American Billionaire Gives US$30M to Liberia for Private Sector

An American billionaire, Robert Johnson has committed thirty million U.S. dollars to the private sector of post-war Liberia.

Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh told reporters the commitment was made the just-ended Private Sector Conference in Washington D.C.
Minister Sayeh said Mr. Johnson has also promised to work with OPIC for the achievement of its objectives.
According to Minister Sayeh, the Private Sector conference was jointly sponsored by OPIC and the International Finance Corporation.

PROFILE OF ROBERT JOHNSON

Robert L. Johnson, Business Personality / Media Mogul

• Born: 8 April 1946
• Birthplace: Hickory, Mississippi
• Best Known As: Founder of Black Entertainment Television

Robert L. Johnson is the founder, chairman and CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET). He is also the majority owner of the the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association. Johnson grew up in Illinois and earned a graduate degree in international affairs from Princeton University. In the early 1970s Johnson found himself in Washington, D.C. during the early expansion of cable television. After a few years as a lobbyist for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Johnson borrowed money to start his own cable brand, BET. Launched in 1980, it was profitable within five years. In the early '90s BET became the first African-American-controlled company to be traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1998 Johnson bought it back and then sold it to Viacom, pocketing a reported $1.5 billion himself and retaining his position as chairman and CEO. Since then Johnson has continued to expand and diversify the BET brand, and in 2003 he became the owner of a new National Basketball Association franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats.

Ducor Petroleum Receives Commendations From Several Liberians

Ducor petroleum Petroleum Incorporated (DPI) which recently launched its services to the public nationwide has been praised by several Liberians for its initiatives to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

Speaking to the GNN, two executives of one of the local rights group, The Liberian Youth for Democracy (LYD), Jeremiah Smith and Samuel Daniels said they were over happy for the level of assistance this Liberian owned company is doing for the youths of Liberia.

The youth leadership said the management of Ducor Petroleum Incorporated must be highly commended, "other Liberians who are in business must follow the good example of this company," they stressed.

For the benefit of our many browsers we again bring you this profile on the company read below.

(Visit our sister webpage www.gnn-globalnews.blogspot for interesting photos of the company)

Speaking to the GNN, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Amos Brosius said this was his own way of helping to boost the Liberian economy.

The young Liberian business executive who previously worked for the Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated for over decades said his company, the DPI has established several gas stations troughout the City and its environ and also established branches in five of the fifteen counties of Liberia.

"At present, Our service have beyond Liberia, as we are currently supplying neighboring country like Guinea and hope to do same with other country soon, once the support if given us” the DPI CEO boastfully told the GNN in Monrovia.

Below is the DPI Chief Executive Officer profile, featured recently:

As Liberia gradually returns to the state of genuine stability under the leadership of Africa’s first female President, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian entrepreneurs are making all efforts to rebuild the Liberian economy which was destroyed over a decade ago as a result of a civil war.

One of these finest and industrious Liberian entrepreneurs who is striving to boost the growth of the Liberian economy through the establishment of a company to rapidly reduce the high rate of unemployment in the Country is no other but the General Manager of the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, Mr. Amos P.K. Brosius, I.

Despite his appearance at first sight which confuses people due to his youthfulness and simplest interaction with people, Brosius manages the most reliable and serviceable petroleum distribution stations throughout the country, the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, a subsidiary of the Monrovia Oil Trading Company (MOTC).

Due to its reliability and professionalism of its workforce, DPI services to the NGO community as well as International Organizations and Churches throughout the Country is been appraised by thousands of Liberians for the level of professional services has been provided by this Liberian owned company.

DPI headed by this learned Liberian, has grouped strategic areas in Monrovia for its service provider, including Bushrod Island Jamaica Road junction, where the Head office of the company is located, Center Street (Central Monrovia), Lone Star Filling Station in Gardnersville (Jacob Town).

For its outstations, DPI covers Ganta; Nimba County, Buchanan; Grand Bassa County Totota/Gbarnga, Bong County and Kakata, Margibi County. According to Mr. Brosius, it is his management’s desire to spread its wings through the length and breathe of the country by providing professional and reliable services to the nation.

With the support of his partner and major supplier in the petroleum business, the Monrovia Oil Trading Corporation (MOTC) which was established six years ago is said to be making a tremendous move alone with the DPI in helping to create and build confidence in the Liberian economy.

The setting up of DPI’s distribution networks throughout the country and managed by a staff of trained Liberian energetic professional individuals has indeed proven that this company is doing everything possible to empower Liberians in order to become masters of themselves in the future.

Mr. Brosius a 1996 product of the nation’s highest institution of learning, the University of Liberia where he sincerely earned for himself a BBA Degree in Accounting is happily married to beautiful and charming Ms. Hawa Fatta, now Mrs. Hawa Fatta Brosius, both are blessed with four (4) kids, two boys and three girls with ages 8, 5, 2 and one month old baby.

Mr. Brosius who believes in hard work and honesty has over the years worked with several reputable companies, including the Liberia Produce and Marketing Corporation (LPMC), and Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated where he was also admired due to his professional handling of his assigned job, as Accountant.

While working at Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated, he was privileged to have undergone several local and international exposure and training in Togo, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and the Republic of Ghana acquiring various techniques and experience through the sponsorship of Mobile Liberia limited, a gesture which he highly pleased with.

His professional services at Mobile at that time made his former bosses and other employees to missed him; being a man of integrity and diligent, others urged him to work for them but refused on ground that he was opting for his own business to help reduce and help to employ his fellow compatriots.

While also at this company (Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated), according to some of his former workmates, the DPI Executive was always wining the hearts and minds of his bosses and receiving the highest appraisal every year from the company’s overseas office in Europe and the Americas. Similar honour was also given him at the end of last year (2006) when several media houses, honoured him for his valuable contribution to the state and its people.

His dream has today has become a reality, being a proud man to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of one of Liberia’s most reliable petroleum distributors which is measuring arms with some of the country’s biggest distributors in such business, “our services will cover the entire country, just give us some time”, Mr. Brosius relaxed behind his giant size desk in his office located at Jamaica Road Junction, Bushrod Island boastfully said.

When asked about his philosophy, the Gasoline and Petroleum guru smile and said, “The best way to happiness is to seek to make others happy”. Her said he has invested over half a million United States Dollars into the business and hope to invest more for the benefit of the Liberian people who will be catered to through the distribution of his products Nationwide.

Given his message to his fellow Liberians who may want to grow to become successful in business, Mr. Brosius urged them to “learn to be honest and committed and live within your means and pay your taxes regularly. These are the recipes for a successful businessman or woman”, the young Liberian business man stressed.

Mr. Brosius due to his hard work and interest in helping to reduce the high rate of unemployment in Liberia has also involved himself into farming. Presently he is operating a 10 acre farm land on the Monrovia/Roberts field highway where vegetables of all kinds are being harvested.

Speaking further, Mr. Brosius said 10 to 15 persons have been hired daily at a rate of US$5.00 per person, making sure that the ‘Green Revolution’ that was launched prior to the Liberian civil war regains its status. “This farm was recently harvested with lots of cabbages and other edibles vegetable,” Mr. Brosius.

Several Liberians spoken to by this writer called on other Liberian entrepreneurs to follow the good example of Mr. Amos Brosius who has taken the nationalistic initiatives to provide jobs for Liberians.

