Liberia's Cultural Ambassador to Thrilll Liberians in the U.S. with her latest

Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador, Madam Juli Endee and the sensational Nimely Pan African Dance group Company are expected to thrill Liberians in the Amercias with the lastest songs of the Liberian Cultural Ambassador.

According to a dispatch, the Lao Family Community Center at 320 W. University Avenue at St. Paul MN 55103 is expected to be the venue of this occasion on April 1st, 2006.

Madam Endee will release her latest songs which are now on CDs, thousands of Liberians who resides in that part of the US are expected to witness their own Liberian Cultural Ambassador live on stage for the first time doing her latest song on CD " BOLOBOLO".

Liberians today Celebrates the "DEAD"

Liberians from all over are today celebrating Decoration Day, a day set aside by the National Legislature to celebrate the dead and clean up grave sites in the country for those friends, relatives and love ones who passed away.

Thousands of relatives, friends and love ones were today seen in long queue with their paints, white wash and other decorative materials preparing to get to their respective grave sites. While others are using this day for merry making, as some glued to their bottles of beer, stout and other drinks of their choice.

Speaking to the GNN, Sam Davies, 24, said he had gone to the Center Street grave site as early as 6AM this morning to help paint the grave of his late mother who die during the height of the Liberian civil war.

“My mother died when I was six years old, she was killed by the NPFL rebels, according to my father who is now in the wheel chair,” Sam in a sad mood glued to his bucket of white wash told the GNN.

Like Sam, dozens of others told similar stories about their dead friends, relatives and love ones during a tour of various grave sites in the city and its environs.

As others were weeping bitterly about the death of their friends, relatives and love ones, others were joyously celebrating the day with loud music being heard from giant size speakers, “I am today happy to celebrate this day; it was the day my late son passed away. Peter, 10 years old died from severe malaria two years ago,” a happy father in a jolly mood said.

U.S. CONGRESS HONORS BLACK PRESS

WASHINGTON, DC—- The U.S. Congress is expected to give special recognition to the Black Press on its 180th anniversary during the annual observance of Black Press Week, March 14-17.

A congressional resolution introduced by the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus will be presented to officials of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, sponsors of Black Press Week, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade group for the more than 200 Black newspapers.

The resolution will cite the historic role of the Black Press as the strong, influential voice of the Black community beginning with the anti-slavery movement and the founding of the first black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal on March 17, l827.

Major highlights of Black Press Week include the annual Newsmaker of the Year Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 15, honoring New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, representing the nation’s continuing concern over the gulf area devastated by Hurricane Katrina, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Simeon Booker, who recently retired after serving for 50 years at the Washington Bureau Chief for Ebony and Jet Magazines.

The dinner will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.According to Dorothy Leavell, Chairman of the NNPA Foundation board of directors and publisher of the Chicago and Gary Crusader newspapers, NNPA editors and publishers will have a series of issue-oriented meetings with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and top officials of the Republican National Committee.

At a Friday, March 16 luncheon at Howard University, an Enshrinement ceremony will be held to induct two NNPA publishers into the Black Press Hall of Fame. In addition, for the first time, special recognition will be given to the ‘’Unsung Heroes of the Black Press,’’ those reporters of Black newspapers who covered the civil rights movement in the south during the height of the violence.

These former reporters include Moses Newsom, of the Baltimore Afro-American, Dorothy Gilliam, of the Tri-State Defender, and Simeon Booker, of Jet Magazine. For additional information and tickets to the Newsmaker Dinner call (202) 488-4948.

After Bryant's Arrest, Rights Lawyer Wants LPRC Boss Arrested, Accused Gov't of "Selective Justice"

Followed the arrest of former NTGL Chairman, Charles Gyude Bryant yesterday for his alleged involvement of stealing public funds in the tune of over one Million United States Dollars and later released on bill, a local human rights lawyer, Dempster Browne has accused the Liberian Government of “Selective Justice”.

Counselor Browne told reporters in Monrovia that the arrest of the former Liberian leader for corruption by the Liberian government should not be done on what he called “on a selective justice” basis, but rather go across the board and arrest others who have embezzled public funds with impunity.

Counselor Browne made specific reference of the current Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) Mr. Harry Greaves, who he said has been caught in the ongoing corruption saga at the corporation.

He said the action taken to arrest of only former officials of government by the Ellen led-government and not current officials who are also accused of the same act is ugly in the sight of civilized individuals, and described the action by the government as been a “selective justice.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), Siafa Gbollie, says the arrest of the former NTGL Chairman by the Liberian government is “not fair” and called on the Liberia government to give him a free and fair trail.

He the former leader should be lauded for his efforts to restoring the dignity of the country during his reign, “this man must be praised for him bringing us peace during his tenure as Chairman of a transitional government that gave way to a free and fair elections in our country,” Mr. Gborllie said.

