‘July 26’ has come and gone

The speeches have been made, the problems plaguing our country

Our people and our communities, have been diagnosed and identified

And so, just like that, the 165th independence anniversary

Of Africa’s oldest independent nation has come and gone

With its pomp and pageantry, with some sober reflection

Even some gamesmanship, and, of course, some grand standing

But one question remains, WHAT’s NEXT?

Speeches have been made before

And we have almost always, done a good job at identifying our problems

We have cited corruption, tribalism, weak national and community institutions

A poor sense of patriotism, an imperial presidency

Ignorance- illiteracy and lack of education- as just a few

Of the numerous problems keeping us backward and impoverished

But for 165 years these problems have existed, and still exist today, like a plague

Eating into our national fabric, sucking our life blood

For 165 years, since our founding, a majority of our population has been illiterate

And continues to be

For 165 years corruption- the looting of our coffers, the abuse of our institutions- has existed and continues to thrive

The preferment of unqualified cronies, tribal loyalists and concubines, over the qualified and competent continues; further weakening our institutions

The treatment of public property as if it was meant to be trampled and abused

Continues unabated

And patriotism, the energy that makes a people succeed, continues to be trumped by narrow considerations

For 165 years we have had weak national institutions

Even to this date, the Legislature remains subservient to the presidency

Rather than being a part of a functioning check-and-balance system

That is at the heart of a democracy

The judiciary continues to make its name as the marketplace for bribery

Where ‘justice’ is handed out to the highest payer, as jurors have since joined in the sale of justice

For 165 years we have done the same things

And for 165 years we have gotten the same results, if not worst

And so the question remains, WHAT’s NEXT and WHICH WAY?

By Alphonso W. Nyenuh

Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has warned colleges and other educational institutions across the country, they risk losing subsidies critical to their sustenance, if they do not consider agriculture production a top priority on their academic curricula.

The President sounded the warning during the dedication program of the David Starz Jr. Technical and Vocational College (DASTVC) in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County, where she went to perform the official ceremonies on Monday, July 23.

The President’s frustration was trigged when she observed the lack of agriculture activities on the Ricks Institute Campus while en-route to Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County for the dedication ceremonies.

“When my entourage passed through the Ricks Institute campus on Monday, we were indeed disappointed because we saw no form of [campus-based] agriculture initiative as a sustainable endeavour on the part of the school.”

She regretted that this institution continues to receive subsidies from the Liberian Government.” Notwithstanding, the President urged prospective students of the DASTV institution to very seriously take advantage of the technical and vocational courses to be taught there.

The President expressed hope that courses to be taught at the DASTV would be agriculture focused adding, “this will enhance their professional capacities for the competitive job market, be it the private or public sector”.

Meanwhile, the President extended thanks to the people of Grand Cape Mount County for their recent decision to provide additional land to the Government of Liberia (GOL) for the construction of some of the school’s buildings.

She was quoted as saying, “I want to extend my special thanks to the chiefs, elders and citizens of Garwula District in Grand Cape Mount County for providing the additional land for the construction of some building for the DASTV campus.”

In response, several prominent Cape Mountains, who spoke at the dedicatory ceremony, extended thanks and appreciation to the government for sponsoring the construction project.

A 77-year-old woman of Sinje Town, Miata Satta Kiazolu, said, “We don’t have to worry about our grand children’s support and up keep in Monrovia.”

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

A Nigerian national Camelius Onyeneke Allen, 46 who claims to be a “Bishop”at the ‘Solution Temple Church’ in Paynesville, was arrested by agents of Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

His arrest was carried out by the DEA agents under the command of Eugene David. The “Bishop” was caught with drug valued at fifty six thousand eight hundred Liberian dollars (LD$56,800.00.

The suspect argued that what the officers found in his car was mini salt for his health and not narcotic drugs as claimed by the DEA officers. However, the DEA Agents did not buy that story.

The “Bishop” was accordingly charged with illegal possession and sale of narcotic drugs, an act, which is in violation of Section 41.23 of Public Health Laws (PHL) of Liberia.

He is currently remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) awaiting court trial at the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill, in the Liberian capital, Monrovia

Allen, whose street name is “GOD-FATHER,” has had brush with law before and once ordered the flogging of a Liberian Journalist and his camera damaged.

The Journalist’s only “CRIME” was his attempt to take the “Bishop’s” picture, while he (BISHOP) was at the public place, the Temple of Justice for court hearing.

According to the DEA charge sheet, the arrested Nigerian “Bishop” was picked up at about 1245pm, on Wednesday July 25, with one tube of cocaine weighing 10.5 grams valued over L$56,800 in his possession.