U.S. soldier gets 100 years for Iraq rape, killings

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky (AP) -- A U.S. soldier was sentenced to 100 years in prison Thursday for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and the killing of her family last year.
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, also was given a dishonorable discharge. He will be eligible for parole in 10 years under the terms of his plea agreement.
Cortez, of Barstow, California, pleaded guilty this week to four counts of felony murder, rape and conspiracy to rape in a case considered among the worst atrocities by U.S. military personnel in Iraq.
In his plea agreement, he said he conspired with three other soldiers from the Fort Campbell-based 101st Airborne Division to rape 14-year-old Abeer Qassim al-Janabi. The girl, her parents and a younger sister were all killed.
Earlier Thursday, tears rolled down Cortez's face as he apologized for the rape and murders. He said he could not explain why he took part.
"I still don't have an answer," Cortez told the judge. "I don't know why. I wish I hadn't. The lives of four innocent people were taken. I want to apologize for all of the pain and suffering I have caused the al-Janabi family."
The military judge hearing the case, Col. Stephen R. Henley, issued a sentence of life in prison without parole, the maximum for the charges. Under military law, the defendant is given the lesser sentence unless he violates terms of the plea agreement, which requires Cortez to testify against others charged in the case.
Psychologist Charles Figley testified that Cortez and the other soldiers likely suffered stress brought on by fatigue and trauma.
"It eats you up," Figley said. "It's a horrible thing. This is not unique. We've seen this in other wars."
Five soldiers who served with Cortez in Iraq testified that his actions were out of character and described the hardships of war they experienced, including sleep deprivation and the lack of running water.
"I just never would have seen it coming," said Staff Sgt. Tim Briggs, who has known Cortez for five years and served with him in Iraq.
Prosecutors said the stress was no excuse for the actions of Cortez and the other soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell.
On Wednesday, Cortez described raping the girl in her family's home in Mahmoudiya last March, along with Spc. James Barker, 24. Barker pleaded guilty in November to rape and murder and was sentenced to 90 years in military prison.
Cortez said this week that former private Steven D. Green raped the girl in front of him; shot her father, mother and sister; and then shot her in the head. He also testified that the soldiers attempted to burn the girl's body; burned their own clothes; and threw the murder weapon, an AK-47, into a canal in an attempt to dispose of the evidence.
Cortez was found not guilty of more serious charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to premeditated murder.
Pfcs. Jesse Spielman, 22, and Bryan Howard, 19, await courts-martial. Green, who is accused of being the ringleader but was discharged from the military before being charged, will be prosecuted in a federal court in Kentucky.

Press Union Condemns Closure of Independent Newspaper, Complains Liberian Gov't to U.N

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has condemned the arbitrary closure of the Independent Newspaper by government Security forces yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

The Union says the seizure of the newspaper offices without court order is a violation of the rule of law which has been preached over the years by the same government.

The PUL further said while it acknowledges the reckless ethnical misconduct of the paper, it will resist any attempt by government to institute what the union called “mob justice” against the paper.

The Union challenges President Sirleaf not to allow her government to slide into repression and the practice of jungle justice, but give chance to the judiciary to function if there has been a violation by the newspaper.

“We will be interested in following to a logical conclusion, court actions against any member of the Press Union of Liberia so as to serve as a precedent for others,” the media group rights added.

Meanwhile, the Press Union of Liberia has complained the Liberian government to Ambassador Alan Doss, Special Representative to the U.N. Secretary General and other democratic crusader on the issue.

Heart Attack Brings Dead Baby Alive

Credit BBCNEWS






Brain scans have shown that Woody has suffered no lasting damageA baby boy who was pronounced dead after a heart attack came back to life 30 minutes later as he lay in his grieving parents' arms.
Medical staff at Leeds General Infirmary had tried in vain to resuscitate two-week-old Woody Lander.
He was handed over to parents Jon and Karen Lander so they could say goodbye.
After half an hour the couple heard the boy cough and doctors started his heart. Now 14 months old, Woody has been given a clean bill of health.
Mr Lander, 34, a civil servant from Farsley, Leeds, had been travelling with his 32-year-old wife to his parents' house in Norfolk in December 2005 when they noticed their child turn white and cold.
Woody was rushed to the emergency ward at Leeds General Infirmary where he had a heart attack. It was later discovered he had a blocked aorta.
The doctors said they had never heard of anyone coming round after 30 minutes of apparent lifelessness
Jon Lander, Woody's father, Mr Lander said: "We were in bits. After what seemed like an eternity the doctor came out and said 'I think we have done all we can'.
"They reached the cut-off point for resuscitation and said 'that's it' and handed Woody to us to say goodbye.
"They started taking tubes out and that's when he started twitching.
"They managed to get his heart going and he came back to life in front of us."
Full recovery
Brain scans have now shown no lasting damage and the Landers have been told their son can expect to lead a full and active life.
Mr Lander said: "We still don't know how it happened. We just know he's a little miracle.
"The doctors said they had never heard of anyone coming round after 30 minutes of apparent lifelessness, let alone a young baby.
"But the people at the hospital were unbelievable and they made the miracle happen."
Mr Lander is hoping to thank Leeds General Hospital by running in the Leeds 10k Run for All, set up by fund-raiser and terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson, later this year.
He is raising cash for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund at the hospital.

Liberia Lotteries in Crisis, As "Fassue Kelleh Leaves with clean hands"

The Liberia National Lotteries Incorporated which was established by an Act of the National Legislature in 1982 with the sole purpose of financing welfare institutions, especially the disabled and old-folks homes and create jobs for those who are incapacity is said to be falling apart followed the resignation of its Managing Director.

According to report, Mr. Fassue Kelleh has taken his exist from the agency following countless efforts for its revival failed – the inability for the Liberian Government to play its part as a result of previous administrations miss-application of trusted funds from the agency’s coffer.

Mr. Fassue Kelleh former Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA) was last year appointed as Managing Director of the Liberian National lotteries by the Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf due to his high profile administrative skills, a position he accepted to return home from the United States of America where according to report he secured a job as a banker.

According to sources, Mr. Fassue left the agency due to what he called the lack of support from the Liberian Government to up keep the institution in good shape and settle delinquents who have played this game over the years.

Recently an employee, Jallah Mendscoe, Marketing Manager of the Liberia National Lotteries in a recent news conference accused his former boss (Fassue Kelleh) of impropriety and miss-management of the agency’s funds, Mr. Mendscole also blamed Mr. Kelleh of draining down financially the Liberia National Lotteries.

This allegation leveled against the former Managing Director of the agency by Mendscole seems not to go down too well with some employees of the agency who described the allegation as” mare fallacy and deformation of Mr. Kelleh’s well earned reputation built over the years.

Also reacting to the allegation, sources closed to the Vice President of Liberia, who is also Chief Patron of the agency, said the allegation leveled against Mr. Kelleh by Mendscole and others has no iota of truth, and lack basic facts to spoil the good character of Mr. Kelleh, who the source described him as a fine gentleman who also mean serious business to sever his country.

“The resignation of Fassue should not be considered as been corrupt, but rather due to the lack of the needy support from the government to uphold the agency’s responsibility to those clients whose payments seems to come forth,” the sources at the Vice President’s office told our reporter.

According to an investigation been conducted by reporters, prior to the departure of Mr. Kelleh from the Liberia National Lotteries as Managing Director, a “Proposed Recovery Project & Action Plan and Prospect for Survival & Growth” of the agency was submitted last July to the Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, stressing, “that the Liberian National Lotteries’ current debts and payable due the various banking institutions, operations cost, winners unpaid awards and balances astronomically shamefully and unbelievably now stand at L$40,663,916.57, or over US$790,000.00.”