Liberian Leader Arrives in Japan Sunday, Seek More Financial Support for Liberia

President Sirleaf

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her delegation are expected to arrive in the Japanese city of Tokyo this weekend (Sunday) at the invitation of the Japanese government.
According to report, during her stay in Japan, President Johnson-Sirleaf will be received by His Majesty the Emperor, have talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. President Johnson-Sirleaf is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the United Nations University
President Johnson-Sirleaf will be the first Liberian President to visit Japan. It is expected that her visit will further enhance Japan-Liberia relations in various fields.
President Johnson-Sirleaf will be accompanied by three ministers including the Foreign Minister. This will be her third visit to Japan after a 14-year interval.

As “Foul Play Discovered”, Liberians Urges Gov’t to Allow SRI Take over CRP for Job Opportunities

As Liberians crave for job opportunities followed countless year of joblessness as a result of a long years civil war, thousands of Marylanders in the South East of the Country are calling on the Ellen led Government to speedily allow the Salala Rubber Investment (SRI) to take control of the Cavalla Rubber Plantation (CRP) in order for their livelihood to be improved.

Speaking to our Correspondent in Pleebo, Maryland County, the frustrated jobless Liberians said they were disheartened and disappointed of recent news that the Ministry of Agriculture which is clothed with the task to protecting the workforce of the Country was playing what they called, “delay tactics” in allowing the SRI to take over the CRP which has been dormant for years.

SRI recently offered to infuse some US$25 Million into the Cavalla Rubber Farm in the County, a move the over 1,500 frustrated former employees of the CRP said was a great sign for the improvement of the Liberian economy and for them to regain their status as bread winners in their family.

“We have credible information that the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Chris Toe is putting in some demands to thwart the good efforts of the SRI management. Some of these demands, according to our information, include a cash request from the Minister of Agriculture before given green light to the Company to operate,” speaking to our correspondent in Pleebo, the former employees of CRP alleged.

The former CRP employees further called on the Liberian government not to listen to the current management team at CRP, headed by former Nimba County Superintendent, Harrison Karnwea that condition at the Plantation has been improved since the Rubber Planters Association took over the plantation, adding, “situation at this plantation is still the same, we can not comprehend while Mr. Karnwea should give false information to the press,” Daniel Saydee one of the employees who has been haired by the CRP said.

Early this week, the General Agriculture & Allied Workers Union of Liberia (GAAWUL) told a major news conference in Monrovia urged the Liberian government to allow the SRI, a reputable London-based company to immediately take over the CRP in Maryland County in order to bring relief to hardship faced with thousands of unemployed Liberians in that part of the country.

Speaking further, the President of GAAWUL, Mr. Lavelaku Stanley said his organization was confident that upon the conclusion of an agreement with the Liberian government, SRI-Limited would provide better facilities and benefits for employees of CRP and citizens of the county.

Mr. Lavelaku Stanley said SRI-Limited would also provide equipment, rehabilitate roads and construct housing units and schools. He told journalists that the company would also build factory and plant more rubber. Mr. Stanley called on government to quickly sign the agreement with SRI-Limited for the benefit of the Liberian labour force.

Meanwhile, other Liberians spoken to in Monrovia welcome the idea of SRI taken over the CRP in the county, “ This will greatly help the people of that part of the country to restart their lives and fee their families,” Professor at the University of Liberia James Woart who himself is a Marylander said.

Professor Woart warned the Minister of Agriculture not to compromise the interest of the people of Liberia, but rather assist them to make life for themselves, “the Ministry of Agriculture should be seeking means of helping the unemployed instead,’ the professor warned.

In order to continue our investigation, a team of the GNN is expected to visit Pleebo to get details on the CRP/SRI taken over fracas.

Body of Sam Hinga Norman Handed Over to Family

PRESS RELEASE
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 7 March 2007



The body of Sam Hinga Norman was handed over to family members today after being returned to Sierra Leone from Dakar, Senegal.

Mr. Norman’s body was flown by helicopter from Lungi International Airport to the United Nations headquarters in Freetown, arriving just before 1:00 p.m.

In a brief but solemn ceremony, Special Court Registrar Lovemore Munlo, SC and a representative of the family signed a document which formally handed the body over to family members.

Mr. Norman was taken to Dakar last month for a routine medical procedure which is not available in Freetown. The procedure was performed successfully on February 8. On February 22, Mr. Norman collapsed in his hospital room. Doctors attempted unsuccessfully to revive him.

