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#281 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:02 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
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1) Tata Steel cleared of charges by Liberian govt; eligible for new bid, 2) Bomi
development: Speaker Tyler sets up committee, 3) Unknown men attack Guthrie
Rubber Plantation, 4) Liberia: GOL, AfDB/IFAD Sign U.S.$28 Million Program, 5)
Liberia: Development Boost!, 6) Liberia: Country Eligible for Millennium
Challenge Corporation Threshold Program, 7) Liberia: Newly Furbished Medical
Center for Firestone Workers, 8) US$2.6 Billion Investment For Bong Mines, 9)
Liberia: CDC Officials Wants Rice Price Reduced, 10) Closes Deal With Severstal
to Develop Iron Ore Asset & Mano to Receive US$12.5M to Progress Other Assets,
11) Venga's Affiliate Purchases Principal Dredging Equipment for Liberian Gold
Mining Operation, 12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Tata Steel cleared of charges by Liberian govt; eligible for new bid

BS Reporter / Kolkata December 19, 2008, 18:38 IST

Tata Steel today said that the Ministry of Justice, Republic Liberia, has
cleared the company of all allegations and invited to join the bidding process
for the Western Cluster iron ore project.

According to the company statement, the ministry has informed in a communiqué
that the investigations had not shown any involvement by Tata Steel in any acts
of impropriety, as alleged in media reports, as these have not been
substantiated by the investigation panel of Liberia’s Public Procurement and
Concession Commission.

The communiqué was in response to Tata Steel’s letter of remonstration to the
government of Liberia against the alleged acts of impropriety. The company’s
letter also expressed Tata Steel’s anguish and protest against the media
report quoting government spokesperson and putting allegations against the
company without checking the veracity of the reports and discussing with the
company especially in view of the fact that Tata Steel’s bid was rated very
high on terms of technical, financial and social aspects by international
consultant, engaged by the government of Liberia, said the Tata Steel release.

In addition to this notification received from the ministry, the Appeals Board
has decided that Tata Steel is eligible again to participate in the re-tendered
bidding process for the Western Cluster Iron Ore deposits. The project is likely
to entail an investment of $1.6 billion.

“Tata Steel had always been upfront and transparent in its dealings, as has
been the philosophy of the company and the Tata Group, in relation to the
bidding process. It would be

prudent to mention here that Tata Steel and Tata Group are the world benchmark
in corporate social responsibility and remains committed to improving the
quality of life of all the

communities in its areas of operations and believes that it can favourably
impact the population of Liberia in ensuring that benefits from its operations
reach them,” said the company.

Business Standard (India)

+++

2) Bomi development: Speaker Tyler sets up committee
Written by Mack Rogers
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
STAR RADIO

The Speaker of the House of Representatives has set up a five member committee
to assess and verify projects in Bomi County.

Speaker Alex Tyler set up the committee after Superintendent Mohamed Massaley
made a financial break down on all projects in the county.

According to our correspondent, citizens present at the forum claimed the report
was faulty.

The five member committee has been mandated to submit its findings in ten days.

+++

3) Unknown men attack Guthrie Rubber Plantation
Written by Mack Rogers
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
STAR RADIO

Report from the Guthrie Rubber Plantation in Bomi County says unknown persons
have burnt down the security booth in the area.

Several concerned workers who called Star Radio said the security booth was set
ablaze Monday night.

According to the callers tension is brewing in Guthrie as most of the
plantation’s managers have abandoned the area.

One report says a company vehicle which had gone to the main compound for fuel
was turned back by angry men.

Star Radio has also credibly learned that aggrieved tapers have threatened to
manhandle anyone entering the plantation until their concerns are addressed.

The workers are demanding the immediate restoration of twenty percent of their
salary deducted by the company’s management.

The workers argued the deduction was carried out without their consent.

The General Manager of Guthrie Lindall Teage confirmed the workers’ claim but
said management acted with the consent of the workers’ union and the two
senators.

+++

4) Liberia: GOL, AfDB/IFAD Sign U.S.$28 Million Program
17 December 2008

An aide memoir valued at twenty eight million United States dollars has been
signed between the Government of Liberia and the African Development
Bank/International Fund for Agricultural Development (AfDB/IFAD).

Performing the signing ceremony last Thursday at the Agriculture Ministry in
Sinkor, Minister Dr. J. Chris Toe signed on behalf of government, while the Team
Leader of the Joint AfDB/IFAD program signed for the two organizations.

According to inside sources, the government and the international financial
institutions will kick off the initiative in 2009 to continue up to 2015.

The program will seek to improve the livelihoods and living conditions of rural
communities through restoration and development of agricultural production.

It is expected that funds from the program will support residents in rural
communities especially, residents of counties that have not received adequate
assistance in the past including, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Rural
Montserrado, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Grand Kru and Maryland Counties.

Speaking during the ceremony, Agriculture Minister, J. Chris Toe, expressed
delight over the signing of the Aide Memoir, saying that the program is part of
the "Lift Liberia" Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

He said the programme, whereby farmers' capacity will be improved and domestic
food production increased considerably.

"I wish to implore AfDB/IFAD for the speed at which this program is being
implemented and the amount of resources that are being infused in the Liberian
economy to assist the poor and most vulnerable people" Dr. Toe noted.

Also speaking, Dr. Marianne Kurzweil, Team Leader of the Joint AfDB/IFAD Program
said the program will contribute significantly to poverty reduction; improve
agro processing, provide employment opportunities and build the capacity of
relevant agricultural institutions.

"I'm optimistic that this program will be a major contributor to the food
security situation of Liberia, Dr. Kurzweil said. Of the US$28 million dollars,
AfDB will provide US$17 million, IFAD US$10 million and the government of
Liberia US$1 million dollars.

There are five components of the program: Component 1 will provide Support to
Household Capitalization and Agricultural Development; Component 2 - Support to
Community-Based Institutions and Participatory Development; Component 3 -Rural
Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Development; Component 4 - Access to Rural
Financial Services; and Component 5 - Program

Management spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture to include other relevant
agencies of government

Copyright © 2008 The Analyst.

+++

5) Liberia: Development Boost!
16 December 2008

The United States of America's endless engagement with accelerating good
governance in every country is paying off, handsomely.

Every year, the Millennium Challenge Corporation established by the American
government assesses performances of governments in meeting the needs of their
citizenry as a precondition for their eligibility for financial grants to those
countries.

In this line, Liberia, which has been a worse case scenario over the years, has
attracted the attention of the MCC to the point of crossing the initial
threshold status that qualifies it to begin applying for compact with the
Corporation for grants to help reduce pervasive poverty.

The Analyst picks up from a dispatch emanating from Washington D.C. to highlight
the remarkable developmental boost made by the country through the sagacity of
the President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf -led government.

The Board of Director of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) based in
Washington D.C., the United States of America, on December 11, 2008 declared
Liberia eligible for MCC's threshold program.

The threshold program provides smaller grants to help reform-minded governments
improve their performance so as to meet up with policy indicators necessary for
participation in the compact program.

In the opinion of the Board, Liberia's performance, "Over the past several years
has improved significantly on many of the MCC eligibility indicators."

"The Board took note of the strong evidence of Liberia's commitment to reforms
that will foster economic growth and poverty reduction," said MCC Chief
Executive Officer Ambassador John Danilovich.

The Board also selected Colombia, Indonesia, and Zambia as new countries
eligible for large-scale grant funding under the U.S. government's innovative
foreign assistance program to reduce poverty through economic growth. Following
the announcement, countries may begin the process of applying for the five-year
MCC compacts.

According to the communication from Washington, since its inception in 2004, the
MCC has approved compacts totaling over $6.3 billion with 18 partner countries.

While congratulating the selected countries to participate in the compact, the
MCC Chief Executive Officer, reminded them saying," Your commitment to good
governance and dedication to promoting economic freedom and investing in your
people has placed you among a select group of countries working diligently to
reduce global poverty through sustainable economic solutions."

In selecting a country as having met the requirements, the Board of Directors
considers the policy performance the country using 17 indicators in three areas.
The three areas that countries must demonstrate their commitment to good
governance include Ruling Justly, Investing in People, and Encouraging Economic
Freedom.

According to the Board, these areas and indicators measure a country's
demonstrated commitment to policies that promote, among other things, political
and economic freedom, investments in education and health care, control of
corruption, and respect for civil liberties and the rule of law.

The Board also takes into consideration the opportunity for MCC to reduce
poverty and generate economic growth, and available budgetary resources.

Ambassador Danilovich added, "Being eligible for MCC funding does not mean a
country will automatically receive a compact. Governments must demonstrate
leadership in the broad-based consultative process to develop proposals that
address barriers to poverty reduction and economic growth."

Additional countries that the Board has declared to be able to continue the
process of developing compacts for 2009 include Jordan, Malawi, Moldova,
Philippines, and Senegal.

"Given sufficient resources allocated by Congress, MCC looks forward to
long-term partnerships with these countries as they create their own plans to
empower their poorest citizens," said Ambassador Danilovich.

"The Board agreed that the Philippines remain eligible for developing a compact
proposal, but emphasized that the MCC will not sign a compact until the country
passes the indicator criteria on corruption.

The Board also reiterated the importance of this principle with respect to all
its partner countries. The Board called upon the government of the Philippines
to intensify its efforts to fight corruption and will closely monitor the
country's performance," said Ambassador Danilovich.

The Board also voted to suspend assistance for new activities under the $175
million MCC compact in Nicaragua because of actions taken by the Nicaraguan
government that are inconsistent with MCC's eligibility criteria.

MCC will therefore not approve disbursements for activities not already
contracted by MCA-Nicaragua.

Providing justification for the suspension of the Nicaraguan compact, the Board
indicated that the political conditions leading up to, during, and following the
recent elections in that country were not consistent with MCC requirements that
include a commitment to policies that promote political freedom and respect for
civil liberties and the rule of law.

In order to get the suspension lifted, Nicaragua has to develop and implement a
comprehensive set of measures to address concerns regarding the government's
commitment to democratic principles. When these measures are taken, the Board
will review the response of the Nicaraguan government and determine subsequent
actions at the next quarterly Board meeting that will take place in March 2009.

"The MCC model is based on aid with accountability and good governance. The
Board determined that recent actions by the Nicaraguan government were
inconsistent with the core principles of the MCC's and therefore had to take the
difficult decision," said Ambassador Danilovich.

"Nicaragua's compact with MCC goes to benefit hundreds of thousands of poor
Nicaraguans by providing better roads, property titles, and agricultural
business support. For the sake of the poor of the country, we sincerely hope
that the Nicaraguan government recommits to the principles of democracy and the
rule of law so that MCC can reestablish what has been an effective partnership.

" It should be remembered that our partnership with Nicaragua is dedicated to
both poverty reduction and good government policies."

The MCC Board also decided not to reselect Bolivia, Ukraine, and Timor-Leste as
eligible for MCC compact assistance. The Board did, however, designate
Timor-Leste as threshold eligible and invited the country to submit a threshold
program proposal.

MCC will continue to work with Ukraine as it implements its ongoing threshold
program specifically addressing weaknesses in its policy performance. In
addition, the Board decided that Yemen is no longer eligible for threshold
program assistance.

The Board also reviewed progress made on reform measures initiated by the
government of Armenia over recent months.

The Board reiterated its concerns about the status of democratic governance in
the country and underlined its expectations that the government of Armenia
fulfill commitments to implement substantive reforms.

The Board noted that it would again review Armenia's performance and examine
continued collaboration with the country during its March meeting.

The dispatch highlighted that the meeting was the last for the public members of
the Board who are members of the current George W. Bush administration.

"It has been an extraordinary opportunity and privilege to serve with the
members of the Board," said Ambassador Danilovich.

"The MCC is strengthened in fulfilling its mission to reduce poverty through
economic development by the dedication of worthy public servants from the
Department of State, Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Trade Representative,
and USAID and also by our four private sector Board members.

My fellow colleagues at MCC deserve abundant praise and credit for their great
achievement in creating what is now internationally acknowledged as an
innovative and successful model of development assistance. Our Deputy CEO,
Rodney Bent, will remain at MCC to ensure continuity of our model and country
programs during this period of political transition."

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is a unique government agency that includes
private and public sector members on its Board.

The MCC Board of Directors is composed of the Secretary of State, the Secretary
of Treasury, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Administrator of USAID, the CEO
of MCC, and four private sector members appointed by the President of the United
States with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. The Secretary of State is
the Chair of the Board and the Secretary of Treasury is the Vice Chair.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. government agency designed to work
with developing countries, is based on the principle that aid is most effective
when it reinforces sound political, economic, and social policies that promote
poverty reduction through economic growth. For more information about MCC, visit
www.mcc.gov.

Copyright © 2008 The Analyst.


+++

6) Liberia: Country Eligible for Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold
Program
15 December 2008


President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has welcomed an announcement last week that
Liberia has qualified for a threshold program of the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) of the United States of America. An Executive Mansion release
says the President described the development as a manifestation that steady
progress is being made in Government's efforts towards reform. The President
expressed the hope that in two years, significant progress would have been made
to fully qualify Liberia for MCC benefits. The President said that despite
daunting challenges, Government will continue to accelerate its reform agenda.

The President lauded Government ministries and agencies as well as other
development partners for their contribution in achieving Liberia's full
designation under the Millennium Challenge Account.

The Board of Directors of the MCC last week selected Liberia for the Millennium
Challenge Corporation's threshold program. The program provides smaller grants
to help reform-minded governments improve their performance on the policy
indicators necessary for participation in the complete program.

In an announcement last week, MCC's Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador John
Danilovich, said Liberia's performance has improved significantly on many of the
MCC eligibility indicators.

The MCC Board, he said, took note of the strong evidence of Liberia's commitment
to reforms that will foster economic growth and poverty reduction.

Planning & Economic Affairs Minister, Amara Konneh, described the country's
qualification for the MCC threshold program this year as a great achievement for
Liberia. "It is an endorsement of the leadership of President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf and the diligent implementation of our country's Poverty Reduction
Program," Mr. Konneh told a news conference Monday at the Planning Ministry.

In making its country selection decisions, the MCC Board considers the policy
performance of candidate countries using 17 indicators in three areas-Ruling
Justly, Investing in People, and Encouraging Economic Freedom. These indicators
measure countries' demonstrated commitment to policies that promote, among other
things, political and economic freedom, investments in education and health
care, control of corruption, and respect for civil liberties and the rule of
law. The Board also takes into consideration the opportunity for the MCC to
reduce poverty and generate economic growth, and available budgetary resources.

Columbia, Indonesia and Zambia were selected last week as new countries eligible
for large-scale grant funding under the U.S. Government's innovative foreign
assistance program to reduce poverty through economic growth.

Following last week's announcement, the eligible countries may begin the process
of applying for the five-year MCC final eligibility status. Since its inception
in 2004, the MCC has approved programming totaling over USD$6.3 billion with 18
partner countries.

Copyright © 2008 Liberia Government.

+++

7) Liberia: Newly Furbished Medical Center for Firestone Workers
13 December 2008

Monrovia — The newly refurbished Firestone Medical Center in Harbel, Margibi
County, has been formally dedicated. The facilities were opened Friday by
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at ceremonies marking the occasion.

President Johnson Sirleaf, in remarks marking the formal opening of the Medical
center, praised the Firestone Company for working towards improving the needs of
the workers. The President expressed satisfaction that much of the terms of the
contract Government renegotiated with the company under its concession, are now
in place. The Liberian leader also commended Firestone for producing a five-year
development plan under the renegotiation of concession terms. Despite the
progress, an Executive Mansion release quotes the President as saying, there is
still more that needs to be done.

Responding on behalf of the company, the Managing Director of Firestone Liberia,
Mr. Charles Stuart, described the Medical Center as a step in a long journey. He
assured the President

of his company's fullest support in Government's reconstruction drive. The
ceremony was also attended by Mr. Dan Adomitis, Chief Executive Officer of
Firestone-USA and United States Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield.

Located around the Duside vicinity, the 300-bed room Medical Center includes 2
health centers, 4 health posts and a mobile unit. The center is expected to
cater to the workers of the company as well as the general public.

In another development, President Johnson Sirleaf has broken grounds for the
construction of a market in Cotton Tree, Margibi County. The market is to be
constructed on a two-acre

landscape by Measuagon Limited, a non-governmental organization owned and
founded by the Liberian leader. The President was joined Friday in the
ground-breaking ceremony by the head of the Margibi County legislative caucus,
Senator Clarice Jah. The project comes out of a request made by the women of
Margibi County to the Liberian leader.

The President has also participated in the 176th Founders' Day celebrations of
Edina City in Grand Bassa County. The Liberian leader paid tribute to what she
described as 'the deep sense of history of Edina' and challenged members of
government who hail from the area, to work towards its development, by
constructing homes or promoting its rich tourism potential.

As part of the celebrations the President also laid a wreath on the grave site
of Liberia's former President Joseph Cheeseman, who hailed from Edina and is
buried in the area.

Like many areas in Liberia, Edina bore its share of country's civil conflict
leaving many of the settlement's infrastructures in ruins.

Copyright © 2008 Liberia Government.


+++

8) US$2.6 Billion Investment For Bong Mines
2008-12-18
By Morrison O.G. Sayon
Barely a week following the arrival of Seaboard Corporation with an initial
investment of US30million, another company has arrived in the country with a
huge investment package.

A Chinese company, China Union Investment Company, Limited has arrived in the
country with an investment of US$2.6 billion believed to be the largest
investment under the administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

China Union Company Limited is expected to invest in one of Liberia’s most
prosperous site, the Bong Ranges, formerly operated by the Bong Mines Company
(BMC). The Chinese company recently successfully won a bid to operate Bong mines
with a very high score.

Speaking yesterday at the National Investment Commission (NIC) offices where a
team of government negotiators and a high powered delegation from the China
Union Company held their first meeting, NIC Chairman, Dr. Richard V. Tolbert
described the US$2.6 billion investment project as very important to the
government of Liberia.

Dr. Tolbert said the investment project is the largest to come to Liberia since
the inception of the Unity Party government headed by President Sirleaf. He said
the coming of the investors to invest such huge amount in Liberia that is just
emerging from a devastating civil unrest is a clear manifestation of the level
of trust and interest the international community has in Liberia.

“This will be a substantial project and a long time future for our nation.
Your presence here today indicates your interest in Liberia. You won the bid
based on transparency and you won 99% out of 100%,” the NIC boss averred.

He said if the negotiation that is ongoing between the company and the Liberian
government goes well the project will be implemented in 2009 and in five
year’s time, China Union will create about 3,000 jobs for Liberians.

Presenting a graphic description of the investment project, the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of China Union, Mr. Yin Fuyou disclosed that his company will
construct a 130MW Hydro Power Plant on the St. Paul River to supply electricity
to Monrovia and other areas.

Mr. Yin who spoke through an interpreter noted that Bong Mines will be
transformed with modern facilities including a residential area for employees of
the company. He said the company will also create an agricultural site where
rice and other crops will be planted.

China Union, according to Mr. Yin, will also build a park where livestock will
be raised. He said the ore that will be extracted from the mountains of Liberia
would benefit every Liberian as the company will be producing steel in the
country.

Earlier, Labor Minister, Samuel Kofi Woods stressed the need for the creation of
more jobs for thousands of Liberians who are jobless. Minister Woods said to
create jobs is a major factor to economic growth and a boost for social economic
development.

The Labor minister and other ministers on the government’s negotiation team
lauded the Chinese Company for winning the bid and assured the company of
government’s support to its operation in the country.

2005 The Inquirer Newspaper

+++

9) Liberia: CDC Officials Wants Rice Price Reduced
12 December 2008
The Inquirer

A Senior Executive of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Mr. Acarous M.
Gray says he still feel fearless and have no regret as one of the Executive of
the CDC who publicly denounced the inauguration of an unpopular president madam
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who he claimed election in no uncertain terms remains
disputed.

In a four page statement issued to the Inquirer yesterday bearing the name of
Mr. Gray indicated that realizing the caricature and bloody past associated with
the 1927, 1951, 1995 and 1997 presidential election in Liberia coupled with the
CDC aimed of demonstrating political vow for a peaceful Liberia he was moved by
the years of suffering of Liberians and chose the patriotic path of abandoning a
protest that could reward Liberia another bloodletting.

The statement said that some compatriots may envisage the humble compromise for
peace as cowardly but noted that he (Gray) 'CDC action was a clear manifestation
of those who bear the true standards of nationalism and patriotism.

"Today I feel more obligated to defend to political death Liberians who are
voiceless and those of our people who are victims of corrupt and tyrannical
Liberian regimes" the statement lamented.

The statement further said that Mr. Gray commitment to his people, meaning the
haves-not, will not wither nor will he kowtow to the political accommodation of
the current administration.

The statement continued that as the gap between the rich and the poor deepens,
the bad policy on food security keeps hunting the masses coupled with the rhythm
of corruption deeply echoes into the spine of the Sirleaf-led administration,
backed by imperial pieces of evidence ranging from Knuckles Gate II, the BRE
agreement, the ADEX oil deal, the GAC Audit Report, and the Central Bank
criminal cartel among others.

The CDC Executive statement further indicated that as the party painstakingly
gravitate towards the close of the year 2008 and with a call from impoverished
Liberians to champion their economic concern he was gratified to execute their
unwavering quest to see an immediate and drastic reduction in the price of
Liberia's staple food rice.

The statement also reminded president Sirleaf of her campaign promises of free
market, instead of flooding the rice market with what the statement termed as
(political midfielders such as: Mr. John Bestman, Abdallah Sherif, and Allen
Brown among others.

The statement continued by saying that months ago the Liberian government
through the ministry of Commerce and Information strongly justified the
astronomical increase in the price of rice on the local market.

According to the government the statement continued it was bad harvest in Asia
backed by an increase in the price of rice on the world market indicating that
factors that led to the domestic hiking in the price of rice.

According to the statement a metric ton of rice made of twenty rice bags was
costing about US$ 650.00 to US$ 860 including shipment to Liberia.

The CDC executive statement also stated that today a metric ton of rice
including shipment to Liberia is about US$ 450.00.

The statement added that the above price reduction coupled with other domestic
taxes will in no doubt put the cost of US$ 35.00 for a bag of rice to a maximum
cost about US$27.00.

Sadly, the statement continued that the price of a bag of rice ranges from US$
35.00 to US$60.00 on the local market.

The statement said on many occasion this year, the government of Liberia and its
propagandists boasted of having the cheapest sale of rice in West Africa, but to
the dismay of the Liberian masses the bag of rice sold in Liberia for US$ 35.00
is sold in Sierra Leone for US$ 27.00.

The statement later made reference to president Sirleaf upon taking office where
by the ministry of Commerce cruelty introduced a monopoly on the importation of
rice to Liberia thus giving an exclusive right to the ephemeral Sinkor Trading
Company (STC) to bring in rice.

The CDC executive statement attributed to newspaper reports that these papers
were able to establish that Sinkor Trading Company (STC) was operating without
an official office site and at the same time proceeds from the rice
stabilization funds were use to settled taxes for the company with the hope of a
future payment.

Meanwhile, the CDC executive said that with the exception of FOUTA Corporation
business the rest of the importers of rice which includes: Harmony Trading
Company, SDTM and Group Seven are all new in this establishment in this
lucrative business.

The statement also question as to how FOUTA,one of the local importer survive or
continued to survive the test of time.

Copyright © 2008 The Inquirer.

+++

10) Closes Deal With Severstal to Develop Iron Ore Asset & Mano to Receive
US$12.5M to Progress Other Assets
Friday, Dec 12, 2008

Mano River Resources Inc Mano River Resources Inc, the TSX-V and AIM-listed
exploration and development company focused on iron ore, diamonds and gold in
west Africa, is pleased to announce that it has closed the transaction with
Severstal Resources indirect wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary, Lybica Holding B.V.
to finance and develop the Companys Putu Range iron ore project in south eastern
Liberia which is held under African Iron Ore Group Ltd.

Further to the agreement signed on 22 May 2008, Severstal has now acquired a
61.5% equity interest in AIOG while Manos holding has been reduced from 80% to
38.5%. In light of Severstals majority interest, AIOG will be re-named Severstal
Liberia Iron Ore Ltd. and Severstal will become the operator on the Project. The
parties have also entered into a shareholders agreement to govern their
relationship. The Company had previously announced on 24 October 2008 the two
year extension of Manos Putu Range Iron Ore exploration licence, which satisfied
all material legal requirements for the Company to close the deal with
Severstal.

Source: Trading Markets

+++

11) Venga's Affiliate Purchases Principal Dredging Equipment for Liberian Gold
Mining Operation: Venga Increases Its Ownership Interest in GMI to 20%
Tuesday, December 09, 2008

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Dec 09, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) ----Venga Aerospace
Systems Inc. (TSX VENTURE: VAV)(PINK SHEETS: VNGAF) (the "Company") announced
that its mining affiliate, Global Mineral Investments, LLC ("GMI"), has now
purchased the main mining dredge and related equipment that will be used in
GMI's gold dredging operation that will be carried on in those portions of the
Upper Tartweh River flowing through GMI's GoldMatta concession located in the
Sanquin Mining Zone, Sinoe County,

Republic of Liberia. Delivery of the newly acquired mining dredge to GMI's
GoldMatta mining site is expected to occur in early March of 2009.

Venga further announced that pursuant to the funding and operational agreement
(the "Funding Agreement") that Venga entered into with GMI and first announced
in the Company's press releases dated October 10 and November 24, 2008, the
Company has now increased its ownership interest in GMI from 4% to 20%. The
Funding Agreement also grants Venga a two-year option of acquiring up to a
further 5% equity interest in GMI at a price of $100,000 USD per 1% of GMI that
the Company so elects to acquire.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that may cause the Company's results to differ materially from
expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.

SHARES ISSUED: 239,171,893

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.

Contacts: Venga
Aerospace Systems Inc. Hirsh Kwinter President (514) 489-7175 Email:
venga@... SOURCE: Venga Aerospace Systems Inc.

mailto:venga@... Copyright 2008 Market Wire, All rights reserved.

+++

12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###



#282 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:07 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Liberia: Nimbaians to Hold Unity Day Program, 2) Lawmaker Embarks On Clean-Up
Campaign, 3) A Protest Letter to FrontPageAfrica : Is the Environment Relevant
in Liberia?, 4) Director General named Director of the year, 5) China Union to
invest in Liberia's iron ore mine, 6) Trouble at Guthrie, Salala Rubber
Plantation, 7) Delta Sues Liberia Over $1.6 Billion Mining Project, 8) Prince Of
Wales Expresses Interest To Help Manage Liberia’s Forests, 9) Diamond Fields
Suspends Namibia Marine Operations, 10) GC holds decentralization forum, 11)
"Need to rethink County Development Funds", says Pres. Sirleaf, 12)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia: Nimbaians to Hold Unity Day Program
Morrison O.G. Sayon
30 December 2008

Nimbaians in their thousands will tomorrow converge at the commercial district
of Ganta, Nimba County to celebrate a 'Unity Day' ceremony.

The ceremony is intended to bring together citizens of Nimba who have been
involved in ethnic/religion and land disputes for some times now in the county,
Nimba County Representative Nohn Kidau told this paper in an interview.

Rep. Kidau said at the Unity Day Conference, citizens of Nimba County
irrespective of their tribe, religious and political affiliation, will make a
resolution promising to unite and work together as one family. The Nimba County
lawmaker noted that over the years, there had been division amongst citizens of
the county especially Christian and Muslims on one hand and lands dispute on the
other hands, something that continues to create problems in the county.

She then called on Nimbaians to get involved in the peace process by embracing
one another. "Peace must come from within and so we must all get involved in
this process and bring unity among ourselves," Rep. Kidau stressed.

She said at the ceremony a video movies would be screened to help the citizens
in making peace among themselves. The Unity Day program is expected to be held
on Wednesday in Ganta, Nimba County.

E-mail this news to a friend

Copyright © 2008 The Inquirer.

+++

2) Lawmaker Embarks On Clean-Up Campaign
By Jimmey C. Fahngon

..In District #1 Of Mont. County

Montserrado County District # 1 Representative Alomiza Ennos Barr Saturday
embarked on a clean-up campaign to give her district a face-lift for the New
Year season.

Rep. Ennos-Barr told reporters at the commercial district of Waterside that the
clean-up exercise is intended to create a safe environment for residents
especially the children who are very quick to contact sickness.

She said it is important that every Liberian cleans his or her community to
ensure an environment free of disease and sickness.

The clean-up campaign, she said, is a regular initiative that she launched some
time ago to keep her district clean.

She commended the youth in the district under the banner “District Youth
Council” (DYC) for buttressing her effort by helping to keep the district
clean.

Rep. Barr then assured residents of her continuous support in undertaking
development projects for the betterment of the district.

Darran Y. Waylor, a representative of DYC who also spoke to reporters said the
exercise was in their interest as such, they thought it wise to buttress Rep.
Ennos-Barr’s effort.

He added “cleanliness is next to godliness, so we think that by cleaning up
our community, we will ensure a healthy environment for ourselves.”

Waylor lauded the effort of Rep. Ennos and called on residents of the district
to support the exercise.

©2005 - 2008 The News Online

+++

3) A Protest Letter to FrontPageAfrica : Is the Environment Relevant in Liberia?
(Dec 28, 2008) By: Morris T. Koffa
Dear Editor-In-Chief,


The Africa Environment Watch (AEW), Inc., an umbrella organization of Liberia
Environmental Watch, is gratified by the effort of FrontPageAfrica (FPA) to
annually share with the Liberian people “scorecards” or government officials
performance evaluation exercises to inform the public on how our government is
managing our national affairs. AEW views FPA initiatives of “scoring” our
officials job performances as a positive development.

However, AEW is equally concerned that the 2008 “Scorecard” or Report
entitled “Liberian Government Three Years Later: Who Made It: The Grades Are
In” didn’t include the “scorecard” for the Environmental Protection
Agency of Liberia (EPA), though FPA included other government institutions such
as Governance Commission (GC), Civil Servants Service (CSS), Bureau of Maritime
Affairs (BMA), Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC), National Oil
Company (NOC), National Police Force (NPF), Liberia Produce Marketing
Corporation (LPMC), Robert International Airport (RIA), National Port Authority
(NPA) and National Investment Commission (NIC), just to name a few, in its 2008
annual evaluation of Liberian government officials.

EPA is the only institution in Liberia charged with the responsibility of
protecting the nation’s environment and representing Liberia’s global
interest at many international environmental conventions including but not
limited to Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous waste,
Ozone Layer Protection etc. The environment holds key to the success of the
Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) or “LIFT Liberia” being advanced by the
current administration. Therefore, the Liberian public deserves and needs to
know how EPA is measuring up to the annual deliverables goals like the rest of
the ministries and agencies.

It can be recalled in 2007 FPA omitted the EPA “scorecard” or annual
evolution and we raised our concerns in the form of a protest under the titled
“Is the Environment Relevant” commentary and appealed for inclusion in the
next circle of the scoring. In spite of our official protest, it is very
disappointing that FPA could, again omit EPA for the third time. While AEW does
not want to out rightly conclude that FPA has no interest in Liberia’s
environmental health, its endless oversight is troubling, especially when
Liberia faces serious and enormous environmental challenges.

Life expectancy in Liberia stands at 41.5 and over 75% of the death statistics
are environmentally related. For example, in 2003 life expectancy in Liberia was
47 years (UNEP) and in 2005 it was 45 years according to another independent
study. The trends of these statistics are strong indicators that more people are
getting sicker and dying at an alarming rate. With malaria on the rise as a
result of more breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to poor environmental impact,
air pollution at its peak in the streets of Monrovia and other parts of the
country, safe drinking water inaccessible to over 70% of the population;
deforestation on the rise due to lack effective reforestation and afforestation
program, erosion and flood unmitigated, are among other concerns impacting
ordinary citizens. These underlining factors could very well be the contributing
factors to the economic stagnation the nation is experiencing. There is an
urgent need for EPA scorecard to
be submitted to keep our people informed.

We can only hope that these confluents of environmental health issues would
serve as a motivation for FPA to submit an addendum for EPA scorecard for 2008
for the benefit of the Liberian people and our environmental community.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year,


Environmentally yours,
Morris T. Koffa
Executive Director
Africa Environmental Watch

© Copyright 2008 The Liberian Journal

+++

4) Director General named Director of the year
- Dec 26, 2008

LBS Director General named Director of the year?
A local advocacy group, the Progressive Alliance Movement of Liberia, has named
LBS Director General, Charles Snetter as Director of the year 2008 for his
remarkable performance at the national station.

Speaking during an honoring program for the LBS Boss at his office in
Paynesville, the National Chairman of the Progressive Alliance Movement of
Liberia, Mamadee Keita described Mr. Snetter, as a dedicated media manager whose
performance has brought immense improvement to ELBC within a relatively short
period.

He named the expansion of the system?s coverage to nearly the rest of Liberia as
a major break through in providing efficient and professional media services to
rural Liberians.

According to Mr. keita, such development has now providing rural Liberians to
opportunity to be adequately informed about the policies and programs of the
Liberian Government.

Also the Progressive Alliance Movement of Liberia is calling for more financial
and logistical support for the Liberia Broadcasting System, as it strives to
carryout its statutory mandate to the public.

For his part, LBS Director General commended the leadership of the Progressive
Alliance Movement of Liberia for the recognition.