Stating further in the report, Mr. Fassue said, “the Liberia National Lotteries sales has immeasurably decreased over the years. In 2004 for instance, each of the bi-weekly draw stood at over LD$200,000.00 – average. Sales have started dipping in 2004 when each draw barely reached LD$170,000.00 and players declined to below 12,000 customers only per draw”.

In the same token, the former Managing Director in a drive to revamp the agency last December (2006) in a communication to the Director General of the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation, Mr. Francis Carbah, said, “the Liberia National Lotteries Incorporated currently stands in dire financially loan to enable management revamp the operations by first paying off liabilities to its customers of over $100,000.00 or L$5.6 million’.

With all of these strives by the former Managing Director of the agency to improve the Lotteries of the nation, several individuals who spoke to this writer have taken exception to Mr. Mendscole’s allegation against the man he said is a credible Liberian.
Investigation continues.

Senator Prince Y. Johnson Tours Mali, Senegal

Former rebel commander of defunct Independence National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) now Senior Nimba lawmaker, Senator Prince Johnson leaves the country this week for Bamako and Dakar, capital cities of Mali and Senegal, respectively, as guest of Medi-Lab, an International medical group based in Germany with seven offices in West Africa and Luxemburg.
The ECOWAS parliamentarian will be away for one week and while in the Malian capital, is expected to hold talks with officials of Medi-Lab including some investors, who may wish to invest in Liberia.
According to the office of the Nimba senior senator, his trip to those countries comes in the wake of invitation extended to him in January, 2007, but which he put on hold while he was undergoing medical treatment in a local hospital.
Information gathered from Senator Johnson’s office indicates that his doctor has advised him to move freely at this time. The information further say, he will depart the Robert International Airport this week for the visit to Mali and Senegal purposely to meet and discuss with the investors on the best way to establish a pharmaceutical industry in war torn Liberia.
When contacted, the Chairman of the Upper House’s standing committee on National Security, Prince Y. Johnson told our reporter that he would use the occasion to meet with members of the ECOWAS Parliament from both Mali and Senegal in their respective countries to discuss peace and reconciliation in the region.
The Senator also pointed out that while he is away for one week, his office will remain open for people from his constituency and for any other individuals. The Senator is expected to return to Liberia this weekend.

Willis Knuckles Finally Resigns, As President Sirleaf Expresses Regret, Calls for Immediate Prosecution of all Officials

The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Willis Knuckles who was involved in widely publicized pornographic sex scandal yesterday tendered in his resignation to the Liberian leader, but many Liberians described the latest report as be littled.
Addressing the Nation by radio late yesterday evening at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now Presidential Office, said she received a letter of resignation from her “able and respected Minister” of State for Presidential Affairs, Knuckles yesterday.
She expressed regret for this latest action on the part of the Minister, but said she will uphold the rule of law in the country, and promised to protect the moral value of the Liberian people.
Speaking further, the Liberian leader admitted that "Corruption is still rampant in government," in her thirteen months old government, but however assured the people of Liberia that she would ‘ruthlessly’ deal with it.
The President in a serious note said she would achieve this by prosecuting those involved in corruption in her Government and former administration.
The issue of Knuckles’ widespread sex scandal has created serious among Liberians and even those in the diasporas for what they described as “bringing disgrace to the civilized people of Liberia.
Following the much series of publicities on the issue, several groups including the Press Union of Liberia, students, human rights, church related organizations and even the ordinary Liberian called for the immediate dismissal of Minister Knuckles.
In a related development, the former NTGL Chairman, Gyude Bryant has been found guilty on corrupt charges and is expected to shortly face prosecution.According a local radio station quoting Justice Ministry sources, the former Transitional Chairman will be prosecuted after been found guilty.

DUCOR PETROLEUM COMPANY IN PICTURES

Recently the Global News Network featured one of Liberia's well grounded Companies, the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated (DPI) and its entire managerial staff, and the General Manager and Chief Executuive Officer of the Company, Mr. Amos Brosius.

Detail story of the company is posted on our sister webpage: www.gnn.theliberiantimes.com read on to know those individuals who are making a tremedious effort to place Liuberia amongst the comity of nations in development.

PRESS RELEASE: Speacial Court Regrets Samuel Hinga Norman Death in Sierra Leone

The Defence Office of the Special Court for Sierra Leone was informed yesterday that Chief Samuel Hinga Norman, a CDF indictee at the Special Court for Sierra Leone passed away at 11:15 am in Dakar, Senegal where he was recuperating from surgery. Chief Norman, former Deputy Defence Minister and later Minister of Internal Affairs, was indicted on 7 March 2003 on an 8-count indictment for crimes against humanity, violations of Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Chief Norman had been experiencing health problems that were not life-threatening but needed treatment. As result, he was taken to the L’Hopital Aristide Le Dantec (a military hospital) in Dakar, Senegal on 17 January where he successfully underwent a medical procedure. Chief Norman had been in good spirits after the surgery until 22 February when he collapsed at about 10:55 am. Efforts to resuscitate him failed and he passed away at about 11.15 am. Chief Norman was a great friend of the Defence Office in its duties to facilitate and ensure the rights of accused persons before the Special Court. His death therefore is a tragedy not only to the bereaved family but also to the Special Court and in some particular way to the Defence Office. We express our sympathy to the bereaved family and friends with whom we share this loss. The Defence Office is closely working with the Registry in all the arrangements to deal with this tragedy. #END The Special Court is an independent tribunal established jointly by the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone. It is mandated to bring to justice those who bear the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed in Sierra Leone after 30 November 1996. To date, the Prosecutor has indicted eleven persons on various charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Ten indictees are currently in the custody of the Court.

Alan Doss Visits Indian UNMIL Female Police Headquarters In LIberia

Monrovia, Liberia - The UN envoy in Liberia, Mr. Alan Doss has welcomed the arrival of the Indian Formed Police Unit - FPU – to Liberia. Mr. Doss was addressing officers of the unit during a visit to their headquarters in Congo Town, near Monrovia. The unit, made up 105 female officers with 20 male supporting staff, is the first largely female FPU to be deployed to a United Nations peacekeeping operation.
Mr. Doss being conducted round by the India FPU Contingent Commander Dhundia
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative said FPUs have a very important role to play in Liberia. “We have to be ready for incidents of public disorder, which is not surprising in a country emerging for a long and violent civil war”, he acknowledged. He added that UNMIL aims to manage public order without resorting each time to a military response. “I am quite confident that with your help we can maintain a peaceful, stable and violence-free environment in Liberia.”
He told the Indian police officers that a female police unit is an extra bonus for the mission. “We know from police experience around the world that women officers are good at handling potentially violent situations.”
Mr. Doss said that UNMIL wants to help Liberia build its own FPU type capacity within the Liberia National Police so that the Government can deal effectively deal with problems of public order without unnecessary violence or bringing the military on to the streets.
Earlier, the Indian FPU Contingent Commander Seema Dhundia gave an audio-visual presentation highlighting the structure, composition and responsibilities of the Central Reserve Police Force - CRPF - to which the FPU belongs. The CRPF is often called upon to deal with public order problems and emergencies all over India.
Mr. Doss greets one of the Indian peacekeepers.
Commander Dhundia took Mr. Doss on a guided tour of various sections of the India FPU headquarters, which included an inspection of the Unit’s riot control equipment and vehicles. She later presented him with a replica of the 2,000 years old Ashoka Stambha (Pillar), a national emblem of India.