IMPUNITY FOR WAR CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN

By Louise Arbour

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The plight of victims of sexual attacks during conflict has come to the fore once again when last week, the International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor requested summons for two Sudanese connected with atrocities in Darfur. According to the Prosecutor, there is strong evidence pointing to the suspects’ responsibility for mass rape and other war crimes. Previously, the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the leader of the Lord Resistance Army, a rebel group in Uganda, on the ground of war crimes, including ordering sexual enslavement and rape.
Thus, ICC action is gearing up to bolster the cumulative experience of international justice mechanisms that have brought to light specific types and patterns of sexual crimes targeting mainly women and girls in war torn zones, as well as identified individual responsibilities in their commission. The work of these courts has also highlighted the difficulties in prosecuting perpetrators and countering the culture of impunity that shields their criminal acts. Such impunity, of course, permeates all societies, be they peaceful or at war. Not by coincidence, this year International Women Day is dedicated to combating this pervasive lack of accountability. It is, however, in times of war that the effects and consequences of impunity are at their starkest. This is due both to the widespread, systematic and often sustained nature of sexual attacks and to the number and callousness of perpetrators.
Although at their most brutal in war, sexual abuses against women often stem from longstanding prejudices, a lack of equality and discrimination that had condoned such violence all along. When perpetrators go unpunished, they are emboldened to strike again, perpetuating and encouraging vicious cycles of attack and reprisal even when a country emerges from conflict. Rendering justice to the victims is, therefore, not only a moral imperative, but also a precondition for reconciliation and peace to take hold.
Yet, sexual violence has been traditionally underreported and under-prosecuted. As a result, such crimes have long been considered as regrettable but unavoidable byproducts of armed confrontation. Women as victims or pawns of belligerents could demand no recourse.
Only recently has this powerlessness been addressed, primarily by the groundbreaking work of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The tribunals defined systematic violence against women as crimes for which those responsible could be held accountable, thereby empowering victims to have their day in court. The creation of the International Criminal Court gave an additional boost to such emerging jurisprudence and changing mind set. Its statute stipulates that rape, sexual slavery, enforced sterilization, or any other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity are considered as war crimes. If these acts are committed as part of widespread or systematic attacks on a civilian population, they constitute crimes against humanity.
It now remains to be seen whether governments will accede to the Court’s requests and surrender the suspects for trial. But if government non-compliance is potentially the main obstacle to the course of international justice, there are other factors that hamper prosecution. Victims of all forms of violence are often reluctant to come forward, in large part because they have little confidence that justice will be done. Although some of the perpetrators may have been apprehended, others, as well as their accomplices, may remain at large and therefore capable of inflicting further harm to victims, witnesses and their families.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone has made strides in addressing such hindrances in the face of a monumental task: as the result of ten years of conflict and the belligerents’ methods of warfare in that country, the brutality of sexual violence was extraordinary, and its victims were to be counted in the thousands. The Court benefited from its proximity to the victims, the parallel work of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a framework that protected the victims and ensured that their dignity was preserved. The ICC, too, is building on previous experiences and strengthening legal assistance and protection for victims.
Although the mandate and machinery of international courts have become increasingly more sophisticated and far-reaching over the years, gender justice continues to remain the exception rather than the rule. Successfully prosecuted cases represent just the tip of the iceberg. The crux of the matter in combating impunity is the requisite political will to tackle it. Often slow to gear up into motion, such political will needs to be mobilized through domestic and international pressure as well as continuous scrutiny.

Reporters on the Job: the case of GNN’s Cholo Brooks’ Trip to Guinea

INTO GUINEA: Recently I, (Publisher of the GNN, J. Cholo Brooks) traveled to the Liberian/Guinean border, specifically by way of Ganta, Nimba County, in order see if the situation in Guinea between Trade Union leaders and the government was now over, and also to cover report on the influx of thousands of Liberian refugees who fled that country due the fracas.
The situation at the Liberian/Guinean border was calm and friendly as both Liberian and Guinean securities that were approached by my presence showed the kind of receptiveness, and spoke highly of the cordial relationship between them.
“We are working together to see to it that our borders are well protected. Even though, as you can see hundreds of Liberian refugees have been crossing over from Guinea daily for fear of been trapped in the conflict,” a Liberian Immigration Officer neatly dressed and preferred not to be quoted told me.
As I cross the bridge which bordered Liberia and Guinea, several Liberians mostly middle age women and children were seen making their way back to Liberia, some visibly with sweat could highly speak to me due to their long distance travel.
"They are tired, some of them are afraid of the situation that’s the reason why they are leaving without anything, even food for the little ones to eat they don’t have it,” a Liberian now in the Guinean army, Capt. Lassana Kamara told me in a sample Liberian English.
Capt. Kamara surrounded with few of his colleagues well armed, said his commander who he named as Col. Pierre has just left before my arrival at their guidepost ordered that “Liberians coming from Guinea for Liberia should not be harassed, and if one is caught doing such to these wearied Liberians fleeing trouble will be dealt with,” Capt. Kamara told me.
Such warning from the Guinean securities gave me strength and confidence that my reportorial duty at that moment would be protected during my five hours stay in that part of Guinea. In fact my zeal to travel further beyond that point had grown to a level which took me to another Guinean commercial City of Nzerekor.
As I drove from the border on a motorbike arranged by my Guinean military friend (Capt. Kamara), the only and easier means to travel freely in that part of Africa I was told to display my Press Identification Card (ID) on me for security reason wherever I am interacting with people in the area.
As I drove on the bike exodus of Liberian refugees fleeing from their various camps were seen alone with their children walking; some children as young as 5,7,11 years old were also walking on their bare feet (without any foot ware).
After several hours of rough ride on the bike which was graced with terrible dust from the highway, I finally reached the much talked about Nzerekore commercially jammed parked with both fleeing citizens from other nearby cities, towns and villages and Liberian refugees.
Some residents who spoke to me through an interpreter in this populated Guinean City, said they were all wearied of the Country’s Trade Union strike action, “we are confused of what is obtaining from Conakry, as you can see people from other regions of the country have left and are here for rescue,” Mamade Seila, a petty trader said.
Due to my lack of the French language, I was compelled to haired one interpreter, Jakateh Moussa, 36, who claimed to have lived in Liberia in the early 1990s during the civil war. He was indeed helpful during my six hours stay in that city; gathering pieces of information about Guinean Trade Union strike action which crippled bulk of the country’s commercial activities.
Residents who spoke to me called on their fellow compatriots to press forward their demands to the government, “despite the hardship we’re going through due to the strike action, Conte must give us what we want,” a Guinean shoemaker, only named as Mamus asserted.
Before leaving this Guinean commercial City, my interpreter Moussa, received from me his fees ($US10.00), and promised to contact me at a later date. I drove safely with my chartered Motorbike back at the Liberian/Guinean border and back to Monrovia. This report is the first in the series of the many to come.