According to Mr. Snetter, such honor has increased his vigor to perform beyond
the call of duty to serve the Liberian people, through factual and efficient
broadcast services to the country.

The LBS Boss however noted that the honor, resulting from hard work would not
have come to pass without the cooperation being received from the LBS Family.

The Liberian Executive then commended his able lieutenants and the entire
workforce of LBS for working alone with him, thereby bringing about
productivity.

Mr. Snetter disclosed that the national broadcaster is currently covering about
99 percent of Liberia and that its coverage wills shortly reach hundred percent,
as soon as the remaining area becomes accessible by road.


Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

5) China Union to invest in Liberia's iron ore mine
Dec. 23, 2008 (China Knowledge) - China Union Holding Ltd (China Union)<000036>,
a Chinese investment conglomerate, has agreed to inject unprecedented US$2.6
billion into Liberia's iron ore mine, sources reported, citing Tolbert, Liberian
Investment Minister.

China Union promised to set up a refining plant with an annual capacity of 1
million tons within a year. Besides, China Union will sign the contract in
January next year and pay the Liberian government an initial amount of US$40
million on improving the infrastructure and people's living standards in the
country.

It is estimated that 3,000 jobs will be created in the African country in three
years through the investment.


Copyright © 2008 www.chinaknowledge.com

+++

6) Trouble at Guthrie, Salala Rubber Plantation
Written by Matthias Daffah
Monday, 22 December 2008
STAR RADIO

Report reaching Star Radio says unknown persons have attacked and burnt down two
rubber weighing depots at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation.

A spokesman for the concerned Guthrie workers, K-rich Foeboy told Star Radio,
Lofa Estate was attacked and set on fire Sunday night.

Mr. Foeboy further reported that operations on the plantation remain completely
paralyzed as a strike action there has entered its 7th day.

According to Mr. Foeboy, the strike will remain enforced until monies deducted
from their salaries are restored.

When contacted, the General Manager of Guthrie confirmed the strike action but
said management and the workers union have since reached an agreement.

Mr. Logan Teage also confirmed that arson attacks have taken place on the
plantation but said described them as minor cases.

He however, assured that the striking workers would return to work Tuesday based
on a new arrangement.

Meanwhile, report reaching Star Radio says the Salala Rubber Plantation in
Margibi County has been shut down.

According to the report, the plantation was shut down for failure to pay its
taxes in advance as required by government.

+++

7) Delta Sues Liberia Over $1.6 Billion Mining Project

By Ron Derby

Dec. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd., the Johannesburg-based
mining company, said it’s suing the Liberian government after the west African
country canceled a $1.6 billion iron ore project in September.

The “government’s purported reasons for not awarding Delta the concession
have no basis in law,” the company said in an e- mailed statement today. The
suit was filed in the Liberian Civil Law Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit,
Delta said.

The Western Cluster iron ore project consists of two mines that closed in 1976
and 1985 due to civil war and three other deposits. Liberia canceled Delta’s
contract and barred the company and India’s Tata Steel Ltd. from participating
in a new tender, claiming the initial bid may have been compromised by
“external influence or impropriety.” Tata said at the time it wasn’t
involved in any such action.

Liberia’s Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy Eugene Shannon declined to
comment when reached by telephone. He referred questions to Attorney General
Phillip Banks, who didn’t pick up calls made to his mobile phone.

On Nov. 24, Delta and Tata were cleared to participate in the new tender, after
Delta filed a complaint against its disqualification.

The government invited new expressions of interest in the project on Dec. 15.
Delta said today it’s made an application to halt the process.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ron Derby in Johannesburg at
rderby1@...
Last Updated: December 22, 2008 11:21 EST

+++

8) Prince Of Wales Expresses Interest To Help Manage Liberia’s Forests
The Inquirer Newspaper
Monday, 22nd December 2008

The Prince of Wales is interested in working with countries around the world,
such as Liberia, which is seeking to make sure that its forest regions are
wisely use for the benefit of its people, and the nation.

Anna Creed, who is working with ’The Prince Rainforest Project’, told
members of the Liberian delegation attending the UNFCCC summit taking place in
Poznan, Poland, during a meeting on Wednesday, that His Royal Highness Charles,
the Prince of Wales, is interested in initiating dialogue with the Liberian
forestry authorities on what can be done for the country to help it reap
benefits from its natural forest regions. Ms. Creed is part of the Prince
Rainforest Project delegation attending the Poznan summit.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, the head of the Liberian delegation at the
ongoing Poznan summit, Mr. Ben Donnie, said the Prince of Wales is interested in
working with countries around the world, such as Liberia, which is seeking to
make sure that its forest regions are wisely use for the benefit of its people,
and the nation. He said that as part of the aims and goals of the Prince
Rainforest Project, the delegation was informed that the project would work with
local community dwellers and seek their economic advancement. The project and
local dwellers can work together in areas such as forest preservation, and put
in place a proper and prudent management system that would ensure natural
resources are used in the overall interests of a nation and its people.

“As a clear manifestation of the Prince’s desire to help us manage our
forests, the Liberian delegation has been invited to Wales next year, to meet
with the Prince and hold further discussions with the project officials on the
way forward in helping Liberia manage its forests,” he said.

Liberia is one of the West African countries that have forests, which are very
vulnerable to illegal trading in forest produce, and the indiscriminate cutting
down of trees for timber. These illegal actions had become rampant during the
course of the country’s 14-year civil war crisis, with money generated from
trade landing in the pockets of the country’s political leaders, or a
privileged few, to the detriment of ordinary citizens.

Earlier this year, in partnership with the international community, the
government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, elected democratically after the
civil war ended in 2003, drafted and adopted a new forest regulation that seeks
to control illegal forest-related trade and transactions.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has
approved funds of the amount of US $2 million for the construction of a mini
hydro project that will help boost power supply to the country. The Director of
the Energy and Climate division of UNIDO, who is in Poznan to attend the UNFCCC,
made this disclosure today, when he met with the Liberian delegation attending
the summit.

Mr. Pradeep Monga of UNIDO told the Liberian delegation that as part of
UNIDO’s decision to approve the money, a delegation from the organisation
would pay an official visit to Liberia next January, to meet with and hold
further talks with the Liberian energy authority, on the way forward in
implementing the mini hydro project.

At the same time, the Liberian delegation has told summit delegates to consider
gender as a mainstream issue in the results that would come out of the summit.

The Liberian delegation said its decision comes against the backdrop that women
and children are considered the most vulnerable groups in matters concerning
climate change. Liberia’s position has so far received the backing of most
nations and, notably, Sierra Leone. By: Patrick K. Wrokpoh, from Poznan,
Poland..

2005 The Inquirer Newspaper

+++

9) Diamond Fields Suspends Namibia Marine Operations

RAPAPORT
Information that means Business

By Avi Krawitz Posted: 12/21/08 04:43

RAPAPORT... Diamond Fields International Ltd (DFI) has suspended operations of
its DF Discoverer mining vessel off the coast of Namibia until further notice.
“The Board of Directors made this decision based on the severity of the
global economic downturn and the sudden drop in the price of rough diamonds,”
the company explained.

Diamond Fields said it would nevertheless “aggressively” move forward with
drilling at its Liberia gold discovery in January with joint venture partners
Silverhill Enterprises Ltd. and Ducor Inc.

© Copyright 1982-2008 by Martin Rapaport.

+++

10) GC holds decentralization forum
Written by Emmanuel Broh
Saturday, 20 December 2008
STAR RADIO

The Chairman of the Governance Commission says there is a commitment in the
reform agenda to vesting some powers in local government across the country.

Dr. Amos Sawyer said the decentralization of governance would be done through
processes that will involve the Liberian people.

Dr. Sawyer told Star Radio consultation at every level is taking place in
conceptualizing the process of governance decentralization.

He said the Governance Commission is still at the level of trying to put
together a national policy on decentralization.

Dr. Sawyer spoke to Star Radio Friday during a one-day Liberia Decentralization
Policy Workshop held in Monrovia.

According to him, the workshop is one in a series of discussions the commission
is holding with various segments of the population.

The workshop is being held under the theme: “Political Parties and Local
Elections under Decentralized Governance.

It is being supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa.

+++

11) "Need to rethink County Development Funds", says Pres. Sirleaf
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Thursday, 18 December 2008
STAR RADIO

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says there is a need to rethink the management
of the County Development Funds.

The President said the current management is causing serious problems
undermining the essence for which the funds were budgeted.

The County Development Funds are being managed by county officials in
collaboration with the Legislature.

The President disclosed lawmakers are giving instructions to the Finance
Ministry for payment of funds, something she described as totally inappropriate.

There have been claims and counter-claims of corruption from across the country
over how the County Development Funds are expended.

There are also calls for the General Audit Commission to audit the funds but the
President said the GAC should be allowed to carryout bigger audits.

She assured that other companies like Momo and company can be contacted to audit
the county funds.

Meanwhile, President Sirleaf announced a pending reshuffle of her cabinet but
was quick to state that is not about corruption or dishonesty by those to be
affected.

The Chief Executive further clarified that the pending reshuffle is intended to
make her government more effective.

President Sirleaf acknowledged that some of her earlier appointments were about
political considerations and pay-backs for support during the elections.

She said now that her government has reached its mid-point, there is a need for
some changes to ensure more achievements.

The reshuffle is expected to affect every level of government and will see the
transfer and dismissal of some officials.

In another development, the President has disclosed that the Dunn Commission
will present its report in January 2009.

She assured that any recommendation from the commission would be implemented.

Over two hundred thousand U.S. dollars was approved for the commission to
investigate the authenticity of the emails scandal that linked the office of the
President.

+++

12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###




#284 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:58 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Huge investment in the mining sector to transform economy, 2) Ambassador
Barnes Challenges Grand Gedeans to Get Involve in Liberia, 3) Zoellick Urges
Rethink On Post-Conflict Rebuilding [EXCERPT], 4)Businessman decries dormancy of
logging sector, 5) Liberia: Executive Branch to Take Charge of County
Development Funds - President Sirleaf, 6) Liberia Needs $50 Million to Repair
Deep-Water Port in Capital, 7) Environmental Protection Agency protects ozone
layer, 8)Liberians selling water to stay afloat, 9)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Huge investment in the mining sector to transform economy
Jan 9, 2009
Liberia Broadcasting System

National Investment Commission Chairman, Richard Tolbert, says the pending 2.6
billion United States dollar-Investments for Bong Mines will bring about total
transformation to the Liberian economy.

According to Dr. Tolbert, the 2.6 billion United States Dollar investments will
provide jobs for thousands of Liberians and positively contribute to
Government�s Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Dr. Tolbert said, the decision by the China Union Investment company to invest
in the former concession area of Bong Mines, is a further demonstration of
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf�s leadership to attract more foreign capital
and ensure a more robust economy.
He described the proposed 2.6 billion dollar investment, especially at the time
of the global financial crisis, as a significant progress in the investment
sector of Liberia.
Dr. Tolbert spoke Thursday at the NIC in Sinkor, during the second phase of
negotiations between the Liberian Government and the China Union Investment
Company over the 2. 6 billion US-dollar-investments for Bong Mines.

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the China Union Investment Company,
Yin Fuyou, pledged his company�s commitment to contributing to the growth of
Liberia�s Post Conflict Economy.

Mr. Fuyou lauded the Liberian Government for ensuring an attractive investment
climate for the Country.

Liberia Broadcasting System ©2007 All rights reserved

+++

2) Ambassador Barnes Challenges Grand Gedeans to Get Involve in Liberia
(Jan 9, 2009) By: Kai G. Wleh

Washington, D.C., January 9, 2009: The Liberian Ambassador accredited near
Washington, D.C., Mr. Nathaniel Barnes has challenged Liberians to play a
pivotal role in the process that empowers the West African nation economically,
socially and politically.

Ambassador Barnes observed that the full participation of all of our citizens is
fundamental in determining the common destiny of the Liberian nation. The
Liberian envoy made the observation when he served as Keynote Speaker at a
Development Forum organized by the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas
(GGAA) in Philadelphia, PA on January 3, 2009.

He pointed out that those who sit idly by and do nothing are just as bad as
those who wreak havoc through mismanagement, corruption, intolerance, and
impunity, and urged Liberians to “get involved in Liberia.”

Ambassador Barnes told his compatriots to advocate for and market Liberia as a
nation with “focused purpose of a new dispensation of freedom, justice and
economic prosperity for all.”

He added that the challenges facing the emerging democracy in Liberia are
numerous but can be trounced in unity, reconciliation and common purpose.

Ambassador Barnes also called on Liberians to invest in their homeland, adding
“we keep looking for investment for Liberia while we may hold the key
ourselves. When we start to seriously invest our money, time and talents in
Liberia, others will follow”.

He asserted that “no matter where we live, our lives must exemplify what we
would like the Liberian legacy to be”, stressing that “we must be upright,
outstanding, law-abiding citizens and teach our children through instruction and
by example our rich Liberian history, culture and values which hold respect,
dignity and courage in high esteem.” Click Here to See Larger Slideshow with
Captions...

The Liberian diplomat lauded the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas for
striving to be “an integral part of a Miracle of Hope in Liberia for the role
the organization and its leadership played and continue to play in bringing
hope to Grand Gedeh County and to the nation of Liberia.”

Earlier the President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Mr. Henry
Kohn Glay, who welcomed Ambassador Barnes and party to Philadelphia, said his
administration has endeavored to create and maintain a sustainable partnership
with the Government of Liberia because the building of partnership is an
essential tool to finding solutions to some of the problems facing our people.

Mr. Glay then praised the Sirleaf Government for the Grand Gedeh 2008-2012
County Development Agenda prepared by the County Development Committee, in
collaboration with the Ministries of Planning and Economic Affairs and Internal
Affairs.

He observed that from consultation with political and opinion leaders of Grand
Gedeh County the study that culminated into the County Development Agenda, which
was supported by the UN County Support Team project and funded by the Swedish
Government and UNDP, provides a way forward for our people.

Mr. Glay added: “We are particularly impressed with the core value vision
expressed in the documents”, pointing out that “ the document seeks to
provide equal access to opportunities for all Grand Gedeh Citizens; assurance of
peace, security and the rule of law; transparent and effective governance;
sustainable economic growth; and preservation of natural resources and the
environment.”

The Grand Gedeh Association, Mr. Glay continued, will utilize every opportunity
to work closely and collaboratively “with the county leadership on the ground
in Grand Gedeh in order to ensure that the core values embedded in the County
Development Agenda are fostered and enhanced”.

He said the participation of all Grand Gedeans is essential to ensuring that the
operation of the county’s natural resources benefits our county and county.
Mr. Glay emphasized that his association remains available to partnership with
the Liberian Government under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
to put in place the construction of health, water and sanitation facilities,
rehabilitation of educational infrastructures, including skills training–
agricultural and housing development in the county. He also called on Diaspora
Grand Gedean intellectuals and scholars to return home and effectively
participate in the Sirleaf government whenever they are called to duty.

He said there is a need for Grand Gedeans in the Diaspora, especially those with
the financial means, to return home and invest in the economic development of
Liberia. Mr. Glay explained that the Development Forum was designed to raise
fund and rally support to purchase a generator for the Martha Tubman Memorial
Hospital in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh, and to also secure educational materials for
faculty members and students of the county.

Mr. Glay lauded Diaspora Grand Gedeans for the support they continue to accord
his administration, underscoring the need for his fellow compatriots to work
tirelessly to provide the much needed service to their county and people as
“our people reconstruct their lives and county.”

He said his administration will always avail itself to opportunities to
positively engage the leadership of the Sirleaf government, county and opinion
leaders of Grand Gedeh County in a partnership that promotes reconciliation,
stability, lasting peace, socio-economic development while empowering the people
of Grand Gedeh County and Liberia.

Mr. Glay expressed gratitude to Ambassador Barnes for accepting their invitation
and assured him of his administration’s support to Liberia’s Poverty
Reduction Strategy (PRS) as well as the country’s mission to the United
States. Click Here to See larger Slideshow with Captions...

© Copyright 2008 The Liberian Journal - All Rights reserved.

+++

3) Zoellick Urges Rethink On Post-Conflict Rebuilding [EXCERPT]
Friday, January 9, 2009

In Haiti, in the Caribbean, Zoellick said donors must reduce the administrative
burden they impose on a very weak state. ‘Haiti was the site of too many
feel-good projects draped in national flags. Haiti's partners paid too little
attention to governance, anti-corruption and building the legitimacy of the
government,’ he said. Turning finally to Liberia, Zoellick praised the
government's commitment to economic development. He said donors should
front-load their aid projects so that assistance quickly reaches the population.
…” [Voice of America/Factiva]

+++

4)Businessman decries dormancy of logging sector
Written by Moses Wenyou
Thursday, 08 January 2009
STAR RADIO

A Liberian businessman has called on President Sirleaf to intervene and stop
what he called the high level of dormancy in the logging sector.

Mr. Edward Slangar said since the lifting of the ban on logging in 2006,
activities in the sector are very slow, resulting to massive unemployment.

Mr. Slangar observed there are too many bureaucracies involved in obtaining
permits from government to operate a logging company.

According to Mr. Slangar, these bureaucratic bottlenecks are created by foreign
groups considered partners of government.

He said government must be careful because these foreigners have interest in
marginalizing Liberian firms in favor of foreign logging companies.

Mr. Slangar also observed the Forestry Development Authority is not independent
in deciding who should be authorized to do logging.

He said it is the same foreign partners that are given absolute authority to
grant permits to logging company.

Mr. Slangar recalled since 2006, only three logging companies have been legally
registered to operate in the country, something he said is disappointing.

+++

5) Liberia: Executive Branch to Take Charge of County Development Funds -
President Sirleaf
7 January 2009

Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has announced that the Executive
Branch of Government will take full responsibility of the administration of the
county development funds, in keeping with its constitutional mandate.

Speaking in Rivercess early this week during a Town Hall meeting, the President
said although the exercise surrounding the allocation of the funds was a
collaborative one, the process has been derailed by problems.

The decision by the President to exercise Executive oversight of the
administration of County Development funds comes amid increasing reports of
financial mismanagement and concerns raised by citizens of Rivercess.

Some members of Legislative caucuses, the President said, have already been
informed of the decision, and "henceforth, we will take full responsibility so
that if anything goes wrong we (the Executive) will be held accountable."

The President announced that an audit, covering both financial and physical
assessments, will be conducted. The Liberian leader warned that anyone who is
proven to have mismanaged county resources will be prosecuted. She called on
citizens of Rivercess to work together for the development of the county because
Government cannot do it overnight. "We have restored some basic services in some
areas, but it will take time to develop all areas," the President said, asking
for continued patience and understanding.

The President criticized citizens of Rivercess who, she said, have not erected
any structures in their area. "It is because they all live in Monrovia that your
county may lose seats under the new threshold act," the Liberian leader
cautioned.

During the visit to Rivercess, the President dedicated a newly renovated high
school, an administrative building as well as City Hall in Cestos City.

Monday's trip to Rivercess also included a visit to Grand Bassa County where the
President inspected and dedicated a number of projects. The visits are part of
the Liberian President's ongoing tour of the political sub-divisions of the
country to discuss with citizens their development needs in line with the
country's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), otherwise known as "Lift Liberia."

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

6) Liberia Needs $50 Million to Repair Deep-Water Port in Capital

By Ansu Konneh

Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Liberia’s Finance Ministry said it needs $50 million to
repair the deep-water port in the capital, Morovia, as it prepares to hand over
management of the facility to private investors.

What we are doing right now is sourcing where to get those funds, Finance
Minister Augustine Ngafuan told reporters on Jan. 5 in the capital, Monrovia.

In November, Liberia announced plans to convert its state- owned port system
into a public-private partnership over the next two years. The Monrovia port is
the only functioning port out of four facilities in Liberia.

Liberia is rebuilding its economy after a civil war between 1989 and 2003 in
which an estimated 250,000 people died and most of the country’s
infrastructure was destroyed.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg
at pmrichardson@....

Last Updated: January 7, 2009 08:15 EST

2009 BLOOMBERG L.P.

+++

7) Environmental Protection Agency protects ozone layer
- Dec 31, 2008

Environmental Protection Agency protects ozone layer? The Environmental
Protection Agency says no ozone depleting substances and equipment will be
permitted into the country after January one 2009.

Addressing a press conference in Monrovia Tuesday, the Executive Director of the
Environmental Protection Agency, Ben Donnie said the decision is in consonance
with the United Nations Vienna Convention, which calls for the protection of the
ozone layer.

He said using such substances is illegal and punishable, under section 89 of the
Environmental Protection Management Laws of Liberia.

The EPA Boss is meanwhile calling on Liberians in the business sector to
cooperate with the entity in protecting the environmental and ozone layer of
Liberia.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

8)Liberians selling water to stay afloat
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Christina Holder THE WASHINGTON TIMES
MONROVIA, Liberia

As the sun beats down on Liberia's ruined capital city, Anthony Yeakar pushes a
red metal cart packed with large water jugs through the dirty streets.

Mr. Yeakar, 23 and only in the 10th grade, dreams of being a doctor.

In a postwar Liberia, he will have to settle for being a water carrier, at least
for now.

"Money is in water," Mr. Yeakar said.

Five years after Liberia's 14-year civil war, many are just like Mr. Yeakar,
struggling to make a living in this country of nearly 3.2 million. Without basic
infrastructure, like running water or a fully functioning power grid, most are
forced to continue living as mere survivors.

The slow pace of rebuilding also has left Liberians with both the daunting task
and the golden opportunity to capitalize on the government's gaps. The lack of
running water, for example, has spurred a water-selling industry in the clogged
capital city.

Mr. Yeakar begins work at 7:30 a.m. by a city well in downtown Monrovia. He
fills five-gallon jugs with water and lugs up to 30 of them at a time in his
cart with the help of his half brother, Samuel.

The Yeakar brothers drop grimy jugs at businesses and government buildings,
including the broken-down palaces housing the Education, Finance and Commerce
ministries. The water often is used to flush waste down broken toilets.

They charge about 20 Liberian dollars, or 33 cents, per jug. A day's work will
yield between $11 and $14. They pay the well owner about $80 a month.

The brothers´ monthly take-home cash is a considerable sum in a country in
which many workers on an official payroll make much less. A teacher here makes
about $50 a month, a police officer about $60.

The Yeakar brothers work all week, including Sunday -- when the crowds on
Monrovia's sidewalks are thin and many sellers are at home keeping God's day of
rest.

But Mr. Yeakar sees working seven days as a black-and-white issue.

"I have customers to supply, and they need water every day," he said.

Daily sewage spills and the city's mostly defunct power grid further complicate
life.

With most of Liberia's power coming from private generators, refrigerated water
is a luxury. Those in search of cold, safe drinking water, eagerly buy plump
plastic bags filled with chilled water -- the equivalent of water balloons --
for about 12 cents apiece. The water is treated and bagged at one of at least 15
water-purifying factories that have popped up in the Monrovia area in the last
few years.

Some sellers keep the bags in coolers filled with blocks of ice. Others use a
generator. Boakar Perry powers a deep freezer stuffed with the water bags for
$500 a month.

About 50 young sellers -- many of them children -- visit his freezer throughout
the day. They pay Mr. Perry about 33 cents for seven bags of chilled water, and
then sell one bag to thirsty Monrovians for about 12 cents.

Mr. Perry, one of ex-President Charles Taylor's drivers, began chilling the
water about three years ago.

Liberia, founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century, has struggled to
turn itself around since the brutal war ended in 2003 and President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf took office two years later.

Back-to-back wars from 1989 to 2003 sparked vicious factional fighting that
killed an estimated 250,000 and displaced millions, according to the Associated
Press.

Since the fighting ended, Liberia has struggled to turn itself around.

But with Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf's election, Mr. Perry lost his job.

Self-employment became the means to an end.

"I don't have anything to do, and my family has to sustain itself," he said.

Today Mr. Perry makes about $30 a day. But his generator costs cut his profit by
more than half.

It's frustrating, living in a capital city largely without basic infrastructure,
he said.

But Mr. Perry, like many Liberians who are eager to fill the government's gaps,
has a remarkable hope and patience for a restored Liberia.

"During the war, everything damaged, and now we can't get it overnight," he
said. "We just have to struggle and get it." Mr. Perry and the Yeakar brothers
are but two of Liberia's water sellers, but they represent a country full of men
and women who are living with the crippling effects of war.

Poor water and sanitation systems are leading to 42 percent of Liberian children
under age 5 dying from malaria and 22 percent under 5 dying from diarrhea,
according to the Liberia WASH Consortium.

Crime is high owing to the more than 100,000 ex-fighters who have returned to
society without being fully rehabilitated. Now many of them terrorize Monrovia's
neighborhoods as armed robbers. The literacy rate is about 20 percent.

Most Liberians are desperate for work or education or both. The country's
unemployment rate, which does not account for self-employers like Mr. Yeakar, is
estimated at 85 percent.

The capital city is clogged with people desperate for any job that will put them
to work. Young boys push yellow wheelbarrows down the city's broken sidewalks.
They carry random, secondhand goods - sheets, folded jeans, shoes scrubbed into
new life with a bar of soap and a little water.

Those who don't have wheelbarrows turn their bodies into traveling displays.
They carry phone chargers on their fingers, pirated movies in their arms, shiny
steering-wheel covers around their necks.

William E.D. Warner, deputy managing director of Liberia Water & Sewer Corp.
(LWSC), said restoring water is slow because Monrovia's water system was
destroyed over the 14 years of fighting.

Looters dug up the water pipes and sold them for scrap metal. The existing pipes
eroded because they weren't maintained. After the war, there was little money to
restore the ruined infrastructure.

Today, those challenges remain. Looters continue to dig up water pipes for scrap
metal. Residents hire plumbers to steal city water by illegally connecting their
lines.

And when water is on, some people are afraid to drink it.

In rural Kakata City, a bustling town that seems to pop out of undeveloped
countryside just an hour northeast of Monrovia, water pumps were turned on in
July for the first time in 14 years.

Soon a rumor had flooded the town: The water didn't have any medicine in it.

"They have been out of water, safe drinking water, for a very long time," Kakata
station supervisor Hilary T. Yoryor said. "They are afraid." To allay fears, the
LWSC is requiring residents who apply for running water in their homes to attend
an educational workshop.

But even those who know the water is treated are waiting awhile before drinking.

Mohamed A. Kamara, 32, is one of about 25 residents who applied for running
water in Kakata.

He was glad to have water back in Kakata after so many years of war, but he
didn´t trust it at first. He said his 1-year-old son, Dauda, would drink only
mineral water -- the kind in the plastic bags -- for a few months.

Until Liberians can trust the water system, they will continue to fill the
pockets of sellers like Mr. Perry and the Yeakar brothers.

Back down on Monrovia's frantic Broad Street, Mr. Yeakar loads his jugs onto his
red metal cart and he still dreams of being a doctor.

He also dreams of a Liberia that is restored and can provide a better life for
his 2-year-old son, aptly named Success.

"I will make sure he goes to school, and he graduates from school and goes to
college, and graduates from there," Mr. Yeakar said, "to be somebody."

Copyright 2009 The Washington Times, LLC

+++

9)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#285 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Jan 17, 2009 5:38 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Pres. Sirleaf re-instates Bong County Superintendent, 2) Rubber farmers in
Bong unhappy, 3) Pres. Sirleaf appoints new officers, 4) China Union Liberian
negotiation in final phase, 5) Delta sues Liberia govt over iron-ore concession,
6) FDA boss speaks on resuming logging, 7)Soil Scientists Join Efforts to Boost
Food Security (Africa), 8) Firestone gives marketers deadline to move, 9) Fire
at LPRC, causes minor damage, 10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Pres. Sirleaf re-instates Bong County Superintendent
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Friday, 16 January 2009
STAR RADIO

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has re-instated Bong County Superintendent
Rennie Jackson and ordered him to restitute ten thousand U.S. dollars.

President Sirleaf said Superintendent Jackson had no right to use the amount
from the county development fund to travel to the United States.

President Sirleaf took the decision Thursday in Gbarnga during a town hall
meeting with the citizens.

She also said the Bong County Superintendent had no link to the hundred and
forty-seven thousand U.S. dollars given Mak Incorporated.

Mak Incorporated is the construction company hired to rehabilitate the Bong
Mines-Hendi Highway.

President Sirleaf said the audit report established that Superintendent Jackson
and the Bong Legislative Caucus jointly gave the money to Mak Incorporated.

She indicated Superintendent Jackson should not have allowed the Legislative
Caucus to disburse the amount at once to Mak Incorporated.

Superintendent Jackson meanwhile, called on Bong County citizens to put behind
them the bitter past and work together for the development of the county.

He told Star Radio he wants to see a prosperous and a peaceful Bong County.


+++

2) Rubber farmers in Bong unhappy
Written by Clarence Jackson
Friday, 16 January 2009
STAR RADIO

Rubber farmers in Bong County say as of January 19 there will be no rubber sale
in the county.

The rubber farmers took the decision Thursday at a meeting in the central
provincial city of Gbarnga.

The rubber farmers said their decision stem from an abrupt cut in the price of
the commodity.

The rubber farmers said at present, they are finding it difficult to maintain
their farms due to the current price of rubber.

They said the deduction of 2 US dollars for the RPAL by companies and four
percent deduction on a ton of rubber by government without flag receipt is
unhealthy.

The RPAL is the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia.

According to our correspondent, the rubber farmers have set up task to ensure
the implementation of their decision.

The rubber farmers vowed to continue their action until government addresses
their concerns.


+++

3) Pres. Sirleaf appoints new officers
Jan 16, 2009

Pres. Sirleaf appoints new officers'.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made several appointments in government,
pending confirmation buy the Liberian Senate.

According to an Executive Mansion release, those appointed are, Osman Tall,
Assistant Agriculture Minister for Planning and Development, Gbleh-bo Brown,
Superintendent, Maryland County, Melita Gardner, Assistant Superintendent for
Development, Maryland County and McDonald Wlemus, Assistant Superintendent,
Sinoe county.

Others are Brigadier General Francis Dolo, Assistant Director General, Bureau of
Veterans Affairs, Maj. Fred Sumo Assistant Director General for Administration,
Veteran Affairs Bureau, Ophelia Hinneh, Assistant Director General for Women and
Children Affairs, Veteran Affairs Bureau.

The President has also appointed Tarpeh Lunbay, local Aide-de-camp, Nimba County
and Rajah Toe, Local Aide-de-Camp, River Gee County.

In another development, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has re-echoed
government's commitment to make Liberia self sufficient in food production.

Speaking Thursday on a guided tour of the 32 acres of land in Kpatawee, being
cultivated by the Agriculture Ministry in collaboration with the Chinese
Government, President Johnson-Sirleaf extolled the efforts of the Chinese
Government and people in buttressing government's "back to the soil" campaign.

The 32 acres of farmland, according to the Agriculture Ministry will be
harvested in three months.

Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to break grounds today
for the construction of a hospital in Nimba County.

According to Health Minister, Dr. Walter Gwenigale, the construction of the
hospital is in line with Government's determination to provide health services
for its citizens.
Speaking to Reporters Monday, Dr. Gwenigale said, the construction of the
hospital is part of government's US.7million provided to the Ministry of Health.

He also recounted progress being made by the Health Ministry to provide basic
health services, especially the construction of major hospitals in the fifteen
counties and training of midwives, among others.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

4) China Union Liberian negotiation in final phase
Friday, 16 Jan, 2009

Liberian Observer reported that 16 man high powered delegations from The
People's Republic of China is in the country to finalize the USD 2.6 billion
iron ore contract being negotiated between the Government of Liberia and China
Union.

The Chinese delegation comprises representatives from the China Africa
Development Fund, Mr Yin Fuyou the board of directors of China Union and the
China Development Bank.

(Sourced from liberianobserver.com)
Copyright © 2004 - SteelGuru and respective copyright holders.

+++

5) BHP Billiton investing, maintaining volumes, new Barrick CEO sees
‘exciting’ time for gold, Delta sues Liberia govt over iron-ore concession

By: Martin Creamer
Published on 16th January 2009
Updated 6 hours ago
The world’s largest mining company, BHP Billiton, is proving exemplary, even
during the worst global financial meltdown since the 1930s. Read on page 4 of
this edition of Mining Weekly that BHP Billiton is maintaining its sales volumes
and continuing to invest.

BHP Billiton has a low $6,3-billion net debt and a high $115-billion market
capitalisation, with cash flows sufficiently strong to support “continued
investments through the commodity cycle”. For now, its emphasis, in developing
its projects, is on lower-risk brownfield expansions in areas of known
geographies.

The world’s biggest gold-miner, Barrick Gold, has named chartered accountant
Aaron Regent the company’s new CEO, effective January 16. Read on page 14 of
this edition of Mining Weekly of Regent’s belief that the gold industry has
reached an “exciting” and “challenging” point.

“In these times, in particular, gold is a unique property as a store of value
that is emerging as an asset class of increasing importance,” Regent says.
Barrick is looking at “just about everything in the marketplace” in terms of
acquisitions.

Diversified resources firm Delta Mining Consolidated is taking legal action
against the government of Liberia, challenging its decision not to award a
$1,6-billion iron-ore concession to the company, despite having earlier declared
it the provisional winner.

Read on page 11 of the South Africa-linked company filing an application in the
Liberian civil law court for the sixth judicial circuit for judicial review of
the government’s refusal to award Delta the Western Cluster Iron Ore Deposit
concession.