In a related develoment, the UN envoy in Liberia, Mr. Alan Doss, has commended Liberia for the tremendous progress the country has witnessed since the start of the UN peace mission in the country in 2003, but cautioned against complacency. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Liberia was speaking at a ceremony at the Roberts International Airport, about 45 kilometres outside Monrovia, during which 301 officers of the Ukrainian Aviation Unit were honoured with UN medals for their contribution to the UN peace mission in Liberia.
“Through the efforts of the democratically-elected government and the international community, Liberia is now on the path to recovery after years of conflict and violence”, he observed, but warned that “outbursts of violent public disorder and troubles in neighbouring countries must not be allowed to undermine the consolidation of the peace in Liberia”. Mr. Doss stressed that UNMIL will remain vigilant to ensure that security conditions enable the government to move ahead with its programme of national reform and renewal.
The UN Envoy commended the Ukrainian Aviation Unit in UNMIL for their dedication and professionalism. “The helicopter gunships that this unit manages, provide a critical and unique armed capability for the peacekeepers of this mission” adding that “our blue helmets know they can rely on this overhead support for border patrols and in times of crisis”. Mr. Doss noted that the Ukrainian Aviation Unit also provided transport and cargo airlifts and undertaken medical evacuation missions across Liberia.
The UN envoy urged the peacekeepers to abide strictly by the Secretary-General’s policy of zero tolerance of sexual abuse and exploitation, calling on commanders and officers to lead by example to get the message across to all their troops.
Mr. Doss inspects Ukrainian officers on parade
The occasion was held on Ukraine’s “Defender of the Motherland Day”, a day on which Ukrainian military and war veterans are remembered and honoured. Among the dignitaries present at the medal-awarding ceremony were UNMIL Deputy Force Commander Major-General Mohammed Tahir and Ukrainian Contingent Commander Colonel Shluharchuk Taras.

INVESTOR'S PROFILE: A Look at Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, the company making the difference

As Liberia gradually returns to the state of genuine stability under the leadership of Africa’s first female President, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian entrepreneurs are making all efforts to rebuild the Liberian economy which was destroyed over a decade ago as a result of a civil war.

One of these finest and industrious Liberian entrepreneurs who is striving to boost the growth of the Liberian economy through the establishment of a company to rapidly reduce the high rate of unemployment in the Country is no other but the General Manager of the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, Mr. Amos P.K. Brosius, I.

Despite his appearance at first sight which confuses people due to his youthfulness and simplest interaction with people, Brosius manages the most reliable and serviceable petroleum distribution stations throughout the country, the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, a subsidiary of the Monrovia Oil Trading Company (MOTC).

Due to its reliability and professionalism of its workforce, DPI services to the NGO community as well as International Organizations and Churches throughout the Country is been appraised by thousands of Liberians for the level of professional services has been provided by this Liberian owned company.

DPI headed by this learned Liberian, has grouped strategic areas in Monrovia for its service provider, including Bushrod Island Jamaica Road junction, where the Head office of the company is located, Center Street (Central Monrovia), Lone Star Filling Station in Gardnersville (Jacob Town).

For its outstations, DPI covers Ganta; Nimba County, Buchanan; Grand Bassa County Totota/Gbarnga, Bong County and Kakata, Margibi County. According to Mr. Brosius, it is his management’s desire to spread its wings through the length and breathe of the country by providing professional and reliable services to the nation.

With the support of his partner and major supplier in the petroleum business, the Monrovia Oil Trading Corporation (MOTC) which was established six years ago is said to be making a tremendous move alone with the DPI in helping to create and build confidence in the Liberian economy.

The setting up of DPI’s distribution networks throughout the country and managed by a staff of trained Liberian energetic professional individuals has indeed proven that this company is doing everything possible to empower Liberians in order to become masters of themselves in the future.

Mr. Brosius a 1996 product of the nation’s highest institution of learning, the University of Liberia where he sincerely earned for himself a BBA Degree in Accounting is happily married to beautiful and charming Ms. Hawa Fatta, now Mrs. Hawa Fatta Brosius, both are blessed with four (4) kids, two boys and three girls with ages 8, 5, 2 and one month old baby.

Mr. Brosius who believes in hard work and honesty has over the years worked with several reputable companies, including the Liberia Produce and Marketing Corporation (LPMC), and Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated where he was also admired due to his professional handling of his assigned job, as Accountant.

While working at Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated, he was privileged to have undergone several local and international exposure and training in Togo, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and the Republic of Ghana acquiring various techniques and experience through the sponsorship of Mobile Liberia limited, a gesture which he highly pleased with.

His professional services at Mobile at that time made his former bosses and other employees to missed him; being a man of integrity and diligent, others urged him to work for them but refused on ground that he was opting for his own business to help reduce and help to employ his fellow compatriots.

While also at this company (Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated), according to some of his former workmates, the DPI Executive was always wining the hearts and minds of his bosses and receiving the highest appraisal every year from the company’s overseas office in Europe and the Americas. Similar honour was also given him at the end of last year (2006) when several media houses, honoured him for his valuable contribution to the state and its people.

His dream has today has become a reality, being a proud man to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of one of Liberia’s most reliable petroleum distributors which is measuring arms with some of the country’s biggest distributors in such business, “our services will cover the entire country, just give us some time”, Mr. Brosius relaxed behind his giant size desk in his office located at Jamaica Road Junction, Bushrod Island boastfully said.

When asked about his philosophy, the Gasoline and Petroleum guru smile and said, “The best way to happiness is to seek to make others happy”. Her said he has invested over half a million United States Dollars into the business and hope to invest more for the benefit of the Liberian people who will be catered to through the distribution of his products Nationwide.

Given his message to his fellow Liberians who may want to grow to become successful in business, Mr. Brosius urged them to “learn to be honest and committed and live within your means and pay your taxes regularly. These are the recipes for a successful businessman or woman”, the young Liberian business man stressed.

Mr. Brosius due to his hard work and interest in helping to reduce the high rate of unemployment in Liberia has also involved himself into farming. Presently he is operating a 10 acre farm land on the Monrovia/Roberts field highway where vegetables of all kinds are being harvested.

Speaking further, Mr. Brosius said 10 to 15 persons have been hired daily at a rate of US$5.00 per person, making sure that the ‘Green Revolution’ that was launched prior to the Liberian civil war regains its status. “This farm was recently harvested with lots of cabbages and other edibles vegetable,” Mr. Brosius.


Several Liberians spoken to by this writer called on other Liberian entrepreneurs to follow the good example of Mr. Amos Brosius who has taken the nationalistic initiatives to provide jobs for Liberians.

A U.S. based Liberian Cleric J. Samuel Reeves Talks about the moral and ethical situations in Liberia

A Liberian United States based Cleric, J. Samuel Reeves has been speaking on the moral and ethical situation in Liberia, see full text below
My Fellow Liberians and Friends of Liberia:

As we come to closure on issues of religion and the Christian Church in Liberia in the social justice dimension of our beloved country, Liberia, especially during recent debates on ethical and moral entreats in high places of the Liberian Government, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr. J. Rodney Chesson, Mr. George Fahnbulleh, Mr. Isaac Saye Zawolo, Jr. and Mr. Sam Togba Slewion for their scholarly engagements. Additionally, I would like to thank the many Liberians and friends of Liberia that picked my brain, sought my opinion and questioned my silence on the situation at bar. Dr. Mariah Y. Seton, Father James N. Wilson, Deacon Solomon Reeves, Mr. Robert Sayon Morris, Rev. Samuel Mbayo, Mr. Benoni Tarr Grimes, Mr. Stanford Peabody and others spent many hours with me on the telephone discussing the situation. A big thanks to all of you for the frank and candid intercourse on the ethical and moral destiny of the country we love so dearly.
I pray that the Christian Church in Liberia will wake up from theological and Christological misconceptions that the church and its leaders should stay out of politics and just preach the Word of God. This misconception of the role of the Christian Church in Liberia is repressive and alienating. Under out constitution, all Liberians are stock holders in Liberia and all Liberians have the right to participate at all levels of their country’s affairs and to aspire for any positions they so desire. Regrettably, the Christian Church in Liberia is so colonized, misinformed and theologically impotent that it sometimes lends itself to misinterpretations of the Bible, promotes classicisms, stands on the side of the oppressors and becomes insensitive to the needs of the oppressed.
The Christian Church in Liberia should invest considerable energy and time in purging itself of uncritical approaches to matters concerning the church and state. It should adapt a holistic ministry that ministers to the total person and treats all Liberians with respect, dignity and honor. If the Christian Church in Liberia believes that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully human, it cannot emphasize spirituality and de-emphasize social, economic, political, military and other human elements that affect the Liberian people. Is it not true that as the Son of God, Jesus Christ represented God perfectly and as the Son of Man, he participated in flesh and blood issues?
In fairness to the Christian Church in Liberia , however, it has and continues to serve as bacon of hope for our people. It has and continues to provide nurture, encouragement, empowerment and mediation at all levels of the Liberian society. Like Jesus Christ, the Christian Church in Liberia has been and continues to serve mediatorial and reconciling roles in healing the wounds of Liberia and in building relations between divided and antagonistic forces.
The Christian Church in Liberia has and continues to experience temptations, frustrations, persecutions, unfair distribution of the country’s resources and taken for granted by the rich and powerful in Liberia, but it continues to shine as light in all dark and shadowy areas of Liberia. Religious leaders have been and continue to be taken for granted and disadvantaged by the rich and powerful in Liberia because most of our leaders operate under the myth that government is for evil, immoral, corrupt and unethical monsters who come to power for the sole purpose of exploiting, manipulating, stealing, killing and destroying the Liberian people and the Liberian nation. I grantee that this nonsense will stop and that I will return to Liberia this year to help enlighten, engage and empower our people to the reality that true governance, the minimization of corruption in high places and genuine healing of our beloved country, Liberia, are impossible until God and Government reconcile and partner for wellbeing, peace, prosperity, security and tranquility of all Liberians.
My fellow Liberians and Friends of Liberia, in union strong success is sure, we cannot fail...With hearts and hands, our country caused defending... With God above our rights to prove, not only that we will, but we must over all prevail. I thank you and may continue to bless the Republic of Liberia.

Rev. J. Samuel Reeves, M. Div., M. A.
Doctoral Student, Virginia Union University
Reaching 100 US Towns and Cities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by Television in 2007.
Cell: 612-703-6145

As Gov't Declares Journalist Wanted for Pornographic Photos, His Lawyer Takes Exception, Says His Client is Right

A scene of people reading yesterday's photocopied of the paper

Credit from NDN
Pronouncement by the Liberian National Police Force declaring journalist Sam Deam, Publisher of the Independent Newspaper wanted for publishing pornographic photos of Minister Willis Knuckles as created serious concern among practicing and non practicing journalists, describing his action as 'unprofessional' and endangering the journalism profession. A cross of section of journalists who spoke to the GNN today expressed total disappointment on the part of the Independent newspaper Publisher.
"Sam Deam has violated the code of ethics of this noble profession, the Liberian Government should have allow the press Union of Liberia (PUL) to handle its member instead of being declared wanted by the State," Paul Noring for Editor of the Liberian News Agency (LINA) speaking to the GNN said.
Several callers on a local radio Talk Show said they were also disappointed and worried about the future of their children who said they said saw this orgy photograph of Minister Knuckles in public.
The callers called on the Press Union of Liberia to handle the issue, "these guys need to be monitored, look what this paper has done to our children with this kind of pictures been showing to them", another caller in a disappointing mood said.
Following the publication of Minister Knuckles' orgy photos, several persons including young people were seen with photocopied of the scene. Due to the demand of this by the public, the paper was sold as high as $LD135-150.00 per copy, while a photocopy of the scene was also sold at $LD50.00.
Meanwhile, the legal representative of journalist Deam, Cllr. Serenus Cepheus told a local radio station that sees nothing wrong for his client (Deam) to be wanted by the State, "My client has done nothing wrong to be wanted by the Government," Cllr. Cepheus told the public on the radio.

For Publishing Pornographic Photos Gov't Orders Publisher Arrested

The Liberian Government has ordered the arrest of the Publisher of the Independent Newspaper, Mr. Sam O. Deam for publishing in his newspaper pornographic photos of Mr. Willis Knuckles, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs yesterday.

The government at the same time has ordered the Liberian National Police to arrest anyone in the city and its environ caught in possession of these photos.

The Commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Liberian National Police, Steven Zargo yesterday told a local radio that the paper's Publisher was wanted for violating Section 18.1 of the Penal Code of Liberia.

The code prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials without minimizing the risk of exposure to children under sixteen.

Commissioner Zargo also said the Police would meet the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia on the matter.

Following this pronouncement by the police yesterday evening, plain clothes security officers picked up Mr. Dean while on his way home last evening, and taken to an unknown location.

Speaking on the issue the President of the Press union of Liberia, Mr. George Barpen confirmed that the management of the paper has committed some ethical transgression in its journalistic performance, but said the government was too fast have ordered the arrest Mr. Dean instead of the union taken its stance to deal with the issue of ethical transgression on the part of the paper's Publisher.

Details will follow in our subsequent publication

Newspaper Faces Six Months Suspension for Publishing Pornographic Photos of Knuckles

The publication of pornographic photos in a local weekly regarding Liberia's Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Willis Knuckles' sex scandal, has created concerns among both the public and the Liberian parliament, describing the publication as a complete "trash" urging the Ministry of Information to deal with such issue.
The issue of pornographic photos came on the floor yesterday when members of the Senate Standing Committee on Information quizzed Minister of Information, Culture Affairs & Tourism designate, Dr. Lawrence Bropleh for his confirmation.
For his part, the Information Minister designate in response to the lawmaker question vowed to deal with the media institution that published these pornographic photos, adding, " we are working with the Press Union of Liberia to have The Independent Newspaper (the paper that published these photos) suspended for six months," Dr. Bropleh told the lawmakers.
Dr. Bropleh speaking in an affirmative tone, said following his confirmation by the Liberian Senate, he will do everything possible alone with the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to have the paper suspended for six month, adding, “this will serve as deterrent for others,” the learned Minister of Information designate told the Liberian lawmakers in Virginia, outside the capital during the hearing.
He said since the publication of these pornographic photos by the Independent Newspaper was made yesterday, he has received several calls from the public on the issue, “adding, “we will not allow this to happen if confirmed as Minister of Information, Culture Affairs & Tourism of this Country,” Minister Bropleh stressed.

As Guinea Crisis Intensify Liberia, Sierra Leone Plans Proactive Mediation Role to End Crisis

3 Regional Leaders(Kabbah, Conte and Sirleaf)

Confirmed sources from both the Executive Mansion in Liberia and State House in Freetown, indicate that Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Sierra Leone’s President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah both are planning a very proactive mediation role in the ongoing crisis in Guinea.