Preliminary investigation by the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency, established that the Nigerian “Bishop” is nothing but a potential Drug Dealer in the country.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

“We cannot legislate love. We cannot legislate good relationships. It has to come from each and everyone’s own heart. We have to feel it to believe in it.”

“And so the only thing is to pray for God’s grace, that He will touch each and every one of our hearts as you try to live by His call and reconcile our nation.”

These were the exact quotes from Liberia’s President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, when she spoke recently at program marking the one hundred sixty-fifth (165) independence anniversary of the Republic of Liberia.

Continuing, the President said, “As we celebrate our ninth year of post-conflict peace; indeed, it’s time to thank God. Every person, particularly officials of government.”

The Liberian Chief Executive observed that there is a need for Government officials to pray for God’s blessings adding, “whether by legislation, for their prosperity, or promotion, they should be here to join in praising God for His blessings.”

The Liberian Leader made these assertions at the Bethel Cathedral of Hope on Sunday, July 22, during Thanksgiving and Intercessory Worship Service, in observance of Liberia’s 165th Independence Anniversary.

Sounding like a Sunday morning Preacher, the Liberian President  reminded Liberians, “closer to home, disturbances around our borders, we need to pray for God’s grace.”

The Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (C-I-C) then warned, “as there is an attempt to roll back the progress of democracy, so well won over many years of struggle, we need to pray for God’s grace.”

“When our young students, pursuing knowledge, pursuing an education, resort to violence as a means of expressing their democratic right, we do need to pray for God’s grace.”

President Sirleaf went on, “When a twelve-year-old has a child, being defiled – and there are so many other young girls facing that – let’s pray for God’s grace.”

She thanked the Christian community for according to her, “what they have done in holding the nation up in prayers,” saying, “Today, we go forward; each of us, as Pastor Karpeh has called, for more intensive efforts at reconciliation.”

She noted: “It’s also time to pray, as climate change disrupts productive systems, leading to high commodity prices and food insecurity; we need to pray for God’s grace.

“As the turmoil in places like Syria, and north Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, we need to pray for God’s grace.”

The President concluded by saying that as natural and man-made disasters rage havoc throughout the world, Liberians of all walks of life need to evoke God’s blessings as they celebrated Liberia’s 165th Independence Day.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), wishes to thank President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for her administration’s policy towards the Liberian media since assuming state power nearly seven years now.

While it is true that the President is doing no favor to the media, we must however commend her for her courage in making tremendous strides by ensuring the exercise of press freedom is without hindrance in Liberia.

While we will continue to remain critical of  the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration’s lapses in other areas of governance as our WATCHDOG role dictates, the President’s recent signing of the “TABLE MOUNTAIN DECLARATION (TMD),” is highly commendable.

As one of the many Liberian media institutions, the “INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), although thousands of miles away from Liberia, views the signing of the ‘TABLE MOUNTAIN DECLARATION,’ as worthy of our commendation.

We believe the ‘DECLARATION’ further enhances the independence of the Liberian media, in terms of governmental, political and economic control, which we believe must be gracefully appreciated.

Prior to signing the ‘TABLE MOINTAIN DECLARATION,’ the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration made history in 2010, for initiating the passage and signing of the ‘FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOIA), which also brought another relief to the Liberian media.

Additionally, the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration in 2011, also signed the ‘AFRICAN PLATFORM ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT (APATIA), reaffirming the 1991 ‘WINHOCK DECLARATION,’ which promotes an independent and pluralistic African press.”

Comparatively, the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Administration has done more to enhance Press Freedom than any of predecessors in recent memories and history of the Liberian media. For this, we thank her wholeheartedly.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, wishes to use this opportunity and appeal to all of us in the media business, to exercise our professional prowess in discharging our sacred responsibilities.

We know how tedious it is, especially in a society with nearly eighty percent illiteracy rate, with miscreants masquerading as journalists, with little or no idea of what the cannons of the profession requires.

On the other hand, leaders who are elected based solely on their dubious popularity, also always try to lecture us about how we should or should not perform our professional duties whenever they are caught with their pants down in some scandal, political, financial, social or otherwise.

We are also aware that these flunkies’ sole motive is to make Journalists manufacture News Stories, write Editorials, Features, Commentaries, etc. only to suit their whims and caprices to satisfy their selfish desires.

If they cannot have their way, they usually seek the services of “JOIN-THE-LIST’ to do as they wish. Aware that these “JOIN-THE-LIST” have no formal training in the journalism profession, they go ahead and do as their financiers wish.