Delta has been granted an interim stay of the bidding process. Delta’s
argument centres on the government’s purported reasons for not awarding Delta
the concession having no basis in law, asserting that Liberian law does not
permit the government to cancel a bid “without due process”.

In February 2008, the government declared Delta the provisional winner of the
$1,6-billion concession.

Mining Weekly’s daily online offerings of news as it happens as well as videos
and podcasts can be accessed at www.miningweekly.com.

Editor: Creamer Media Reporter
Copyright © Creamer Media (Pty) Ltd

+++

6) FDA boss speaks on resuming logging
Written by Moses Wenyou
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
STAR RADIO

The Managing Director of the Forestry Development Agency says 2009 is a year of
implementation in the forestry sector.

Mr. John Woods said three Forest Management contracts are currently on the desk
of the President to be signed and forwarded to the Legislature for ratification.

Mr. Woods said following the ratification of the contracts, the three logging
companies would begin operation.

According to Mr. Woods, two of the logging companies would be based in Rivercess
while the other would operate in Gbarpolu and Lofa Counties.

The FDA Managing Director said government has already awarded six timber sales
contracts, three of which have gone into active production.

He said by June this year, it is hoped that six concessions including three
timber sales and three forest management contracts would be operational.

Mr. Woods admitted there are many procedures involved in approving timber
contracts under the National Forestry law and the Public Procurement and
Concession Act.

He said the procedures are necessary to ensure that timber trade takes a
different dimension from the past, which prompted the imposition of sanctions.

Mr. Woods clarified that the GEMAP agent at the FDA does not interfere with the
awarding of contracts to timber companies.

The FDA boss however, said GEMAP only assists with ensuring transparency and
accountability in the process of awarding those contracts.

+++

7)Soil Scientists Join Efforts to Boost Food Security (Africa)
13 January 2009


Nairobi — A digital soil-health surveillance system, launched on 13 January in
Nairobi, will enable soil scientists to map areas at risk of soil degradation
and facilitate appropriate interventions that could help to curb food insecurity
across the continent.

Undertaken by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the
"first ever" detailed digital map for 42 countries combines the latest soil
science and technology with remote satellite imagery and on-the-ground efforts
to develop an online map.

According to CIAT, this digital map of the continent's depleted soils will offer
insights crucial for boosting food production. It will help provide solutions
for poor farmers who suffer from chronically low-yielding crops due to degraded
soils.

Wycliffe Oparanya, Kenya's Minister of State for Planning, National Development
and Vision 2030, who launched the African Soil Information Service (AfSIS) at
the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) in Nairobi, said the soil map would
provide scientists and policy-makers with more detailed and accurate information
on soil fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa.

"There has been an effort to develop high-yielding varieties of crops but the
fact that soil fertility has remained low across many countries in Africa,
[means] we have not been able to harness the benefits of the improved crops to
capacity," he said. "Therefore, investing in soil health is a key concern that
we must all address ourselves ... to achieve food security for our people."

He said the food crisis facing many countries had become a global phenomenon
that posed a new threat to the stability of the social framework and to the
prosperity of all nations, "especially the small nations".

Oparanya said: "Throughout the world, more and more people are unable to find
food. There are increased cases of food riots, which in turn lead to political
instability. This means that all nations must increase and sustain the
production of staple food crops such as wheat, rice, maize, millet and potatoes,
among others."

CIAT is establishing the African Soil Information Service through a four-year
US$18 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Alliance
for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The digital map ultimately will be
developed as part of a global soil mapping initiative, known as
GlobalSoilMap.net

Other partners in the effort include the Earth Institute at Columbia University,
the World Soil Information at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and the
Nairobi-based World Agroforestry Centre.

Productivity boost

"Helping small farmers increase their yields and incomes is one of the most
important things that the world can do to alleviate hunger and poverty," Rajiv
Shah, director of agricultural development at the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, said. "Access to better information about their soil will empower
African farmers to use methods tailored to their conditions so they can boost
their productivity and build better lives."

AGRA president Namanga Ngongi said: "This project will benefit farm families in
Africa by showing how they can reverse the trend of declining soil fertility, a
major reason for slow growth in the region's agricultural productivity during
recent decades."

Pedro Sanchez, the director of tropical agriculture and rural environment
programme and director of the Millennium Villages Project at Columbia
University, said as Africa's food crisis deepened, people were beginning to see
the importance of soil health surveillance.

"The digital soil map has brought soil science to the 21st century," he said.
"At the push of a button, you have answers on soil erosion, where to farm and
what crops to grow on what type of soils."

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]

Copyright © 2009 UN Integrated Regional Information Networks.

+++

8) Firestone gives marketers January 15 deadline to move
Written by Archie Weefur
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
STAR RADIO

Firestone-Liberia has issued a statement reaffirming that January 15 remains the
deadline for the re-location of the Harbel Market.

Firestone said the old market will be demolished in order to build modern
housing units and schools for employees and their families.

Firestone said there are some individuals who occupied the market area
unlawfully, which it labeled as high crime area.

But marketers and residents of the area have vowed they would not vacate the
area.

According to them, they acquired the place legally through the Liberia Marketing
Association in 1985.

+++

9) Fire at LPRC, causes minor damage
Written by Matthias Daffah
Friday, 09 January 2009
STAR RADIO

Fire on Friday gutted one of the control rooms of the Liberia Petroleum Refining
Company, causing minor damage to the entity’s facility.

The Fire Safety Manager of LPRC, Ben Karnga told Star Radio the fire started
from a switch in the control room and spread briefly.

Mr. Karnga however, said fire fighters led by LPRC and the National Fire Service
managed to bring the blaze under control.

LPRC fire fighters described the fire as class “B” which simply needed fire
extinguishers to bring it under control

The incident disrupted normal activities at the LPRC with Liberian Police and
UNMIL troops beefing security around the compound.

Management says it has since resumed normal operations.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/



#287 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:39 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Armyworms occupy 75% of Zota District, 2) LEITI complains 19 companies, 3)
Invading army-worms enter major border town, 4) Liberia inks pact with China
Union for Bong iron ore mines,
5) Gold Star Acquires West African Oil and Gas Concessions, 6) LIBERIA:
Villagers flee invading caterpillars, 7) Liberia-China- Agreement, 8) Bio
Professor on ill-equipped laboratories,
9) Liberia: President Sirleaf Tours Project Sites in Bong County, 10) Insect
plague devours crops, 11)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) Armyworms occupy 75% of Zota District
Written by Matthias Daffah
Thursday, 22 January 2009
STAR RADIO

The Commissioner of Zota District in Bong County has disclosed that up to 75% of
land area has been taken over by the armyworms.

Commissioner Joseph Urey further disclosed that between ten and fifteen thousand
people in Zota District have been affected by the pest invasion.

According to Commissioner Urey, the impact of the caterpillar invasion could be
felt in about thirty-five communities in Zota District.

Mr. Urey told Star Radio the rapid spread of the worm-like caterpillars was
negatively impacting agricultural activities in the district.

The Zota District Commissioner appealed for immediate intervention to help
restore safe drinking water to the suffering people of that central regional
district.

For its part, the Food and Agriculture Organization says it is closely
monitoring the situation in Zota District and surrounding towns.

The Emergency Coordinator of the FAO, Tim Vaesen said his organization was
studying the situation in order to make a determination.

Mr. Vaesen said a thorough investigation was needed to establish the origin of
the caterpillars and their life circle.

He said the information was needed to put in place a pest control mechanism.

According to Mr. Vaesen, after the assessment, the FAO might compile and present
a proposal to donors for possible assistance.

He said for now the FAO will simply monitor the situation in Zota District and
be prepared for any eventuality.


+++

2) LEITI complains 19 companies
Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
Thursday, 22 January 2009
STAR RADIO

The Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, LEITI has reported
the failure of nineteen companies to submit their payment reports to the body.

LEITI said the nineteen companies, mainly mining companies, failed to submit
their payment reports from July 2007 to June 2008.

The public transparency agency gave the delinquent companies up to Tuesday
January 27, 2009 to submit their reports before the close of working hours.

LEITI further reminded the companies that the Presidential Proclamation that
created it obligates companies to submit periodic report of their payment to
government.

According to the body, the Presidential Proclamation also empowers it to
institute appropriate sanction on any company failing to submit its report.


+++

3) Invading army-worms enter major border town
Written by Clarence Jackson
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
STAR RADIO

Report reaching Star Radio says invading armyworms have attacked a major town
along the Liberia-Guinea border.

The Chief Medical Officer of Bong County told Star Radio, the armyworms
numbering several million have invaded Lawein Town forcing residents to flee.

Dr. Garfee Williams said ten of the ninety-six houses in Lawein Town have been
abandoned and people were seeking refuge on farms untouched by the pests.

According to Dr. Garfee the caterpillars are climbing the walls of houses and
taking over rice farms in the area.

The Bong County Chief Medical Officer said of the affected towns and villages
Lawein was the worst hit with creeks and wells badly contaminated.

Dr. Garfee recommends a massive aerial spraying exercise to rid central Liberia
of armyworms.

Also, government has appealed for concerted international efforts to combat the
swarm of armyworms that have invaded central Liberia.

Agriculture Minister Dr. Chris Toe said the extent of the damage being caused by
the pests requires the help of all international partners.

Minister Toe told Star Radio helicopters were urgently needed to carry out
aerial spraying of places attacked by the worm-like caterpillars.

Dr. Toe also appealed for motorized sprayers in order to spray treetops that
have been permanently seized by the caterpillars.

On Tuesday Government launched a minimum effort using Knapsack sprayers to
combat the swarm of armyworms.

The Ministry of Agriculture has deployed more than thirty technicians in the
affected areas to spray the surrounding bushes with insecticides.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has warned residents of Zota and Suakoko
Districts not to eat dead chickens during its ten-day operation in the
districts.

According to agricultural experts the insecticides currently being applied
remains active for seven days before disintegrating.

+++

4) Liberia inks pact with China Union for Bong iron ore mines
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009
APA-Monrovia reported that the Liberian government and theChinese mining company
China Union have finally signed a 25 year USD 2.6billion mineral development
agreement for the mining of iron ore in Bong Minesin central Bong Countyin
northern Liberia.

The concession agreement was signed on Monday following daysof intense
negotiations between Liberia’sinter ministerial council and officials of China
Union. The agreement isexpected to be sent to the national legislature for
ratification and subsequentapproval.

Speaking during the official signing ceremony, Lands, Minesand Energy Minister,
Dr Eugene Shannon and National Investment CommissionChairman Dr Richard Tolbert,
described the signing of the agreement as asignificant milestone for
Liberia’seconomic revitalization.

Dr Tolbert said the signing and subsequent ratification ofthe mineral agreement
with Chinawould improve private capital growth and enhance government’s
developmentefforts.

Mr Yin Fu You CEO of China Union said that the signing ofthe agreement is the
beginning of successful corporate relations with theLiberian government.

The concession which will provide more than 3,000 jobopportunities has been
described as the largest investment ever in Liberia,more than the USD 1.7
billion mineral development agreement signed nearly twoyears ago with the
world’s largest steel company, Mittal.


Source: SteelGuru

+++

5) Gold Star Acquires West African Oil and Gas Concessions

VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwire) -- 01/21/09 -- Gold Star Resources Corp. (the
"Company") (TSX-V: GXX) is pleased to announce the signing of an Agreement (the
"Agreement") to acquire 90% of the issued and outstanding share capital of
International Resource Strategies Liberia Energy, Inc. ("IRSLE"), a private
company based in Monrovia, Liberia.

IRSLE is the holder of Hydrocarbon Reconnaissance License No. NR-001 issued by
the National Oil Company of Liberia ("NOCAL"). The License grants exclusive
rights to conduct exploration for oil, gas and any other hydrocarbon in an area
of 1,366.37 square kilometers within the Roberts and Bassa Basins of south
coastal Liberia.

The License is for an initial period of 12 months, and requires IRSLE to spend a
minimum of (US) $1,750,000 on reconnaissance work on the property within the
next 12 months, and may be renewed for an additional 12 month period. Upon
successful reconnaissance work which identifies a hydrocarbon prospect, IRSLE
shall have the first right of refusal to apply for a Petroleum Production
Sharing Contract over the target area.

Prior to the signing of this agreement, the Company retained Dr. Martin Keeley,
PhD, to accompany a representative from IRSLE to the project area. Dr. Keeley is
an oil exploration professional with 28 years of international operational
experience including work with Shell Oil, and is credited with commercial
hydrocarbon finds in Egypt, Algeria and Columbia. He has also served as Visiting
Professor in Petroleum Geology at University College of London, and was an
editor of the Journal of Petroleum Geology.

While conducting due diligence on behalf of the Company, Dr. Keeley visited the
License area and noted seepages indicative of potential hydrocarbon deposits.

Cost of the acquisition to the Company is as follows:

On signing of the Agreement, pay to IRSLE a total of (US) $125,000. On approval
by the TSX Venture Exchange, issue to IRSLE 1,500,000 shares of the Company, and
1,500,000 non-transferable share purchase warrants, with each warrant entitling
IRSLE to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.20
per share for a two year period from the date of issuance.

Upon formalization of a subsequent joint venture or earn in agreement, on terms
satisfactory to the Purchaser, issue to IRSLE an additional 1,500,000 common
shares of the Company and an additional 1,500,000 non-transferable share
purchase warrants, with each warrant entitling IRSLE to purchase one additional
common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 per share for a two year period
from the date of issuance.

As consideration for certain funds advanced towards the permitting process by
third party investors (the "Guarantors"), and in conjunction with the Agreement,
the Company will issue a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company, and 1,000,000
non-transferable share purchase warrants, with each warrant entitling the
guarantors the right to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a
price of $0.20 per share for a two year period from the date of issuance. In
addition, the Guarantors will be paid a total of (US) $50,000 as partial
re-imbursement for funds advanced to IRSLE necessary for the permitting process.

A finders fee will be payable on this transaction as per TSX Venture Exchange
policy.

The Agreement, and all share and warrant issuances are subject to the approval
of the TSX Venture Exchange, and will be subject to hold periods as per TSX
Venture Exchange policies.

Pat Morris, President of Gold Star, commented, "We are pleased to put this
transaction together, and look forward to commencing exploratory operations in
Liberia. West Africa has shown increased promise to develop new hydrocarbon
deposits in areas such as onshore Liberia, where previous exploration was never
completed due to political concerns within the country. Thankfully, the Liberian
political situation has become stable in recent years, with the local government
encouraging international investment to further exploration for natural
resources."

On Behalf of the Board,

"Patrick Morris"

Patrick Morris, President and CEO

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

For further information, contact:
Patrick Morris
President and CEO of the Company
pm@...
Telephone: (604) 641-4450
Facsimile: (604) 669-9335

© 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.

+++

6) LIBERIA: Villagers flee invading caterpillars

MONROVIA, 20 January 2009 (IRIN) - Millions of invading caterpillars have forced
thousands of Bong County residents to flee their homes and the situation is
"getting worse", according to county superintendent Rennie Jackson.

The caterpillars, also known as army worms, have destroyed crops, entered houses
and contaminated water sources with their faeces, local authorities say.

"The situation is getting worse," Jackson told IRIN. "Most drinking water
sources, including creeks and wells, have been polluted with the faeces of the
worms. The number of affected people is in the thousands."

Authorities in Bong County, 150km from the capital Monrovia, held emergency
meetings on 20 January and are scheduled to meet with representatives from
international organisations on 21 January. Agriculture Minister Christopher Toe
has appealed to the international community to help fight the infestation.

Representatives from the ministries of agriculture, health and internal affairs
and Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency are assessing the extent of the
damage in Bong County alongside experts from the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO).

The caterpillars invaded Sanoyea District of Bong County on 15 January, rapidly
spreading to Zota and Suakoko districts, invading an estimated 31 villages,
according to county superintendent Jackson.

Army worms are caterpillars that eventually develop into nocturnal moths. In
their larval stage they can be very destructive, attacking cereals and grazing
land. This is the first major invasion of the insects in Liberia, according to
an 18 January statement by the Agriculture Ministry.

Lost livelihoods

IRIN witnessed hundreds of villagers fleeing in vehicles and on foot to Bong
County’s capital Gbarnga, where people are sheltering with extended family
members or in public buildings.

Farmers told IRIN they will lose their crops to the caterpillars. Farmer Eric
Kollie, who returned to Liberia from Guinea to farm his land in 2007, was in
tears as he said: "I saw caterpillars eating up my cassava farms and I am in
pain as all of my efforts [of] last year have gone in vain."

"The caterpillars are destroying the rice farms that we were about to harvest,"
a 50-year-old woman told IRIN. "There is nowhere to go as the caterpillars are
still entering our homes."

"The government really has to come to the rescue of the residents as the
situation is getting worse by the day," Joe Urey, chief of Zota District, told
IRIN. "So far 15 major rice farms have been destroyed by the army worms."

After Lofa County, Bong County is Liberia’s most important food-producing
area, growing much of the country’s cassava, eddoes, plantains, bananas and
potatoes, according to the Agricultural Ministry.

Entomologists from the Agriculture Ministry have travelled to Bong County to
spray affected areas with insecticide but they do not have enough spray,
according to Agricultural Minister Toe.

"Additional insecticides, motorised sprayers and other protective gear are
urgently needed to combat the situation," Toe told IRIN on 20 January.

ak/aj/np


Copyright © IRIN 2009.

+++

7) Liberia-China- Agreement
APA 2009-01-20

Liberia signs mineral mining agreement with Chinese firm

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) The Liberian government and the Chinese mining company
China Union have finally signed a twenty-five year, US$2.6 billion mineral
development agreement for the mining of iron ore in Bong Mines, in central Bong
County in northern Liberia.

The concession agreement signed Monday, following days of intense negotiations
between Liberia’s inter-ministerial council and officials of China Union.

The concession which will provide more than 3,000 job opportunities has been
described as the largest investment ever in Liberia, more than the US$1.7
billion mineral development agreement signed nearly two years ago with the
world’s largest steel company, Mittal.

Speaking during the official signing ceremony, Lands, Mines and Energy Minister,
Dr. Eugene Shannon and National Investment Commission Chairman Dr. Richard
Tolbert, described the signing of the agreement as a "significant milestone" for
Liberia’s economic revitalization.

Dr. Tolbert said the signing and subsequent ratification of the mineral
agreement with China would "improve private capital growth and enhance
government’s development efforts".

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of China Union, Mr. Yin Fu You,
said the signing of the agreement is the beginning of successful corporate
relations with the Liberian government.

The agreement is expected to be sent to the national legislature for
ratification and subsequent approval.

TSS/daj/APA
2009-01-20

+++

8) Bio Professor on ill-equipped laboratories
Written by Hilary Vasco Wiagbe
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
STAR RADIO

A Biology Professor at the University of Liberia says it is not possible to
properly prepare science students in the country without well equipped
laboratories.

Madam Mary Metieh said the laboratories of the universities, offering degrees in
science are very low and substandard.

Madam Metieh indicated that the laboratories of the universities including the
UL lack sufficient equipment and chemicals.

Commenting on the high school level, she said only a few private and public
schools across the country have laboratories.

The Biology Professor however, noted the conditions of these laboratories are
poor.

According to Madam Metieh, the situation is worst at the public schools with no
public school in rural Liberia operating with laboratories.

The Biology Professor further called for the lifting of the ban on the
importation of chemicals to the country.

She sees the ban as one of the factors greatly hampering the effectiveness of
the departments of science at universities, offering the discipline.

Madam Metieh spoke to Star Radio Monday when she presented a report on the state
of Science in Liberia to UNESCO office in Monrovia.

+++

9) Liberia: President Sirleaf Tours Project Sites in Bong County
18 January 2009

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has toured a number of development projects in
Bong County, expressing satisfaction of the level of progress taking place at
the sites. An Executive Mansion release says the President over the weekend,
toured a Chinese run rubber processing factory in Nyanforla, Salala district,
the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), a proposed agriculture
technology center, being built by the government of the People's Republic China
and a hybrid rice development project in Kpatawee, also being supervised by
Chinese agricultural experts in Bong County.

Accompanied by Chinese ambassador Zhou Yuxiao, the President said the setting up
of a rubber processing factory in the country was in line with Government's
efforts to ensure that the capacity of the rubber industry is expanded, through
the provision of skills training and employment opportunities for Liberians.
Operated by the Lee Group of Enterprises, the President said government will
fully support the project because it is in line with it's determination to have
rubber companies process finished rubber products in the country. Speaking of
the agricultural research centers, the Liberian leader said, they represent a
demonstration of government's determination to expand the agricultural base of
the country through mechanized farming. Chinese ambassador Zhou, said his
country remains supportive of government's efforts to meet its goal of
self-sufficiency in food production. Ambassador Zhou put the cost of the
agricultural technology center at US
$5-million. The Center, he said, will be fully functional in a year and a half,
and turned into a commercial enterprise after three years. Liberia is one of
thirty African countries benefiting from the Chinese gesture.

The Liberian leader, has meanwhile, lauded war affected youths of Bong County
for engaging in productive endeavors. President Johnson Sirleaf described the
decision of the youth to become constructive citizens as a move worth emulation.
Government, the President said, welcomes such self-help initiatives and will
provide the necessary support to sustain them.

Supported by the Bangladeshi battalion, the Bong Agro farm project involves
about 4-hundred war affected youth and their families. Presently, harvesting is
taking place of 2 acres of swam rice, 3-acres of hilly ground rice, 4-acres of
cassava, 3-acres of a variety of fruits and vegetables including watermelon,
pumpkin, cucumber, ginger, among others.

"BANBATT-14 is not here only to maintain peace and stability, but working for
peace building in Liberia in many ways," a battalion officer said during the
program on the outskirts of Gbarnga. Also speaking at the occasion, the chairman
of Youth & Development of Bong County, Mr. Mark Dowee, commended the Liberian
President for accepting the youths' invitation to visit the project site at
short notice. He assured the President that with additional support from
Government, more youth will join in constructive activities for the growth and
development of the country.

The project which kicked off in November 2007 now covers 25-acres of land
provided by the authorities of Bong County.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

10) Insect plague devours crops
January 18 2009 at 04:24PM

Monrovia - Hundreds of thousands of insects known as army worms have attacked
several towns and villages in central Liberia, destroying an important quantity
of crops, Liberia's government said on Sunday.

A seven-strong team of experts had reported back from Belefania and Bong
districts saying that the situation there was "alarming and worsening",
Agriculture Minister Christopher Toe told journalists.

The team, which is led by an entemologist, reported that the worm-like
caterpillars were consuming all vegetation in their path and polluting creeks
and running water with their faeces.

Specialists from government farming, health and environmental protection
agencies had been sent to the affected areas to assess the extent of the problem
and spraying of insecticides had already started, said Toe.

"When the caterpillars near maturity, approximately one to 1.5 inches in length
(2.5 to 3.8 centimetres), they can lay waste to an entire crop in a matter of
days" said Toe. - Sapa-AFP

© 1999 - 2009 Independent Online.

+++

11)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#288 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:30 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Liberia’s Sirleaf signs $2,6bn iron-ore 
deal with China Union, 2) Cocoa
price shoots up following West Africa supply concerns, 3) ECOWAS donates US$
100,000 to Liberian victims of army worms, 4) ArcelorMittal becomes an EITI
Supporting Company, 5) Bong leadership meets on invading armyworms, 6)Liberia in
BHP, Sime Darby Talks to Boost Commodity Industries, 7) West Africa: Ecowas,
Others Organise Workshop on Forestry, 8) Agriculture explains moratorium, 9)
Agri Min. briefs Pres. Sirleaf on Army Worms invasion, 10) Liberia expects Bong
iron ore production in 18 months, 11) Another Roadmap to Sustainable Cocoa
Production (West and Central Africa), 12) Man says Akron missing its chance He
suggests city use wood from Firestone rubber trees, 13) Tatas expand partnership
with New Millennium (EXCERPT), 14)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia’s Sirleaf signs $2,6bn iron-ore 
deal with China Union

By: Martin Creamer
Published on 30th January 2009
The West African country, Liberia, has signed a $2,6-billion agreement with a
Chinese conglomerate, China Union, to develop what is described as its “main
iron-ore mine”.

Also pursuing iron-ore in Liberia is the world’s largest steelmaker,
ArcelorMittal, and South Africa’s Delta Mining Consolidated, which is taking
legal action against the government of Liberia for not awarding Delta an
iron-ore concession.

A report from the Liberian capital, Monrovia, sourced from the news agency AFP,
describes the latest Chinese investment as the largest ever in the West African
country headed by

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The AFP report says that Sirleaf signed a mineral development agreement with
officials from the Chinese mining company to develop the Bong mines.

The deal has been sent to Parliament for ratification.

Liberia’s National Investment Commission chairperson Richard Tolbert announced
in December that China Union had promised to build a
one-million-ton-a-
year-capacity operation at the Bong iron-ore mines, about

150 km north of Monrovia, within 12 months.

He said 3 000 jobs would be created by the project, with up to 
15 000
following indirectly.

Delta has launched an appli-
cation in the Liberian Civil Law Court for the
Sixth Judicial Circuit for judicial review of the government’s refusal to
award it the Western Cluster Iron Ore Deposit concession, and has 
applied for
an order preventing the government from reopening a bidding process for the
concession.

Delta is also seeking a 
review of a ruling handed down by the Independent
Complaints, Reviews and Appeals Panel of the Liberian Public Procurement and
Concessions Commission 
regarding the government’s refusal 
to award Delta
the concession.

Delta argues that the government’s purported reasons for not awarding Delta
the concession have no basis in law.

The company also asserts that Liberian law does not permit the government to
cancel a bid 
“without due process” once a provisional winner has been

declared.

In February 2008, the government declared Delta the provisional winner of the
$1,6-billion concession.

However, on September 14, it announced that it had taken a 
decision not to
award the concession to Delta and to bar Delta participating in a rebid.

Editor: Martin Zhuwakinyu

Copyright © Creamer Media (Pty) Ltd

+++

2) Cocoa price shoots up following West Africa supply concerns

Last Updated- Jan 30, 2009 7:15

Cocoa rose to the highest price in five months on speculation that crop-damaging
armyworm caterpillars will spread into Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world’s
leading growers.

The plague that has destroyed crops in Liberia may spread to much of West Africa
unless action is taken, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said in a
statement today on its Web site. Ivory Coast, which shares a western border with
Liberia and is adjacent to Ghana on its eastern side, may produce 1.1 million
metric tons of the beans this season, down 20 percent from a year earlier, an
exporter said today.

“A decrease in production has been the theme lately,” said Fain Shaffer,
president of Infinity Trading Corp., a commodities brokerage in Medford, Oregon.
“Any type of disease that’s going to threaten the crop could definitely take
the price higher.”

Cocoa futures for March delivery rose $9, or 0.3 percent, to $2,801 a metric ton
on ICE Futures U.S. in New York. Earlier, the price reached $2,837, the highest
for a most-active contract since Aug. 29. The chocolate ingredient gained for
the fifth straight day and the eighth time in nine sessions.

Cocoa harvesting in Ivory Coast, which officially starts Oct. 1, began late this
year because of bad weather and prolonged rainfall. Arrivals of cocoa at ports
in Ivory Coast fell as much as 40 percent in the current season, International
Cocoa Organization statistician Laurent Pipitone said this month. World output
will fall short of consumption, Pipitone said.

Cocoa has gained 5.1 percent this month. In 2008, the price jumped 31 percent,
the most among 19 raw materials in the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index.

Source: Bloomberg


+++


3) ECOWAS donates US$ 100,000 to Liberian victims of army worms
1/30/2009

News - Africa news
Abuja, Nigeria - The ECOWAS Commission has donated US$ 100,000 to the Liberian
government to help support its citizens who have suffered great losses caused by
millions of ravaging caterpillars in the Sanoyea District of Bong County.

The victims have lost their homes, farms and other sources of livelihood due to
the devastation caused by the caterpillars that are now spreading to other
districts such as Zota and Suakoko.

The money was presented to the Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf by the E
COWAS Commissioner for Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Oussein
i Salifou, who led an ECOWAS assessment mission to Liberia.

The delegation included representatives of the ECOWAS Emergency Response Team
(EERT), the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and the Departments of Agric
ulture, Environment and Humanitarian and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS
Commission.

The report of the mission will enable the Commission determine an additional con
tribution to be made in the areas of medical supplies, equipment, spray machines
and insecticides.

Similarly, the report will help facilitate ECOWAS' action against the spread of
the devastating attack to neighbouring countries.

The caterpillars, also known as army worms, have emerged with the rains which st
arted in Liberia this year earlier than expected.

Abuja - 30/01/2009

Pana

+++

4) ArcelorMittal becomes an EITI Supporting Company

From: Arcelor Mittal
Date: 1/30/2009


ArcelorMittal confirmed its support of the Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI), after being an active participant of the EITI in Liberia
since May 2007.

The EITI supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the
verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues
from oil, gas and mining.

Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, commented: "We know that our
position as the leader in the steel industry brings unique responsibilities. The
EITI's principles regarding the prudent use of natural resources, transparency,
accountability, and stakeholder dialogue complement ArcelorMittal's own
corporate values and Corporate Responsibility policies."

Peter Eigen, Chair of the EITI Board, welcomed ArcelorMittal to the EITI family
and stressed: "From Kazhakhstan to Liberia, we are seeing how the initiative is
building trust between companies, governments and communities."

ArcelorMittal is the 40th extractive company to become an International-level
EITI Supporting Company.

For further information on our role in the EITI, visit www.eitransparency.org

+++

5) Bong leadership meets on invading armyworms
Written by Clarence Jackson
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
STAR RADIO

The Bong County Legislative Caucus in collaboration with the county
administration has held a strategic meeting to combat the armyworms.

The Bong County Legislative Caucus on Saturday convened a development meeting in
Gbarnga with the caterpillar invasion dominating the agenda.

The Chairman of the Bong County Legislative Caucus including Superintendent
Rennie Jackson and local officials attended the meeting.

For his part Representative Edwin Juah told Star Radio he was lobbying with his
colleagues in the Legislature to secure funding to fight the worms.

Bong County Superintendent Rennie Jackson believes the use of fire to eliminate
the habitat of the worms was one of the best integrative solutions.

However, residents of Zota District hold the view that the use of fire to
eliminate the worms would require huge manpower.

The Bong County officials are collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and
international partners to combat the invading pests.

Meanwhile, the Clan Chief of Kparkolie Clan in Bong County has accused
Representative Edwin Juah of neglecting his people.

Clan Chief Richard Kerkulah alleged Representative Juah has turned a blind eye
on the suffering of his people in the wake of caterpillar attack in Zota
District

Chief Kerkulah also alleged the Zota District Lawmaker has failed to identify
with them even though he was formally notified about their plight.

Responding to the allegation, Representative Juah pleaded with the citizens to
be patient with him, as he did not abandon them.

He told Star Radio since the caterpillar invasion, he has been lobbying with his
colleagues in the House to secure more funding to deal with the outbreak.

The District Number Six Representative said the situation in Bong County was
serious and needed concerted effort to successfully combat it.


+++

6)Liberia in BHP, Sime Darby Talks to Boost Commodity Industries

By Ansu Konneh

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Liberia is in negotiations with foreign companies to
revive the west African country’s rubber, palm oil and mining industries after
years of civil war, President Johnson-Sirleaf said.

The government is in talks with Kuala Lumpur-based Sime Darby Bhd about
reactivating and expanding the Guthrie, the country’s third-largest rubber
plantation, as well as with Salala Rubber Corp. and Societe Internationale De
Plantation D’Heveas SA for the Cavalla plantation in Maryland County, Sirleaf
told reporters in the capital, Monrovia, yesterday.

Talks are also being held with Sithe Global Power LLC to help expand rubber and
palm-oil output, and with BHP Billiton Ltd. for iron ore exploration at the
Kitoma mines in the Grand Bassa and Nimba counties, Sirleaf said. Similar
negotiations are taking place with Mano River Resources Inc. about iron-ore
deposits in the Puti range in Grand Gedeh county, she added.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg
at abolleurs@....

Last Updated: January 28, 2009 09:53 EST

copyright Bloomberg

+++

7) West Africa: Ecowas, Others Organise Workshop on Forestry
Aisha Umar
27 January 2009

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in
collaboration with the UEMOA Commission and the Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO) is organizing a three-day

meeting of West African experts on forestry at Accra, Ghana from Monday, January
26, 2009.

A statement in Abuja said the meeting would study the Draft Report on Forest
Dialogue for West Africa and would be attended by forestry experts from the 15
member states of ECOWAS and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, participants will examine and validate the Draft
Report on Forest Dialogue for West Africa in preparation for a ministerial
meeting which will soon be determined.

"The document which is predicated on the need for wealth creation from forests
products in the national economies of Member States, addresses trans-border
issues, improvement of competency in forest governance, ways of appreciating the
value of forest products as well as how best to coordinate forest policies.

"The outcome of this internationally supported regional initiative will
culminate in an efficient management of shared resources, harmonization of
policies and programmes, cooperation in research with financial backing, mutual
reinforcement of capacity and sharing of lessons and experiences," the statement
said.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Trust


+++

8) Agriculture explains moratorium
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Monday, 26 January 2009
STAR RADIO

The Agriculture Ministry says the moratorium on export of unprocessed rubber is
to generate income for Liberians and stop illicit activities.

Agriculture Minister Chris Toe says the moratorium is to also ensure that
rubber-processing plants in Liberia have adequate raw materials.