According to the GNN Freetown Correspondent, already, a Special Envoy sent by President Conte met with President Kabbah yesterday for over three hours following which the Envoy went back to Guinea with a Special Message for President Conte.
It can be recalled that there have been clarion calls for the Mano River Union Leaders to get more involved in resolving the civil crisis in Guinea. The Mano River Union is a grouping of the Three countries through which the Mano River runs, namely Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The Mano River Women’s Peace Network (MARWOPNET) on January 24th this year expressed deep concern over what they considered as "the deteriorating situation in the Republic of Guinea" and which they noted has resulted in a, "reported loss of civilian lives and increasing hardship among the general populace" and which are causes of "grave anxiety across the Mano River Union and the world over" MARWOPNET has expressed fears that "the continuing explosive situation in Guinea", if not immediately addressed could spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone" thereby, "destabilizing the fragile peace and recovery processes". MARWOPNET had therefore called on Presidents Tejan Kabbah and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to intervene directly in the impasse between the antagonizing parties so as to facilitate a start of negotiations.
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress in a Release issued last week also called on the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia to, "quickly intervene in order to stabilise the situation" whilst expressing concern that a spill over effect of the situation in Guinea would affect the Mano River countries and the West Africa sub region in general.
In an editorial published last Friday, one of Liberia's leading newspaper's the Daily Observer stated, "Currently the country of Guinea is under strict curfew and the military has powers to take any measures deemed necessary to maintain law and order. So fine, so good. But what happens when martial law is lifted and the people discover that nothing else has changed? We strongly suggest that beneath this canopy of uneasy calm, the President together with all the stakeholders- the Political parties, the Trade Unions, the youth groups, the market women should meet and begin to talk and work out a future for their country. Perhaps, it is important and opportune for the MANO River Union to come forward with such a suggestion; for while we welcome the condemnation made by the AU, what would be more helpful and welcome now is offering a solution for a way forward."
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf returned from the United States of America yesterday Sunday February 18th after a successful trip to attend a Donor Conference which saw the United States Government and the federal Republic of Germany wiping out Liberia’s $391 Million and $235 million respectively owed them. Additionally, the American Government pledged another 500 million dollars towards the development of Liberia whilst black Americans led by the first African American billionaire, Robert L. Johnson, pledged to create an advocacy group to help restore and reconstruct Liberia in the same way American Jews have always lobbied to come to the aid of Israel whenever that country is in trouble.
Johnson Sirleaf therefore returned late last evening to Liberia in triumph to a country where the streets were lined with women, students, the young and the aged who loudly cheered as the popular leader drove by along the route from the airport to her offices in the center of Monrovia.
Our sources however inform us that President Johnson Sirleaf is so concerned about the deterioration of the crisis in Guinea that occurred during her absence in the United States, that she does not intend to bask in the love and applause she is currently enjoying as the popular leader of Liberia but she instead plans to immediately fly over to Sierra Leone this week to hold talks with President Kabbah following which the two leaders will start a mutually agreed upon plan to intervene in the crisis in Guinea.
Guinea's ailing head of state, Lansana Conte, is under pressure as never before as demonstrators paralyse the country with a general strike, demanding he resign. Since its formation, Conte’s Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) has won all elections in Guinea to date including legislative and communal elections.
Political opposition to President Conte is almost non-existent due to a combination of the repressive-style of rule from this soldier-turned-democrat on the one hand, and disunity among opposition political parties on the other. A constitutional change he made through a controversial referendum held in 2003 allowing limitless presidential terms, appears to have made him "president for life".
Donors complained that corruption was eating into the fabric of Mr Conte's society. There was no independent electoral commission, and the government held a monopoly over the national media. The donors held their monies back when the regime rejected calls for reforms. The economy started sliding and to compound the situation, President Conte who had been troubled by diabetes over the years, became more seriously ill. But people around him now took liberties with the running of the state and the economy was soon in tatters. Inflation reached a record high of 250% in 2005, and workers' salaries became all but worthless in the face of rising costs of basic goods. The unions called strikes to protect workers, they said. The latest strike has now resulted in people calling for the president's departure.
The President reacted by imposing a 20 hour curfew and has ordered the military to shoot anyone in open opposition to him on the streets. Scores of people have been shot and killed. The African Union has condemned President Conte in no undertain terms.
It is hoped the planned intervention by Presidents Kabbah and Johnson Sirleaf will resolve the crisis.

Minister Knuckles Apologize for his Involvement in Sex Scandal, Blames former Speaker Snowe

The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in the Elllen led Government, Willis Knuckles who was caught in what the public called a "disgraceful sex scandal" has confirmed and apologized to his boss, the President of Liberia and his family for the act.

Speaking at a well attended press conference yesterday in the presence of some of his family members in an direct admission, Willis Knuckles told reporters yesterday that he is the man in the pornographic image having sex with two underage Liberian girls, one of the girls is about the age of 10.

Minister Knuckles blamed former Speaker Edwin Snowe and his wife Mardea White Snowe for putting “my private life”into the public, Minister Knuckles in a serious and sorrowful mood told the well atteended press conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Apologising to his boss (President Sirleaf), family and friends, said that it was his private life to have sex with under age Liberian girls and should have remained that way.

Minister Knuckles said Snowe and his family had unsuccessfully attempted to black mail him and also blamed the distribution of the photograph on an unnamed female legislator, see full text below of Minister Knuckles' press statement:

A compromising photograph has been in circulation reaching serious proportions since the resignation of former Speaker Edwin Snowe, with distribution on the internet, among journalists and even on street corners.

The purpose of this statement, therefore, is to give a clear perspective to the press and to the public as to how this situation has evolved.
First, I must express regrets to my wife of 37 years, my children, my mother, and all my other relatives, my boss, the President, my pastor and my church, my co-workers in government and all my friends, associates and others in the general public to whom this episode has come as a pointless embarrassment.
The perpetrators of this act along with a certain female legislator, have distributed copies of this photograph with the intent of embarrassing me socially and inflicting political damage to the government given my current political position.
The photograph currently circulating was first brought to my attention two weeks ago by Mrs. Mardea White Snowe, who happens to be a cousin and her husband, Edwin Snowe. This happened through a mutual family intermediary. Exactly from where or how it was obtained was not explained and I am still at a loss to understand. Mrs. Snowe indicated that she had control over this photograph.
They unsuccessfully attempted to blackmail me by offering me the photograph and if I would according to them, stop opposing Mr. Snowe and help find a way to resolve Snowe’s political difficulties.
I rejected their overtures and suddenly, since his resignation as Speaker, copies have appeared everywhere.
The public might want to know that in the 2005 elections, I vigorously opposed Mr. Snowe’s candidacy in the Montserrado County District elections. I informed Mrs. Snowe that I felt it my duty to oppose his election to the House of Representatives.Since that day, all Mr. Snowe troubles have been blamed on me.
That people are prepared to go to such an extreme as what the perpetrators have done in an attempt to destroy another person’s character is regrettable.
The accusation of two years ago of four people attempting to kill Mr. Snowe is still fresh in our memory. An NSA report later showed manufactured emails, arranged foreign trips to Ghana, etc. all part of a fraudulent make-up for which an apology was offered.
Now for whatever political or other ends the perpetrator wishes to achieve, my private life is being drawn into the short and inglorious end of someone else’s public life.
I sincerely hope that in dealing with the current difficulty that this situation has created, it should be noted I have forty years of service in the public and private sectors-one widely regarded as dedicated and efficient.
In closing, I must thank all those who have offered me moral and other support in dealing with the crisis-Her Excellency the President, and other government officials, my family, my church friends at home and abroad of all persuasions, and Liberians in general.


Willis D. Knuckles Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Republic of Liberia".

Meanwhile, Liberians who were interviewed by a team of GNN reporters throughout the city described the act by an official of government as "disgraceful" and called for his immediate dismissal.

