PHOTO OF THE WEEK: PRESIDENTS HU JINTAO OF CHINA AND ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF OF LIBERIA

Friday Chinese President Hu Jintao signed a number of agreements with Liberia in Monrovia, pledging more aid and investment to the West African nation. (Presidents Hu (left) and Johnson-Sirleaf opened an anti-malaria clinic) Pledges US$25M Toward Liberia's Recovery

Soros, Queen Noor, President Sirleaf Visits Nimba County As LBDI Opens Local Branch

Billionaire and Philanthropist, George Soros accompanied by Queen Noor of Jordan who arrived in the country Thursday evening, as guests of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf today left the Capital for Nimba County.

The visit comes barely 3 hours after the Chinese President Hu Jintao's plane taxied on the Roberts International Airfield.
Both George Soros and Queen Noor, widow of the late Revered King Hussein of Jordan are in the country for four days.
Queen Noor will pay a moral boosting visit to the robust Jordanian peace keeping troops currently serving in UNMIL.
The American Billionaire who has provided humanitarian and financial support for a number of initiatives in Liberia, including the Liberia Education Trust, will be conferred Liberia’s highest National Honor, the Order of the Star of Africa with the grade of Grand Band, which is the highest to be conferred on non Heads of State and sovereign. The event takes place on Friday evening at an investiture ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign.
While in Liberia , Billionaire Soros will also participate in several activities including meetings with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Vice President and leaders of the National Legislature, and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Mr. Soros, who will also be holding a working meeting with the Cabinet on Friday, is expected to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a school in New Kru Town . The project is one of several initiatives under the auspices of the LACE and the Liberian Education Trust to which he has contributed over 1 million US dollars.
President Sirleaf and Mr. Soros have had a long standing Professional relationship spanning over 2 decades during her time at the World Bank, Equator Bank and the United Nations Development Program.

BASSA YOUTHS MARCHED PEACEFULLY FOR COLLEGE, RECEIVE ELDERS SUPPORT

L/R: Hon. Vah Receiving the Petition while the group listened to his remarks

Over five thousands citizens of Grand Bassa County, including students yesterday marched peacefully in Buchanan City to demand their county authority to utilize the pending $1 million to be provided by a global steel company, Mittal Steel for the construction of a Junior College in the County.

The Bassa Citizens mostly youth Groups during the march called on the County authority and Legislative Caucus to prioritize the establishment of a college in the county, which they said is in the interest of the future leaders of the county.

The youth groups also called on their leaders to see reason for the establishment of a highest institution of learning in the county, adding, "It is important to prioritize education, we the young people of this county need highest education," in their petition which was read by one of the youths expressed serious concerns and disappointment in the authority of their the County for proposing to use the pending one million United States Dollars to buy Caterpillar to build roads in the County.

The petition which was presented to the Acting Superintendent of the County, Hon. Vah also stressed that the county being out of college has created what they called, "a serious setback in the County's educational sector.

Receiving the petition from the youths of the County, Hon. Vah promised to deliver their plight to the Superintendent, Madam Julia Duncan Cassell who had earlier traveled to Monrovia on official matters.

Hon. Vah told the youth that their quest for highest education in the County was indeed necessary, adding, "your request will be forwarded to the Superintendent upon her return, I can assure you that your petition will be addressed," Hon. Vah stressed.

Speaking to some elders of the County regarding the plight of the youths in the County, many of them lauded the effort, "we are happy that our children are serious of learning, because they are the future leaders. Our support will be given regarding their request on the establishment of College in the County," an elderly man perhaps in his early 70s told the GNN.

Another resident of the County, Martha Smith also in her late 50s in a jolly mood during the march expressed support to the demand of the youth, "Our children are right, education is the key to success, the building of a college in this county must be given more support," dancing to the slogan of the youths, saying "We want College and not Caterpillar" the aged woman said.

Meanwhile, the full text of the petition will be published in our subsequent posting.