Liberia Football Referees Association (LIFRA) has described his reelection by members of his association as a sign of trust reposed in him by his members for the past four years. Att. Joseph Kollie said his reelection was not based on friendship but based on the total understanding that has existed and continues to exist between him and the rest of his association members for the past four years. I may not be one hundred past (100%) correct in my service to members of LIFRA but my reelection shows that they are pleased with

my performance for the past four years a performance that has been in the interest of us all and our association. Att. Kollie mentioned. The LIFRA boss continued that his reelection means that they have to work harder to take the association and its members to another higher level in the game both locally and internationally. He emphasized that his leadership target in the next four years will be in the area of recruitment of new members in order to help prepare new faces for the function of the association. I promised to focus my attention on the recruitment of new members because most of our current members are declining and we all know that and I think this is the appropriate time for us to start training new members that will be able to take their places. Att. Kollie added. The LIFRA President promised that the recruitment of his association new members will take place in every major cities in the fifteen (I5) political sub-divisions of Liberia because he believes that the game of football is the leading sports in the country and it is played in every part of the country. We begin the training of recruiting members from the age of 14 and they will be guided by their senior members to officiate matches in the third and fourth division levels until they reach the ages of 20 to 23 then they will be allowed to officiate in the senior national league, he disclosed. Att. Kollie confirmed that for the past four years his leadership has recruited sixty (60) referees and they all are responding well to the rules of the game in their various sub-committees and associations in the country. He described his association members performances during the just ended Liberia Football Association (LFA) national league season as excellent and added that there were no complaints filed against any of his members during the entire season. We do agree that at the end of every league match some members of the losing side will complain against the referees failing to agree to the blunder made by their own players but at the end many times they realized that the action taken by the referee was based on the rules of the game, LIFRA President said.

ith a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin, undefeated Bayern Munich have clinched their record 24th Bundesliga title with a record seven matches left to play and a 25-point lead over second-place Borussia Dortmund. This continues their streak of gobbling up just about every trophy in existence despite changing managers after winning the treble last season. In fact, you should check and see if your dad's 1976 amateur men's over40 division bowling trophy is still in the basement, because Bayern probably have that now too. Of course, there is still much for Bayern to play for an undefeated season, as well as defending their Champions League title and the DFB Pokal.

EDEN HAZARD: JOSE MOURINHO CAN HANDLE PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

den Hazard believes Jose Mourinho "is strong enough" to guideChelsea past Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarterfinal tie. After eliminating Galatasaray in the round of 16, the Blues travel to France for their first leg next Wednesday, before hosting the Ligue 1 champions in the return fixture on April 8. Hazard, who has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, also feels PSG's playing style is similar to that of Premier League rivals Arsenal - whom the Blues routed 6-0 on Saturday.

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
VOL 8 NO.560

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Sports

SCORING BOOTS

PRICE L$40

FOUND?

Liberias Laffor scores in Sundowns 3-1 win over Platinum Stars

FrontPage

EBOLA SCARE

Spot News

SUPERMARKET ATTENDENTS AT EXCLUSIVE WEARS GLOVES FOR FEAR OF DEADLY DISEASE

Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

MONROVIAlate afternoon shopper at one of Liberias leading Supermarket chain was surprised but amused when she walked to the counter of the supermarket only to find the attendant wearing a pair of transparent gloves. She asked the lady that was about to serve her why she was wearing the gloves, the lady replied: Ma, they say Ebola here, you cant take chances oh, you better start taking precaution oh. This is the case with almost all the supermarkets in Monrovia now; it has even gone to the extent that hand sanitizers are beginning to become scarce. At some places when you meet someone, the word is: You know Ebola around, so no handshake oh. The perceived presence of Ebola in Liberia seems to be robbing Liberia of its core traditions, the basic handshake or the kiss on the checks, that is so generic, and sometimes you dont know youve done it.