"This guy must be arrested and detain for disgracing womanhood in our country", a female legal practitioner in an angry mood said.

"Following his admission at a press conference, Mr.Willie Knuckles must resign because his character istainted, embarrassed the office of the president, andcompromised the president's Liberian women sexualexploitation policy she promised to fight during heradministration. Knuckles can no longer be effective in the performance of his duties because of a hugecredible, confidence, trust and decency cloud," a Liberian in the US said on the internet.

Senior Liberian Gov't Official Caught in Sex Scandal Will he Resign? As Female Lawyers Threatens Action

Efforts by members of the Female Lawyers Association of Liberia to put to an end sexual harassment by older men to young girls is said to be on the rise, as individuals who suppose to help in the process are themselves involved in the act.

Various media institutions in the country have unearth a story on sex scandal involving senior official of Government, Willis Knuckles as reported by the FRONTPAGE AFRICA see below:

Liberian Government ‘Official Gone Wild’: Sex Scandal May Force Knuckles to Resign By Rodney D. Sieh, rsieh@FrontPageAfrica.com

An age-old culture of sexual impunity has found its way into the administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf – one that could lead to the resignation or dismissal of one of the president’s closest official and advisor, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs-designate, Willis Knuckles, FrontPageAfrica has learned.



Knuckles makes his presentation to lawmakers during his confirmation hearing for the Ministry of Public Works post. Knuckles was confirmed but later transferred to the Ministry of State
Damning new documents and images obtained by FPA shows the Minister involved in a sex encounter with (what appears to be) two young Liberian girls. FPA has chosen not to publish the photographs because of its graphic and explicit nature.

When contacted Saturday, Knuckles declined comment. However, a close family source confirmed to FPA that members of Knuckles family are aware of the photos existence and they have already been distributed to family members and close friends. FPA is still making all efforts to get a response from Knuckles.

"The family is totally disgusted and embarrassed about the whole thing," said a close relative of the Minister, who told FPA that the photos most likely were taken sometime before February last year, when Knuckles was still residing at his old residence in Congotown.

The family member in Monrovia confided to FPA Sunday, that the photos were taken in the bedroom of Knuckles old residence in Congtown, but questioned the motive of the timing of the photos release now. Asked whether he thought the photos may have been super imposed, the relative said judging from the scenes in the photograph, it looks like the bedroom of Knuckles former residence in Congotown and appears to be authentic.

The relative said Knuckles had already confided to family members and his boss, President Sirleaf that some damaging and embarrassing photos would be coming out about him soon, suggesting that the young women in the photos were trying to blackmail the minister in a bid to keep the photos from the public eye.
"There are more photos than the one being circulated, but these are the only photos that do not show the young women's faces, said the relative, who preferred anonymity for this story. The relative added that the photos were most likely taken with Knuckles consent.

President Sirleaf, who completed a week long visit to the U.S. Saturday and departed the U.S. for Great Britain is said to be aware that the photos exist but had not seen the images as of Saturday, according to an Executive Mansion source.

Last year, President Sirleaf drew attention to the rising levels of sexual exploitation of women and teenage girls in Liberia. The growing trend toward transactional sex between older, financially stable men and young women and even younger girls drew Sirleaf’s attention as she issued a warning to perpetrators in December 2006. "To those of you who are privileged or attained successes in businesses and are in our communities, and to those of you who represent the international community, I urge you not to use your wealth and power to sexually exploit children and women. It is an unacceptable behaviour, and a major challenge currently facing all of us," the president said.

Despite a peace agreement in 2003 that ended the particularly brutal 14-year civil war, during which fighters sexually assaulted girls and women and sometimes used them as "sex slaves", these types of violent abuse were still common, according to Lois Bruthus, head of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), a leading advocacy group. An estimated 85 percent of the 658 rape survivors reporting to the hospital were aged under 18, while 48 percent were aged between 5 and 12 years. "In more than 90 percent of the cases involving children, they were raped by someone they knew," Medicin Sans Frontier (MSF) said.

Rights activists point to poverty as the main reason why girls were being exploited. Activists also point to the fact that cash-strapped parents sometimes extort money from the perpetrators to privately settle the case without going through the courts system. The last survey conducted back in 1992 reported that Liberia has an unemployment rate of 85 percent and is one of the world's poorest countries, with most of the population living on less than US$1 a day, according to the World Development Index. Last year the Sirleaf administration raised to wage to $26 a month for civil servants.


Snowe Stands Accused – Again

According to the family source, family members believe that the alleged encounter was set up by Mardea White, the wife of the former speaker Edwin Melvin Snowe, who stepped down from his post after a long wrangle with members of parliament. The Knuckles family believe that Snowe and his wife were the masterminds in setting the minister up. However, sources close to the minister informed FPA that the photos were in fact old photos and are only being drummed up now by Snowe and his group to draw attention away from his resignation and pending investigation for corruption.

Efforts to reach Snowe Saturday was unsuccessful, but his chief of staff, Darius Dillon told FPA that it is unfair to draw the speaker in Knuckles alleged immoral behavior. “I think the question Mr. Knuckles should be asking is, ‘is the immoral person in the photo me?’, said Dillon.

Knuckles is yet to comment publicly on the controversy.Dillon said it was not Snowe and his wife who took Knuckles clothes off and forced him in the encounter. “Is it knuckles in the photo? that is the substance of the matter, it is not who set it up. He went and did his immoral act now he must bear the consequences,” Said Dillon.

Sex scandals have led to the downfall of numerous politicians. In 1996, Dick Morris, best known for managing former president Bill Clinton’s successful 1996 bid for re-election. Morris’ tenure on that campaign was cut short two months before the election when it was revealed that he had had an extramarital affair with a prostitute and allowed her to listen in on conversations with the President. Clinton himself was impeached by the House of Representative, but survived the Senate vote.

Photos heating up discussions, reactions

BLOG COMMENT
“I have nothing against what a man does in the privacy of his home; however the people entrusted with public office are not just any Joe Blow from the street. They are supposed to be persons of high MORAL character. "
A blogger in the Concern Liberians chatroomIn Monrovia, many Liberians are said to be finding it difficult to decipher whether the photo itself is genuine. The photos are said to be distributed in marketplaces and forwarded via email across cyberspace. But many are yet to be convinced about the authenticity of the photos. “The perception here is that many feel the photo may have been super-imposed,” says Moses Tamba, who spoke with FPA by phone from his residence in Sinkor Saturday.

In cyberspace, the photos have taken on a life of its own drawing heated discussions from Liberians far and wide.

In the popular Concerned Liberians Chat room, the reaction appears to be mixed. “The picture is hugely disappointing and a great embarrassment to the Office of the President. In a country where there is a history of women being exploited, the knowledge of such a high government official involved with women, none of whom is his wife raises some very serious questions,” notes one blogger.Another blogger writes: “I have nothing against what a man does in the privacy of his home; however the people entrusted with public office are not just any Joe Blow from the street. They are supposed to be persons of high MORAL character. There is INDEED a different standard for them. As such, they they must exhibit private and public behavior that sets them apart. If Liberia is going to change, we must aspire to this!”

The photos for some could be a sign of security breach by the senior official. “An official or high security officer can get drunk or be drugged and spill state secrets with spending time with secret agent of another country,” one blogger notes.

Snowe hints at ‘Smoking Gun’: Is this it?

In a resignation letter sent to his peers last week, Snowe hinted that a senior minister in the administration was behind the quest to remove him from power.