Majority Members of the public not aware of the ignorance of these “JOIN-THE-LIST” usually bland and blame all of us for their mercenary behavior of masquerading as professional journalists.  We must all guide against these practices.

Once again, we commend President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for her courageous stance in ensuring Freedom of the Press flourishes in Liberia. We pledge to continue to remain forthright in exercising our professional responsibilities. We will continue to do it with an open mind and let the chips fall wherever they may.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

A bilateral relationship between the cities of Kakata in Margibi County, Liberia and the Brooklyn Park in the state of Minnesota, United States of America (USA), has been entered into.

Modalities for the two sister cities relationship which were concluded recently, stand to benefit both cities in various ways including sharing many of the multi-cultural characteristics of Brooklyn Park and Kakata, Margibi which are also both highly demographically diversed.

The decision was taken through a resolution  3B, 2A. The Resolution. Copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN) says the City of Brooklyn Park will benefit by encouraging greater inclusion of Liberians in the welfare of the city.

The resolution also states that the relationship will increase Liberians’ engagement, volunteerism , enhance Brooklyn Park’s community engagement endeavor and by formulating opportunities for city officials.

The resolution  further maintains that residents will be further opportune to explore and experience Liberian culture; by creating an atmosphere which strengthens economic development and community engagement.

The City of Kakata will benefit from a sister city relationship with Brooklyn Park by nurturing a municipal partnership that will help creatively learn, work and solve problems together through reciprocal cultural, educational and business opportunities.

It indicated that leadership development, professional and technical training and projects; key needs as Kakata, Margibi County, and the Republic of Liberia continue their rebuilding process and democratization efforts in the aftermath of a 14-year civil war.

The Sister City Relationship according to the resolution, will through the work of a sister city committee connect government, educational, and business sector institutions in Brooklyn Park to similar institutions in Kakata to the mutual benefit of all communities.

Meanwhile, a proclamation endorsing the establishment of a sister city relationship between the city of Brooklyn Park in the state of Minnesota and the city of Kakata in the Republic of Liberia, has been issued.

In the proclamation which was issued by the Liberian Embassy near the American capital city of Washington, District of Columbia (DC), the Embassy said it was endorsing the decision between the two cities to establish such vital relationship.

The Proclamation, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN), was addressed to Mr. Jefferry Lude, Lord Mayor of the city of Brooklyn Park.

For the benefit of our readership, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye is pleased to publiush the proclamation in its entirety vabatim unedited. Below is the full proclamation.

WHEREAS  His Highness, the City Mayor of Brooklyn Park and   the esteemed Members of the City Council  of Brooklyn Park converging in this historic Chamber to consider the  significant decision  to  establish a  Sister/City relations. between  the City of  Kakata,

WHEREAS considering that a recent mission to theRepublic ofLiberia by a high power delegation led by Mayor Jeffery Lunde was a resounding success;

WHEREAS aware that the City ofBrooklyn Park and its environs remain a bacon of haven to thousands ofLiberia nationals residing in theUnited States;

WHEREAS recognizing that there has already been   an ongoing philanthropic relationship between Brooklyn Park and the Republic Liberia in general;

WHEREAS very hopeful that when reached, this decision will undoubtedly lead to a mutually beneficial cooperation between the respective municipal communities in particular and countries in general,

NOW THEREFORE,  in my capacity as Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Republic  of Liberia  to these United States of America do here by endorse  on behalf  of the  President of the Republic of Liberia, Government and  gallant people of Liberia the  decision  establishing  Sister/City relations between  the two aforementioned cities.

This 23^rd Day of July, 2012

Jeremiah C. Sulunteh

Ambassador”

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM (763) 226-3634-CELL  

The 2012 National Independent Day Orator, Dr. D. Elwood Dunn is warning that “Stability, which Liberians continue to yearn for, will remain elusive unless, justice for the poor in Liberia is assured.”

“We should consider law students to offer pro-bono services to indigent (poor), and strongly encourage lawyers to do the same. Without justice for the poor, stability will remain elusive.” He emphasized.

He said the legal plight of the poor could be improved if government authorities called on lawyers to carry out pro-bono legal services to defend indigent who have cases in courts in the country.

Dr. Dunn made these observations on Thursday, July 24, when he served as the National Orator at program marking the 165th anniversary of Liberia’s declaration of independence, in 1847.

“Judges, and other judicial offices as well as jurors receiving bribes which acts are tantamount to justice for sale to the highest bidder is commonplace in Liberia.” He emphasized.

“Dr. Dunn’s assertions about corruption in the Liberian justice system are nothing new, as justice has always been awarded to the highest bidder. Commented a keen Observer au courant with Liberia’s judicial system.”

