President Sirleaf Inaugurates UN Vocational Center In Ganta

The Bangladesh Contingent (BANBAT 10) assigned in Ganta serving in United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has handed over to the Liberian authorities a newly-constructed Vocational Training Center in Ganta, Nimba County, about 240 kilometers northeast of the capital, Monrovia.

The Center, which hosts a permanent skills training center and an internet cafe, was built by the Bangladeshi Contingent (BANBAT-10) through funding from UNMIL's Quick Impact Projects and with computers provided by the Ministry of Education.

Land for the construction of the building was provided by authorities of the J. W. Pearson High School in Ganta.
The Special Guest at the dedication ceremony, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, praised the UNMIL Bangladeshi contingent for going beyond their call of duty to build a facility that will assist young people gain skills, which will help them reach their potential in life.

Surely what they have done today, they leave behind something for which they will always be remembered.

She also thanked the people of Nimba for embracing and supporting the Bangladeshi contingent. The President further expressed her government's commitment to the development of the youth of Liberia.

As a government, our commitment is strong; our commitment irreversible. I don't care what they say. I don't care what they do; but this government is going to develop Liberia to the aspirations of the Liberian people.
Speaking at the handover ceremony over the weekend, the Special Representative of the Secretary General to Liberia, Alan Doss, noted that the project was a small but symbolic gesture of a much larger ambition to give Liberian youths hope for the future.

This center is an investment in hope because young people will gain skills, skills that they can use to compete and become entrepreneurs, Mr. Doss asserted.
The UN Envoy added that Liberians must not wait for government to create all the jobs needed by Liberia's youth, but must take the initiative themselves to create new jobs. The Vocational Center provides skills training in basic computer learning, health, hygiene and first aid, tailoring, carpentry, electrical and generator maintenance.
Tailoring class in session at the Bangladeshi-Liberia Friendship Center
Meanwhile, 450 students received certificates during the 4th cycle graduation ceremony following the dedication ceremony.

Since the training programme was initiated by BANBAT-10 in April 2006, over 2,000 persons including ex-combatants, war-affected and unemployed persons have benefited. The training has also been extended to other areas in rural Nimba County where Bangladeshi troops are stationed.

Mr. Doss also cut a ribbon at the Bangladeshi battalion's new headquarters in Ganta.
Among the personalities at the hand-over ceremony for the Center were special guests of President Johnson-Sirleaf, philanthropist, George Soros, and international humanitarian activist, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.
In a related development, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, will on today, 6 February 2007, commission a three classroom block building for St. Paul Nursery/Elementary School at St. Paul Bridge Community, outside Monrovia.
According to a media advisory the UNMIL Nigerian Battalion 10 (NIBATT 10) constructed the building as part of its peace building and reconstruction efforts in the country.
The program which comes on at 11:00 am at the St. Paul Nursery/Elementary School will gather top UNMIL officials as well as educational authorities of the Liberian Government, sources told this paper yesterday. The building of these classes, sources at the Education Ministry said, will accommodate more students in school as primary school enrollment increases in the post war country.

Liberian Filmmaker To Be Featured This Weekend At Pan African Film Festival In U.S.

A Liberian filmmaker, Gerald K. Barclay, Director oof the "Love of Liberrty..." is expected this Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007 at 9:10 Pm at the Magic Johnson Theater to film one of his newest productions at the Pan African Film Festival at 4020 Marlton Ave. Los Angeles, Ca 90008

Be The First To See The New Wu-Tang Movie!!! "Wu: The Story Of The Wu-Tang Clan"
by this Liberian filmmaker.

Also look for "Rebirth Of A Nation" the sequel to "The Love Of Liberty" coming soon!!!
Pass it on to 10 people you know. We want to pack the house so get your >tickets early.

LPRC Progressing in Building A Vibrant Economy Under Harry Greaves

The management team of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) under one of Liberia's finest administers, Harry A. Greaves, Jr. is said to be making some progress in its economy growth despite growing criticism about his single-handedly handling the operations of the Corporation.

Since he took over nearly a year ago Mr. Greaves accordingly has put to shame his critics, especially those who claimed to be the good guys; bringing back era of accountability and transparency back at that important governmental institution.

During a survey conducted by the GNN in Monrovia and its environ showed that the LPRC Managing Director (Mr. Harry Greaves) has exhibiting maturity in the affairs of the company.

According to them, within a period of ten months the management of LPRC earned a net profit of US$4 million.

Many described the LPRC Managing Director as "a man of principle and with “excellent managerial skills,” taking a comparative analysis on previous management, and said progress is certain under the leadership of Harry Greaves at the LPRC.