Snowe did not name the minister but sources close to the speaker confirm to FPA that Knuckles is the minister being accused and who Snowe believes was behind the bribery of the lawmakers who spearheaded Snowe’s downfall. The former speaker has given the official one week to reveal his identity and confess. “If he does not make public everything he knows about this alleged bribery at the House of Representatives, I will expose him. “It’s a clear warning to that person. Come out in one week, tell the Liberian people what you know about this bribery issue and resign as Minister or else…”


Knuckles is one of Sirleaf's closest advisorsFPA has been informed that Snowe may have used the photos as a bait to get Knuckles to use his influence with the president to stop the corruption probe of his tenure at the Liberian Petroleum Refinery Corporation. But Knuckles reportedly informed Snowe that the issue had already drawn the attention of the international community and it was pretty much late to stop it. “Knuckles hands were tied. He pretty much told Snowe to do what he wanted with the photos,” said a source close to the Knuckles family.

The issue of immorality has plagued Liberia for years, government officials since the days of William V.S. Tubman, William Tolbert and Samuel Kanyon Doe have been alleged to have taken advantage of young Liberian girls. Current senior officials are also said to be heavily preying on young and underage girls who are struggling to make ends meet. The inauguration of the first woman head of state was seen by many as a sign for the better and the hope that it would bring closure to an ugly act that has destroyed the lives of many of the country’s young girls.

FPA gathered late Saturday that Knuckles has been consulting with family members about his next move and has already notified the president of his intent to step down or have his nomination to the post withdrawn, but was told by the President to hold on until she returns to Monrovia Sunday. Whether Knuckles steps down or not, the images have shed light on an issue that has boggled Liberians for quite sometime and one which could draw some much needed attention to the plight of young Liberian girls and women living in dire straits.

Illicit Tapers take on Police in Firestone

Despite regular patrol by members of the Liberian National Police on the Plantation of Firestone in Margibi County, illicit tapers have again commence their devilish act by taken the lives of innocent people on the Plantation.
A group of illicit tapers at Division Thirty-One in Firestone early Friday morning shot and wounded two personnel of the Liberia National Police and the company’s Plant Protection Department.

The illicit tapers according to report fired at patrolmen Stephen Williams and James Jallah when the two men attempted to stop them from loading stolen latex.
Speaking to reporters Friday, the Commander at the RIA Police Detachment, Susanah Blackie said three persons have been arrested with a single barrel gun.

For the past months the plantation has been a battle ground between security of the company and illicit tapers who are constantly taken away the company's latex.

UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador Visits Liberian Children

Liberian refugee children welcome UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, George Delaras to their Camp in southern Sierra Leone

FOYA, Liberia (UNHCR) – For years, he sung for refugees and gave them a voice through fundraising performances. Now, the echo is reverberating, loud and clear, as the refugees welcomed Greek singer George Dalaras on his first field trip as the UN refugee agency's newest Goodwill Ambassador.On a five-day visit to meet refugees in West Africa, Dalaras met with Sierra Leonian President Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabah and was greeted in the country's refugee camps on Tuesday by screaming banners, music and dances. At Jembe camp in southern Sierra Leone, Liberian girls burst into an exuberant welcome dance for him, their bare feet coated in dust like tan-coloured socks. Sitting under a palaver hut in nearby Tobanda camp, refugee women in their Sunday best listened attentively as he spoke, while little girls with specially braided hair darted around outside, their yellow eyes shining at the prospect of visitors.

"The world stood by and let refugees suffer," Dalaras said, acknowledging, "Whatever we can do is probably less than what you need and deserve."
Dalaras became UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador in October 2006, but is a long-time supporter of refugee rights. Himself the son of a refugee from Asia Minor, he took part in UNHCR's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2001, recorded a special CD to raise awareness of refugee issues in 2003, and in January this year, played two sold-out concerts in Athens to raise funds for UNHCR's programs for refugee children in Africa.
"We cannot claim to be civilised if we close our eyes to what's happening in Africa. It's a moral obligation," said Dalaras' wife, Anna, who also volunteers for the UN.

The mood was festive and infectious as they paid their first visit to refugee camps since Dalaras became UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador, joining the ranks of Barbara Hendricks, Adel Imam, Angelina Jolie, Giorgio Armani and Julien Clerc.
"I don't know why they came, but it's made everyone happy, so I'm happy too," said Baidu Fambulleh, a seven-year-old Liberian refugee at Jembe camp.
"They are alright ['great' in Liberian lingo]," said Fatou Sana, an 18-year-old woman from Lofa county in northern Liberia, balancing a baby on her hip. "They came all the way to see us. They are the people who help us."
On Wednesday and Thursday, Sana joined a return convoy of 284 Liberian refugees on an overnight journey led by Dalaras from Blama way station in south-eastern Sierra Leone, to Foya district in northern Lofa county.
"Congratulations to all of you for your courage and commitment to coming back home to help rebuild your country," said Abid Mir, UNHCR's Deputy Representative in Sierra Leone. "We know you're in safe hands, and wish you all the best."
Sierra Leone hosts an estimated 27,365 refugees, including 21,696 Liberian refugees living in eight camps across the country. Now in Liberia, the Goodwill Ambassador is expected to complete his regional visit on Friday.

By Needa Jehu-Hoyah

In Lofa county, Liberia

NOTORIOUS WOMEN RAPIST RE-ARRESTED

The most wanted notorious women rapist, Varney Gangarmah who broke jail a month ago has been re-arrested by security forces in Bomi County. Speaking to a local radio station in Monrovia, the Superintendent of Bomi, Mohamed Massaley said Varney Gangarmah was re-arrested between Sinje and Medina in Grand Cape Mount County.
Superintendent Mohamed Massaley said Gangarmah was re-arrested by women and children while trying to cross the border to Sierra Leone. Superintendent Massaley said Gangarmah initially gave a false name to those who confronted him but was soon recognized and held hostage.
Gangarmah was convicted to ten years imprisonment by the Circuit Court in Tubmanburg but broke jail along with six others. He was convicted for raping up to fifty women in Bomi County.

Guinean Community In U.S. Protest Against Pres. Conte

GUINEANS IN NEW YORK

New York City : - The Guinean Community in America held a peaceful protest in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York to voice out grievances toward the current ruling government led by President Lansana Conte. Conte, a former colonel who seized power in 1984 in a coup now in his 70’s and living in deteriorating health is one of the region’s longest-serving rulers.
Chants like "America Please Help Us” rang in the air as the members of the community marched and circled in New York’s 30-degree cold.
‘Our demands are simple, we want the so-called president to step down period and then nominate a new prime minister and give him power to run the country’ This was according to President of the community Mohammed Diallo.
‘This is neo-colonialism’, shouts a protester who would only id entify himself as Leonard. ‘This is exactly what France wants, to continue to lead Africa through leaders that are dilapidated and dead’
Guinea’s spiraling national economy, high cost of living, growing inequality and rampant corruption have put the nation on the brink of the same kind of institutional failure that plunged its regional neighbors like Liberia and Sierra Leone into civil war.
The unprecedented 18-day strike, which shut down nearly all business and activity in most towns and cities and led to violence and shootings on the streets of major provinces have won support of Guineans both at home and abroad, as well as human and civil rights organizations worldwide.
A similar protest was held in Washington D.C last Thursday during which the community called on the U.S State Department to intervene on the growing crisis.
On President Conte’s last official visit to the U.S in 1999, a similar protest was staged. ‘That was inefficient, it yielded no results and he refused to listen then’, says Diallo. Hopefully the unrest in the country in the last month will jump-start the small West African country and its 9.5 million citizens to a more positive future.

- Oyiza Adaba, International Correspondent