Dr. Toe recalled the constant abuse and misuse of the rubber industry before the
issuance of the Executive Order led to inadequate raw materials for the plants.

But since the issuance of the moratorium, rubber farmers and Southeastern
lawmakers have opposed it, saying it was doing more harm than good.

They cited low buying prices in Liberia unlike the period before the exportation
of unprocessed rubber was banned.

According to one lawmaker, local buyers are reducing prices because of bad
roads.

However, the Agriculture Ministry blamed the low price on the reduction in
rubber price in the world and not the moratorium.

Minister Toe warned that any agent found contravening the Executive Order will
be banned from acting as agent in Liberia.

+++

9) Agri Min. briefs Pres. Sirleaf on Army Worms invasion
Jan 26, 2009

Agriculture Minister Chris Toe, has been briefing President Ellen Johnson on the
intensity of the Army Worms invasion in Bong County and recommendations to
tackle the spread of the worms to other areas.

Dr. Toe explained to President Sirleaf about the sixty five towns and villages
in Bong County have so far been successfully taken over by Army Worms.

The Minister also said parts of Lofa and Gbarpolu counties are being affected by
the Army Worms.

The Minister recommended what he called, aerial spraying with environmentally
friendly chemicals in pursuit of these destructive pests.

At the same time the Ministry of Health and humanitarian organizations are
preparing to provide safe drinking water, as the task force sprays the affected
areas.

In a related development, the Liberian government has described the agriculture
sector as the most important, generating one hundred seventy one million United
States dollars earning in export for the country in 2007.

Commenting on executive order number sixteen issues by the Liberian Government,
Dr. Toe said the order was influenced by the need to generate income for
Liberians, and stop illicit activities that pervade the rubber industry.

The Executive Order places a moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed
natural rubber from Liberia.

According the Minister, the viability of the rubber industry is being undermined
by illicit tippers and thieves, thus having huge economic consequences on
employment and revenue generation for Liberia.

An Agriculture Ministry release, says in a bid to enforce the Executive order
number sixteen, plant protection officers and law enforcement authorities have
been mandated to stop anyone found transporting or moving unprocessed natural
rubber outside rubber plantations between six in morning and eight in the night.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007

+++

10) Liberia expects Bong iron ore production in 18 months
Monday, 26 Jan, 2009

Reuters reported that the first productions of iron ore pellets from China
Union's USD 2.6 billion Bong development project in Liberia is expected within
18 months.

Mr Richard Tolbert chairman of Liberian National Investment Commission said that
the full USD 2.6 billion capital investment by China Union would be disbursed
over a period of between 8 to 10 years.

He added that the contract signed this week between China Union and the Liberian
government foresees 25 years of iron ore production from the Bong deposit, which
is estimated to contain 300 million tonnes of low grade ore.

Mr Tolbert further said that "Within 18 months, we will see the first one
million tonne palletizing plant up and running." He added China Union had also
been granted a license to explore for ore in an area adjoining the Bong deposit,
which would open the possibility of increasing the ore resource.

The deal, which beat 9 rival bids, went ahead at a time when many firms have
scaled back or postponed African mining projects as metals prices have crashed
in the past six months.

Ms Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, at a ceremony to mark the
signing, said that she hoped the China Union deal would encourage other
investors to come to Liberia, which is still struggling to recover from a
destructive 1989-2003 civil war.

Under its contract to mine the Bong deposit, which lies to the north east of the
capital Monrovia, China Union intends to recondition the capital's port and
build a hydro power plant to supply the city with electricity. The contract
includes a USD 40 million cash signature fee to be paid to Liberia once its
parliament ratifies the contract and it is promulgated. This was expected in the
coming months.

(Sourced from Reuters)

+++

11) Another Roadmap to Sustainable Cocoa Production (West and Central Africa)
By Olaolu Olusina, 01.25.2009

There is no doubt that cocoa is currently blazing a trail. Now regarded as one
of the market's best performing commodities, it has defied the current global
meltdown that is sending shivers down the spines of economic policy makers. The
price of the commodity that is also known as the ‘Tree of Life’, in fact,
hit a 23-year high last December.

Coming at a time when the price of crude oil is sliding in the international
market, the average price of cocoa keeps appreciating, with London and New York
March deliveries standing at $2,581.6 per tonnes as at early January.
Expectations are high that the price may peak at $3,000.

This is surely a good development for West and Central African countries which
accounts for 70 per cent of the world's cocoa output. From Nigeria through
Ghana, and down to Cote'd'Ivoire and Gabon, cocoa is currently enjoying a boom.
In South West Nigeria, which is regarded as the cocoa belt of the country,
accounting for 70 per cent of Nigeria's annual production of 242,000 metric
tonnes, cocoa merchants are reaping a bumper harvest, with the price going as
high as $2,148 per tonnes.

In the Ashanti region of Ghana, commercial activities in the cocoa sector are
currently at the peak. While output for last year stood at about 650,000metric
tonnes in Ghana, with a projection of about 700,000 tonnes for the cocoa season,
Nigeria put up a not-too encouraging 242,000 metric tonnes as at the end of last
year.

In Nigeria, for instance, the free fall of the naira against the dollar is also
giving cocoa a boost as the commodity is valued in dollar at the international
market. The story is not different in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire as increasing
demand, buoyed by increasing value addition, is pushing up the price of the
commodity.

Market watchers, in fact, believe that the price may go up further as the
shortfall in Cote d'Ivoire's output of 396,000 metric tonnes from the previous
season's 721,413 tonnes is bound to affect supply as the country alone accounts
for between 35 and 40 per cent of the world output. Bush fires in Ghana, low
rainfall in the West African region and the unsustainable methods of production
had resulted in the low production recorded despite increasing demand.

Placing the development in proper perspective, Michael Owusu-Manu, Head of the
Economics Department at the Cocoa Producers' Alliance (COPAL), an
intergovernmental organisation with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria told THISDAY
that what is pushing up the price is because “consumption is increasing and
output is decreasing.”
Owusu-Manu stated that “more value addition is also taking place in Ghana,
Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire,” adding “the dollar is getting stronger, thus
making the real rate of cocoa higher, when compared to what we had about six
months ago.”

While all of these, ordinarily, should offer a ray of hope and be seen as a good
development for a region in dire need of full control of its produce at the
international market, analysts are worried as to how long the boom will last,
with concerns being raised over declining productivity in the face of increasing
demand.

Owusu-Manu confirmed this fear; saying despite the current boom, cocoa
production in West and Central Africa is not done in a sustainable manner.
According to the COPAL official, African farmers are still cultivating larger
expanse of land for fewer yields as against what obtains in other regions where
smaller farmlands are producing higher yields.

The total area under cultivation worldwide in 2007, he disclosed, was 7,415,081
hectares with production standing at 4,043,784 metric tonnes. Out of this,
Owusu-Manu said, Africa which cultivated 4,738,232 hectares produced 2,614,749
metric tonnes whereas America with 1,486,004 hectares produced 108,398 metric
tonnes. The COPAL official further stated that Asia and Oceania with only
731,345 hectares produced 1,140,963 metric tonnes during the period.

Explaining further, he said Asia and Oceania showed a good potential of
overtaking Africa as its yield per hectare stood at 772 metric tonnes whereas in
Africa, the yield per hectare was 539 tonnes with America recording 327 tonne
per hectare in 2007.

This scenario, Owusu-Manu said, poses a great challenge as Africa may eventually
lose its prime position to other regions with sustainable methods of production,
with Asia and Oceania strongly showing great potential.

It is important to note that the World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED) has defined sustainable development as "development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future
generations to meet their own needs."

Given this premise, Owusu-Manu, therefore, affirmed that cocoa production can
only be said to be economically sustainable "when it is at all times
sufficiently attractive for small holder farmers to properly maintain their
farms, rejuvenate their farms as required and to buy the necessary production
tools and inputs to achieve optimal yields.”

Maintaining that cocoa farming “should be seen as a business and not a
destination,” he said with farm size in most West and Central African
cocoa-producing countries averaging one-and-a-half to two hectares, the farm
family cannot earn enough to get out of poverty. What is therefore needed, he
affirmed, is “a system that allows cocoa to play a strategic role in improving
the livelihood of cocoa farmers, their families, communities and the country
concerned.”

Stakeholders, it must be noted, had also expressed concerns at the gloom
starring the sector in the face, despite the apparent potential that could be
derived. Only last October, about 250 delegates from the COPAL member countries
converged on Kumasi in the cocoa-producing region of Ghana for the 'African
Academies Cocoa Symposium 2008’.

The aims, among others, were to come up with a vision for cocoa in West and
Central Africa in the next 30 years; to develop the logic to get there; and to
secure commitment to a partnership for the future of cocoa in the region.

Sponsored by MARS Incorporated in collaboration with COPAL, and co-sponsored by
the Governments of Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Togo,
the Kumasi gathering, which had as its theme, 'Theobroma cacao: the Tree of
Change', was a follow-up to the 2006 cocoa symposium that was held in
Washington DC, United States of America.

Bringing to the fore the role of science in ensuring sustainable production,
delegates at the symposium agreed that socio-economic development could also be
achieved through remunerative incomes for farmers even as they stressed the need
for ensuring that the environment precursors to meet future’s demand are put
in place.

Realising the absence of, and the urgent need to create a “Cocoa Partnership
for the Future,” the overarching objective of the Kumasi meeting was to
determine the status, trends and future scenarios for cocoa production in the
region and how they relate to the increasing global demand.

Delegates at the conference took a cursory look at the development in the
African cocoa industry and listed the problems in the sector to include
“multiple constraints both in policies as well as social, economic and
environmental limitations.”

According to the delegates, these limitations had to do with lack of new sources
of agricultural land and ambiguous land tenure; low soil fertility and high land
degradation; lack of new and improved planting materials; low education and
employment opportunities, poor road and communication infrastructure; inadequate
nutrition and health in working population, especially in women and their
children.

The limitations identified also include an aging population as well as dwindling
interest in cocoa farming among many of the youths; high incidence of poverty
and few opportunities to climb out of poverty; high risk of pests and disease as
well as weak extension services and poor knowledge dissemination.

Before coming up with what is now known as the Kumasi Cocoa Agreement,
representing the views of policy, industry, donors, scientists, farmers and
others, the delegates brought to the fore the critical implications of a
scenario where “productivity achieved (in the region) is below that achieved
in other regions” just as they affirmed that gains made so far had “occurred
at the expense of massive losses to biodiverse forests.”

They lamented that “the sector has lost competitiveness and risks losing its
leadership position on the global market at a time when increase in demand for
cocoa exists due to its health/nutritional benefits as well as greater
purchasing power in emerging markets."

While noting that the future of the African cocoa industry is fragile and
unsustainable, they called for "an urgent need to address the many challenges
faced by cocoa farmers in order to expand production and returns within a
revitalised multifunctional, agricultural sector - making cocoa an engine of
change of the rural economy."

COPAL Secretary-General, Sona Ebai, in his presentation: “Making it Happen,
Production Possibilities,” focused on how the cocoa sector in West and Central
Africa can continue to play a pivotal role in socio-economic development while
at the same time become a dependable source of supply to the world market and
contribute to a sustainable world cocoa economy.

Providing an overview of the world cocoa economy, indicating strengths and
weaknesses of cocoa production in the region, Ebai noted that the greatest
weakness was low productivity and inefficiency, resulting from several
challenges in the sector.

He said for West and Central Africa to be competitive in the global scene,
farmers need to improve productivity, become more efficient and improve the
quality of produce. These, according to him, can be achieved with the necessary
support from government and industry in addressing all the identified challenges
to ensure a brighter future.

Erstwhile world number one cocoa-producing country, Cote d’Ivoire, presented a
pathetic picture at the meeting. In a paper entitled 'Agro-forestry and Durable
Cocoa Farming in the Context of Forest Shortage', Alex Asiri of the
Abidjan-based Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) said that more
than 2,000,000 hectares of land was under cultivation , with a production volume
of more than 1,200,000 tonnes, which, of course, translates into 38 per cent of
world product.

Asiri disclosed that this was leading to the exhaustion of forest reserve due to
aging of the existing area under cultivation. Ironically, as espoused earlier by
Dr. Daniel Sellen of the World Bank, Cote d'Ivoire, in his presentation, “The
Ivorian Sector: Recent Developments,” the country had the lowest farm gate
prices and the taxation on cocoa in the region.

The World Bank, according to Sellen, is therefore recommending a profound
restructuring of the Ivorian sector to ensure future development through
improved competitiveness and equitable distribution of value addition. Good
governance, a cocoa development strategy, as well as a reduction in sector
taxation, Sellen disclosed, were therefore fundamental to the World Bank’s
agenda in Cote d'Ivoire.

Alan Fredericq of the Archer Daniels Midlands Co., (ADM), in a paper titled
“African Cocoa: (on) Sustainable Leadership?’ which focused on the strength
and weakness of African cocoa as a world leader, disclosed that the world cocoa
consumption was growing in relationship to the world Gross Domestic Product
(GDP).

According to him, “cocoa is one of the three most preferred flavours worldwide
with a wide range of uses, and consumption enhanced by the recent findings on
the health and nutritional benefits.” He contended that even though Africa
accounts for about 71 per cent of world cocoa production, and 15 per cent of
grindings, cocoa production in the region still has to be sustainable.

Fredericq insisted that for Africa to retain its position as world leader it has
to take advantage of its strengths and opportunities, while at the same time
improve its image, regarding production and quality by building a positive
consumer image.

With the price of the commodity on the ascendancy and the worrisome drop in
production despite increasing demand, farmers in West and Central Africa need to
take drastic steps for the region to retain its leadership position. Only by
doing this, and very fast too, with the support and collaboration of all
stakeholders, can cocoa production be seen to be a sustainable venture, with
farmers reaping bountifully from their toil.

Until this is done, only time will tell if whether partnership for the future,
could be formed for cocoa in producers in West and Central Africa.

© Copyright 2000-2009 Leaders & Company Limited

+++

12) Man says Akron missing its chance He suggests city use wood from Firestone
rubber trees

By Bob Downing
Beacon Journal staff writer


Published on Sunday, Jan 25, 2009

Akron missed a great opportunity in building its floating wood-decked Towpath
Trail across Summit Lake, Walt Oshinsky says.

Instead of a Brazilian hardwood, Akron should have used wood from old rubber
trees on Firestone's rubber plantation in Africa, he says.

Such a move would make the national news and put Akron as the rubber capital
back on the map, said Oshinsky, 60, a former B.F. Goodrich worker from the
Portage Lakes.

''It would be very cool to have Firestone wood used on projects in Akron,'' he
said. ''It would be the perfect tie-in.''

The city was unaware that Bridgestone-Firestone is starting to market the
African hardwood, said Akron spokesmen Mark Williamson and Mike Teodecki.

Akron is satisfied with the hardwood from Brazil. It is strong, durable and
water resistant and will
require less maintenance and less structural support on the floating trail,
Teodecki said.

It is unclear whether the Firestone lumber, used mostly for flooring and
furniture, would have been appropriate for the project, the city spokesmen said.

Tina Gaines, spokeswoman for Firestone Diversified Products in Indianapolis,
said the wood is comparable to oak or maple but would not be appropriate for
outdoor use.

But Williamson said Akron intends to look into the Firestone rubber wood to
determine whether it would be an appropriate choice for future projects because
of the Akron connection.

Firestone Liberia is starting to look for worldwide markets for its African
lumber, Gaines said.

The new Firestone rubber tree wood has been featured at several trade shows and
is the subject of a new brochure, she said.

The Firestone Natural Rubber Co. LLC has a natural rubber operation that covers
118,000 acres in Liberia in West Africa. The company employs nearly 7,000 in its
Liberian operations that

started 80 years ago.

It has an estimated 8 million mature rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) on the
farm's 200 square miles.

The plantation was named Harbel after Firestone founder Harvey Firestone and his
wife, Idabelle.

The company annually replants 5,000 acres of old rubber trees that are 27 to 30
years old and no longer in maximum production of latex, or natural rubber,
Gaines said.

The new operation is expected to produce an estimated 12.7 million board feet of
wood per year, she said. That's enough to build an estimated 6,350 houses at
2,000 square feet each.

The latex flows from cuts in the tree trunks and is collected and processed to
create natural rubber.

Enough latex is produced from the Firestone operation to fill a cargo ship
monthly, the company says.

The goal is to be more sustainable or environmentally friendly and to produce a
new product for Firestone to market, Gaines said.

In the past, the old rubber trees were cleared and burned. Last year, the
company built a lumber mill.

The $10 million mill created 500 jobs and is expected to add another 500 jobs
when veneered wood and kiln-dried wood are added.

The wood will be cut to size at the mill, pressure-treated and dried to the
desired moisture content.

The lumber, known for its wide grain pattern, is being marketed under the name
Firestone hevea, the genus name for the para rubber tree.

Local lumber companies do not stock the Firestone wood, said Bill Duve of the
Carter-Jones Lumber Co. in Akron.

In 2005, Firestone began an aggressive rubber tree replanting program after a
14-year civil war in Liberia. It takes about seven years for trees to reach
maturity.

The Firestone operation on what was once mangrove swamp and jungle is the
largest natural rubber operation in the world.

In 2005, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. sold its 95 percent stake in the Goodyear
Sumatra Plantation to Bridgestone Corp.

The 47,000-acre Indonesian facility was Goodyear's last natural rubber farm. It
opened in 1917 and employs about 5,000 workers.

Goodyear sold off its interest acquired in 1977 because it didn't fit with the
company's core operations. The company previously had rubber farms in Brazil,
Guatemala, Indonesia, Costa

Rica and the Philippines.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning@....

Copyright ©2008 The Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio
44308

+++

13) Tatas expand partnership with New Millennium (EXCERPT)

Ishita Ayan Dutt / Kolkata January 24, 2009, 0:41 IST

Steel major Tata Steel plans to become a partner in Canada-based New Millennium
Capital Corp’s $4-billion KeMag property, having iron ore reserves in excess
of two billion tonnes.

New Millennium is Tata Steel’s third overseas iron ore venture. The company
has a joint venture with Sodemi, a government-owned mineral development company
in Africa, and a greenfield steel project in Vietnam, linked to iron ore
deposits. Also, Tata Steel is in the running for a $1.6-billion iron ore project
in Liberia.

Tata Steel, with a 28 million tonnes capacity, has set a target of 40 per cent
raw material security over the next 3-5 years. The group meets all its iron ore
requirements for its domestic operations from its own mines. Currently, the
group, which includes Corus (20 million tonnes capacity) and other foreign
acquisitions, has a raw material security of 22 per cent only.

Business Standard

+++


14)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/



#289 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Thu Feb 5, 2009 4:20 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Liberia celebrates World Wetlands Day, 2) Liberia should explain deal with
China Union, say NGOs (Excerpt), 3) Airborne Toxic Chemicals to Fight Armyworms
in Liberia, A Danger to the Environment, 4) Liberian crop pest mystery solved,
5) Crop-eating pests laying more larvae in Liberia, 6) West Africa: Ecowas
Donates $100,000 to Liberia, 7)Sad News from Government of Liberia (Sapo
National Park in Ruins), 8) Liberia-US/China-Assistance, 9)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia celebrates World Wetlands Day - Feb 3, 2009

Liberia celebrates World Wetlands Day

The Liberian Government has disclosed plans for the renovation of the Providence
Island in Monrovia.

Information Minister Dr. Lawrence Bropleh said the renovation of the Island is
estimated at fifty thousand United States Dollars.

Dr. Bropleh made the disclosure during programs marking the celebration of World
Wetlands Day, at the Providence Island.

According to Dr. Bropleh, Liberia�s Wetlands, including the Providence Island,
will attract Tourism.

The Information Minister is also calling on the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), the Public Works Ministry, the Monrovia City Corporation and Lands Mine
and Energy Ministry, to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism in protecting
the Country�s Wetlands.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007

+++

2) Liberia should explain deal with China Union, say NGOs (Excerpt)
Windhoek, Namibia 03 February 2009 08:56

Liberia should disclose the details of the recently signed $2.6 billion iron ore
mining agreement with China Union and allow it to pass through “genuine
legislative scrutiny”, three non-governmental organisations have said. The
west African country’s government should also disclose how it will use a
“signature bonus” paid by China Union when it received approval to
rehabilitate the Bong iron ore mine (MB Jan 26). While the agreement paves the
way for the largest ever...

Copyright © Metal Bulletin Ltd. All rights reserved.


+++

3) Airborne Toxic Chemicals to Fight Armyworms in Liberia, A Danger to the
Environment

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

By Morris T. Koffa
The Africa Environmental Watch (AEW) Inc. wishes to express profound concerns
regarding the destruction caused to crops in several counties in Liberia by the
African Armyworms invasion, and the serious public health dilemma it posses to
the environment. AEW and its affiliate organization, the Liberia Environmental
Watch (LEW), have been closely following the unfolding events with concerns and
deep empathy as it relates to the potential environmental dangers that the
government recommended resolution of spraying toxic chemicals will pose to the
environment.

Of specific concern is the prescribed usage of aerial spraying (airborne) of
pesticides to eradicate the Armyworms. Against this background, the Africa
Environmental Watch (AEW), in conjunction with the Liberia Environmental Watch
would like to offer its expert opinion on the danger of spraying toxic
chemicals, and the high probability of the long term damage it will cause to the
environment.

AEW would like to applaud the swift action taken by the Liberia Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Agriculture (MA), the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare
(MoH&SW) in addressing the situation.

Few days ago, the African Armyworms, of the genus Spodoptera, invaded Bong, Lofa
and Nimba Counties in Liberia, and destroyed every crop in their path while
polluting drinking water with their feces (EPA of Liberia). Several experts have
shared their opinion and suggested various approaches aimed at attacking the
Armyworms by using toxic chemical sprays. AEW is seriously concern that all the
expert opinions and recommendations of the usage of certain toxic chemicals as a
means to eradicate these undesirable creatures for the protection of crops will
produce an immeasurable environmental problem with long term health consequences
that will affect the local human and animal population. AEW therefore wishes to
draw the attention of these experts to the scientific fact that there are better
alternative methods available that can be employed to fight these undesirable
creatures. These methods and approaches are environmentally friendly than the
chemical toxic
airborne applications suggested by the experts.

We share the views of many that the danger posed by these creatures must be
eradicated by all means to avoid extended destruction to our agricultural crops
and the environment. Nevertheless, prudent risk assessment and other analysis
should be exhausted at all levels with respect to the effect of airborne toxic
spraying approaches. Thus, the Africa Environmental Watch (AEW), wonders how the
two toxic chemicals (Cypermentrin and Deltramthrin) were authorized by
government institutions for aerial spraying. It is not clear as to what
considerations were used for the selection of these chemicals/pesticides by the
Liberian government for aerial spraying when there are better alternatives and
options, as well as abundantly available environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Let us take a closer look at the formulation of these chemicals that were
suggested by the government for aerial spraying. Cypermentrin and Deltamethrin
are synthetic pyrethroid used to control pests. They are composed of different
chemical and biological properties of various toxicity levels. Though their
toxicity levels slightly differ, both chemicals dangerously affect aquatic
organism such as fish and aquatic invertebrates. They affect reproductive and
developmental stages. Worse still, Cypermentrin and Deltamethrin can lead to
contamination of water quality. These chemicals seriously affect the human
respiratory system and neurologic tissues. For example, when inhaled, these
chemicals cause burning sensation to the human respiratory tract and can lead to
coughing, dizziness, vomiting, headache, and nausea among other neurologic
symptoms. It further causes, numbness, tingling, and itching of the skin as well
as abdominal pain, convulsions and
unconsciousness.

The environmental fate, as a result of the usage of these chemicals
(Cypermentrin and Deltamethrin) is such that they are less friendly to the
environment even if used in selective ground areas, let alone, when used as an
aerial spray. These chemicals breakdown in soil can seriously contaminate
groundwater, with sequential contamination of drinking well water. Their
toxicological effects are acute as well as accumulative by their highly
concentrated residues which impacts vegetation (fruits) and the entire habitat
of various organisms.

Aerial Spraying (airborne) of these toxic pesticides poses further danger to the
environment, because airborne applications has no boundary and limitation, and
therefore affects water bodies, marine populations, livestock, wildlife and
other domestic animals, including humans. It further exposes inhalation risks to
multitude of people who dwell even in areas that are not targeted for spraying.
Most vulnerable are the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with
pre-existing medical problems such as asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Let us not forget that the people in Liberia, especially those who lived in the
countryside and throughout the civil war were exposed to lots of health problems
that have impaired their immune system; and for the most part rendered their
system defenseless to fight foreign substances. Hence, the spraying of these
chemicals will be an added health catastrophe for said population.

Considering the long-term impact on human health and the environment, the Africa
Environmental Watch (AEW) would like to suggest that the Liberian Government be
opened to all novel approaches, exhaust every available alternative, and adopt a
relatively low cost and environmentally-friendly way to control or kill the army
worms. There are workable and friendly alternatives out there that are worth
considering.

According to the ARMYWEB, a web resource for the Armyworm Biological Control
Consortium, Nucleopolyhedrovirus or NPV is one of the recommended options that
can kills up to 98% of army worms, as compared to Cypermentrin and Deltamethrin
which kill less. A further contrast is that NPV is much effective,
environmentally friendly, and less expensive than chemical insecticides like
Cypermentrin and Deltamethrin that are proposed by the government functionaries.
NPV has been used in several African countries in East Africa, including
Tanzania. Another alternative control method is the use of microbial
biopesiticides. These are biological control agents that are natural pathogens
of the target pest species. The only disadvantage of the NPV approach is that it
naturally occurs only after the worms have consumed portion of the crops which
by any standard reduces the environmental risk factors significantly.
Importantly, NPV is biodegradable.

Based on the logical trend of risk and probability analysis, once the armyworms
have attacked the crops, it is preferable to have them consumed portion of the
crop for that season. Later, the NPV agents can be applied to eradicate the
armyworms for the next crops season than to risk thousands of lives and
communities, risk the next generation and habitats of thousand of organisms that
help balance the environment. The situation is a delicate one that requires a
careful approach which will yield a result beneficial to humanity and the
ecosystem.

AEW agrees with the FAO representatives that the airborne approach as suggested
by the Liberian government should not be an option, because of the environmental
dangers involved. Besides, the use of any toxic chemicals should entail careful
analysis and consideration of all the available alternatives.

Concluding on these thoughts, let’s us be awakened that this environmental
uncertainty that has crept on Liberia, should further remind us all of the ever
daunting challenges and burden that our collective action to protect the
environment has placed on our shoulders. The urgency of educating our people in
preserving and conserving our environment through cultural, traditional and
other relevant approaches is a challenge we just cannot ignore as a nation.

The Africa Environmental Watch therefore calls on the government of Liberia to
adopt safe approaches in full preparedness to meet whatever challenges that may
confront the Liberian nation.

Morris T. Koffa, can be reached at: koffamkoffa@... – 240-417-2545

+++

4) Liberian crop pest mystery solved
By James Morgan
BBC News
last updated at 20:26 GMT, Tuesday, 3 February 2009

The caterpillars have eaten their way through entire farms in days
A mystery pest which has devoured crops and contaminated water in Liberia and
Guinea has finally been identified.

The insects, thought to be armyworms, are in fact the caterpillars of the moth
Achaea catocaloides, says the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.

Cornering the culprit will allow the government to select the best pesticide to
tackle the outbreak - the worst seen in Liberia since 1970.

More than 20,000 people have so far had to evacuate their homes.

As well as devouring coffee, cocoa and plantain crops, the invaders have
polluted drinking water sources with their faeces.

Emergency measures
Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf declared a national state of emergency
after caterpillars were reported to have infested more than 100 villages,
including several over the border in Guinea.

During a field investigation last week, insect scientists from the FAO and the
Liberian Agriculture Ministry took samples of the caterpillars, their larvae and
their pupae.

They established that the insects were not armyworms, as had been reported, but
could not identify the species.

The team sent pictures of both moths and caterpillars to experts at the
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Nigeria.

They confirmed that the species is A.catocaloides, a pest endemic to West
Africa.

"The farmers in Liberia know these caterpillars but they have never seen them on
this scale. It is extraordinary what has been seen here," said Dr Winfred
Hammond, an FAO entomologist, based in Accra, Ghana.

The moths' distinctive wing patterns helped experts identify the caterpillars

Farmers were described as "shocked" by the scale of the swarms, in a report by
the investigations team.

"The citizenry were horribly alarmed and frightened as they saw their
environment (crops, water and buildings) covered by swarms of caterpillars and
therefore had to cry for help," said the report.

"The government responded positively... but the country was ill-prepared for
containment since it lacked the capacity for actual diagnosis of the situation
and institutional structures and resources for efficient and effective
containment."

One piece of good news for farmers is that the caterpillars are likely to be
easier to control than armyworms would have been.

They spin their cocoons on the ground under fallen leaves, which leaves them
relatively exposed. Armyworms bore 4-5cm into the ground to pupate and are thus
much tougher to eradicate.

The next stage is to step up a program of pesticide spraying which until now has
failed to reach any more than a dozen of more than 100 affected villages,
according to Dr Hammond.

"We really have some homework to do now - because the caterpillars are still
spreading. They are in Guinea already," he told BBC News.

Learning lessons

"We cannot avoid applying pesticides. Now that we have an accurate
identification, we can choose a pesticide which is specific to this species of
caterpillar.

"But in the long term, we have to take this as an opportunity to develop early
warning strategies for countries in West Africa. Not only for these
caterpillars, but for other migratory pests."

Dr Hammond spoke on his way to an emergency meeting in Liberia, where
representatives from the governments of Liberia and Guinea, the regional
grouping Ecowas, and the FAO will discuss strategies for halting the spread of
the caterpillars.

The spraying programme may need to intensify to contain the outbreak

One challenge will be reaching the sites of the caterpillar eggs - which are
laid on the leaves of very tall Dahoma trees.

These eggs hatch into caterpillars which feed on the leaves of the trees until
they mature and fall to the ground, where they pupate.

Caterpillars which are not yet mature begin migrating in search of food -
leading them to crop fields, into water bodies and residential areas.

The cause of this year's unexpectedly large outbreak is likely to be unusual
weather patterns, according to Dr Kenneth Wilson, an ecologist from Lancaster
University.

"With such widespread outbreaks, something has to be done," said Dr Wilson, an
expert on armyworms.

"Because the larvae pupate above ground, destroying these by trampling or fire
is an option, but if the outbreaks are really extensive then this might have
little impact at national level.

"Vigilance is the key, as control will be much easier if that they stamp down on
the next generation of outbreaks early on, when the caterpillars are small and
vulnerable.

"However, if they are feeding in tall trees, this can be extremely difficult
without aircraft sprayers."

BBC

+++

5) Crop-eating pests laying more larvae in Liberia

The Associated Press
Tuesday, February 3, 2009

MONROVIA, Liberia: Swarms of crop-eating pests are laying more larvae in the
West African country, experts said Tuesday, warning that the caterpillars also
have been identified as a species capable of more damage than previously
believed.

While officials initially believed the caterpillars were army worms, Liberian
Agriculture Minister Chris Toe said they now believe they are actually a pest
capable of destroying even more crops, known as Achaea Catocaloides.

The pest invasion in Liberia, which is still recovering from years of civil war,
has been blamed on last year's unusually long rainy season. The caterpillars
have eaten vital crops including banana, plantain, coffee and cocoa and have
forced villagers from their farms.

Agriculture Ministry official Joseph Subah said Tuesday that 107 towns already
have been hit by the pests and that they are now laying larvae, which will
develop into more crop-eating caterpillars.

"We should expect a second wave or a third wave," Subah said.

The infestation is not expected to end until March, with the start of the rainy
season in Liberia, said Alan Schroeder, an American entomologist with USAID.

The last time Liberia experienced such an invasion of pests was 30 years ago,
but officials then were able to prevent its spread.

The West African nation was ravaged by civil wars for years until 2003. The
drawn-out conflict that began in 1989 left about 200,000 people dead and
displaced half the country's population of 3 million.


Copyright © 2009 The International Herald Tribune | www.iht.com

+++

6) West Africa: Ecowas Donates $100,000 to Liberia

Leadership (Abuja)
Raliat Ahmed
1 February 2009

Abuja — The ECOWAS Commission has donated 100, 000 US dollars to the
government of Liberia. It is to help citizens who have suffered losses caused by
millions of ravaging caterpillars in the Sanoyea District of Bong County.

The victims lost their homes, farms and sources of livelihood due to the
devastation caused by caterpillars that are now spreading to other districts
such as Zota and Suakoko.

The presentation was made to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf by the commissioner
for agriculture, environment and water resources, Mr. Ousseini Salifou, who led
an ECOWAS assessment mission to Liberia.

The delegation included representatives of the ECOWAS Emergency Response Team
(EERT), the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and the Departments of
Agriculture, Environment and Humanitarian and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS
commission.

The report of the mission will enable the commission to determine what
additional contribution to be made in the areas of medical supplies, equipment,
spray machines and insecticides.

Similarly, the report will help facilitate ECOWAS' action against the spread of
the devastating attack to neighbouring countries.

The caterpillars, also known as army worms, have emerged with the rains which
started in Liberia this year.

They have destroyed farm crops, contaminated sources of drinking water and
sacked many people from their homes.

Read comments. Write your own.

Copyright © 2009 Leadership.