On the 1986 amended constitution, Dr. Dunn criticized the process through which the 1986 amended constitution came into full forces and effect adding, “We face a problem of constitutional inadequacy.”

“Many here listening will recall how we ended up with the current constitution of Liberia—a constitution drafted by professionals, was in 1983 subjected to substantial editing by a panel of politicians. It was a politically edited draft under circumstances of military rule that became the constitution.” He claimed.

On hard work, Dr. Dunn noted, “innovation and self-reliance have be-deviled (to corrupt) us ever since,” saying: “We must borrow the page of our past to restore creative and innovative entrepreneur spirit.”

“In its declaration of rights, our founding constitution proclaimed a national promise—to establish a state, ensure domestic peace and promote the general welfare.” Dr. Dunn recalled.

The declaration was also to “solemnly associate and transmit ourselves into a free sovereign state called the Republic of Liberia.” The Political Science Professor noted.

He went on, “it was the promise in the beginning.” Dr. Dunn then narrated how “that promise forms an ideal left to be perfected and nurtured by succeeding generations.”

He also recounted how the promise remained with succeeding generations to make it “increasingly more meaningful, more relevant to the changing needs of the continuous increasing Liberian population.”

Historically speaking Dr. Dunn further stressed that the nation, which started small in concept, has moved from Commonwealth and expanded into 15 counties. “Expansion, including that of the mind, was inevitable.”

“Just as we face today the imperative of defining the idea of Liberia, future generations will find the need to redefine their nation, their Liberia, taking into account the exigencies, their demands of that future,” Dr. Dunn concluded.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

 BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

Move

-

“General” Cyril Allen of the rebel “National Patriotic Front of Liberia” (NPFL) and the breakaway rebel Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), of General Prince Johnson, are now slogging it out to one another.

While discussing his charge in an interview with a local radio station, Truth FM in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), “Gen.” Cyril Allen accused Gen. Prince Johnson of human rights violation.

Allen, considered one of the most loyal generals of the erstwhile NPFL, has expressed dismay that instead of charging him as “one of those who bears the greatest responsibilities for the Liberian civil war”, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) “undercharged” him.

The TRC report charged Mr. Allen, a staunch ally of Mr. Charles Taylor in his 14-year war efforts in Liberia, only for “AIDING AND ABETTING THE WAR”—a similar charge levied against former fighters.

But Mr. Allen, while being interviewed live on a local radio station, Truth FM last week, spewed: “I am one of those who bears the greatest responsibilities of the war. They did not even charge me as one of those.” He opined.

“I was one of the leaders of the NPFL and they simply said ‘AIDING AND ABETTING,’ and I think that it is unfair for you to do that to me and name young generals who were on the field fighting.” Allen pointed out.

“We, who were the leaders of the NPFL…they simply said aiding and abetting. I think whatever way, they charged me much less. I should have been charged more than what they charged” me. He observed.

Despite his admission as being one of those bearing the greatest responsibilities for the Liberian civil war, Mr. Allen expressed support for the setting up of a ‘WAR CRIMES COURT’ in Liberia. “War crimes court is good for reconciliation…for healing the wounds.” Allen opined.

Mr. Allen then accused Nimba County Sen. Prince Johnson, a bitter opponent of a ‘WAR CRIMES COURT, of physically slicing the ears of former Liberian President, Samuel K. Doe after the General’s forces captured him.

“He (Gen. Johnson) is the one who they had on video cutting the ears of president Doe. I do not see any reason why there should not be a war crimes court,” Mr. Allen said.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

The United Nations (UN) travel ban imposed on several Liberians has been partially lifted on nineteen (19) Liberian Nationals including three of convicted war criminal Charles McArthur Taylor’s former spouses.

Those who benefited from the United Nation’s decision include, Jewel Howard-Taylor, Tupee Taylor and Agnes Reeves-Taylor. This means they are now freed to travel anywhere in the world, without hindrances or let.

This information was disclosed by Bong County Senior Senator, Jewel Howard-Taylor , also a beneficiary of the United Nations’ decision. In an interview with FrontPage Africa (FPA), one of Liberia’s leading news magazines, Senator Taylor described the news as “the dawn of a new day.”

Senator Howard-Taylor was quoted by FPA’s Bong County Correspondent on Tuesday, July 24  as saying, “God is wonderful! This will afford me ample time to fetch out for more developments that have eluded my county for years.”

Political Observers are however wondering why the original source of the news was neither the United Nations’Office in Monrovia, or the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs & Tourism (MICAT), rather than from one of the beneficiaries, Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor?