As Ghana Celebrate 50th Natal Day, President Kufuor grants amnesty to 1,206 prisoners

As Ghana celebrates its 50th Independence, President John AGyekum Kufuor has granted amnesty to 1,203 prisoners on humanitarian grounds in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of independence, the Minister of the Interior Albert Kan-Dapaah said in a statement on Monday.

The statement said 1,150 first offenders who had served half or more of their sentences were to be released outright.Eleven 11 prisoners who were seriously ill and incapacitated and would not pose any threat to society, three aged prisoners who were over 70 years of age and weak and would not constitute any threat to society and, two nursing mothers who had had a character change and one prisoner serving the President's Pleasure were also to be released outright, the statement said.It said 36 on death row had their sentences commuted to life sentence while three prisoners on life sentence had their sentences commuted to a definite term of 20 years.

DPI Makes Progress In Building Liberia's Damaged Economy

One of Liberia’s major distributors of petroleum products, the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated (DPI) is said to be making progress in building more service stations to help reduce the high rate of thousands of unemployed Liberians.

According to a release from the head office of this Liberian owned company, the DPI has started establishing additional prominent stations in Totota, Bong County, Congotown in Montserrado County and Buchanan in Grand Bassa County.

These stations are expected to employ over 100 Liberians when completed these areas, we will bring you update of this Liberian owned company.

As Mittal Steel Contract Goes before Senate, Bribery Seems Imminence

To deliberate on the ratification of the world’s largest steel company contract, Mittal Steel, the Senate Committee on Land, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment is today, Tuesday expected to hold public hearing on its agreement.

According to a release, the hearing will take place in the Senate’s Chamber at the Unity Conference Center in Virginia, outside Monrovia. The Committee is therefore calling on the public and interested individuals to attend the hearing.

But as the Senate Committee hearing underway today, reports published in local dailies indicate that the Mittal Steel ratification has been holed up before four legislative committees for the past weeks with reports that some Representatives are forcefully demanding US$10,000.00 apiece, while others have confirmed demanding US$3,000.00 as petty cash to hold public hearings before the bill can be pass.

The local daily quoting Maryland County Representatives, Dr. Bhofal Chambers, as saying, “There are some disturbing news coming from committee rooms which indicates that some of our colleagues are demanding US$10,000.00 apiece before a final vote can be taken as regards the Mittal Steel Bill,” Dr. Chambers told reporters.

Speaking further on the issue, Sr. Chambers said, “that may not be the case, but if that is true, then it is absolutely unacceptable because everything that needs to be done with that bill has already be done and I don’t see why the delay in the passage,” the Maryland County Representative stressed.

For his part, House Judiciary Committee Chairman and head of the four committees now deliberating the Bill, Armah Sarnoh said he is not aware of any of his colleagues demanding any money, adding, “that has not been brought to my attention, but we have asked the company for US$3,000.00 as petty cash to enable us to hold public hearing,” Representative Sarnoh in a relaxed mood told reporters.

Some observers who spoke to the GNN expressed disappointment on the part of the House of Representatives to demand a cast token of $US3,000.00 from an investor who is planning to provide job opportunities to jobless Liberians.

“I am baffled and disappointed of this news. You want to tell me our lawmakers can not perform their duties with asking for bribe or cold water?” Sampson Gueh, a student at the University of Liberia Political Science Department in a confused state told the GNN.

Meanwhile, GNN will bring you an update of the Senate Committee hearing as regarding the ratification of the Mittal Steel Contracts in our subsequent report.