+++

7)Sad News from Government of Liberia (Sapo National Park in Ruins)

Sapo National Park in Ruins - Feb 1, 2009


SAPO NATIONAL PARK IN RUINS?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the Sapo National Park could lose
its natural resources if nothing is urgently done by the Liberian Government to
protect the park.

EPA Executive Director, Ben Donnie, said the Park is being occupied by
Non-Liberians.
He said those who are currently occupying the park are from neighboring
countries like Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone, and that such occupants are
allegedly carrying-out illegal mining of gold and diamonds, including other
activities that are harmful to the park.

Mr. Donnie made the disclosure Friday, during a one-day National Stakeholders?
Meeting on the Validation of an Analytical Report on the Sapo National Park.

Also speaking, EPA?s Project Manager, Nathaniel Blama said, inhabitants of the
park are living in extreme poverty. Mr. Blama named the lack of safe- drinking
water, roads, and schools, among others, as some of the problems affecting those
who live within the vicinity of the park.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

8) Liberia-US/China-Assistance

US, China respond to Liberia’s appeal to combat army worms

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) The United States and Chinese governments are the latest
to respond to appeals for international support to contain the army worms which
have now invaded 107 towns and villages in the northern Liberian counties of
Gbarpolu, Bong and Lofa.

The Chinese government Saturday donated US$10,000 worth of materials, including
motorized sprayers and chlorine for combating the ’army worms’.

Presenting the items at a ceremony in the capital Monrovia Saturday, the Chinese
ambassador Zhou Yuxiao also presented a cheque for US$1,000 to meet personnel
cost in fighting the army worms.

Presenting the items, Ambassador Zhou observed that the army worms invasion is a
threat to food security in Liberia, and pledged his country’s commitment in
helping Liberia in its renewal process.

On Friday, the United States government presented a cheque for US$50,000 towards
efforts to combat the army worms invasion.

The sub-regional grouping, ECOWAS earlier in the week presented US$100,000 to
combat the spread of the army worms.

The committee set up to combat the army worms says it needs US$1.2 million to
combat the invasion of worms that have devastated farmland, vegetation and
contaminated drinking water sources in the affected areas .

TSS/daj/APA
2009-02-01

+++

9)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/



#290 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:20 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1)Liberia needs international aid to consolidate progress in reducing poverty,
2) Delta Mining Plans Johannesburg Listing to Fund Acquisitions, 3) Liberia:
President Sirleaf Signs Forest Management Contract, 4) ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel
Bid for Liberian Iron Ore Project, 5) Agric Ministry holds MRU meeting on
caterpillar worms, 6) Liberia: Caterpillar Behind Crop Plague Identified, 7)
Sub-regional energy forum in Monrovia, 8) Cocoa Futures Drop in New York as
Ivory Coast Supplies Climb, 9) Liberia Caterpillar Threat Not as Bad as
Originally Thought, 10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1)Liberia needs international aid to consolidate progress in reducing poverty,
says Ban

13 February 2009 -Liberia has made strides in slashing poverty, but significant
challenges still remain in meeting security benchmarks for the West African
nation, still recovering from a brutal 14-year-long civil war, Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon said today.
Since last August, Liberia has continued to make "steady progress" towards
achieving its four-pronged poverty reduction strategy which focuses on security,
economic recovery, rule of law and infrastructure and basic services, Mr. Ban
wrote in his latest report to the Security Council on the United Nations Mission
in Liberia (UNMIL), calling for international partners to continue supporting
Liberia, especially in its efforts to curb poverty.

"Despite the sharp increase in food and fuel prices in 2008, many of the
potential negative effects were mitigated by proactive policy initiatives," the
new publication said, adding that the Government has also tried to guarantee
advances in several key areas, including the fight against corruption and public
financial management reforms.

"However, limited national institutional capacity across all sectors remains a
serious constraint, not least since most public institutions, at national and
local levels, have had to be completely rebuilt after the conflict," including
national security agencies, the Secretary-General said.

Stressing the ties between peace and development, Mr. Ban stressed the
importance of ensuring simultaneous progress in all four pillars of the poverty
reduction strategy, "particularly given the potential link between high youth
unemployment and security."

The report also highlighted the challenges Liberia faces in meeting its main
security and rule of law benchmarks.

The country’s media and public opinion surveys consistently show how law and
order are a primary concern, it said. "This partly reflects a continued lack of
public confidence in national security institutions and the criminal justice
system, leading people to take justice into their own hands, frequently
resulting in serious injury, death or property damage."

The presidential and legislative elections slated for 2011 will be a key test of
progress made in Liberia since it emerged from its civil war that killed almost
150,000 people, mostly civilians.

The Secretary-General called for the development of a comprehensive electoral
plan, including financial and technical requirements, as soon as possible.

Delayed polls in bordering Côte d’Ivoire and the recent military coup in
Guinea have exacerbated the unpredictability in the sub-region, he said. "Any
negative trends in the security situation in these neighbouring countries will
have a major impact on the situation in Liberia and its peacebuilding efforts."

Given the tasks ahead for Liberia, Mr. Ban said he recommends that no further
adjustments to the military and police components of UNMIL be made for the
mandated period.

UNMIL is in the midst of the second phase of its drawdown during which troops
levels are to be reduced by nearly 1,500, and further modifications could be
made during the third and final segment which kicks off this September.

UN News Centre

+++

2) Delta Mining Plans Johannesburg Listing to Fund Acquisitions


By Paul Richardson

Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd., which has interests in
coal and iron ore, plans to list on Johannesburg’s stock exchange this year to
help fund acquisitions in Africa, Chief Executive Officer Heine van Niekerk
said.

The Johannesburg-based company may buy assets in countries including Angola,
Congo Republic and Cameroon, where potential acquisitions have been identified,
he said in an interview yesterday at the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town.
Plans for the share sale are "well advanced," he said.

"Part of the reason for the listing is to fund future acquisitions," Van Niekerk
said.

The MSCI World Index plunged 40 percent in the past year amid a global financial
crisis and economic slowdown, sapping demand for new share sales. More than 400
initial public offerings have been delayed or pulled globally since the
beginning of last year and only three other offerings are expected in
Johannesburg this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Delta’s DMC Energy unit is prospecting for coal at four sites in South Africa
and last year raised $120 million in a private placement in London, Van Niekerk
said.

"We have been active in the London market for the past two to three years," he
said. Delta has a "very good" relationship with a network of investment banks
and brokerages in the city, Van Niekerk added.

Liberian Project

DMC Iron Ore is exploring for the metal in the country’s Northern Cape
province. Last year, the company submitted a bid to develop Liberia’s $1.6
billion Western Cluster iron ore project. The west African country on Sept. 15
canceled the award of the mining contract to Delta and barred it and Tata Steel
Ltd. from participating in a new tender, claiming the initial offer may have
been compromised by "external influence or impropriety." Both companies disputed
the government’s statements.

Delta said in December it’s taking legal action to challenge the Liberian
government over the cancellation of the original bid, after the government
invited new expressions of interest in the Western Cluster. The project consists
of two mines that closed in 1976 and 1985 because of civil war, and three other
deposits.

"We find it hard to understand how the Ministry of Mines can re-tender when
there is a legal challenge and a stay order over the re-tender," Van Niekerk
said today. A commission of inquiry had recommended that Delta and Tata should
be allowed to re-bid for the assets and invitations should be sent to the
companies to do so.

"We never received any invitation to retender," he said.

New Bids

Liberian Deputy Mines Minister E.C.B. Jones said on Feb. 10 the government is
optimistic the legal action will be resolved soon and that the reoffering of the
project will be completed by about March 23. The winning bid is expected to be
announced by June, he said.

Delta has yet to decide whether it will submit a new bid for the project, Van
Niekerk said yesterday.

"The deposit is definitely worth it, we just need to settle this legal matter
first," he said.

Advantages to the Western Cluster include the "high-grade quality" of its ore
and the project’s access to nearby port facilities, which will enable
shipments to European steel mills, Van Niekerk said.

"We’ve had discussions with amongst others Nippon Steel Corp. and Thyssenkrupp
AG and they’d be very interested in talking about potential off-takes," he
said, without elaborating.

Van Niekerk said Delta’s biggest shareholders are Avalon Trust, based in
Johannesburg, and Bernard Swanepoel, former chief executive officer of Harmony
Gold Mining Co. Directors include Christo Wiese, general manager of bank
supervision at the Reserve Bank, and Ben Alberts, former managing director of
Iscor Ltd., now owned by ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd., he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Paul Richardson in Cape Town at
pmrichardson@...

Last Updated: February 12, 2009 07:33 EST
Copyright Bloomberg

+++

3) Liberia: President Sirleaf Signs Forest Management Contract
11 February 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed a Forest Management Contract between
the Liberian Government and Alpha Logging & Wood Processing Company.

Speaking Tuesday when she signed the document, the Liberian President expressed
satisfaction over the signing of the agreement which she noted, will create more
employment opportunities for Liberians upon implementation and generate income
for the country's Lift Liberia Initiative.

Under the terms of the contract, Alpha Logging & Wood Processing Company will
harvest commercial timber for 119-thousand, 240 hectares covering Gbarpolu and
Lofa Counties.

More than US $17.8-million is expected to be invested on machinery, road network
and community development activities under the contract, while statutory
community benefits will average half-a-million dollars per annum.

An initial direct employment is estimated at 250 persons which is expected to
increase to about 5-hundred persons or more when wood processing factories are
established, while about US $1.49 million is expected to be accrued in taxes and
fees during the initial year of operations. The amount is expected to increase
on an average of US $2.7-million per annum for the next five years.

Tuesday's Forestry Management Contract is the third signed by President Johnson
Sirleaf in recent weeks. The President recently signed two Forestry Management
Agreements covering Rivercess county.

The agreements are subject to ratification by the Liberian Senate.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.


+++

4) ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel Bid for Liberian Iron Ore Project

By Paul Richardson

Feb. 10 (Bloomberg) -- ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel Ltd. are among companies
that have submitted bids to develop Liberia’s $1.6 billion Western Cluster
iron ore project, deputy Mines Minister E.C.B. Jones said.

The bidding process, which attracted several other unspecified bids, will be
completed by June, Jones said in an interview today in Cape Town at the Mining
Indaba conference. The project is being reoffered for tender after the original
process was canceled.

"We’ve had a number of prospective bidders, including some that bid before,"
Jones said.

The Western Cluster project consists of two mines that closed in 1976 and 1985
because of civil war, and three other deposits. In September, Liberia canceled
Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd.’s contract and barred the company and Tata from
participating in a new tender, saying the initial bid may have been compromised
by "external influence or impropriety." Tata said at the time it wasn’t
involved in any such action.

On Nov. 24, Delta and Tata were cleared to participate in the new tender. A
month later, Delta said it was suing the Liberian government over the original
cancellation and applied to halt the process. Lizane van Rooyen, a legal
representative for Delta, said today she couldn’t immediately comment on the
retendering.

Government Optimism

"We’re quite optimistic that the legal action will be resolved," Jones said.
The retendering process will be completed by about March 23 and the
government’s evaluation of bids should take about two months, he said.

Calls to Giles Read, a spokesman for ArcelorMittal based in London, weren’t
immediately returned. Bob Jones, a spokesman for Tata Steel in London, wasn’t
able to immediately comment on the bidding.

Talks with BHP Billiton Ltd. over the Kitoma and Go Fantro deposits will start
"very shortly," and discussions with Mano River Resources Inc. and Silverstar
over the Kutu mines will start in April, Jones said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Paul Richardson in Cape Town at
pmrichardson@....

Last Updated: February 10, 2009 12:17 EST
Copyright Bloomberg

+++

5) Agric Ministry holds MRU meeting on caterpillar worms - Feb 7, 2009
STAR RADIO

Agriculture Ministers from the Mano River Union Basin will hold an emergency
meeting in Monrovia to discuss how to deal with the caterpillar worm's situation
at regional level.

According to Liberia's Agriculture Minister, Dr. Chris Toe, the meeting will
seek the expertise of International Experts on the life cycle, the
characteristics, the threats and ways to deal with the caterpillar worms.

Speaking to ELBC in Monrovia, Dr. Toe said, following the experts' report, a
technical team will be constituted to design strategies to tackle the
caterpillars' situation in the sub-region.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

6) Liberia: Caterpillar Behind Crop Plague Identified
SciDev.Net (London)
Esther Tola
6 February 2009

Insect specialists have identified the caterpillar species that is ravaging
crops in more than 100 Liberian villages - and have found it is more benign than
was thought.

Millions of caterpillars have been destroying coffee, cocoa, plantain and banana
crops, and contaminating water supplies with their droppings in Bong County,
northern Liberia, for the past three weeks.

They were first thought to be the destructive army worms of the moth Spodoptera
exempta but, after their behaviour was seen to be different, Georg Goergen - an
entomologist at International Institute for Tropical Agriculture in Benin -
identified them as the tree-dwelling caterpillars of another moth, Achae
catocaloides rena, from digital photographs.

Goergen said that the caterpillar's presence on crops in Liberia is something of
a mystery. "Achae catocaloides rena are forest species generally found on trees.
How they got to land on crops still needs to be found out," he told SciDev.Net.

But the identification could make it easier to remedy the situation. Goergen
said that while army worms deposit their eggs underground - making them
difficult to reach with pesticides - these caterpillars lay cocoons on the
ground.

The authorities now need to find a pesticide that will kill the caterpillars
without affecting the crops or contaminating precious water supplies. The news
agency Reuters has reported that spraying teams have already started applying
pesticide.

Goergen said that colder-than-average temperatures at the start of the year
followed by warming could have caused the outbreak, as tree caterpillars react
strongly to temperature fluctuations.

He added that the loss of forest habitat in the area could also have encouraged
the caterpillars to seek food elsewhere.

He called for an observatory system to be established to track the evolution of
the insects, as army worm moths can fly for up to 1,000 kilometres. "Once the
insect number has exploded, it's already too late," he told SciDev.Net.

The caterpillars also appear sporadically in Benin, where they appear to
hibernate seasonally, leading Goergen to predict that the caterpillars will
reduce in number dramatically by March.

The tree caterpillar is also attacking border villages in Guinea, and cocoa
plantations in the Ivory Coast are on the alert.

Read comments. Write your own.

Copyright © 2009 SciDev.Net. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica
Global Media (allAfrica.com).

+++

7) Sub-regional energy forum in Monrovia
Written by Onesimus Leigh
Friday, 06 February 2009
STAR RADIO

Stakeholders in the interconnection project in the sub-region have held a
one-day consultative meeting in Monrovia.

The Interconnection project is intended to link Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra
Leone and Guinea with energy supply.

According to the Secretary General of the West African Power Pool, the meeting
is a follow-up of the Luxemburg meeting three months ago.

Mr. Amadu Diallo said WAPP has received support from the EU-Africa
Infrastructure Trust Fund of the European Investment Bank.

He said with that support, the pre-investment studies on the interconnection
project commenced earlier.

Also, Liberia’s Acting Energy Minister said government needs energy to improve
the condition of its people and strengthens the economy.


+++

8) Cocoa Futures Drop in New York as Ivory Coast Supplies Climb

By Yi Tian

Feb. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Cocoa futures fell for the third time in four sessions in
New York as supplies increased from Ivory Coast, the world’s biggest producer.

Arrivals of beans for shipment from the Ivory Coast ports of Abidjan and San
Pedro jumped 67 percent in the week ended Jan. 25 from a year earlier, an
industry official said. The United Nations said cocoa-eating caterpillars in
Liberia, Ivory Coast’s neighbor, may be easier to control than expected.

Cocoa "has always been driven by what’s going on in Ivory Coast," said James
Calcagnini, the president of East Coast Options Services in New York.

Cocoa futures for May delivery fell $12, or 0.4 percent, to $2,737 a metric ton
on ICE Futures U.S. in New York. Prices are down 2.3 percent since Jan. 29.

The moth larvae that devastated crops in Liberia spin cocoons on the ground
under fallen leaves, making it easier to destroy them, the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization said today.

In 2008, cocoa climbed 31 percent, the most among 19 raw materials in the
Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index. Global demand exceeded output for a third straight
year.

Prices may rise to $3,000 in three weeks because of a supply shortfall,
Calcagnini said.

Output in Ivory Coast may total 1.1 million metric tons, or 20 percent less than
last year, Ali Lakiss, a director at cocoa exporter Saf-Cacao, said on Jan. 29.
The start of harvesting in October was delayed because of bad weather and
prolonged rainfall.

To contact the reporter on this story: Yi Tian in New York at
ytian8@....

Last Updated: February 4, 2009 13:58 EST

Bloomberg

+++

9) Liberia Caterpillar Threat Not as Bad as Originally Thought
By Scott Stearns
Dakar
04 February 2009

(PHOTO) Army worms feed on plant leaves in Pelelei[sic]in Bong County, Liberia,
16 Jan 2009

The threat from Liberia's caterpillar infestation is not as bad as originally
thought. Entomologists have identified the caterpillars as a species that is
easier to kill than those first thought to be devouring farmland near the border
with Guinea and Sierra Leone.

With more than half-a-million people affected by the infestation, Liberia was
bracing for worse, fearing that caterpillars would burrow into the ground -
where they would be safe from pesticides - and emerge as adult moths capable of
flying 1,000 kilometers.

Pesticide will be used to prevent spread

But entomologists have now concluded that the invading caterpillars are not the
so-called "army worms" that pupate underground but larvae of another moth
species - Achaea catocaloides - that spin cocoons on the ground under fallen
leaves and are thus easier to kill.

U.N. Food and Agriculture entomologist Winfred Hammond says now that the
caterpillars are properly identified, Liberian and U.N. officials should quickly
determine the extent of their infestation to properly choose the type and amount
of pesticide needed to contain their spread.

While it is not as bad as it might have been, the infestation has closed schools
and driven people from their homes in more than 100 villages.

Hammond says the caterpillars have already polluted most streams and fresh water
wells.

"All along the waterways where the main host plant of this pest occurs, you find
the water polluted," he said. "You have larvae that drops in the water or you
have excreta or droppings from the larvae that goes into the water, polluting
many of the waterways or the water bodies for the villagers."

Pests munch on cash crops

The caterpillars struck one of Liberia's richest agricultural regions near the
border with Guinea and Sierra Leone. Hammond says they have decimated cash crops
but should not have as large an impact on Liberia's food security as few of
those crops are in the ground during the current dry season.

"Food crops at this time of the year are very scarce in the field," he said.
"You do not have rice or cassava or any of the common food crops at the moment
in the field. But you find them on cocoa on coffee on plantain on banana."

The caterpillars have already moved more than 25 kilometers into Guinea, eating
crops and displacing farmers in half-a-dozen villages.

Sierra Leone has pre-positioned pesticides along the border and is asking
civilians to notify authorities at the first sighting of black, hairy
caterpillars.

VOA

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#291 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Feb 21, 2009 4:47 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Illegal Mining Threatens Liberian Rainforest, 2) LPMC and MercyCorps Sign
US$50,000 MOU, 3) Trees across the tropics are getting bigger and offering help
in the fight against climate change, 4) Gates Foundation commits $48M to African
farmers, 5) ECOWAS member states set to define National Ocean and Sea
Boundaries, 6) Taylor’s Cartel Looted, Pillaged Forest Resources; Witness
tells Liberia’s TRC, 7) Liberian Cocoa, Coffee Data Blurred by Smuggling,
Ministry Says, 8) GTZ to train Transport staff, 9) KDA commends Pres. Sirleaf
for Brown's appointment, 10) Liberia-Caterpillar worms, 11)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) Illegal Mining Threatens Liberian Rainforest
By Scott Stearns
Dakar
20 February 2009

Stearns report - Download (MP3)
Stearns report - Listen (MP3)

West Africa's second-largest rainforest is under threat from illicit mining and
hunting according to one of Liberia's top environmental officials. More than
20,000 people are thought to be living illegally in Liberia's Sapo National
Park.

As part of the Upper Guinean rainforest ecosystem, Sapo is home to more than 700
kinds of animals including threatened species such as the African Golden Cat,
the Liberian Mongoose, and the White-necked Rockfowl. The 1,800-square-kilometer
preserve stretches from marshland near the coast of southeast Sinoe County to
the steep ridges of the Putu Mountains in the north.

Years of civil war in Liberia drove many of the park's rangers across the border
into Ivory Coast as rebels looted their buildings and poached forest elephant
and pygmy hippopotamus.

But even with peace restored, Liberia's only national park is still being
plundered by illegal mining and hunting.

"Sapo National Park is seriously threatened," said Jerome Nyenkan, deputy
executive director of Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency. "A whole group
of West African nationals - Malians, Guineans, Nigerians, Sierra Leoneans,
Ghanians are all in the park."

Nyenkan says park rangers lack the training or equipment to properly shield the
park from outside encroachment. He estimates there are as many as 20,000 people
living inside the protected area cutting timber, fishing, grazing cattle, and
clearing ground for planting. Many search for diamonds and pan for gold in the
Sinoe River.

"We've been in the park for a number of years now. We mine gold and diamonds.
And some other minerals," said Liberian Garpu Pajebo, who lives in the national
park with his family.

"We don't have nowhere to go. And the government says they want to come and take
us from the park. We are doing this business to bring up our future. And we need
to live, so that is why we are doing this business."

The former rebel fighter says he moved to the park because he could not find a
job elsewhere.

In a country were the United Nations estimates some 85 percent of people are
unemployed, Liberian officials are working with donors to provide alternative
sources of income for people living in the park, including fish farming and
ecotourism.

"So it's not a matter of moving security men to run after people in the park.
It's about addressing some of the major concerns for which people are now into
the park," Jerome Nyenkan said.

While Nyenkan says the government understands its responsibility to create jobs,
he says it also has the duty to prevent people from spoiling this unique
ecosystem to preserve it for future generations.

"When this desecration of the park continues unchecked, the Sapo National Park
is going to be gradually losing its international significance," he said. "And
so we don't want this natural heritage to be destroyed, and the government of
Liberia is doing her best to rescue the park."

Conservationists say Sapo is part of a biodiverse corridor that is home to the
highest number of mammal species in the world including the Diana monkey,
black-and-white Colobus, and the

western chimpanzee.

voanews.com

+++

2) LPMC and MercyCorps Sign US$50,000 MOU
Women Farmers to Benefit

By C.Y. Kwanue
Published: 20 February, 2009

[photo]
Mr. Mantein (l) with Mr. Dowey affixed their individual signature to the MOU


MONROVIA, The management of Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC)
yesterday, February 19, 2009, signed a one-year US$50,000 Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with MercyCorps-

Liberia for the rehabilitation of 78.2 acres of cocoa farm, including LPMC seed
garden in Compound #2, Grand Bassa County.

Gain access to this and all other stories. Subscribe now to
www.liberianobserver.com

Liberian Observer

+++

3) Trees across the tropics are getting bigger and offering help in the fight
against climate change
David Adam The Guardian, Thursday 19 February 2009


Trees across the tropics are getting bigger and offering help in the fight
against climate change, scientists have discovered.

A laborious study of the girth of 70,000 trees across Africa has shown that
tropical forests are soaking up more carbon dioxide pollution than originally
thought. Almost one-fifth of our fossil fuel emissions are absorbed by forests
across Africa, Amazonia and Asia, the research suggests.

Simon Lewis, climate expert at the University of Leeds, who led the study, said:
"We are receiving a free subsidy from nature. Tropical forests are absorbing 18%
of the CO2 added to the atmosphere each year from burning fossil fuels."

The study, published tomorrow in Nature, measured trees in 79 areas of intact
forest across 10 African countries from Liberia to Tanzania, and compared
records going back 40 years. "On average the trees are getting bigger," Lewis
said.

Compared to the 1960s, each hectare of intact African forest has trapped an
extra 0.6 tonnes of carbon a year. Over the world's tropical forests, this extra
"carbon sink" effect adds up to 4.8bn tonnes of CO2 removed each year - close to
the total carbon dioxide emissions from the US.

Although individual trees are known to soak up carbon as they photosynthesise
and grow, large patches of mature forest were once thought to be carbon neutral,
with the carbon absorbed by new trees balanced by that released as old trees
die.

The discovery suggests that increased CO2 in the atmosphere could fertilise
extra growth in the mature forests.

Lewis said: "It's good news for now but the effect won't last forever. The trees
can't keep on getting bigger and bigger."

Helene Muller-Landau of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama,
said the growing forests could recovering from trauma - droughts, fire and human
activity - going back hundreds or even thousands of years.

The research comes as efforts intensify to include protection for tropical
forests in carbon credit schemes, as part of a new climate deal to replace the
Kyoto protocol.

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2009

+++

4) Gates Foundation commits $48M to African farmers

By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP

updated 9:04 p.m. PT, Wed., Feb. 18, 2009
SEATTLE - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation says it is investing $48 million
and private corporations are chipping in another $42 million to help small-scale
farmers in Africa work themselves out of poverty and hunger by improving the way
they grow cocoa and cashews.

The foundation's director of agricultural development cited the importance of
the effort because the majority of people who live in extreme poverty depend on
agriculture for both food and income.

"We hope to move more than 1.5 million people out of poverty in a relatively
short time frame," Dr. Rajiv Shah said Wednesday.

Among the companies giving cash and in-kind contributions to help with the cocoa
and cashew project are The Hershey Co., Kraft Foods Inc., Mars Inc., Archer
Daniels Midland Co., Cargill Inc., Armajaro, Olam International Ltd., and
Starbucks Corp.

Cocoa is West Africa's largest agricultural export and accounts for 70 percent
of the world's supply.

The Gates Foundation has committed $23 million to the World Cocoa Foundation to
administer the cocoa project. It will hire local scientists, agriculture
outreach workers and educators to help the farmers.

"We have learned that African farmers will listen to other Africans," Shah said.
"Even corporate sponsors with Western names hire local people to work on the
ground."

The cocoa project hopes to increase farmers' income by improving their knowledge
and productivity, cocoa quality, crop diversification and supply chain
efficiency.

Improving their growing and processing technology, including getting access to
fertilizer and knowing how to use it, could significantly impact cocoa farm
production in West Africa, Shah said.

Most African farmers have little or no contact with people who can help them
grow more efficiently, like agriculture extension workers in the United States.

"We're talking about millions of farm households," Shah said. "Their level of
contact with experts is very minimal. Those types of systems we take for granted
in the United States and (in) the developing world don't exist."

The foundation also will assist the farmers in forming cooperatives to help them
get a better price for their product.

The new grants are aimed at helping about 200,000 cocoa farmers in Cameroon,
Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria in West Africa over the next five years,
Shah said. The foundation hopes to help those farmers double their income by
2013.

A grant of $25 million to the German development organization Deutsche
Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit will support the cashew project,
which aims to help 150,000 small-scale cashew farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso,
Ivory Coast, Ghana and Mozambique increase their incomes by 50 percent by 2012.

Africa produces about a third of the world's cashews, but most of the nuts are
shipped to Vietnam or India for processing, said Richard Rogers, a foundation
program manager in the area of global development.

Although the plan to move processing back to Africa may result in a loss of jobs
in Asia, Rogers said the people in those countries are on the path out of
poverty due to growth in many industries.

"Africa is caught in a cycle of poverty they are unable to break out of," he
said.

African farmers pay the price for this market inefficiency in the form of lower
prices for their crops. Building African processing capacity will help farmers
and create jobs.

Shah said the underlying goal of the projects is to increase the amount of money
farmers are reinvesting in their children, through education and nutrition.

Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, lead the nation's
largest charitable foundation, which focuses most of its donations on global
health, agriculture development

and education. Since 1994, the foundation has committed to $19.9 billion in
grants.

____

On the Net:

Gates Foundation: http://www.gatesfoundation.org

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

+++

5) ECOWAS member states set to define National Ocean and Sea Boundaries

Accra, Feb. 18, GNA - A two-day ministerial meeting on "The Outer Limits of the
Continental Self", otherwise known as the National Area of the Sea Bed, ended in
Abuja last weekend with the agreement to define the national ocean and sea
boundaries of ECOWAS member states. A statement issued by the ECOWAS Secretariat
and copied to the GNA in Accra on Wednesday said the meeting, the first to bring
together regional ministers on issues related to the outer limits of coastal
States, was to evaluate the technical needs of member states, and map out
strategies for effective collaboration among neighbouring states. It was also to
decide on the practical measures to be taken to respect the May 13, 2009
deadline fixed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
for the submission of reports by member states who are seeking to define the
outer limits of the continental shelf.

As defined by the Convention, coastal states have sovereign rights in a 200
nautical mile exclusive economic zone with respect to natural resources and
certain economic activities as well as exclusive jurisdiction over marine
science research and environmental protection. Where states claim that their
continental shelf extends beyond 200 nautical miles, submissions have to be made
to the UNCLOS Commission before the deadline expires on May 13, 2009 - except
for Liberia which enjoys a special waiver till 2018.

The statement said the meeting noted that due to certain constraints including
poor technical and financial resources as well as relevant expertise and
capacity, member states were facing a great challenge in meeting the deadline.
It was therefore agreed that member states should prepare their preliminary
reports and that those on the same level of preparation should make joint
submissions. The ministers also recommended that issues relating to the limits
of adjacent or opposite boundaries should continue to be discussed "in a spirit
of cooperation" to arrive at a definite delimitation even after the presentation
of the preliminary submission. In addition, the ministers recommended that all
coastal member states could, under the framework of the preparation of
preliminary information dossier on the extension of the continental shelf,
officially solicit the assistance of the Norwegian Government to present their
preliminary information before the
deadline.

According to the statement, the ministers also agreed to hold a two-day workshop
in Accra, Ghana, from February 25, 2009 for five member states - Benin, Cote
d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo - to consider technical issues regarding the
preliminary submissions. The workshop, to be organized in collaboration with
Norway, would help address some unresolved cases between Nigeria, Benin, Togo
and Ghana as well as between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. In attendance at the Abuja
ministerial meeting were Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana,
Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Others present were
the Deputy Minister for International Development of Norway, Mr Hakon Arald
Gulbrandsen and a delegation of Norwegian specialists on the Law of the Sea.

Mr Gulbrandsen reiterated the willingness of Norway to assist ECOWAS member
states in meeting the May deadline. He stated that the planned workshop in Accra
would encourage regional cooperation on the issue as well help coastal states in
presenting their submissions. The minister urged ECOWAS coastal states, which
have unresolved issues of maritime delimitation

between them, to make separate or joint submissions requesting the Commission on
the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to make its recommendations without
regard to the delimitation of boundaries between those states.

ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, expressed gratitude to the
Government of Norway for offering to assist member states in meeting the
deadline. He urged member states to set aside all maritime boundary disputes and
jointly face the onerous task of delineating the outer limits of the continental
shelf beyond the 200 nautical miles, through submissions

to the CLCS.Source:
GNA
1994-2009, © Copyright GhanaHomePage

+++

6) Taylor’s Cartel Looted, Pillaged Forest Resources; Witness tells
Liberia’s TRC
February 17th, 2009 · by Theophilus Seeton ·

A cartel of foreign and local businessman and government officials under the
guidance of former President Charles Taylor looted and pillaged Liberia’s
forest resources, the Director of the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI)
has told the TRC.

Mr. Silas Kpanan’ Ayoung Siakor said not only did they loot Liberia’s forest
resources but many of them aided and abetted the conflict that claimed
approximately a quarter of million lives.

What was most appalling of their activities, Siakor said, was the harassment,
intimidation, molestation, they meted against the people in rural areas where
they operated with impunity.

Mr. Siakor was speaking Monday at Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC) Public Hearing on Economic Crimes at the Centennial Memorial
Pavilion in Monrovia.

His presentation focused on the Logging Sector and the Conflict. Siakor
described the actions of former President Taylor and associates as organized
looting of public property in which government officials at various levels
participated and contributed to this large scale theft of public property. He
said bad governance was one of the most important factors that made this
possible.

But Mr. Siakor expressed concern that the present government led by “perhaps
the most high profile opposition and critic of former President Taylor”
appears to be determined to maintain Taylor’s most notorious legacy, the large
scale seizure of over a million acre of community’s forestlands in 2000.

“Perhaps not surprisingly, this was allowed by sons and daughters of those
communities when they enacted the National Forest Law in 2000 which provided
that all forest resources are owned by the republic-totally disregarding the
property rights of communities with deeds for their forestlands.”

The loss to these communities, he said, were in three-folds, as not only did the
government steal the forest, but many of the companies that were given
concessions wantonly violated their rights and yet they did not benefit from the
revenue generated from logging activities.

He said while this government boasts about good governance and trumpets its
respect for the rule of law it appears to be determined to maintain the legacy
of former President Taylor.

“The people of Bokomu and Gou Nwolaila Districts in Gbarpolu County are the
first victims. Today the FDA have seized their forestlands and given them to
different companies against their will in the name of creating job opportunities
and stimulating economic activities in their districts,” he said.

TRC Chairman Counselor Jerome Verdier said issues of economic crimes are central
to understanding the nature of the Liberian conflict.

Cllr. Verdier also recognized the role and bravery of victims who came forward
to testify during the commission public hearings

Under the theme: “Economic Crimes, Corruption and the Conflict in Liberia:
Policy Options for an Emerging Democracy and sustainable peace,” the hearing
is addressing the contribution of economic crimes to the conflict including
corruption and the illicit exploitation of natural resources.

The hearing is also discussing the correlation between the extractive industry
and the fueling of the conflict and appropriate policies aimed at reversing the
unauthorized exploitation of the natural resources by individuals, groups and
the government for purposes external to the national good.