Other Liberians who stand to benefit from the United Nations’ decision are Adolphus Dolo, former Frontline Commander of the NPFL, commonly called “Peanut Butter,” who later became Nimba County Junior Senator, now former senator.

Mr. George Dweh, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Miss. Myrtle Francelle Gibson, Sinoe County former Senator, Mr. Bell Dunbar, former Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC).

Others are; Martin George, former Deputy Minister of State, Cyril Allen, former Chairman of the then ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP), John T. Richardson, former Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy and Victoria Christopher Cooper (deceased) former Broadcaster Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS).

Reginald Goodridge, Charles Taylor’s Presidential Press Secretary, Emmanuel Shaw, former Chairman, National Investment Commission (NIC), Maurice Cooper, Liberia’s former Maritime Representative to the United States, Sampson Gwen former  (ULIMO) General, (deceased) and Randolph Cooper,

Some of those still under the United Nations’ travel ban include, Mr. Benoni Urey, former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs (BMA).

Another beneficiary of the United Nations’ lifted ban is Momo Jebba, former Deputy Director of Police/Operation, who became notorious after he told a local radio station in Monrovia that he was donated to the Police by then Vice Councilman, Charles Taylor.

The rests are Col. Benjamin Yeaten, Charles Taylor’s Director of the Special Security Services,(SSS), who was ordered arrested after admitting to murdering House former Deputy Speaker, Samuel Saye Dokie, his wife, sister and nephew and “Merchant General” James Coocoo Dennis.

The official list of the Liberians still under the United Nations’ travel ban was last updated by the United Nations’s Security Council on July 20, 2012.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL  

The recently accredited Liberia’s Ambassador near the United States capital Washington District of Columbia (D.C) Mr. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh has disclosed the Government of Liberia (GOL), attracted an amount of seventeen billion  United States dollars (17 billion) over the last six years.

He claimed that over the same period,“the Government of Liberia built systems structures, and formulated policies and strategies to reduce poverty and lift Liberia and Liberians”.

“Today, Liberia has been rated as a post conflict-success story looking forward to consolidate its new democracy and move towards sustainable economic growth.” He emphasized.

Ambassador Sulunteh made these assertions when he served as Keynote Speaker at the National Convention of the United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA).

Continuing the Ambassador pointed out, “part of government’s strategy was to create an enabling environment for a public-private sector economy.” As a result, Government has succeeded in attracting some $17 billion United States dollars in foreign direct investment over the past six years”.

“Howbeit,” the Ambassador acknowledged, “the physical infrastructure of the country, particularly roads, sea and airports as well as energy (power) remain a major challenge that could transform these investments into job creating industries.”

“Unemployment,” the Ambassador stressed, “especially among Liberia’s youthful population remains a critical area to the government’s development agenda.”

The Ambassador however pointed out, “in the midst of these challenges,, steady progress has been made .” He reminded his audience that “in 2005, the total budget of Liberia was eighty million United States dollars (US$80M) compared with six hundred forty-nine (US$649M) million dollars in 2012.”

He recalled that by 2011, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew at seven percent 7 percent while infliction stood at seven point five percent (7.5/). Further growth of our GDP the Ambassador noted, “is expected at nine 9 percent in 2012.”

“With the growth of the (SMEs) and the drop in inflation at four percent 4 percent. Consequently, our economy has double over the last six years and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing economy of the world.”  The Liberian Diplomat claimed.

“While infrastructural development remains a major challenge to our economic renewal, little progress has also been made. Infrastructural development in 2011 alone was reported to include the following:” He then went ahead to enumerate.

• 1,000 miles of up-country roads rehabilitated
• 400 miles of feeder roads built to connect communities
• GOL and Chinese company signed contract to construct the Red-light–Gbarnga highway
• Financial resources are being mobilized to rehabilitate the Mount Coffee Plant for hydroelectric power to Monrovia and its environs
• Master plan for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Roberts International Airport has been launched
• Plans are also being finalized to rehabilitate the ports of Buchanan, Sinoe, Harper, and complete the dragging of the Freeport of Monrovia.

As the Government of Liberia endeavors to meet the infrastructural challenge, the issue of national reconciliation remains a national imperative.” The Liberian Ambassador again emphasized.

“While improving the quality of life and the equality for continuing peace and progress, lest we forget, that peace and progress are not a matter of material condition alone.”

“Fellow Liberians and my fellow kinsmen, to guarantee the peace we now enjoy, we must do more to reconcile and reunite our people. The key word is RECONCILIATION, A FUNDAMENTAL FACTOR FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT. In our Kpelle Vernacular, reconciliation means Kwa Ker won torno.”

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN)

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM  (763) 226-3634-CELL