Snowe Faces Police Tomorrow to Answer Corruption Charges - Will he escape justice?

The former Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, Mr. Edwin Melvin Snowe is expected to face a team of investigators at the Headquarters of the Liberia National Police on charges of corruption on Tuesday.

Last week the former speaker was invited at the police station to answer to corruption charges levelled against by the ECOWAS Audit Team, the UN Panel of experts, the European Union and the LPRC Tax Force, linking him to the misapplication of over a Million United States Dollars from the LPRC coffers during his tenure.
The former speaker who is currently serving as Representative for District #5 in Monrtserrado County has since denied the charges levelled against him, blaming Mr. Harry Grieves, Jr., current Managing Director of the LPRC of being behind the plot to disgrace him.

The former speaker may likely be stripped off his legislative immunities during the investigation. However, some political observers who spoke to the GNN late last night by way of mobile phone believes that invitation extended the former speaker by the police may lead him forfeiting his immunities as a lawmaker.

Since the beginning of this year, the former speaker has been facing series of challenges regarding his qualification to lead that august body. The first was a call by his colleagues to have him removed as Speaker, and now he is now been invited by the police to answer charges of corruption.

“Former Speaker Snowe is heading for his disgrace again, this time he is been sought to prove his innocence on the misappropriation of millions of United States Dollars while at the LPRC; what good for John also good for Paul – You pull robe, robe pull bush,” Patrick Tuckers, an employee at the LPRC who preferred not to be named told the GNN in an interview.

Many who spoke to the GNN over the weekend called on the Liberian government not to be selective in dealing with corrupt officials, “since these former officials are been chased, the same should be done with the current ones, who believes that the culture of impunity should be their livelihood,’ John Dennis, a local rights advocate adding his voice to the Police/Snowe fracas said.

Speaking further Mr. Dennis said Liberians have suffered for too long in the hands of individuals who feel that they are always untouchable whenever crime is committed by them, especially the misapplication of public funds, “the days of government officials eating tax payers’ money at the detriment of the sufferance massive are over. These guys must face justice,” Mr. Dennis stressed.

GNN Boss to Receive Int'l Media Award for "Good Reporting"

L/R: Brooks seen interviewing the Bangladeshi Commander and UNMIL Force Commander

The Head of the Global News Network and Publishers of the GNN News Online, Mr. J. Cholo Brooks has been nominated among 15 selected journalists coming from the five continents of the world to participate in the 2006 Lorenzo Natali Prize Award for working journalists.

According to a communication from the 15th Lorenzo Natali Prize of the European Commission-DG Development addressed to the GNN boss, and signed by Zuzanna Podosek-Perrin, said, “You wrote an article entitled “Rural Liberia Gets Face-Lift from UNMIL Bangladesh Engineer Contingent which appeared on Friday, June 29, 2006 which appeared in the Liberian Times. That article of quality drew our attention and asked that you to compete the Lorenzo Natali Prize 2006 of European Commission.”

The communication further said, “The European Commission has committed itself to support and congratulate the written press journalists who will have shown remarkable judgement in their articles on Human Rights and Democracy issues in the development world,” the European Commission-DG Development communication said.

“A donation of 50,000.00 EUROS are envisaged for 2006 in order to reward the 15 selected journalists who are written and online press and working for local media in the following five world regions: Europe (Member States and Central, Eastern and Mediterranean Europe) Africa, Arab World, Iran and Israel, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean,” the communication further stressed.

The communication also disclosed that the winners of the award are expected to be invited for the handing-over of the prizes which will “proceed in Brussels in May 2007.”

Mr. Brooks a former Correspondent of the BBC African Service prior to setting up the GNN worked for several news online including the http://www.africanevents/, http://www.trouwnewspaper.com/ of the Netherlands, http://www.limany.org/ and http://www.theliberiantimes.com/. His institution the GNN also publishes two weeklies, The Star and The Weekend Newspapers.

Mr. Brooks’ fearless coverage of events especially during the early days of the Liberian Civil War 1990-1996) made him to win the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) 1994 “Foreign Correspondent of the Year Award”.

Liberians Want former Transitional Chairman Prosecuted for corruption as "deterrent", but others disagreed

As the legal battle to prosecute former National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), Chairman, Businessman Charles Gyude Bryant heats up, several Liberians in Monrovia and its environ are calling on the Liberian government to speedily bring to justice their former leader who has been charged for corruption. During an in interview with cross section of Liberians over the weekend, a team of GNN reporters gathered that most of those interviewed called for the prosecution of former Chairman Bryant and six former officials who have been charged of stealing millions of United States Dollars from government coffers.

“Former Chairman Bryant must face justice, and if found guilty be prosecuted. This will serve as a deterrent for others who are presently serving in this government and want to do the same, by stealing the Liberian people’s money,” Junior Sumo, a taxi driver given his impression about the issue said.