Also to make presentations are former deputy Maritime Commissioner Tarty Teh, on
the Role of the Maritime Industry in the Conflict; former National Bank of
Liberia Governor David Vinton, on the Role of Banking Institution in the Crisis;
and former Postal and Telecommunication Minister Mewaseh Paye-Bayee, on the Role
of Communications in the commission of Economic Crimes.

Pursuant to the TRC Act of 2005, the commission is mandated to investigate gross
human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law as well
as abuses that occurred, including massacres, sexual violations, murder,
extra-judicial killings and economic crimes, such as the exploitation of natural
or public resources to perpetuate armed conflicts during the period January 1979
to October 14, 2003.

The commission is mandated to determine whether these were isolated incidents or
part of a systematic pattern; establishing the antecedents, circumstances,
factors and context of such violations and abuses; and determining those
responsible for the commission of the violations and abuses and their motives as
well as their impact on victims.


+++

7) Liberian Cocoa, Coffee Data Blurred by Smuggling, Ministry Says

By Ansu Konneh

Feb. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Liberia is unsure exactly how much coffee and cocoa it
produced last year because smuggling into neighboring Guinea and Sierra Leone
has become an increasingly significant problem, the Ministry of Commerce said.

“Receipts from coffee and cocoa exports were considerably lower on account of
cross-border trade, a situation which has led to under-reporting of exports,”
it said in an e-mailed report today.

According to official data, cocoa production rose 55 percent to 3,285 metric
tons last year, while coffee output stood at 124 tons, the ministry said. No
data on coffee production was

collected in previous years, although Agriculture Minister Chris Toe estimated
that Liberia produced about 8,000 tons a year before the start of civil war in
1989.

Today’s numbers exclude “hundreds of tons” of the crops which are
illegally transported across the Liberian border, the ministry said.

Liberia, which is rebuilding its economy after a 14-year civil war, relies on
the export of commodities, including rubber, gold and diamonds, for its foreign
income. Official shipments

of cocoa, the nation’s second-largest export, have also been curbed by debts
owed by the Liberia Produce Marketing Authority, vice president Joseph Boakai
said Nov. 28.

While farmers are gradually returning to their overgrown plantations, abandoned
during the fighting, many are now looking to Guinea and Sierra Leone to sell
their crop, said Zayzay

Kolubah, head of the Lofa county cocoa and coffee co-operative.

“We sell cocoa and coffee to agents from the two countries for $50 to $75 per
ton, but our local agents would prefer to bargain well below those prices,” he
said by phone from the

region today.

To contact the reporters on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg
at pmrichardson@...

Last Updated: February 17, 2009 09:18 EST

+++

8) GTZ to train Transport staff
Written by Moses Wenyou
Monday, 16 February 2009
STAR RADIO

The German Technical Corporation will on Tuesday launch a Capacity Building
Training in customer care and services for management staff at the Transport
Ministry.

According to a release, the exercise is a part of a capacity building package
from the German Government towards Liberia’s transport sector.

The Government of Germany, through the GTZ, has offered to revamp the
country’s transport sector and train personnel involved with the sector.

The release said the training would cover management, administration, computer
and areas related to the transport sector.

The release also said the rebuilding package contains wide range of technical
assistance as well as human resource development activities.

The Transport Ministry maintained that developing the transport sector is
cardinal to the overall development of Liberia.


+++

9) KDA commends Pres. Sirleaf for Brown's appointment
Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
Monday, 16 February 2009
STAR RADIO

The Karluway Development Association based in the United States has commended
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for the appointment of Joe Gble-bo Brown as
Superintendent of Maryland

County.

The association expressed the hope that under the leadership of Mr. Brown
positive initiatives will be designed in restructuring the county’s
development needs.

A KDA release issued said Superintendent Brown takes on the new portfolio as an
outstanding developmental expert.

The association also challenged Mr. Brown to make his administration
participatory by consulting elders, traditional, opinion and religious leaders
of the county.

The U.S.-based Liberian group believes broad participation would help settle all
outstanding disputes arising from land tenure land ownership in the southeastern
county.

The group further appealed to donor government, foreign donor agencies and
companies operating in the southeast to assist in the reconstruction of the
River Gee Bridge.

The bridge serves as a major link to the Port of Harper in Maryland County and
the KDA believes its rehabilitation would enhance economic activities in the
region.

The Karluway Development Association pledged its support to the administration
of Superintendent Brown and the development efforts of Maryland County.


+++

10) Liberia-Caterpillar worms
2009-02-14

More army worms surface in northern Liberia close to capital

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) Reports reaching the Liberian capital Monrovia say a new
breed of caterpillar worms has surfaced in Margibi County located about 45
kilometres north of the

capital in northern Liberia.

According to the reports broadcast by state radio on Saturday, several towns and
villages in Bolola Clan in Margibi County have been invaded by the caterpillar
worms.

The reports quoted the agriculture coordinator of Margibi County, William
Cooper, as saying that the caterpillars are destroying sugarcane farms and other
crops.

Experts involved in combating the caterpillar worms that invaded Bong, Gbarpolu
and Lofa Counties in northern Liberia, last week warned that the caterpillars
could attack other parts of

the country, because, they alarmed, the caterpillar worms in northern Bong
County were transforming into butterflies and flying to unknown destinations.


TSS/daj/APA
2009-02-14

+++

11)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/





#292 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:24 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 
1) Liberia: 'Ideal Village' Latest Project By UN Peacekeepers to Boost Country's
Food Security, 2) VP Boakai wants Liberians follow ADA's footstep, 3) Leading
Russian company to explore Putu Range, 4) Ellen Praises Rights Groups for
Comments on Bong Mines deal, 5) Liberia's Coffee industry to receive Int'l
experts, 6) Estonians to mine gold and diamonds in Africa, 7) Brazilian Govt.
delegation visits Liberia, 8) VP Boakai on Liberia's self-sufficiency, 9) Youths
launch clean-up campaign in Ganta, 10) Bushmeat, an African delicacy, facing NY
crackdown, 11) Liberia: President Sirleaf Withdraws Nomination of Assistant
Lands, Mines And Energy Minister, 12)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) Liberia: 'Ideal Village' Latest Project By UN Peacekeepers to Boost Country's
Food Security
26 February 2009


A new 150-acre agricultural village, complete with poultry, a fish pond and
school and community-based farms, is the latest initiative by Bangladeshi
peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to boost
food security, a crucial component to lasting peace in the West African nation.

Inaugurating the "Bangla-Bong Ideal Village," UNMIL's Force Commander noted that
the country has very fertile soil, excellent land-to-people ratio and wonderful
weather, and urged Liberians, especially young people, to use their resources to
develop their country.

"If you harness all the great opportunities your fertile land offers, I'm cIf
you harness all the great opportunities your fertile land offers, I'm certain
that you will one day stand on your feet, and march ahead, and you will be one
of the examples in West Africaertain that you will one day stand on your feet,
and march ahead, and you will be one of the examples in West Africa,"
Lieutenant-General Abu Tayeb Muhammad Zahirul Alam told the community at Maimu
Town, near Totota in Liberia's central province of Bong.

The General encouraged the people of Maimu Town to own the project and manage it
well. "This is your property, it is you who have to really nurture it, secure
it, and develop it further."


Copyright © 2009 UN News Service

+++

2) VP Boakai wants Liberians follow ADA's footstep
Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
Thursday, 26 February 2009
STAR RADIO

Vice President Joseph Boakai has encouraged Liberians to support initiatives by
the Foundation for African Development in rice production.

VP Boakai said Liberians must see the project as one that will boost the
nation’s quest to feed itself.

He said no nation can be free of what he called undue influence outside of self
sufficiency in food production.

The Vice President also dismissed perception that the ADA and Libya Investment
Portfolio venture is a bilateral agreement between government and Libya.

The VP clarified that the venture is purely a private undertaking and not a
bilateral agreement.

He explained that the ADA sought and won a loan of thirty million U.S. dollars
from the Libya Investment Portfolio to produce rice on a large scale in the
country.

According to the Vice President, the ADA would pay back the loan to the Libya
Investment Portfolio.

Vice President Boakai spoke at the Free Port of Monrovia upon the arrival of the
second batch of mechanized farming equipment brought in the country by ADA.

For his part, ADA’s Chief Executive Officer, Wendell McIntosh said with
arrival of the latest batch of the equipment his organization would make its
first harvest in August this year.

+++

3) Leading Russian company to explore Putu Range
Written by Horatio Bobby Willie
Thursday, 26 February 2009
STAR RADIO

A leading Russian Steel company, Severstal has begun exploring for iron ore in
the Putu Range in Grand Gedeh County.

The General Manager for Severstal said the exploring process will last for two
years and would identify the amount of ore and other minerals in the mountain.

Mr. Alexey Mordasov told Star Radio it will cost his company more than thirty
million U.S. dollars to carry on the exploration.

Mr. Mordasov said the company intends to invest nearly a billion dollar once
substantial amount of iron ore is found in the Putu Range.

The Chairman of the National Investment Commission Chairman said the company
would improve the economic lives of the people in the southeast.

Dr. Richard Tolbert, who paid host to the Russian investment delegation, hopes
once a deal is completed the company would create about five thousand jobs.

The NIC Chairman told Star Radio Severstal is partnering with Mano River
Resources to carryon the exploration.

Seversrtal is the fourth largest steel company in the United States and the
second largest in Russia.

+++

4) Ellen Praises Rights Groups for Comments on Bong Mines deal

Published: 26 February, 2009

President Sirleaf
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has welcomed comments and recommendations by two
rights groups, contained in an in-depth analysis of a recently concluded Mineral
Concession Agreement between the Government of Liberia and the China Union
Mining Company.

Daily Observer

Gain access to this and all other stories. Subscribe now to
www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!

+++

5) Liberia's Coffee industry to receive Int'l experts
Feb 24, 2009


Liberia's Coffee industry to receive Int'l experts

The Research Director of the Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO), Dr.
Bayetta Bellachew, is expected in the country today as guest of the Liberian
Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC).

While in the country, Dr. Bellachew will meet with stakeholders in the coffee
sector.

At the 48th General Assembly of IACO held in Libreville, Gabon, last year, it
was decided that a consultant would visit Liberia to develop strategy, aimed at
identifying and collecting coffee germ plasma in Liberia, as well as a source of
funds from international donor institutions for the rehabilitation and
development of small coffee growers.

According to a LPMC release, the visit of the IACO Research Director, follows
similar visit last by Madam Josefa Sacko, Secretary General of the Inter-African
coffee organization during which time, she met with key government officials and
stakeholders in the coffee sector.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007

+++

6) Estonians to mine gold and diamonds in Africa

Marge Tubalkain-Trell
marge.tubalkain-trellatchararipaev.ee 26.02.2009 09:30


Estmor Service Transiit OÜ that is co-owned by Vjat*eslav Santa*ev, starts to
mine gold and diamonds in Africa from March, Äripäev quotes Delovõje
Vedomosti.
UMC inc., Global Mining corp., and Global Mrketing Liberia inc., the
subsidiaries of Estmor Service Transiit OÜ, bought a permit from Liberian
government to start two diamond and gold mines last spring.

The company may get at least 10-11 tons of gold from Bangorma mine. Geologists,
who currently work there, say that there might be about 500,000 carats of
diamonds.

“There is enough work for years. We want to sell the other mine and we’ve
already found a buyer. We’re sorry, but this workload and investment is too
much for us,” Santa*ev said.

They’ve invested about USD 2 mln to Bangorma mine. 12 of 35 employees working
there are from Estonia and Russia.

Considering current gold price, the company aims to earn the investment back in
6 months.

BBN
Baltic Business News

+++

7) Brazilian Govt. delegation visits Liberia
Feb 24, 2009


A high-powered Brazilian Government delegation has paid a courtesy call on
Foreign Minister Olubanke King Akerele, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Monrovia.

Welcoming members of the delegation to the Ministry on Friday, Minister King
Akerele explained the four pillars of Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy, now
as Lift Liberia. She expressed appreciation for contribution provided by the
Brazilian Government to UNMIL, AND SAID Liberia was steadily on the path of
growth, but unemployment still remains critical to national recovery.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, Minister King Akerele said the
government of Liberia is impressed with Brazil's involvement in Africa, and
strategy employed by that country in reducing poverty among her people.

The Foreign Ministry boss presented a copy of President Sirleaf recent state of
the Nation Address to the National Legislature to the Brazilian delegation,
highlighting government's achievements during the past years.

Responding, the head of the delegation, Cicero Lima, praised the Liberian
Government for the warm reception accorded them, and recounted the strong ties
subsisting between Brazil and Liberia. According to Mr. Lima, the delegation
held technical discussions with key ministries in the areas of Health and
Agriculture.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007

+++

8) VP Boakai on Liberia's self-sufficiency
Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
STAR RADIO

Vice President Joseph Boakai says Liberia is still far from reaching the stage
of self-sufficiency.

Ambassador Boakai said the country would welcome any assistance from
well-meaning individuals and organizations.

The Vice President observed relief assistance is an excellent program for a
country emerging from a civil conflict where there are a lot of orphans and
elderly persons.

He made the observation Monday, when a three-man delegation from the US-based
Emergency Food Shelf Network paid a courtesy call on him.

The delegation is on a month-long visit to evaluate the needs of Liberians to
help them determine what assistance to extend to the needy in Liberia.

+++

9) Youths launch clean-up campaign in Ganta
Written by T. Saye Goinleh
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
STAR RADIO

A youth group in Nimba County has launched a cleaning exercise aimed at giving
the commercial district of Ganta a face-lift.

The Liberia United Youth for Community Safety and Development is cleaning the
city with technical support from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The local group is to relocate some of dump sites in Ganta.

The head of the group told Star Radio his group decided to carry out the
exercise in order to support government's national clean-up campaign.

Mr. Fred Johnson said with support from the United Nations Organization for
Youth, the campaign would be extended to other bigger towns in Nimba County.

+++

10) Bushmeat, an African delicacy, facing NY crackdown
Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:34am EST
By Edith Honan

NEW YORK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Like many West African immigrants in New York's
Park Hill neighborhood, Liberian Jacob Massaquoi has a story about bringing
bushmeat into the United State -- in his case, three dried monkey carcasses.

Massaquoi listed "bushmeat" on his customs declaration form when entering JFK
Airport around 2001. The meat was confiscated and Massaquoi, the head of an
African community organization, was fined $250.

"It's like telling an Englishman, you can't have your baked beans," Massaquoi
said. "Bushmeat is an integral part of our culture and something that we
cherish."

U.S. health officials say a steady flow of bushmeat is brought illegally into
the United States, largely by West and Central African immigrants. Officials say
the imports are a serious public health hazard.

New York's state legislature may increase the penalties for smuggling, although
immigrants say the dangers are overblown and the crackdown smacks of
anti-African prejudice.

Officials say even a small amount of tainted bushmeat -- a staple of some
African diets that includes chimpanzee, gorilla, antelope, birds and rodents --
could lead to an outbreak of Ebola, monkey pox or other infectious diseases.

"It just takes one piece of meat that's infected with Ebola virus for us to have
a major disaster on our hands," said Pascal Imperato, a former New York City
Health Commissioner and the former director of an immunization drive in West
Africa.

"It spreads very rapidly. It is very difficult to contain and control."

Salmonella and food poisoning also are serious concerns.

Common ways of preparing the meat -- drying, smoking or salting -- may not
always kill viruses that cause human disease.

Dale Peterson, scientist and author of "Eating Apes," said Ebola -- an incurable
hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate -- can be spread through butchering
chimpanzees and that a person could possibly contract Ebola after the meat is
transported.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite a 2003 case in
which monkey pox was spread from African rats to prairie dogs when the two
species were briefly housed together before being sold into U.S. homes as pets.

There were no human deaths linked to the outbreak.

BUSHMEAT SMUGGLING

"There are definitely people making money out of smuggling bushmeat into the
United States and selling it to their friends and their contacts and colleagues
who want that taste of home," said Crawford Allan, director of the World
Wildlife Fund's traffic program.

In December, U.S. Customs officials at Dulles International Airport outside
Washington, D.C., discovered the charred carcasses of three monkeys in the
luggage of someone arriving from Central Africa, local media reported.

Later this year, federal prosecutors are expected to make their case against
Mamie Manneh, 39, a Liberian immigrant from Park Hill -- in the New York City
borough of Staten Island -- who has been charged with smuggling bits of baboon,
green monkey and warthog into the country.

"I understand why some may say that this is not exactly a pressing issue but if
they were one of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas, they would realize it is a
very important issue," said Assemblyman Greg Ball, sponsor of a bill that would
increase fines for importing bushmeat.

Edward Lama Wonkeryor, a Liberian professor of African American studies at
Temple University in Philadelphia, said he remembers bringing bits of monkey,
reindeer and lion to the United States while a student in the 1970s.

While he said he has personally forgotten the taste after living outside of
Africa for decades, he says immigrants were being demonized while deforestation,
mining and war were much more devastating for the environment.

"The practices of a small African community are being scapegoated for the
exploitation of natural resources," Wonkeryor said.

For now, Massaquoi said he is resigned to eating smoked turkey, the U.S. product
that he said most resembles monkey.

"Right now, I would pay anything for some bushmeat. I miss it so badly," he
said. "It is very tasty, very delicious." (Editing by Daniel Trotta and Eric
Walsh)


© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

+++

11) Liberia: President Sirleaf Withdraws Nomination of Assistant Lands, Mines
And Energy Minister
21 February 2009

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has withdrawn the nomination of Mr. James K.
Zawolo for the position of Assistant Minister for Energy at the Ministry of
Lands, Mines & Energy.

An Executive Mansion press release quotes the President as saying she was
withdrawing Mr. Zawolo's nomination in light of documentation she has received
and based upon his own admission that he has violated the Mineral Law and the
PPCC laws of Liberia during the Senate's Committee hearing.

The President's decision withdrawing Mr. Zawolo's nomination as Assistant
Minister for Energy was contained in a recent letter addressed to members of the
Liberian senate.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#293 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Mar 7, 2009 3:16 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
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1) Venga's Affiliate Ships Dredging Equipment for Liberian Gold Mining Operation
(Press Release Excerpt), 2) Auctioning mineral assets is way to go, says adviser
to Liberia, 3) Planning Ministry Takes Development to Locals, Bomi and Grand
Cape Mount, Brainstorm for Poverty Reduction, 4) 'Illegal' Logging in Bassa, 5)
Pres. Sirleaf blasts health, agriculture officials, 6) MINING-LIBERIA: Steel
Town Blues For Yekepa, 7) Liberia: Two ambassadors hold talks with Dr. Toe, 8)
Liberia: European Commission Starts Three-Year Capacity Building Assistance for
Govt, 9) Liberia-Russia-Investment, 10) Liberia: Green Advocates - Global
Witness Analyze GoL - China Union Concession Agreement, 11) MINING-WEST
AFRICA:ECOWAS Stirs Up Trouble With MOU, 12)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

1) Venga's Affiliate Ships Dredging Equipment for Liberian Gold Mining Operation
(Press Release Excerpt)

updated 6:55 a.m. PT, Fri., March. 6, 2009
TORONTO, ONTARIO - Venga Aerospace Systems Inc. (TSX VENTURE: VAV)(PINK SHEETS:
VNGAF) (the "Company") announced that its mining affiliate, Global Mineral
Investments, LLC ("GMI"), has now shipped the main mining dredge and related
equipment and supplies that will be used in GMI's gold dredging operation that
will be carried on in those portions of the Upper Tartweh River flowing through
GMI's GoldMatta concession located in the Sanquin Mining Zone, Sinoe County,
Republic of Liberia. One forty foot container together with a twenty foot
container

which contain GMI's initial mining equipment and supplies are scheduled to be
delivered to GMI's GoldMatta mining site later this month with the delivery of
the newly acquired mining dredge expected to occur before the end of the first
week of April, 2009.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that may cause the Company's results to differ materially from
expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.

SHARES ISSUED: 239,171,893

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.

Contacts:
Venga Aerospace Systems Inc.
Hirsh Kwinter
President
(514) 489-7175
Email: venga@...
Website: www.vengasystems.webs.com
© MarketWire 2009

+++

2) Auctioning mineral assets is way to go, says adviser to Liberia
By: Guy Copans
Published: 6th March 2009

--------------------------------------------

Former Mintek CEO and one-time Department of Minerals and Energy official Dr
Paul Jourdan played a role in making the South African government the custodian
of mineral rights in South Africa.

Until the new regime was enforced, mineral rights were the preserve of the
private sector in South Africa, which was out of kilter with what pertained
elsewhere in the Western world.

Now he is advising the Liberian government on the concessioning of its mineral
assets.

Liberia has decided on the auction route, which Jourdan says is raising billions
of dollars for the county.

In fact, Jourdan is so taken by the auction model that he believes the then
Minerals and Energy Minister, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, should have auctioned
South African assets instead of embarking on the black economic-empowerment
(BEE) route.

Mineral activities in the West African country of Liberia, which has now well
and truly emerged from two civil wars under Africa’s first woman President,
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, have over the past few years been dormant, with few or no
regulations to govern them.

It was from this vantage point that the international community imposed
sanctions on Liberia’s diamond and mining sectors. With the removal of
sanctions, world bodies are concerned about Liberia’s ability to explore
adequate regulations/ policies to monitor and manage these vast resources.

However, there is no doubt that despite contentious issues, there is vast
mineral potential in the country.

Jourdan, who is the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme
adviser to the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy in Liberia, has played a key
role in auctioning off

mineral assets to the highest bidder on behalf of the Liberian government, in
which he sold iron-ore rights to the Chinese for $2,7-billion, and other rights
for $15-billion.

He now regrets that South Africa never embarked on the same route.

He calculates that, if South Africa had, it would have created 200 000 to 300
000 mining jobs.

In that way, it would have been far more pervasive than BEE, which is now
experiencing problems as a result of the global economic meltdown.

Jourdan believes that had South Africa auctioned known State mineral assets in
the Bushveld Complex, which is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of platinum and
chrome minerals, as well as Kalahari iron and manganese, the quality of which is
among the world’s highest, the benefits for the country and its people could
have been huge.

He cautions, however, that it is necessary to conduct such auctions against
developmental criteria that embrace investment, value addition, infrastructure,
linkages, competitive pricing of mineral products and government revenue.

Jourdan says that Liberia auctions its known mineral assets under the
country’s Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA).

The auctions take place within a framework of the technical and financial
capacity of the bidders to undertake the development of the resources and the
price of the discovery, which is paid in advance along with a rent tax.

He says that areas with no known mineral deposits go through the standard
two-year and three-year exploration licensing procedure, with 25-year mining
licences being granted under a mineral development agreement (MDA).

The PPCA of 2005 requires that all State assets be concessioned in a transparent
and competitive manner.

Jourdan says that, in essence, mining licences are public-private partnerships,
in which a State-owned mineral asset is leased for development by the private
sector for 25 years.

However, he notes, the asset is not returned to the State at the end of the
lease, but is consumed, which, he says, is why minerals carry a royalty and a
resource rent tax.

Jourdan says that while past civil wars in Liberia have hampered mining
progress, the political scene is relatively stable now.

"The civil disturbances have left a destroyed infrastructure and the minerals
sector will be the main driver of its rehabilitation, in terms of rail, road,
ports, power, and water," he says.

He says that the presence of more than 10 000 United Nations troops in Liberia
renders the possibility of a resumption of hostilities remote.

He adds that most of Liberia’s geology is a Precambrian mobile belt with
remnants of greenstone belts. The main potential, he notes, is in iron-ore,
gold, diamonds, base metals and coastal heavy mineral sands (HMS).

He maintains that the main long-term mining prospects in the country reside in
large-scale iron-ore mines and small to medium-scale gold and diamond
operations.

He points out that coastal HMS are unassessed, while offshore, several oil and
gas blocks have been concessioned for exploration.

ArcelorMittal is carrying out an iron-ore project at Nimba; the Bong prospect
has been concessioned to China-Union; and the Western Cluster iron-ore deposit
is being rebid.

BHP Billiton is looking at Goe Fantro and Kitoma, Mano River Resources is
assessing Putu, and the Liberian government is assessing Wologisi for possible
tender.

Each project, with infrastructure, requires a capital expenditure of
$1,5-billion to $2,5-billion.

CONTENTIOUS ISSUES

Liberia is not without its contention in the area of legislative environment and
South Africa’s Delta Consolidated Mining has decided to take legal action
against the Liberian government for first declaring it the provisional winner of
the $1,6-billion Western Cluster concession in February 2008 and then
disallowing it from taking part in the rebid process.

Delta has applied to the Liberian Civil Law Court for judicial review and
applied for an order preventing the government from reopening a bidding process.

It has been granted an interim stay on the rebid.

CHINA SCORES

A celebrated deal is that of China-Union Company, which has signed a 25-year
mineral development agreement with the Liberian government for the exploration
and mining of iron-ore in the

Bong Range. One of the provisions of the $2,7-billion transaction is a
requirement that the company pays $40-million before a sod is turned.

The international nongovernmental organisation, Global Witness, and Green
Witness say that, despite the positive aspects of the contract, the agreement is
vague in parts, potentially leaving it open to abuse.

They say that greater clarity and rigour are required to prevent serious
problems from arising in the future, arguing that weaker elements of the
contract are the provisions relating to the resettlement of communities, the
fiscal stabilisation clause and the clauses governing the feasibility study.

Ultimately, they say, the contract is only as effective as its implementation.
As such, they state, it is critical that significant international support is
given to develop State

capacity, local civil society and legal avenues to provide the checks and
balances needed to ensure oversight of the contract’s execution.

Global Witness campaigner Natalie Ashworth is encouraging Liberia lawmakers to
use their voice to ensure that the final, ratified Bong Mines contract
represents the best possible deal for Liberia and its people.

The Liberian Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy and the US Agency for
International Development last year sponsored a two-day national mineral
stakeholders’ workshop on the

finalisation of the proposed MDA and mineral policy reviews and the
implementation of a Web-based mineral cadastre information management system.

Some 150 participants, representing various stakeholders, including government
agencies, miners, brokers, mining agents, concessionaires, advocacy groups,
conversationists and civil society, attended the workshops.

An issue of concern is the local value add, participants lamenting that Liberia
has for long made no attempt to process minerals locally.

Inadequate electricity generation is an impediment, as is the lack of human
resource capacity.

Most of the participants wanted shorter periods of exploration and lower-cost
surface rental fees and land purchase prices.

The Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy also recently conducted an open forum
with various stakeholders in the minerals and concessions sector to discuss the
draft mineral exploration regulations.

The forum, which was an undertaking geared at building consensus on the
exploration regulation document that was opened for public comments or inputs,
in August last year, brought together major stakeholders directly or indirectly
connected to exploration regulations and other such documents.

The right to explore does not grant to the licensee the right to engage in bulk
sampling or pilot mining and recovery except in compliance with Section 13.2, or
to conduct exploration outside licence areas, or to conduct exploration in any
licensed portion after it has been surrendered.

A class A miner has no right to mine within a class C region without consent but
a class A miner can carry on sampling and other exploration activities within
adjacent blocks.


Copyright Creamer Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.
Tel: +27(0)11 622 3744 | Fax +27(0)11 622 9350 | newsdesk@...
http://www.miningweekly.com

+++

3) Planning Ministry Takes Development to Locals, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount,
Brainstorm for Poverty Reduction
Mar 4, 2009
by MOPEA Press /


Monrovia, March 4, 2009 - The Ministry of Planning and Economics Affairs in
performing its responsibility to monitor and track accurate data on the
scrupulous implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) - a document
seeking to find decent standard of living for Liberians within three years has
begun the process of making the local population involved in the development
process, Tuesday holding separate town hall meetings with the people of Bomi and
Grand Cape Mount Counties.

Tuesday’s discussions centered on the level of progress being made in those
counties so far in the implementation of the four pillars of the PRS (Economic
Revitalization, Governance and Rule of Law, Peace and Security and the
Infrastructure and Basic Services) and the County Development Agenda (CDA).

Planning and Economic Affairs Minister, Amara Konneh, ahead of a delegation from
his ministry including Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Sebastian Muah and
Henrique Wilson, Director for the newly established Monitoring & Evaluation
(M&E) Unit, held over four hours long discussion with employees of various line
ministries and agencies and representatives of Non-

governmental Organizations during the County Development Steering Committee’s
meeting in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, focusing on the progress of the PRS in their
various areas and the implementation of Bomi County Development Agenda (CDA).

Bomi County Superintendent Mohammad Massaley, Assistant Development
Superintendent and other county officials participated in the meeting at the
Tubmanburg Administrative Building.

"We are here to decentralize development, the issue about development in Liberia
must not be Monrovia-based, you are the people on the grounds who are most
affected by poverty and so you must be able to tell us what is happening in here
in the communities in terms of implementation and impact on the lives of our
fellow citizens. This puts us in the position to tell our colleagues in the
government, development partners, and the Liberian people about the challenges
and opportunities for the government to frame its policies to impact your
lives",

Planning Minister Amara Konneh told the over 56 participants at the Bomi County
Meeting.

The Planning Minister told the people of Bomi that they must see themselves as
important people in the implementation of the PRS and not wait for
Monrovia-based government officials to

perform magic to know what is obtaining in the various counties. "This PRS
process is like a football game and every player has to play to the best to win
the game. We in Monrovia do not know all of your problems; therefore you must
play along with us to win this game. The opportunity is now for us to develop
our country; so let’s take advantage of that opportunity

we have under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf that can provide
the conduit for getting resources in relieving our people from poverty," the
Planning Minister in a caution to Bomi citizens expressed.

Mohammed Massalay, Superintendent of Bomi County, who spearheaded the meeting
called on his citizens to see the effort of the Minister of Planning and his
officials by traveling to the

county as a sign of their intention to see improved standards of living for the
people. "This is really strange for us to sit on the same table with the
Minister of Planning and discuss the development of our county and my people,
take advantage of this opportunity and let us help ourselves come from poverty",
Superintendent Massalay told his citizenry.

At the Tubmanburg meeting, several employees of line miniseries and agencies
including representatives of nongovernmental organizations made reports of the
progress made in the deliverables of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS),
outlining their challenges and constraints to the Planning Minister and his
team.

The level of excitements and enthusiasms on the part of the citizens to have a
roundtable discussion with the Planning Minister was high as nearly every member
of the audience prolonged the meeting by insisting on making points one after
another.

In Robersports, Grand Cape Mount County, Superintendent Catherine Khasu and a
group of county officials who waited all day long before receiving the Planning
Minister and team at 3:59 pm described the visit as the first of a government
official to the city. "When people do not hear that President Sirleaf is coming
here to visit, we do not see any officials of

government. This really makes us feel like isolated in this development process,
especially the Poverty reduction Strategy, so Mr. Minister, we hope this will
not be the last", Superintendent Khasu welcomed the Planning Minister.

At the Robertsports Administrative Building, during an emergency County
Development Steering Committee meeting, Minister Konneh assured the local
officials and citizens that there will

be constant visits to the county by the himself, his deputy and M&E Director to
closely monitor and follow the implementation of the PRS along with the recently
deployed Ministry of Planning‘s County Development Officers, M&E Assistants,
and County Statistics and Information Officers. "Monrovia is not Liberia and
development is not just for people in Monrovia. In

fact if you look at this PRS paper, Grand Cape Mount is one of the most
impoverished counties with 76.3% poverty rate, meaning 76 of every 100 persons
living in the county are living on below a day. How can we change this? We need
to work with you to change this trend and we need your support and involvement
in the entire process of making this happen", Planning

Minister Amara Konneh requested of Grand Cape Mount Citizens.

Robert Lormie of the Liberia Institute for Geo Information Services (LISGIS)
conceded that the visit of the Planning Minister will strengthen those working
on the ground in Grand Cape Mount County to take their job seriously.

The Planning Minister toured several places in Robertsports including Fanti
Town, a local fishing community, where he expressed that such effort could be
turned into a fishing industry

to provide more jobs for Liberians. "You see, government is looking for
resources to do everything and we have these kinds of opportunities here. Look
at the fishes on the driers this could make a whole big industry and employ our
people and generate revenue for government to fight poverty", Minister Konneh
said in conversion with citizens of Grand Cape Mount County.

The Planning Minister told people of the two counties that the visit is one of
series of visits that will be paid in all the counties of Liberia to see the
needs of the people and

design the necessary strategy to tackle poverty.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs is responsible to monitor and
track the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), a three year
plan designed by the Government of Liberia to reduce poverty by 2011 and provide
basic services to the population.

Minister Amara Konneh and team leave Thursday for Grand Gedeh County in the
Southeastern Region, one of the impoverished regions of Liberia in continuation
of the conduct of meetings with the local population, seeking their input in the
implementation of the PRS.


All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia. In
accessing

TheLiberianTimes.com's web pages, you agree that you may only download the
content for your own personal non-commercial use.

+++


4) 'Illegal' Logging in Bassa

Rights Groups Disclose

Published: 03 March, 2009

Picture of Tarpeh's activities taken by officials of the advocacy groups

GRAND BASSA CO.,Two authoritative human rights and pro-democracy groups,
Sustainable Development Institute and the Environmental Lawyers of Liberia
(Green Advocates) have disclosed that

Tarpeh Timber has begun illegal logging in Grand Bassa County.
Sustainable Development Institute and the Association of Environmental
Lawyers of Liberia (Green Advocates) recently visited Grand Bassa and found
overwhelming evidence that Tarpeh

Timber has begun felling trees in violation of the forestry law, the FDA's
regulations and the environmental law of Liberia.