UNMIL Boss Wants Central Approach In Reconstruction, Development

UNMIL Public Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, has stressed the importance of a people-centred development approach to move Liberia forward after years of conflict. Mr. Doss made this call in Monrovia, during a workshop for the County Support Teams (CSTs) intended to review and provide effective recommendations for Liberia’s local authority administrations. “Development must include people; it must be participatory and focus on equity,” the UN Envoy said. “In the past when Liberia registered one of the highest Gross National Product per capita in Africa, there were many parts of the country that were not participating in economic progress and development,” he observed. “It was lop-sided, uneven, and large numbers of the people did not really benefit. So, participation and equity is one way of ensuring that development is done differently.” Addressing county superintendents and other partners of the CSTs, Mr. Doss urged them to re-think the way development is done. “We have to challenge ourselves not to go down the traditional ways of trying to deliver development, which doesn’t really use the energy, drive and enthusiasm of people, particularly poor people,” he stressed. “It is a mistake to think that poor people are recipients; they are also actors. And I think we have to find ways to tap into their capacities.” The Special Representative of the Secretary-General further called the inclusion and involvement citizens at all levels. “That is where the county-level structures and the superintendents have a critical role to play, because if we wait for Monrovia to do everything, then I think you will wait quite a long time,” Mr. Doss warned. “It has to come from the other way as well. Helping the counties play a dynamic role in implementing the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (IPRS) is absolutely critical, because the IPRS sets series of national targets. But all of that has to be translated, used and taken forward at the local level,” he pointed out. “It is very important to create a sense of local engagement.”With support from donors, the United Nations has provided vehicles and office equipment to the various CSTs in Liberia’s 15 county administrations. Mr. Doss promised the UN’s continued support for Liberia’s recovery and reconstruction, but said emphasis must be placed on management structures at the local level. The workshop brought together county superintendents and their assistants for development, UN agencies funds and programmes making up the UN Country Team, UNMIL, and the ministries of Internal Affairs and Planning and Economic Affairs.The Special Representative of the Secretary-General has led efforts to establish the County Support Teams (CSTs) to ensure a coherent and consolidated UN approach for dealing with the problems facing the government and people of Liberia. The CSTs have also been helping to build the capacity of local institutions. Support for the CST process has been provided by the Swedish and Irish Governments, the UNDP and UNMIL.

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.

BIRD FLUD KILLS IN NIGERIA

BBCNEWS

Many Nigerians earn their living from the poultry tradeA Nigerian woman who died suffering from flu symptoms has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus, says a government minister.
It is the first bird flu death reported in sub-Saharan Africa since it first emerged in Nigeria a year ago.
The victim was a 22-year-old from the commercial capital, Lagos.
Health officials said inconclusive tests had also been carried out on her mother and two other people, all of whom died recently.
"Last night our team of 13 scientists were able to conclusively identify the case of avian influenza," Nigerian Information Minister Frank Nweke Jnr told a news conference in Lagos.
He said blood samples were now being sent to foreign laboratories and the findings are now with the World Health Organisation for further scrutiny.
More than 160 people have died of H5N1 bird flu since it's outbreak in December 2003 - most of them in South-East Asia
Fears
The UN had expressed concerns about the Nigerian government response to the disease - as poultry are still being moved around by local farmers despite an official quarantine and promised compensation for infected birds.

Quarantines have not been working
It is understood that the dead woman bought the infected chickens from a local farmer.
Dr Abdulsalam Nasidi, leader of Nigerian government's team of experts on bird flu, told the BBC News website that those that contracted the virus were those that had been dealing with the killing and preparation of the chicken and not those that ate it
"This goes to show that properly cooked chicken is safe, but handling infected birds can be hazardous," he said
Cross-infection to humans is relatively rare and usually occurs where people have been in close contact with infected birds.

Indian Female Police Arrived

A contingent of formed Indian female police yesterday arrived in the country to beef up the United Nations Police in Liberia (UNPOL).
Arriving on board a huge Pakistani aircraft, Air Blue, the Indian female police, will assist with ongoing capacity training to empower the strength of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Briefing journalists upon the contingent’s arrival at the Robert International Airport (RIA), UNPOL Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Alhassan said, the UNMIL was delighted to welcome their colleagues, who, he said had arrived to augment the UNPOL capacity, under UNMIL under the lead of United Nations Secretary General Special Representative (SRSC), Mr. Alan Doss.
With the arrival of the Indian formed all female police unit in Liberia, it is the first of its kind since the origin of the UN over 60 years, ago.
The UNPOL boss indicated that UNMIL and Liberia are fortunate to have a well trained 125 female formed police to help stand in the way of crimes in the country.
The Indian formed female police, attired in blue uniform, reflecting the UN color, according to their commander, Commandant Seema Dhundia, will resist any unusual acts and are readiness to beef up the capacity of LNP through UNPOL.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Address To The Nation At The Unity Conference Centre, Outside Monrovia

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is addressing a divided Legislature at the Unity Conference Center in Virginia, outside Monrovia. President Sirleaf went to Virginia few hours after the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled that all actions by the renegade Representatives are unconstitutional.

Also, several Senators and Representatives including Speaker Edwin Snowe have converged on the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun Street in Central Monrovia. The Legislators went to the Centennial Pavilion after the Supreme Court of Liberia upheld the Prohibition on the Virginia sitting, recognizing the Speakership of Snowe.

Speaker Snowe described the ruling of the Supreme Court as a victory for the rule of law in post-conflict Liberia. In a statement issued, Speaker Snowe called on the relevant institution of government to ensure the return of the chairs of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The chairs mysteriously disappeared at the Centennial Pavilion last week and surfaced at the Unity Conference Center in Virginia. The General Services Agency, custodian of all government, denied having any acknowledge of how the left the Pavilion and surfaced in Virginia.