“We hope what has been started by this government, the Ellen led government to prosecute former officials for corruption will continue ….it should not be limited to only former Chairman Bryant’s government alone,” a middle age petty trader, Sarah Barclay in a serious tune said.

“The culture of impunity in our society must stop. Let Bryant and his former officials be given a free and fair trail, and if found guilty be brought to justice to face the full weight of the law,” Samuel Johnson, II, a student of the AME Zion Community College in Monrovia told the GNN.

As others want Bryant and others prosecuted, some others interviewed by the GNN expressed displeasure of how former Chairman Bryant and his officials are be persecuted by the Liberian people, “this is like a biblical story; those without sin must be the first to throw stone. Many of those who are calling on the prosecution of Bryant and others must be careful; if you’re in glass house don’t throw stone. This is what I can say,” Elizabeth Collins a businesswoman said.

Last week former Chairman Bryant was finally indicted and charged by a Grand Jury for “theft of property” for allegedly diverting over one-million United States Dollars during his tenure as chairman of the former NTGL. According to reports, the former chairman refused to justify to the investigators on how he utilized the US$1,397,255.00 in question.

According to legal practitioners here the former chairman’s act is in violation of Chapter 15, Section 15.51 (a,b & c) of the new penal law of Liberia which states that a person is guilty of Theft if he knowingly takes, misappropriates, converts or exercises unauthorized control over, or makes an unauthorized transfer of an interest in the property of another with the purpose of depriving the owner thereof.

For his part, former chairman Bryant challenged those who accused him of stealing money from the nation’s coffers, “"If you can prove that I committed crime when I was in office, go to the court. My lawyers will vigorously defend me. We have laws in our country. The constitution is clear,” the former Liberian leader boastfully told reporters in Monrovia.

As Sirleaf Launches Nation-wide Cabinet Meetings, Marylanders in high Gear for the arrival

Thousands Marylanders Await President Sirleaf Arrival, as she Launches Nationwide Cabinet Meeting

Preparation is said to be in progress in Harper, the administrative capital of Maryland County – home of Liberia’s 18th President, the late President William V.S. Tubman for the arrival of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in that part of the country at the end of this month.

Already a high power delegation of technical staff from the General Services Agency (GSA) is currently in Harper to conduct an assessment in order to prepare damaged public buildings for the arrival of the President in the county, according to the GSA Director General, Mr. Willard Russell.

The GSA Director General said after the assessment an estimate would be submitted to the Central Government at which time the funds will be provided for what he called, “quick action would be put in place for all the renovation of these damaged facilitates, including the Presidential Guesthouse, the City Hall and the Administrative Building,

Speaking to the GNN via mobile phone, an Executive of the Maryland Union, John Willie said preparations are been made for the arrival of the president, adding, “we are making necessary preparations to give the city a face-lift for the arrival of our mother,” Mr. Willie in a jolly mood said.

Observers believed the move by the president to take members of her cabinet to the people worth commendable, “this exercise been undertaken by her would afford those individuals in her government who over the years refused to visit their counties to do so by force,” Mr. Willie further told the GNN.

According to the Liberian Chief Executive the holding of her cabinet would be done throughout the country on a rotational basis, the first county to witness the arrival of these cabinet members and Chief Executive will be Maryland County.

FPA Discloses Sam Wlue's Arrival In the U.S.

Mr. Sam Wlue

According to informative FrontPageAfrica News Online, the fortmer Commernce Minister Samuel Wlue who reportedly fled Liberia amid an investigation into his alleged corrupt activities during the National Transitional Government of Liberia, has arrived in the United States.

Wlue, according to unimpeachable sources arrived in the U.S. on Friday and is reportedly in the Philadelphia area where has friends and relatives. Philadelphia is also the home to Tiah J.D. Slanger, the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs, who fled Liberia in 2005 after being charged with economic sabotage.

In Corrupt Charges: Sam Wlue Escapes Justice; Flee the Country, As Snowe Faces Police for Questioning

Liberia's Justice Minister, Francis Johnson - Morris

One of the charged officials for corruption in the former Charles Gyude Bryant’s government, (The National Transitional Government of Liberia) Mr. Sam Wulue has reportedly escaped the country, according to Justice Ministry Sources.

Sam Wlue, former Minister of Commerce and Industry and four others in the former government including former Chairman of the NTGL were charged for allegedly steeling millions of dollars from the country’s coffers by the Liberian Government.

According to sources, the former Minister escaped while under bound issued by the Magisterial Count in Monrovia awaiting further trail.

For his part, the former Chairman of the NTGL, Mr. Bryant was also charged for stealing more than $1 million from Liberia's coffers while in office.

Gyude Bryant, who led the interim government from October 2003 until when current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took office in January 2006, had previously been accused of embezzlement in a report issued by the Economic Community of West African States.

Police had questioned Bryant in recent months as part of a wide anti-corruption campaign, and government officials said they finally had enough information to issue charges.