Gain access to this and all other stories. Subscribe now to
www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!

© 2009 The Daily Observer

+++

5) Pres. Sirleaf blasts health, agriculture officials
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Monday, 02 March 2009
STAR RADIO

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has frowned on the Ministries of Health and
Agriculture for doing little in areas affected by the caterpillar invasion.

The President said besides spraying, social services including the provision of
safe drinking water should have been prioritized.

According to our correspondent, the President wondered why the people were yet
to benefit from repair of hand pumps and wells when funds were allocated.

According to our correspondent the people are still drinking from creeks
contaminated by the caterpillars.

The President apologized to the people of Zota, the area hardest hit by the
invasion and assured she would intervene to remedy the situation.

It is not yet clear what actions the president would take against officials of
the ministries who failed to provide social services even though funds were
allocated.


+++

6) MINING-LIBERIA: Steel Town Blues For Yekepa
Written by Rebecca Murray
YEKEPA, Liberia, Feb 28 (IPS) - Three exhausted railroad workers sip beer and
talk on the back porch of a makeshift bar in Liberia's rural Nimba County,
concealed by nightfall and the

deafening din of motorcycles and a generator nearby.

”We raised the alarm two, three times, but they have not come to our aid,”
says one of the men softly, requesting anonymity for fear of losing his job.
”They promised us once in November that they were going to come, and they
would raise the salary up, but still nothing has been done.”

It is the end of another gruelling ten-hour day for Liberian workers renovating
the rails over 250 kilometres of railroad, from the coastal port of Buchanan to
the mining town of Yekepa, on the border where Liberia, Guinea and the Ivory
Coast intersect.

They work for a Brazilian-owned company Odebrecht which has been contracted by
international steel giant ArcelorMittal.

The teams hammer down tracks six to seven days a week in the tropical heat, and
sleep in tents on a plywood floor. They are allotted one cup of rice and soup
daily, drink well water and have their pay docked for hospital visits.

The Odebrecht company website says, ”For every day worked, each of them
receives a kilo of rice and the equivalent of one U.S. dollar to pay for their
meals, in addition to monthly wages.”

However, the workers claim they earn an average monthly salary of around $80
after taxes, which in Liberia's inflated economy leaves them struggling to cover
basic necessities like rent, food, transportation and school fees for their
families back home.

Yekepa, the seat of ArcelorMittal's large iron ore concession, is surrounded by
mineral-rich hills and lush, dense jungle. In Yekepa's heyday, the Liberian
American Swedish Chemicals Company (LAMCO) ran the high-grade ore mine from the
1950s until Charles Taylor's rebels invaded in 1989.

”On the town's outskirts, jungle encroaches on remnants of that time - a vast
art deco swimming pool, rusty trains, and the whitewashed skeletal remains of
buildings picked clean by looters.”

ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel manufacturer, moved into town three
years ago as part of its global mission to increase the company's iron ore
production to two-thirds of the total product they purchase.

”Liberia is one of the stepping stones to get there,” Joseph Mathews, the
company's head in Liberia, told IPS.

Pushed by the incoming government of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in December 2006 to
revise their original contract signed just months before her election in August
2005, ArcelorMittal

pledged a US $1.5 billion, 25-year investment for the old LAMCO property. The
government owns 30 percent of the net profit, and receives a 4.5 percent royalty
fee and three million dollars annually for development projects in Grand Bassa,
Bong, and Nimba Counties.

”The renegotiation was for the rail and the port, and it became not a company
asset but a government asset,” Mathews explains. ”We get the rights to run
it, control it and fix it up, then they get it back at the end of the 25
years.”

Global Witness, the UK-based corporate watchdog and critic of the company's
original contract, ”Mittal Steel has shown that it is possible for a
multinational company to act responsibly and negotiate a deal that remains
profitable and safeguards the interests of the host country and its people.”

”However, the real benefits of this contract to Liberia can only be truly
assessed as the company starts its operations.”

For the past three years, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has aggressively
courted companies to invest in Liberia's most valuable resources - iron ore,
rubber and timber - but the

global economic meltdown in September 2008 has hit the country's concessions
hard.

ArcelorMittal just posted a net loss of US $2.63 billion worldwide for their
last quarter, and their operations in Liberia are feeling the impact. No iron
ore has yet been exported from Yekepa.

CEO Matthews says, ”We will keep our operations going along with the rail, and
at one point, earlier on, we thought we would start shipping ore at the end of
2009, but that has been delayed until 2010.”

”It will all depend on how quickly the recovery will come in... We have
already put in a hiring freeze about two months ago, and our plans and hopes are
to keep as much of our Liberian staff intact.”

Eugene Shannon, the Minister for Lands, Mines and Energy is well aware of the
local impact of the global slowdown. ”To tell you a fact, we are going to be
as compromising as possible.

In a downturn you cannot be as hard on people as you can be when things are
normal... We can't kick you out, we've got to work it out because its in our
interest to keep them in, and get as much out of them.”

Yekepa's sleepy market centre is filled with youth trying to scrape by as
motorbike drivers, food and electronics vendors and selling gasoline in large
jars.

33-year-old Victoria Johnson lives close by. A plumber by trade, she moved with
ten family members from Monrovia into a friend's house, and fixes pipes at
ArcelorMittal's residential quarters.

”I find small work and make about U.S. $70 month,” she says. Johnson is one
of the family's few breadwinners. ”When the children get sick, we don't take
them to the hospital, we don't have the money. We go to the drugstore.”

ArcelorMittal say they have almost 500 staff members and about 2,000 contractors
on the ground. They hope to eventually increase their staff to 3,500.

Labour Minister Kofi Woods says that rules for safeguarding the company's
subcontracted workers were not established in the concession contract, and they
are looking at standards

compliance. ”Serious issues include wages, working conditions, health and
safety,” he says.

A haggard 36-year-old guard for the security company Segal - contracted by
ArcelorMittal - returns home from a night guarding the nearby Tokadeh iron ore
mine. Wishing to remain

anonymous, he says he works seven days a week for nearly US $80 a month. He
receives no housing or health benefits, and has also been asked to vacate his
home.

”I don't know the arrangement between Segal and Mittal steel. Certainly the
pay does not come regularly,” he sighs. ”And anytime they want to fire you,
they can fire you from your job.”

ArcelorMittal CEO Mathews explains: ”We pay Segal U.S. $150 to U.S. $200 a
man, and it's the company's decision what to pay their workers... But in the
next stage, we will put these

safeguards in there that you cannot take 50 percent of what you pay and call
that profits for yourself as the owners of the company.”

Darius Dahn is a union organizer in Yekepa with the Forestry Logging Industrial
Workers Union (FLIWU). He recently sent over worker's signatures to the Labour
Ministry but concedes that

organizing the ArcelorMittal workforce - mostly drivers and workers at
Buchanan's port - and the subcontractors is an uphill battle.

”They are just six month contractors and are afraid with the union issue, that
management will terminate their contract after its over.”

But ArcelorMittal begs for time. ”There is a perception out there that a
company comes in and turns things overnight,” says Mathews.

”And looking back, our memories always give us this great picture of what the
past was. It takes time to get there. I think what we end up with will be a
whole lot better than LAMCO

back in the sixties - it's just a whole new world and it will be a better
environment.”

Email news@... | Businesses.com.au Media Group ABN 59 596 763 611
Archive Edition

+++

7) Liberia: Two ambassadors hold talks with Dr. Toe
Source: Government of Liberia

Date: 27 Mar 2009


Two Ambassadors accredited near Monrovia today paid courtesy calls on
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Chris Toe at his Sinkor office where they discussed
areas of bilateral cooperation.

In separate meetings, the Australian High Commissioner William Williams and the
Indian Ambassador, Her Excellency Shamma Jain, met Dr. Toe and his senior staff
and discussed possible areas of support to the agricultural sector.

Ambassador Williams told Dr. Toe that the Australian Government was keen on
re-engaging Africa in critical areas particularly agriculture and mining.

The Australian Envoy wanted to know the status of the agricultural sector and
how the strategic objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) are being
realized.

He then appealed to the Australian Government to provide foreign scholarships to
Liberians as well as technical assistance whereby improved technology will be
transferred to our farmers to increase food production.

For her part, Ambassador Jain of India assured Minister Toe that her country is
willing to assist Liberia in various agricultural disciplines using
internationally best practices.

She said scientists at the Indian Center of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will be
requested to visit Liberia to work with their Liberian counterparts on how to
improve agriculture. This would include assessing the feasibility for a model
agricultural project.

She also requested the Minister to provide a detailed report on Government's
response to the caterpillar infestation in the country.

Dr. Toe spoke about the huge capacity problems faced by his Ministry especially
in the recruitment of senior managers and technicians, though Government is
doing all it could to attract potential people under the Senior Executive
Service (SES) scheme.

The Agriculture Minister cited impediments faced by Liberian farmers including
low inputs and technology which are major contributing factors to low
productivity and income for the farmers.

Minister Toe thanked the two Ambassadors for the visit and assured them of
Government's continued cooperation and collaboration in the long term.

With the exception of public UN sources, reproduction or redistribution of the
above text, in whole, part or in any form, requires the prior consent of the
original source. The opinions expressed in the documents carried by this site
are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared by UN OCHA or ReliefWeb.

© 2009 ReliefWeb

+++

8) Liberia: European Commission Starts Three-Year Capacity Building Assistance
for Govt
27 February 2009

--------------

press release

Monrovia — Experts will train a Unit of the Ministry of Planning and Economic
Affairs on management of European Commission funded programmes and projects

The European Commission (EC) has approved a new 3-years „Long Term Technical
Assistance for capacity development of the office of the National Authorizing
Officer (LTTA/NAO) of Liberia”. The support aims to improve the efficacy,
efficiency and impact of Liberia-EC cooperation by enabling the NAO to perform
and fulfill its responsibilities as set in the Cotonou Agreement (article 35 of
Annex IV) that governs the partnership between the EC and developing countries
in Africa, the Carribean and the Pacific.

LTTA/NAO envisages to enhance the capacity in development planning, programming
and implementation of the office of the NAO, and more specifically to build up
its ability to manage the European funded programmes and projects from their
identification to their execution, monitoring and evaluation.

The project starts with a 3-months inception phase, followed by the
implementation phase.

The technical experts are already in Monrovia and took their offices at the
Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA), comprising 3 experts: on
institutional and human capacity development, on a programme management,
monitoring and evaluation and on administration and contractual and financial
management.

The results to be achieved by the Consultants during the period are:

-A sustainable institutional set-up for the administrative and financial
management of EC funded projects, which guarantees that the foreseen procedures
and time frames are complied according the Cotonou Agreement and EDF rules.

-A system including a methodology, instruments and capacities for programming,
management, financing, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects is
set up and applied with the participation of sectoral direct beneficiaries (line
Ministries, implementing partners, and other relevant government partners)

-Reinforced capacity of the technical Ministries and other main
stakeholders/beneficiaries of the EDF, for conception, programming, execution
and monitoring of projects under their responsibilities.

-The global coordination of cooperation (intersectoral and inter
programmes/projects) is substantially improved.

The additional EC assistance to the Government of Liberia comes through the
Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA). The MPEA is designated to
assume the role of National Authorising Officer (NAO) in the management of the
European Development Fund (EDF), once sufficient internal capacity has been
built.

During the war, the NAO function was taken away from Liberia. Currently the Head
of the EC Delegation to Ivory Coast and Liberia based in Abidjan acts as NAO on
behalf of the Government

of Liberia. In June 2006, the Council of Ministers of the European Union (EU)
took a decision to normalize relations with Liberia. The EC support to the
Ministry of Planning and setting

up an EC Unit within the Ministry is a further step in the process of
reassigning the role of the NAO to the government.

The present Long Term Technical Assistance is possible under the 9th EDF
“Institutional Support and Capacity Building Programme” (ISCBP). The EUR 7,4
million capacity building programme

was designed in 2007 to support the functioning of key public Ministries,
institutions and commissions involved in the peace and reconstruction process.

The Delegation of the EC in Liberia, together with the GoL, also conducted a
programming exercise for the 10th EDF and a new CSP/NIP for the period 2008-2013
was signed in December

2007. An amount of EUR 166 million has been allocated to Liberia to cover
operations under the EC’s cooperation strategy which among other components
includes further institutional support.

Copyright © 2009 European Commission.


+++

9) Liberia-Russia-Investment

Russian steel giant explores for iron ore in Liberia

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) The multi-billion dollar Russian steel giant SeverStal is
exploring for iron ore in the Putu Mountain in Grand Gedeh County in
south-eastern Liberia, located about 360 kilometres from the capital Monrovia.

The area is said to have an estimated 500 million tons deposits of iron ore.

Official sources indicate that the exploration exercise will cost SeverStal
between US$7 million and US$10 million and is expected to last for the next two
to three years.

Alexey Mordashov, a Russian billionaire who owns 87 percent shares in SeverStal
on Thursday paid a one-day visit to Liberia to demonstrate his company’s
interest in investing in Liberia’s iron ore sector.

He told reporters following discussions with Liberian government officials that
mineral exploration began in Grand Gedeh a few months ago, and that SeverStal
hopes to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the Liberian economy.

Liberia’s National Investment Commission Chairman (NIC) Dr. Richard Tolbert
described the visit of the Russian billionaire to Liberia as ’one of the
greatest recognitions of the Liberian government’s good relationship with the
international community’.

For his part, Liberia’s Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan said the coming of
Mr. Mordashov demonstrates investor confidence in the government, “especially
during this period of global

economic downturn”.


TSS/daj/APA
2009-02-27

+++

10) Liberia: Green Advocates - Global Witness Analyze GoL - China Union
Concession Agreement
25 February 2009


Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has welcomed comments and
recommendations by two rights groups, contained in an in-depth analysis of a
recently concluded Mineral Concession Agreement between the Government of
Liberia and the China Union Mining Company.

The President described as refreshing the observations and recommendations by
the two groups, noting that terms of the agreement are a manifestation of
Government's determination to ensure that Liberia reaps the maximum benefits
from its natural resources.

President Johnson Sirleaf described as constructive the acknowledgment by Global
Witness and Green Advocates standards being set by the Government of Liberia to
highlight in concession agreements, measures which will safeguard the interest
of the country and benefit the people of Liberia.

In a recent analysis of the Liberian Government-China Union concession contract,
International rights group, Global Witness, and local environmental advocacy
institution, Green Advocacy, observed that the contract includes positive
commitments to transparency through the contractual obligation to join the
Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.

The groups also welcomed terms of the agreement which call for the disclosure of
information on payments to the Government and publishing of the contract. The
agreement, the groups noted, also contains robust transfer pricing provisions
and the Concessionaire and the Operating Company are made jointly and severally
liable. These provisions, Global Witness and Green Advocates observed were
notably lacking in previous concession agreements.

A campaigner for Global Witness, Natalie Ashworth said, the Liberian government
should be congratulated on negotiating an Agreement which has the potential to
play a very positive role in Liberia's development and which is a significant
improvement on other recent natural resource concession contracts between the
state and international companies. "We encourage

Liberia's lawmakers now to use their voice to ensure that the final, ratified,
Bong Mines contract represents the best possible deal for Liberia and its
people," the Global Witness official emphasized.

The Groups also lauded measures taken by Government toward transparency in the
Agreement, a principle they described as important safeguard against corruption
and should be applauded.

The Government, Green Advocates Executive Director Alfred Brownell noted, must
now apply this kind of transparency to the way it spends and accounts for the
US$40 million signature bonus."

The Executive Mansion quotes President Johnson Sirleaf as saying the signature
bonus will be used for the rehabilitation and construction of roads and bridges
throughout the country, in line with budgetary appropriations.

Under the agreement, China Union will pay the Government of Liberia a US$40
million up-front signature bonus.

The fact the Liberian Government has publicly announced this payment, the groups
noted, is positive. The Groups pointed out that this development is contrary to
what is practiced in

other resource-rich countries, where signature bonuses are often kept secret,
thereby raising the risks of corruption.

Despite the positive aspects of the contract, Green Advocates and Global Witness
observed, the Agreement is vague in parts, potentially leaving it open to abuse.
Greater clarity and

rigor, the groups said, is required to prevent serious problems from arising in
the future. "Weaker elements of the contract which the Legislature should
consider amending are the

provisions relating to the resettlement of communities, the fiscal stabilization
clause and the clauses governing the feasibility study," the Advocacy Groups
recommended.

"Ultimately, the contract is only as effective as its implementation. As such,
it is critical that significant international support is given to develop state
capacity, local civil

society and legal avenues to provide the checks and balances needed to ensure
oversight of the contract's execution," Green Advocates and Global Witness
recommended.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.


+++

11) MINING-WEST AFRICA:
ECOWAS Stirs Up Trouble With MOU
Francis Kokutse

Credit: Manoocher Deghati/IRIN

Defining the code that will guide resource extraction in West Africa is vital.

ACCRA, Oct 24 (IPS) - The Economic Community of West African States has taken
the unprecedented step of inviting Oxfam America to coordinate the drawing up of
a mining code for the region. The decision has infuriated some civil society
organisations.

Speaking after the April signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
ECOWAS to develop the code, Mamadou Bitèye, regional director for Oxfam America
in West Africa said, "In its current form, mining activity has not made the
lives of West Africans significantly better.

"Even though gold mining has surpassed cotton and cocoa farming, Mali and Ghana
still rank 173 and 135 respectively out of 177 countries, according to the UNDP
Human Development Index."

Resource extraction in West Africa has been linked to civil war in Liberia and
Sierra Leone, and environmental degradation and displacement of local people in
Ghana and Nigeria, to choose just a few examples. Inhabitants of oil- or
gold-rich areas are often paradoxically among the poorest in each of these
countries.

Bitèye told IPS that collaboration with ECOWAS began in March 2007 when the
president of the ECOWAS invited the group to engage in a process to develop
mining standards that benefit the poor, respect the environment and human
rights, and keep governments and mining companies accountable through improved
governance practice.

"Oxfam America agreed to facilitate the participation of and contribution from
West African civil society and members of communities affected by mining in this
process. In turn, ECOWAS's role is to consult governments, international
financial institutions, mining companies and other stakeholders."

According to Oxfam America, the code will ensure social stability, protect the
environment, improve job security, income and food security, and respect good
mining conduct norms.

The creation of the ECOWAS mining code is part of Oxfam America's programme to
promote citizen participation in West Africa in decisions related to oil, gas,
and mining projects, transparency of payments by international corporations to
governments operating in this industry, and uniform laws and policies across the
region that will forestall a "race to the bottom" as companies compete for
foreign investment by compromising their social and environmental standards.

Process challenged
But protests have been flying around the subregion since the ECOWAS decision to
sign the MOU.

Yao Graham, Third World Network Africa's regional director told IPS that "our
concern so far is that the mode of Oxfam America's selection has not followed
any procedure. They were simply hand-picked and aside from that, the
organisation is providing $123,000 dollars to pay consultants that it was going
to engage."

Dissatisfaction with the procedure for selection led TWN Africa - a research and
advocacy NGO with a strong interest in development, the environment and trade
justice - to boycott the meetings that Oxfam had called.

Bitèye says Oxfam America is committed to civil society participation. "Oxfam
is not dictating or overseeing civil society in this process. We are playing the
role of facilitator so civil society organizations can make their voices heard.

"With years of experience supporting civil society organizations working on
mining issues, Oxfam's goal is to support the contribution of these groups to
the mining convention development process both at national and regional levels.

"Oxfam's extensive experience working on extractive industries around the world
also allows us to provide technical assistance and access to a network of
international experts on this issue," Biteye added.

But the process has been controversial. The MOU was signed in Nigeria on 14
April, but a "validation workshop" was held in Dakar just three days later, at
which a draft of the mining code was presented to around eighty regional civil
society organisations.

Dakar-based lawyer Hélène Cissé, a co-author of the code, interviewed in the
African finance journal Les Afriques at the end of May said following: "I
believe the notion of having citizens participate played an important role in
this workshop. What was most important about it, however, is that it was
constructive.

"The purpose of the mining code we’re currently drafting is not to go against
mining companies. That’s not at all our intention. Instead, we are trying to
make them understand that local communities are assets and that economic
production must be incorporated into the global effort to secure the well being
of local populations."

Cissé said that modifications suggested by participants in the April workshop
were integrated and the text was submitted to ECOWAS. "ECOWAS appeared to be
very inclined to take this into account to formalise the final project,"

The impression of being asked to comment on an already well-developed draft did
not sit well with TWN's Graham. He said ECOWAS director of industry and mines,
Mensan Lawson-Hichelli was invited to Accra where the TWN expressed misgivings
about the involvement of Oxfam in the drawing up of the code but nothing has
come out of this protest.

When IPS called Lawson-Hichelli, he said he was not in a position to answer
questions on the MOU between ECOWAS and Oxfam America. "You must direct your
queries to the appropriate quarters."

Asked who that was, he replied, "I don't know."

Efforts to secure a copy of the draft code also came to nothing.

IPS eventually reached ECOWAS trade commissioner D.A. Daramy, who said, "Oxfam
USA is an NGO that ECOWAS invited to correct the situation in the mining sector
in the region. They did not approach us, we talked them because we knew they had
the expertise.

"Currently, Oxfam USA is developing the convention that we need to set up the
basis for producing the regulation required to improve the sector. The
accusation that there was something wrong with our involving Oxfam USA is simply
not right."

Out of step with civil society principles?

Abdulai Dramani, the environmental programme officer for Third World Network
Ghana, told IPS the whole idea of the MOU is "not transparent and advances the
very forms of donor capture of policy and citizens space that African peoples as
well as many from the global North have been campaigning against."

He describes Oxfam America's role in nominating non-governmental organisations
to participate in the process as colonial.

Dramani underlines that civil groups in the West Africa region are not against
the preparation of the mining code. "What we are against is the arrangement."

And he is not alone. A letter from the Ogoni Solidarity Forum of Nigeria [ID] to
the ECOWAS President charged that the MOU "violates the Southern Campaigning and
Advocacy Principles that the Oxfam family adopted some years ago."

OSF pointed out that ECOWAS' foray into mining policy was relatively new and
noted that the design and timetable of the project places ECOWAS at risk of
missing out on a historic opportunity and benefit from the continental review of
the experience of mining codes across Africa which has been initiated by the
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Africa Union (AU)."

OSF also views the role assigned to Oxfam America as undermining "relations
between ECOWAS and its citizens and their organisations in the region."

TWN's Dramani states that since the countries in the region do not have adequate
guidelines, it is the wrong approach to start with drawing up policies. "There
is the need to negotiate certain principles and these would define the
conventions and the laws that would be used," he said.

All parties are agreed, it seems, on the need for improved regulation of mining
in the region. Across West Africa, resource extraction has been connected to
systematic violation of human rights across West Africa, often with slow and
limited response from the governments who rather than protect citizens collude
with multinational companies to maximise profits.

The outcome of the battle for control over a code that could define future
conduct in West Africa is a vital one.

*with additional reporting from Terna Gyuse in Cape Town

(END/2008)


Send your comments to the editor

IPSNEWS.NET

Copyright © 2009 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved.


+++

12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#294 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:47 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Fires in West Africa, 2) West Africa: Ecowas Meets Over Food Crisis, 3)
Sierra Leone: Diamond Miners Choose Cassava Over Carats, 4) ArcelorMittal sees
uncertainties in Liberian projects, 5) Liberia: ArcelorMittal Slow to Yield
Benefits for Liberians, 6) Liberia invaded by crop-eating caterpillars again:
ministry, 7) LIBERIA: IN THE HONEY BUSINESS (EXCERPT), 8) Sinoe citizens call
President's attention to land dispute, 9) Canadian Gold Star to buy west African
oil concession (Press Release), 10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) Fires in West Africa
Agricultural and other land-management or trash-burning fires are widespread
across West Africa in the dry season. This image from the Moderate Resolution
Imaging Spectroradiometer

(MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on March 17, 2009, shows scores of fires
(locations marked in red) burning in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Although
agricultural burning such as this is not necessarily immediately hazardous, it
can have a major impact on air quality and human health, climate, and natural
resources.

Image credit: Jeff Schmaltz, NASA's MODIS Rapid Response Team
Text credit: Rebecca Lindsey, NASA's Earth Observatory

link to image:
http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/319734main_WestAfrica_AMO_2009076_lrg_full.jp\
g


+++

2) West Africa: Ecowas Meets Over Food Crisis
Leadership (Abuja)
Nwakpa O. Nwakpa
17 March 2009

---------------------------------------------

Abuja — The Economic Community of West Africa has begun a meeting to discuss
the way forward on the present food crisis in the Sahel and West African
sub-regions. The conference, which started yesterday at the ECOWAS Commission in
Abuja, is bent on creating agriculture, food and trade opportunities in the
region.

In a keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Water Resources, Dr.
Abba Sayyadi Ruma, stated that the objective of the conference was in total
conformity with President Yar'Adua's Seven-Point Agenda which had to position
Nigerians as one of the greatest in food production by the year 2020.

Ruma told the conference that the Federal Government has made tremendous effort
at implementing various agricultural programmes and projects.

He noted that the government was determined to reduce hunger and ensure food
security and opportunities for trade, not only in Nigeria but at the regional
level.

He said that Yar'Adua, on assumption of office, undertook a close review of
strategies adopted by previous governments. This, according to him, "resulted to
the evolution of new strategies, which has led to the development of National
Food Security Programme". This is to ensure "sustainable access, availability
and affordability of qualitative food for all Nigerians as well as become a
significant net provider of food to the global community".

Ruma said the government has a vision of making land available to small holder
farmers, deregulation of inputs, provision of input subsidies and to increase
the government's storage capacity for strategic reserve from 300,000mt to
3,000,000mt by 2011..

Copyright © 2009 Leadership. All rights reserved.


+++

3) Diamond Miners Choose Cassava Over Carats [Sierra Leone]
16 March 2009

-------------------------------------------------------------

Koidu — In Sierra Leone plummeting diamond prices, dwindling reserves,
consistently poor working conditions and a lack of regulation are driving
diamond workers to start farming, youths told IRIN.

"The future of Kono is not diamonds," said Tamba Kakarnbanja, councillor for
youths in Kono District. "It's agriculture."

Diamonds helped fuel the 11-year civil war that killed at least 75,000 people,
injured some 10,000 and displaced almost half of Sierra Leone's 4.5 million
population according to the UN. Tens of thousands of Kono residents were forced
out of their villages by rebels who wanted access to the diamond-rich land.

The global recession has slammed diamond prices in Africa, with the price of
rough diamonds falling by as much as 20 percent, according to local dealers.
Some industry observers say prices could fall by a further 60 percent.

Profits are plummeting for artisanal miners and large-scale corporate diamond
mining firms, which have drastically cut staff across the district.

"People here say the more you shed blood, the more diamonds you get. Now we are
shedding less blood, so we have fewer diamonds," said a diamond dealer, known
only as 'Little', in Kono's capital Koidu.

"Living on luck"

Mohammed Diallo, 45, from Kumdoma village in Sandoh chiefdom in northern Kono,
has been digging for diamonds for most of his life. "I am tired of this
business," he said. "It is not constant. We have been digging this pit for three
months and so far we have found nothing. Next year I am doing farming. It is
more constant. You can reap what you sow. Here you are just living on luck."

Little told IRIN: "There is very little mining now. People are still finding
diamonds along the rivers, but they are smaller than before. We are finding it
harder and harder to support ourselves. All of us are broke now. Most groups
find a diamond every six months...if they're lucky."

Last year Diallo received just US$60 over the six-month season. Some steal
diamonds and sell them illicitly or smuggle them across the nearby borders of
Guinea or Liberia, said Abdu Diallo, Kumdoma's supervisor.

At the Kumdoma pit men receive a bowl of rice and sauce for hours of arduous
work. If they find diamonds they are paid at the end of the season. Up to 70
percent of profits go to the financier, the rest to the license-holder -- often
a local chief to be split among his workers. Conditions are similar throughout
the district.

Most people continue artisanal mining, "because they are living on a dream,"
says Patrick Tongu, director of Kono-based non-profit Network Movement for
Justice and Development.

Mining in Kono incorporates deep-pit large-scale mining, corporate shallow-pit
or alluvial mining, and artisanal mining, which traditionally has employed the
vast majority of locals, and is non-mechanised, low-output mining done by
individuals or small groups.

Koidu Holdings, the largest firm in the area, employed 600 people in May 2008
and now retains just 60. The massive scale-back is due both to the government's
review of mining contracts and to the state of the diamond industry, according
to Koidu's spokesperson Ibrahim Kamara.

"We hope to go back to 600 one day, but madness is unfolding internationally and
everyone is affected. Everyone is being sensible - people don't want to buy
luxury goods now," Kamara told IRIN.

Farming pays

Farming can provide a higher and steadier wage than artisanal mining, says Marco
Serena, country director for international NGO COOPI, which runs a programme in
32 Kono communities to help youths begin farming.

In a 2008 study of 70 youths involved in COOPI's programme, 60 percent of them
were living below the national poverty line of $1.25 per day at the beginning of
the project, but 90 percent earned $2 to $3.50 per day once it was up and
running.

"We are noticing with the decline in mining and with huge unemployment rates
across the district, that there is much more interest in our agriculture
programmes," Serena said.

COOPI works with groups of youths - mainly aged 15 to 25 - to grow vegetables,
fruits and rice. They pound cassava they produce into 'gari' which is mixed with
water and eaten with sauce, and Serena said soon the youths will be able to
process the mangoes and bananas into juice.

"These products are available for many more months [than the raw materials], and
they are more valuable sale-items," said Serena, adding that farmers can make up
to a 30-percent return on their investment.

The government has also been strongly encouraging youths to return to
agriculture, Serena said.

Youth councillor Kakarnbanja told IRIN: "These boys are used to hard labour and
if they have the right incentives, some fertilisers, the right equipment, a bit
of training to manage finance, then I think 80 percent of the youths here would
choose [farming]."

Youth unemployment is at 75 percent in eastern Kono district, according to
government figures. Article link

Diallo of Kumdoma village does not know how to go about raising funds to start
up a farm, nor is he part of a cooperative, which is required for participating
in COOPI's grant scheme.

"I don't know how to get there yet, but I am determined to try," he said.

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]

Copyright © 2009 UN Integrated Regional Information Networks.

+++

4) ArcelorMittal sees uncertainties in Liberian projects
News Monday, SteelGuru 16 Mar 2009

Inter Press Service reported that, in the face of the global economic downturn,
ArcelorMittal and its Liberian employees and subcontractors are unlikely to reap
the benefits of the steel company investment in iron ore production in Liberia
any time soon.

As per report, ArcelorMittal met with the approval of watchdog Global Witness
for negotiating a deal that remains profitable and safeguards the interests of
the host country and its people. In the current climate, however, Liberia is
reluctant to impose conditions on investors, while contractors are willing to
compromise on working conditions, fearful that
unionizing would put their jobs in jeopardy.

Mr Joseph Mathews ArcelorMittal head in Liberia said that "Liberia is one of the
stepping stones to get there. The renegotiation was for the rail and the port
and it became not a company asset but a government asset. We get the rights to
run it, control it and fix it up, then they get it back at the end of the 25
years."

Mr Matthews said that "We will keep our operations going along with the rail,
and at one point, earlier on, we thought we would start shipping ore at the end
of 2009, but that has been delayed until 2010. It will all depend on how quickly
the recovery will come in. We have already put in a hiring freeze about two
months ago, and our plans and hopes are to keep as much of our Liberian staff
intact."

Pushed by the incoming government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in December 2006 to
revise their original contract signed just months before her election in August
2005, ArcelorMittal

pledged a USD 1.5 billion, 25 year investment for the old LAMCO property. The
government owns 30% of the net profit and receives a 4.5% royalty fee and three
million dollars annually for development projects in Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba
Counties.

Copyright © 2004 - SteelGuru and respective copyright holders.
(Sourced from www.ipsnews.net)

+++

5) Liberia: ArcelorMittal Slow to Yield Benefits for Liberians
Rebecca Murray
13 March 2009

--------------------------------------------------------

In the face of the global economic downturn, ArcelorMittal and its Liberian
employees and subcontractors are unlikely to reap the benefits of the steel
company investment in iron ore production in Liberia any time soon, writes
Rebecca Murray of IPS (Inter Press Service).

ArcelorMittal met with the approval of watchdog Global Witness for negotiating
'a deal that remains profitable and safeguards the interests of the host country
and its people'. In the

current climate, however, Liberia is reluctant to impose conditions on
investors, while contractors are willing to compromise on working conditions,
fearful that unionising would put their jobs in jeopardy. The company posted
losses of over US$2.6 billion globally in their last quarter.

Three exhausted railroad workers sip beer and talk on the back porch of a
makeshift bar in Liberia's rural Nimba County, concealed by nightfall and the
deafening din of motorcycles and a generator nearby.

'We raised the alarm two, three times, but they have not come to our aid', says
one of the men softly, requesting anonymity for fear of losing his job. 'They
promised us once in November that they were going to come, and they would raise
the salary up, but still nothing has been done.'

It is the end of another gruelling ten-hour day [mp3 file] for Liberian workers
renovating the rails over 250 kilometres of railroad, from the coastal port of
Buchanan to the mining town of Yekepa, on the border where Liberia, Guinea and
the Ivory Coast intersect.