'Mr. Bryant has been formally charged with theft of property,' Information Minister Laurence Bropleh said, adding the figure of $1.3 million 'could go higher.'

Bryant took office as the country emerged from civil war and totalitarian rule by Charles Taylor, who fled into exile in Nigeria in August 2003 and is awaiting trial for war crimes in a U.N.-backed court for atrocities committed by his forces in neighboring Sierra Leone.

Liberia is still recovering from more than a decade of war and unrest, with limited electricity even in the capital, poor roads and wrecked industries. Sirleaf has spent much of her first year in office leading a crackdown on government corruption that Liberians have applauded.

Bryant declined to comment on the charges. One of his lawyers said they were awaiting the government's proof.

'If you make a charge, make sure you can support the charge,' Samuel Clark said. 'It is just not fair to make allegations when you have no proofs of those allegations.'

Bryant had said earlier that he believed he would be protected by immunity given to sitting heads of state.

In a related development, Mr. Edwin Melvin Snowe, former Speaker of the Liberian parliament was yesterday invited by the Liberian National Police for questioning on corrupt charges.

Mr. Snowe who previously served as Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining corporation (LPRC) has also been accused of steeling over one Million United States dollars while at that corporation.

During yesterday’s appearance, Mr. Snowe’s legal Counsel told the police that his client was ill and prayed to appear next week Tuesday for the matter.

Profile of DPI in Photos

The CEO of DPI Amos P.K. Brosius, I and his his able staff

Ducor Petroleum Intensifies operations in 3 More Counties, Provides More Jobs

Amos P.K. Brosius, I.
CEO of DPI

The management of Ducor Petroleum Incorporated says it has started massive operation for the construction of more station in the suburb of Monrovia and other parts of the of the country.

Speaking to the GNN the Chief Executive Officer, Amos P.K. Brosius, I., said his Company has taken the initiative as of next week to tackle two Counties, including Margibi and Grand Bassa.
He said presently his Company is in Nimba and Bong Counties providing services and employment in that part of the country.
Due to the high rate of unemployment, DPI is working to help in reducing this high rate of Unemployment in the country.

READ www.businessnewswatch.blogspot.com for more stories on this company

Another Firestone Worker Wounded by Illicit Tapers

One more officer of the Plant Protection Department in Firestone has been seriously wounded in an illicit tapers’ attack.

Officer John Borbor was amongst a group of PPD officers patrolling the Division Forty-four Area on Tuesday night when the illicit tapers attacked.

Borbor explained that they were pursing the illicit tapers carrying several containers of latex when the men regrouped and wasted the acid on him.

He said the men had cutlasses, knives, acid water in plastic bottles and other sharp instruments that made it difficult for the officers to retrieve the latex containers.

Borbor is currently undergoing treatment at the Firestone Medical Center in Harbel.

Dozens of people have been either wounded or killed as a result of illicit tapping activities in Firestone.

Sundaygar Dearby Makes Headway in U.S. , Liberians Dancing to his Greatest Hits

(FrontpageAfrica)

His big hits, “Who Knock on My Wife” and “Baboon wants to become President” are huge party poppers at many Liberian gatherings and parties, but Sundaygar Dearboy is taking it all in stride as he wraps up his first tour of the U.S.

Dear boy, currently on tour in the United States arrived on the scene in 2004 with and the hit song has been widely received. ”In fact that’s what brought me up and everybody began to fall in love with it,” says Dearboy. This weekend, the Liberia’s Entertainer of the Year will rock Detroit in his final appearance at the Liberian Hall.

“The tour has been tremendous so far and we are getting ready for his farewell concert in Detroit this weekend,” says Emmanuel Toe, Dearboy’s promoter. “The outpour has been tremendous, especially wonderful.” Toe says many of those who attended Dearboy’s last concert in Maryland were left craving for more from the artist who is rapidly making waves among Liberians in the Diaspora and back home.

In terms of success of the tour, Dearboy says he has been around a lot of cities and people have embraced him with open arms as they sing and dance to his pulsating sounds. ”The tour was basically intended to introduce myself and my music to the Diaspora audience and making sure that musicians back home reap the benefits of their labor and this is the kind of tour I’m trying to do. I’m receiving a lot of good vibes.”

This week, Dearboy hopes to become the first local Liberian artist to film a music video – of the hit song, “Who Knock on My Wife”. “This is the first time a Local Liberian musician would be doing the video. The live shoot is planned for the concert on Saturday,” says Toe. Later this year, Dearboy will headline a Liberian Music festival along with the LIB Queen.

Word-of-mouth about Dearboy’s sold-out tours is generating calls from several Liberian communities in the U.S. Says Toe, “the Liberian community has been very helpful. Rhodes Island, Minnesota, Dallas, Atlanta and other places have come knocking on our doors, hoping to get Dearboy to perform in their area.

For Dearboy, the success of his tour has convinced him that the sky is the limit. “What one man can do, everyone is capable of doing but what no man can do, no man dreams about it. The final destination may be far from you, but we are all going there. You can make sure you realize your dream. With the help of Emmanuel Toe and other Liberians in the U.S., everything is going on well and we are making sure that we make a lasting impact on our people. We have to realize that we can make life better for our people. Keep your heads up high and I will never disappointment you, I will always come out with more hits to excite my fans but beyond that we have to build an institution that will recognize the talents of Liberians.”
”The message basically is how we can all live together. These songs basically speak of the ills of our culture and how we can address them. When it comes to promoting unity and peace in the sub-region, I believe my music has done a lot.”
Sundaygar Dearboy, Liberian MusicianDearboy says the motivation for the hit song,” Who Knock on My Wife” came as a result of the war which resulted into forceful marriage and abuse of women. “Thus, I decided to come out with that song as a song decrying the many ills in our society with respect to the situation I just mentioned to you, with the hopes and aspiration that people will related to it.”
Dearboy says his thought process was right as a lot of people have identified with the song. As a result of the war, many husbands and wives went their separate ways; the sanctity of marriage went out the door as many fell prey to one of the unheralded problems of the war. “A lot of people men came and told me how their women were taken away from them, not by way of arms but by other people coming around and taking their women because they had the upper hand. Others women left them because of peer pressure but it was not only limited to women. The equilibrium was created with men leaving their wives as well. So it was well accepted,”
Says Dearboy.
The singer says while he hasn’t really written a song that spoke against violence against women, “Who knock on my wife” is an exceptional tribute to a problem that plagued many families during the fourteen-year civil war.
His focus, he says has been singing songs that promote the heritage and culture or the Liberian environment and Africa as a whole. ”The message basically is how we can all live together. These songs basically speak of the ills of our culture and how we can address them. When it comes to promoting unity and peace in the sub-region, I believe my music has done a lot.”
Currently, Dearboy says he’s working along with the New Vision, Toe and entertainment organizer, Junda Morris and making sure that Liberians back home are benefited in so many ways. “As a matter of fact, Dearboy says while in the U.S., he visited the first black CD, DVD center in the U.S. where he was able to talk to owners and encourage them to go and invest in Liberia so that the sales of CDs and duplication won’t give us hard time as it is doing now. “They expressed concern and they will be going as a matter of fact in May to make an assessment. So those were some of the successfulness of my trip here. Though, I’m a businessman, I’m not involved in mining or other things but I’ve met other people who have expressed interests with respect to how I talk with them.”
Dearboy’s music has already caught the interest of some businesses in the U.S. Maurice Morton, a U.S. attorney and entrepreneur says he was overwhelmed by Dearboy’s music and personality and is planning an assessment team to Liberia shortly.
“I actually met with him last week. Some partners and I we actually have a strong interest in going to Liberia and helping out anyway we can. We met with his folks here and we’re trying to look at some of the opportunities and ways we can actually get African-Americans over there to see how we can help whether it is to invest or do business,” says Morton.
Morton says when Dearboy came in town he met with him and his partners and told them about some of the opportunities in Liberia - “and then he also brought his music. His music is outstanding, his message is outstanding.”
As a result, Morton says he is making efforts to get Dearboy’s out there and at the same time try to let people know about the opportunities in Liberia. “We should go back and invest in our own land as supposed to others going over. So that’s how we came across. We have a lot of the same interests so we want to help each other out.”
Maurice says he and his team hopes to be in Monrovia by April on an assessment mission.
“The main point of the first visit, Morton says is hopefully to meet with some government officials, take a look at the land and opportunities and see what the needs are and see how we can help be it infrastructure needs or whatever the needs may be, we can help bridge that gap and the connection between black-owned businesses in Liberia .”
As one of the few Liberian artists who weathered the storm and stayed in Liberia throughout the war, Dearboy has used his music to plea to Liberians to exercise patience with the young government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

The result is “Manage it “Like That Papa Will Soon Come,” an up tempo-style sound that covers Sirleaf’s inauguration day lament when she spotlighted the hardships many Liberians face in making ends meet.

“As you know, in our various communities and towns, our children have a way of greeting their fathers when they come home after a long, tiring day of trying to find the means to feed the family that night and send the children to school in the morning.

They say, "Papa na come." For too many times, for too many families, Papa comes home with nothing, having failed to find a job or to get the help to feed the hungry children. Imagine the disappointment and the hurt in the mother and the children; the frustration and the loss of self-confidence in the father.”Through the message of this story, Sirleaf said she wanted Liberians to know that she understood their plight.
“This is a song mode­l after a phrase in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inauguration when she spoke of government recognizing the livelihood of the people to be improved and during her administration she will make sure that papa comes.”
Dearboy says a lot of people are expecting papa to come right away when the government took over within two months time but some of the expectations may be unfair to the young government presiding over a country emerging from war. “I feel that as a musician disseminating information through songs I have an obligation to sensitize the public, manage it like that, Papa will soon come.”