They work for a Brazilian-owned company Odebrecht, which has been contracted by
international steel giant ArcelorMittal.

The teams hammer down tracks six to seven days a week in the tropical heat, and
sleep in tents on a plywood floor. They are allotted one cup of rice and soup
daily, drink well water and have their pay docked for hospital visits.

The Odebrecht company website says, 'For every day worked, each of them receives
a kilo of rice and the equivalent of one U.S. dollar to pay for their meals, in
addition to monthly wages.'

However, the workers claim they earn an average monthly salary of around US$80
after taxes, which in Liberia's inflated economy leaves them struggling to cover
basic necessities like rent, food, transportation and school fees for their
families back home.

Yekepa, the seat of ArcelorMittal's large iron ore concession, is surrounded by
mineral-rich hills and lush, dense jungle. In Yekepa's heyday, the Liberian
American Swedish Chemicals Company (LAMCO) ran the high-grade ore mine from the
1950s until Charles Taylor's rebels invaded in 1989.

On the town's outskirts, jungle encroaches on remnants of that time - a vast art
deco swimming pool, rusty trains, and the whitewashed skeletal remains of
buildings picked clean by looters.

ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel manufacturer, moved into town three
years ago as part of its global mission to increase the company's iron ore
production to two-thirds of the total product they purchase.

'Liberia is one of the stepping stones to get there', Joseph Mathews, the
company's head in Liberia, told IPS.

Pushed by the incoming government of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in December 2006 to
revise their original contract signed just months before her election in August
2005, ArcelorMittal

pledged a US$1.5 billion, 25-year investment for the old LAMCO property. The
government owns 30 per cent of the net profit, and receives a 4.5 per cent
royalty fee and three million dollars annually for development projects in Grand
Bassa, Bong, and Nimba Counties.

'The renegotiation was for the rail and the port, and it became not a company
asset but a government asset', Mathews explains. 'We get the rights to run it,
control it and fix it up, then they get it back at the end of the 25 years.'

Global Witness, the UK-based corporate watchdog and critic of the company's
original contract said, 'Mittal Steel has shown that it is possible for a
multinational company to act responsibly and negotiate a deal that remains
profitable and safeguards the interests of the host country and its people.
However, the real benefits of this contract to Liberia can only be truly
assessed as the company starts its operations.'

For the past three years, President Johnson-Sirleaf has aggressively courted
companies to invest in Liberia's most valuable resources - iron ore, rubber and
timber - but the global economic meltdown in September 2008 has hit the
country's concessions hard.

ArcelorMittal just posted a net loss of US$2.63 billion worldwide for their last
quarter, and their operations in Liberia are feeling the impact. No iron ore has
yet been exported from Yekepa.

ArcelorMittal CEO Joseph Matthews says, 'We will keep our operations going along
with the rail, and at one point, earlier on, we thought we would start shipping
ore at the end of 2009, but that has been delayed until 2010.'

'It will all depend on how quickly the recovery will come in... We have already
put in a hiring freeze about two months ago, and our plans and hopes are to keep
as much of our Liberian staff intact.'

Eugene Shannon, the minister for lands, mines and energy, is well aware of the
local impact of the global slowdown. 'To tell you a fact, we are going to be as
compromising as possible.

In a downturn you cannot be as hard on people as you can be when things are
normal... We can't kick you out, we've got to work it out because its in our
interest to keep them in, and get as much out of them.'

Yekepa's sleepy market centre is filled with youth trying to scrape by as
motorbike drivers, food and electronics vendors and selling gasoline in large
jars.

Thirty-three-year-old Victoria Johnson lives close by. A plumber by trade, she
moved with 10 family members from Monrovia into a friend's house, and fixes
pipes at ArcelorMittal's residential quarters.

'I find small work and make about US$70 month', she says. Johnson is one of the
family's few breadwinners. 'When the children get sick, we don't take them to
the hospital, we don't have the money. We go to the drugstore.'

ArcelorMittal say they have almost 500 staff members and about 2,000 contractors
on the ground. They hope to eventually increase their staff to 3,500.

Labour Minister Kofi Woods says that rules for safeguarding the company's
subcontracted workers were not established in the concession contract, and they
are looking at standards compliance. 'Serious issues include wages, working
conditions, health and safety', he says.

A haggard 36-year-old guard for the security company Segal - contracted by
ArcelorMittal - returns home from a night guarding the nearby Tokadeh iron ore
mine. Wishing to remain anonymous, he says he works seven days a week for nearly
US$80 a month. He receives no housing or health benefits, and has also been
asked to vacate his home.

'I don't know the arrangement between Segal and Mittal steel. Certainly the pay
does not come regularly', he sighs. 'And anytime they want to fire you, they can
fire you from your job.'

ArcelorMittal CEO Mathews explains: 'We pay Segal US$150 to US$200 a man, and
it's the company's decision what to pay their workers... But in the next stage,
we will put these safeguards in there that you cannot take 50 per cent of what
you pay and call that profits for yourself as the owners of the company.'

Darius Dahn is a union organiser in Yekepa with the Forestry Logging Industrial
Workers Union (FLIWU). He recently sent over workers' signatures to the labour
ministry but concedes that organising the ArcelorMittal workforce - mostly
drivers and workers at Buchanan's port - and the subcontractors is an uphill
battle.

'They are just six-month contractors and are afraid with the union issue that
management will terminate their contract after it's over.'

But ArcelorMittal begs for time. 'There is a perception out there that a company
comes in and turns things overnight', says Mathews.

'And looking back, our memories always give us this great picture of what the
past was. It takes time to get there. I think what we end up with will be a
whole lot better than LAMCO

back in the sixties - it's just a whole new world and it will be a better
environment.'

* Rebecca Murray, a correspondent with IPS (Inter Press Service) is a writer
based in South Tyre, Lebanon. This article was originally published by IPS.

* Please send comments to editor@... or comment online at
http://www.pambazuka.org/.

Copyright © 2009 Fahamu. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global
Media (allAfrica.com).

+++

6) Liberia invaded by crop-eating caterpillars again: ministry
Mar 12, 2009

MONROVIA (AFP) - Liberia has been hit by a second invasion of crop-destroying
caterpillars which have wreaked havoc in the west African nation, agriculture
ministry officials said Thursday.

"We have two weeks maximum to react. We have our teams out on the field
preparing to contain the situation," Moses Subah, head of the agriculture
ministry's technical team, said.

"We have mobilised experts from the sub-region; experts came from Brazil, from
the United States, who provided technical assistance," Agriculture Minister
Chris Toe told AFP.

"Following the spraying of the caterpillars, the 11 teams have been involved in
mopping up activities ...as well as the search for adult moths. This exercise
has proven very successful in containing further spread."

The first wave of crop destroying caterpillars was identified as Achaea
Catocaloides, a very destructive pest that attacks a wide range of crops
including coffee and cocoa, key cash earners.

Over a hundred Liberian villages have so far been affected by the plague and
authorities warn that hundreds of thousands of people could face hunger because
the caterpillars have devoured all the crops.

Liberia has declared a state of emergency and called on the international
community to help it deal with the plague, which has also spread to parts of
Guinea and threatens Sierra Leone's border region with Liberia.

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved

+++

7) LIBERIA: IN THE HONEY BUSINESS (EXCERPT)
UMCOR Hotline for March 10, 2009 10 Mar 2009 18:52:00 GMT
Source: United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) - USA
UMCOR
Website: http://www.umcor.org

Farmers are succeeding in the honey business thanks to UMCOR's beekeeping
training in the Ganta region of Liberia.

UMCOR-trained farmers in Liberia sold 200 gallons of honey between September
2008 and January 2009. The Ganta United Methodist Mission Agricultural program
supported farmers by purchasing honey by the gallon and reselling it in
half-liter jars. The honey venture was recently formalized as a business with
the Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of Liberia and UMCOR is working with
farmers to determine its pricing, cost analysis and profitability structure.

Three of UMCOR's most successful women farmers were selected to exhibit best
practices of honey harvesting and other UMCOR-sustainable activities during the
International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development
taking place this week in Monrovia, Liberia. You can support key hunger programs
like this one by giving to World Hunger and Poverty,

UMCOR Advance #982920 and learn about Beekeeping in Liberia here.

United Methodist Committee on Relief General Board of Global Ministries, The
United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@...
Web: http://www.umcor.org

+++

8) Sinoe citizens call President's attention to land dispute
Written by Sayounue Bilah
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
STAR RADIO

A group of Sinoe citizens have petitioned President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to
intervene in a land dispute between their county and Rivercess County.

The petition was contained in a letter presented to President Sirleaf through
Information Minister Dr. Lawrence Bropleh.

Minister Bropleh received the petition when he deputized or President Sirleaf
during the dedicatory program of the Greenville administration building.

The citizens requested Madam Sirleaf to intervene quickly and find an amicable
solution to the land dispute.

They said early intervention would avoid degeneration of the situation into a
full-scale land dispute.

+++

9) Canadian Gold Star to buy west African oil concession (Press Release)
Tue. March 10, 2009; Posted: 09:59 AM

Mar 10, 2009 (M2 EQUITYBITES via COMTEX) - Canadian resource exploration company
Gold Star Resources Corp (TSXV: GXX) said on 9 March 2009 it signed a letter of
intent to buy the hydrocarbon rights of the Tiampoum mining concession from
Bengal Bight Ghana Ltd.

The Tiampoum mining concession, issued by the Ministry of Mines and Energy in
Cote d'Ivoire, covers an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometres in the
African country's southeast.

Bengal holds the concession as part of an underlying option agreement from
Enchi-Proci CI, a legal corporation doing business under the laws of Cote
d'Ivoire.

According to the terms of the deal, Gold Star is paying a non-refundable
USD30,000 (EUR24,000) to Bengal, another USD150,000 to Enchi-Proci for the
licence outright and USD70,000, upon the licence buyout, to Bengal. Apart from
the cash payments, Gold Star will issue two million common shares and two
million warrants exercisable at a price of USD0.20 for a two-year period from
the date of issue to Begal.

Based on key production milestones, Bengal stands to receive further
compensation.

Focused on strategic acquisition and advancement of highly prospective oil and
gas projects internationally, Gold Star is targeting high impact, on-shore
opportunities in the petroleum
systems through Liberia, Cote D'Ivoire and Ghana.

Sector: Petroleum/Natural Gas
Type: Licence
Financing: Cash and stock
Target: Bengal Bight Ghana Ltd
Buyer: Gold Star
Status: Letter of intent
Comments on this story may be sent to admin@...

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#295 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:34 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) President Sirleaf lifts ban on rubber, 2) Liberia: Inter-Ministerial
Committee visits Guthrie amidst stalemate at the Plantation; submits reports
Friday, 3) China Mining Report Q1 2009 [EXCERPT], 4) Liberia: Chiefs From Grand
Gedeh County Praise President Sirleaf for Progress in Putu District, 5) Liberia
needs more investors, 6) Labor Minister unhappy with development at Guthrie, 7)
Liberia: "Blood Timber" for sale! - Stop the practice says Greenpeace, 8)
Liberia-Economy-Investors - Mittal Steel scales down operations in Liberia, 9)
Big security threat! Liberians transit guns to Gola forest in Salone, 10) Mano
River updates on Putu Project, 11) Liberia: Safe Drinking Water for All, 12)
Liberia steel production at 50% reduction, 13)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) President Sirleaf lifts ban on rubber
Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
Friday, 27 March 2009
STAR RADIO

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has announced the lifting of the ban on the sale
of rubber in the country.

The President Johnson Sirleaf said the document to lift the ban was signed
Wednesday evening in Monrovia.

According to the Liberian leader, the moratorium was lifted to enable rubber
dealers get the best price for their rubber.

She added the deplorable roads in the county were also a motivating factor for
lifting of the ban.

The President also stated the ban was intended to make the Cavalla Rubber
Corporation build a factory for rubber processing.

President Sirleaf spoke in Maryland County during a one-day visit to the
southeastern county.

Meanwhile, groundbreaking for the construction of a rubber processing plant for
the Cavalla Rubber Corporation has taken place.

The ceremony took place Gedetarbo, Pleebo District, Maryland County.

Performing the ceremony, President Sirleaf called on workers of the plantation
to corporate with management for mutual benefit of all parties.

+++

2) Liberia: Inter-Ministerial Committee visits Guthrie amidst stalemate at the
Plantation; submits reports Friday
Mar 26, 2009
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer


In a bid to institute calm and safety at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation amidst
growing industrial unrest at the entity, the inter-Ministerial Committee
established by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to investigate crisis at the
Plantation has engaged all parties into the conflict.

At a high power Ministerial delegation at the Rubber Plantation during mid-week,
county administrators, workers, traditional heads and the management went into
over five hours of dialogue and visitation at damaged properties and injured
workers to ascertain the validity of the actuality surrounding the crisis.

Making statement on behalf of the plantation workers at a well attended meeting
in Bomi County, the head of the aggrieved workers and spokesman, Stanley Brandy
outlined numerous irregularities and mismanagement of the plantation operation.
He blamed the Senior Senator of Bomi County Lahai Lassana of provoking their
actions which he referred as " bad Labor practices and lack of interest in the
plight of workers". According to the spokesman of the aggrieved workers, Senator
Lassana and Agriculture Minister Chris Toe have contributed immensely to the
downfall of the plantation by highlighting policies that would seek their
personal interest.

He said the intent of their so-called peaceful protest was meant to attract the
attentions of the government but turned violent after three of their colleagues
were shot allegedly upon the direct instruction of Senator Lassana who himself
was allegedly seen with a pistol shooting at protesting workers.

Meanwhile, employees of the Guthrie Rubber Plantation have passed a vote no
confidence in the management of the entity. The employees through their
spokesman maintained that management has failed to settle three months of their
salaries and allowances thus making their livelihood unbearable.

Presenting the eleven counts resolution to the head of the inter-Ministerial
committee, Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods, the President of the workers Union
Boima Jallah revealed that the Guthrie Management has denied them of attractive
salary structure, health, safe drinking water, quality education for their
children and so on.

Making brief but timely remarks at the meeting, the head of the presidential
committee, Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods urged all parties to the conflict to
deist from solving problems through violence. He said his committee is going to
engage everyone involved in the Guthrie Rubber saga for prompt report to the
President by Friday, March 27, 2007. He warned workers and management to remain
calm as the committee further their work.

The violent protest actions at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation left the newly
renovated police station burned and the properties of the school system damaged.


About the Author:
Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written
articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his
hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian
press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@....


Contact Us
By Phone
1.646.225.9684 (USA) By Email
editor@...
TheLiberianTimes.com is a developingPress Company

www.developingpres.com

Copyright Notice

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia.

+++

3) China Mining Report Q1 2009 [EXCERPT]
companiesandmarkets.com
2009-03-26 14:39:01 - China Mining Report Q1 2009 - a new market research report
on companiesandmarkets.com

www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/China-Mining-R ..

Meanwhile, predictions that Chinese steel companies will be able to force a
30-40% drop in iron ore prices in 2009 look optimistic. Falling prices are
forcing many Chinese ore miners out of business, while smaller international
miners are having to reduce production. Therefore, just when China thought it
was in a strong position to bargain with the major mining companies, it has
found itself more reliant on them than ever. At most industry watchers expect a
cut of 20% in iron ore prices, after negotiation.

Elsewhere, in January 2009, Chinese conglomerate China Union signed a US$2.6bn
deal with Liberia to develop its main iron ore mine. The deal represents China's
largest ever investment in the West African nation. China Union has pledged to
have built a one-million-tonnes-a-year refinery at Liberia's Bong Mines. It is
expected that 3,000 jobs will be created at the project, with 15,000 possible
jobs following.

Before Liberia's disastrous civil war the mines were operated by a German
company, the Bong Mining Company.


Author:
Mike King
e-mail
Web: www.companiesandmarkets.com
Phone: 07813 784393

PR-inside.com

+++

4) Liberia: Chiefs From Grand Gedeh County Praise President Sirleaf for Progress
in Putu District
25 March 2009

Chiefs representing the Putu administrative district in Grand Gedeh County have
held a meeting in Monrovia with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Wednesday's meeting, according to an Executive Mansion release, was intended to
convey appreciation to the Liberian leader for the level of development taking
place in Konobo Statutory District. The Chiefs pointed to the completion of
three new schools in the district and ongoing construction of three additional
schools, as a clear testimony of the President's support for the educational
advancement of the people of Putu.

The construction of a building to house the offices of the district commissioner
was also cited by the chiefs as one of the many development initiatives
undertaken by the Government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the people
of the district.

The chiefs from Grand Gedeh also welcomed Government's decision to attract
investors to Grand Gedeh to explore the Putu Range. They expressed hope that the
process would be put on a fast track to provide employment for the people of the
area.

Responding, President Johnson Sirleaf, thanked the chiefs for the visit and
assured them that Government will continue to provide opportunities to improve
the living condition of its people. The President renewed Government's
commitment to the development of all the political sub-divisions of the country
and urged citizens to exercise patience as Government allocates its meager
resources to benefit all sectors of the country.

The chiefs, who were accompanied by Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Chris
Bailey, Representative Kai Farley and Senator William Sandy, chairman of the
Grand Gedeh Legislative Caucus, have meanwhile, appealed to the Liberian leader
to press for the lifting of the UN travel ban on Representative Farley.

The President was later presented a white sheep, as a symbol of goodwill by the
people of Putu.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government. All rights reserved. Distributed by
AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

+++

5) Liberia needs more investors
Mar 25, 2009

Liberia needs more investors

Vice President Boakai says Liberia has several investment opportunities and only
needs the right investors

The vice president said the necessary modalities have been worked out by
government to protect the economy.

He said government is fighting corruption and implementing its poverty reduction
strategy to rebuild the country.

Vice President Boakai spoke of the numerous challenges including growth and
un-employment.

He was speaking at his capital building office Monday, when a group of investors
from Detroit, Michigan, the United States of America paid a courtesy call on
him.

Responding, the head of delegation Rev. Jim Holley said they were in the country
protecting. Rev. Holley said they want to invest in education, water and
technology.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007

+++

6) Labor Minister unhappy with development at Guthrie
Written by Onesimus Leigh
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
STAR RADIO

Labor Minister Samuel Woods says the development at the Guthrie Rubber
Plantation in Bomi County is not positive for international consumption.

Minister Woods as head of the Inter-ministerial Committee set-up by President
Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson to investigate the Guthrie Rubber Plantation visited the
area on Tuesday.

Minister Woods said the committee just conducted an assessment that will lead to
a detail investigation but described the situation as grave.

He told Star Radio all parties concerned will be talked to before submitting
recommendations to the President for her timely action.

For his part, the Superintendent of Bomi County has described the situation as
unfortunate.

Superintendent Mohamed Massalley said the development in the county does not
represent a country that is recuperating from a decade of war.

+++

7) Liberia: "Blood Timber" for sale! - Stop the practice says Greenpeace
Mar 24, 2009
by Fiona Musana /


Liberia's Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her government should stop the flow of azobe
timber from a country recovering from decades-long conflict. Marred by a bloody
history, many Liberians not only lost their lives but also resources like
diamonds, and timber that was
illegally logged during the conflict, and shipped to Italy in February 2009.
This timber is planned for use in maintenance of Rome's Metro system.

A detailed history of how the timber, abandoned after the war, got to Italy can
be found in a March 2009 Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) briefing paper
"The Hunter's Whistle." The paper finds that the Liberian Forest Development
Agency (FDA) authorised the shipment of timber, despite several illegal
activities that occurred during the auction and sale of the logs. (1)

While the FDA is the manager and regulator of the forests, reports including by
the UN Panel of Experts in Liberia, in its December 2008 noted that the "high
level of discretion being used by senior FDA management in implementation of
some aspects of the National Forestry Reform Law and FDA regulations is of
concern" (2)

With diamonds banned on the international market, the then president Taylor
turned to timber, doling out large chunks of forests in exchange for money and
arms. Most of the cargo was bought by Italian company Interwood Srl, which
recently won a 720,000 Euro contract with Me.Tro Roma Spa, the company
responsible for upgrading Rome's metro
system.

"This blood timber they plan to use in our train tracks has fuelled destruction,
war and climate change" said Chiara Campione, Greenpeace Italy forest
campaigner. "As one of the biggest gateways in Europe for illegally logged
timber, Italy is a disgrace. It is way past time the Italian government stopped
funding the illegal timber trade, and instead started doing something to save
the climate by committing to fund forest protection."

Tropical deforestation is responsible for 20 % of global greenhouse gas
emissions. Ending forest destruction is one of the fastest and easiest ways to
avert catastrophic climate change.

Although President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf scrapped all timber concessions issued
under previous regimes as her first executive act upon election in 2005, three
forest management contracts were recently presented to parliament for
ratification.

Greenpeace warns that a decision by the Liberian Legislature to ratify these and
subsequent contracts will have disastrous consequences for the country's
development and the long-term sustainability of forest resources. An overhaul of
the system and personnel in FDA is critical and public dialogue on alternative
use of the remaining forests essential.

This potential disaster must be stopped now, before the country and other
African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo commit themselves to long,
large scale logging agreements on false and illegal premises.


Contacts:

Fiona Musana, Greenpeace Africa communications manager (currently in Kampala)
+256 772 504 510, fmusana@... Chiara Campione, Greenpeace Italy
forests campaigner +39 34 70 10 03 10

Images and footage available

Greenpeace International picture desk +44 20 7 865 8230 Greenpeace International
video desk +31 6 46 16 20 15

Notes to the Editors:

1. Despite a six year forest reform process, there are still fundamental flaws
in Liberian forest management. For more information about the azobe shipment see
the March 2009, Sustainable Development Institute's briefing "The Hunter's
Whistle"
http://www.illegal-logging.info/uploads/TheHuntersWhistle.pdf

2. UN Panel of Experts on Liberia Report, June 2008 (Page 51)


1.646.225.9684 (USA) By Email
editor@...
TheLiberianTimes.com is a developingPress Company

www.developingpres.com

Copyright Notice

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia.


+++

8) Liberia-Economy-Investors - Mittal Steel scales down operations in Liberia

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) The effects of the global economic meltdown have begun to
be felt in Liberia, with the world’s steel giant Mittal Steel which in 2007
announced a US$1.7 billion investment in Liberia’s iron ore industry,
announcing a 50 percent scale down of its operations in the country even before
full operations have commenced.

The head of Mittal Steel - Liberia branch, Mr. Joseph Mathews confirmed to APA
Tuesday that the global economic crisis has negatively impacted the demand for
steel worldwide, and that the company, which was has not begun full-scale
operations in Liberia, has been constrained to cut down its steel production.

He said as a result of the global financial crisis, most western and European
consumers’ demand for steel products such as cars and household appliances has
drastically dropped, thereby reducing Mittal Steel’s profit margin.

"As a result of the adverse effect on the company’s profit margin, Arcelor
Mittal Liberia is also reducing its expatriate workforce by at least 80 percent.
This will accelerate the transfer of certain essential positions to Liberians,"
he further announced.

He said the cutbacks and slow down operations is intended to protect the
long-term needs and interests of the company and its employees as well as enable
Arcelor Mittal to remain a major contributor to Liberia’s development.

Mr. Matthews further disclosed that the company will retain about 1,200 jobs for
Liberians during this slowdown period, and that the company will in 2009 focus
only on critical maintenance, ensuring security of its assets and personnel as
well as meeting its social commitments.

He however assured that the company will not withdraw its investments in
Liberia.


TSS/daj/APA
2009-03-24

African Press Agency - Copyright upon prior authorization

+++

9) Big security threat! Liberians transit guns to Gola forest in Salone

Awoko - ?Mar 23, 2009?

There is an simmering security threat along the borders of Sierra Leone and
Liberia where reports from the office of the Gola Forest Area Manager in Kenema
confirmed to Awoko that there is a huge quantity of short guns available with
hunters and other inhabitants residing around Gola Forest.

The shot guns are said to be bartered or exchanged for wild animals in that
forest.

In a presentation on some of the threat to the species and projects underway to
preserve the forest, the Gola Forest project Area Manager John Moriba has
categorically pointed out that hunting, logging and mining constitute some of
the major threats to the forest.

He disclosed that cross border hunting by Liberians in the Gola Forest with
short guns had posed a serious security threat to the lives and property of
Sierra Leoneans.

He went on to explain that, these Liberians come into Sierra Leone with huge
quantity of shot guns through our common borders to the Gola Forest communities
where they kill our species, dry them up and take them across to Liberia.

He added that the guns which are bartered for our bush meat in the Gola Forest
are always left with inhabitants of that community with the provision of
constant cartridge supply to them for a continuous hunting spree in the forest.

He explained that there has been incidents of confrontation between the forest
guards and the hunters who most times injure the guards.

However he maintained that, police have been very much supportive to them as
they always help with investigations into the matter and even try to clamp down
on the unscrupulous hunters.
The proposed mining of iron ore in the Gola Forest he said, has also created a
big split among residents of that community as some are in favor, while others
are against especially in the Golahun Tongi Chiefdom where chiefs and their
subjects look at each other with suspicion.

He stated that during the 1920’s, half of the Sierra Leonean landscape was
covered by forest but with human occupation for settlement and cultivation over
the years most of it has been cleared, with less than 5% of the forest reserves
left.

He added that in the same 20’s the gola forest was reserved for cocoa and
coffee production but over the years logging and other counter productive
activities have taken place there inspite of tireless efforts by them to
forestall it.

He concluded that, the Gola Forest which is rich in biodiversity has an
estimated expanse of some 75,000 hectares stretching across 7 chiefdoms in the
South Eastern part of the country with an average population of 120,000
inhabitants


© Copyright 2008 - Awoko Newspaper
This site is powered by Alemobet Innovations


+++

10) Mano River updates on Putu Project
Mano River Resources Inc provide an update on the drilling program at the
Company's 38.5% owned Putu Range iron ore project in Liberia.
Monday, 23 Mar 2009

Highlights are as follows:

1. Severstal Liberia Iron Ore advancing towards resource estimate and delivery
of a pre-feasibility study in second half of 2010

2. 3,960 meter drilling program for geological characterisation completed
December 2008

3. Assays from 9 out of 11 holes completed.

4. Best intersection in haematite mineralization of 63 meter at average 63.5% Fe

5. Best intersection in fresh magnetite mineralization of 367 meter at average
39% Fe

6. Results confirm Putu project has significant iron ore tonnage potential

7. Multi rig 27,000 meter diamond drilling program planned during 2009

Mr Luis da Silva CEO of Mano River Resources commented that "We are very pleased
with these initial drilling results from the Putu iron ore project in Liberia
and our excellent working relationship with our 61.5% partner SeverStal
Resources. The drill results display excellent grade characteristics and
indicate that the Putu project has significant iron ore tonnage potential. The
current drilling program is designed to test the grade and depth continuity of
the iron ore mineralization in order to define an initial NI 43-101 and SAMREC
compliant resource estimate.”

It added that SeverStal and Mano are committed long term investors in Liberia
and this fact was further cemented by a successful meeting held on February 26th
2009 of a delegation comprising of Mr Alexey Mordashov CEO of SeverStal, Mr
Deniskin CEP of SeverStal Resources and members of Mano's Board with the
President of Liberia, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Despite the current depressed
commodity prices the outlook for steel and thus iron ore demand is gradually
improving. We look forward to a very different market environment by late 2012,
by which time the Putu project should be looking for funding in order to develop
in advance of production in 2015."


Copyright © 2004 - SteelGuru and respective copyright holders. All rights
reserved.

+++

11) Liberia: Safe Drinking Water for All
Mar 22, 2009
by Musa V. Sheriff /


My support for the UN Millennium Development Goals in Canada

Reflecting back on my life in Africa, growing up as a young boy I knew little or
nothing about environmental degradation. In Canada it was a different story. On
TV I would see Al- Gore – “The Inconvenient Truth’ or David
Suzuki speaking about Global Warming. I realise that environmental degradation
was a serious problem. I was really influenced by the Canadian Media to develop
a sense of environmental concern. I started to wonder about the environmental
problems in Africa. Among the many that flashed through my mind, the issue of
safe drinking water loaded my heart with sorrow. Since 2007 have been inspired
to think about what can I do to help Africa in solving one of its fundamental
social problems – safe water for all.

In most Canadian household, when you wake up in the morning your tap is ready
with fresh water. Do you really imagine and think about what is happening in the
Sub-Sahara Africa? It is true and real that millions of people worldwide do not
have access to safe drinking water. Hospitals are filled with thousands; many
die as a result of this crisis - water borne diseases.

The problem of safe drinking water is turning into a global conflict. It needs
attention. As the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, stated “A
shortage of water resources could trigger into conflicts in the future,”
and furthermore, “Population growth will make the problem worse.

Many conflicts around the globe are raging due to the disputes over water
resources. For example, the conflict in Darfur is partly due to the huge water
reservoir that was discovered in the Darfur region - in Sudan. What is really
behind this issue – it is the lack of commitment and courage from the
Canadians, in helping to resolve the water crisis in Sub Sahara Africa.

It is shocking to learn that our planet is about 75% water, and yet some are
faced with safe drinking water crisis. Therefore, I would strongly argue that it
is not the lack of clean water; it is the lack of basic sanitation facilities in
most countries. For instance, Guinea is a West African nation that enjoys an
abundance of river and water resources, and moreover, considered “Chateau
d’eau” en Afrique, but over 80% of its population lack access to
clean and safe drinking water. And the list goes on from west to east and from
north to south in Africa.

Despite the scale and magnitude of the problem, together as a global community a
solution can be found, but what is really missing? Is it the resources or the
technical skills? No, I am sure the commitment and courage from Canada in
addressing this issue is what is really lacking. Thanks to the United Nations,
2008 was declared as International year of Sanitation, which has gained
increasing global attention. Is that enough? No, we need more commitments and
courage in resolving the water crisis, which will help people in Sub Sahara
Africa to have access to clean water.

Recent reports indicate that progress has been made in some region of the world.
But Sub Sahara Africa is far behind in term of progress. And this raises a
controversial question: How will the region be like in the next decade, as it
population grows without access to safe drinking water? Think about this. The
region will be faced with an acute and devastating humanitarian crisis. Yes it
will. Sub Sahara Africa is the poorest region of the world, and most of its
population live on less than a per day.

We have to “walk the talk” in Canada. It is about time policy makers
strengthen their commitment and increased support for the UN Millennium
Development Goals. UN Millennium Development Goals are pledges and commitments
from rich and powerful nations to reduce global poverty by 2015. One of its
goals is to provide access to safe drinking water in poor countries. I am sure
that will help save million of dollars spent in other areas of humanitarian
concern in the region.

Every individual can make an impact in achieving these global goals. It is
enough to just send a letter to your MLA or a politician expressing your concern
about this issue. Moreover, it would be enough to wake and show your concern in
other ways – on college and university campuses across Canada Yes, your
support will make a big different because together we will save lives and make
our planet a healthy place for all.

Finally, we need not overlook or neglect the scale of water crisis and water
stress, which has engulfed us all. It might put our planet at serious risk, and
we need an urgent action from our leaders. Canada, as a wealthy and powerful
nation needs to act now, it requires an increase in Foreign Aid to developing
countries most especially Sub Sahara Africa.


Musa V. Sheriff
Vancouver, Canada

1.646.225.9684 (USA) By Email
editor@...
TheLiberianTimes.com is a developingPress Company
www.developingpres.com

Copyright Notice

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia.


+++

12) Liberia steel production at 50% reduction
Mar 21, 2009

Liberia steel production at 50% reduction

Arcelor Mittal Steel, has disclosed the reduction of steel production to nearly
50-percent in Liberia .

According to the General Managing of Arcelor Mittal, Joseph Matthews, the
company was constrained to cut down production because of the Global Financial
downturn .

Mr. Matthews said, despite the action, the company will retain about one
thousand two hundred Liberians on jobs and will reduce the number of expatriates
to eighty percent with accelerating the transition of certain essential
positions to Liberians.

Speaking Friday at a press conference in Monrovia, in Maryland, he said due to
the Global financial downturn the company is transferring its major operations
from Monrovia .

He further said, during the past few years of Arcelor Mittal operations has made
significant progress on the development of the Nimba mining project, rail road
rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements among other .

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

13)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#297 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Mon Apr 6, 2009 4:19 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia's agriculture minister resigns, 2) TWU event will help make
villagers' well, 3) Rokupr Rice Research Station Opens Again (Sierra Leone), 4)
Engineering firm accuses Public Works of bad deal, 5) African timber
organization extols government, 6) Protecting Fishing Part of Maritime Security,
7) EPA Director Ben Donnie is dead, 8) International: Steel Town Blues for
Yekepa, Liberia, 9)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia's agriculture minister resigns
April 05, 2009

MONROVIA (AFP) — Liberian Agriculture Minister Christopher Toe has resigned,
the information minister announced Sunday, amid an ongoing row over funds for
victims of crop-destroying caterpillars.

Information Minister Laurence Bropleh said on ELBC radio Toe had resigned and
sent his letter of resignation to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who accepted
it.

No reason was given for his resignation and when contacted by AFP Toe said he
could not say more than what the government had announced.

"It was a discussion between the President and I and I can't say more than what
the government is saying," Toe said.

As agriculture minister Toe was the head of a special task force set up by the
west African Mano River Union countries to combat the invasion of caterpillars,
described as the worst such plague in 30 years.

During a tour of affected areas last month Sirleaf expressed anger over the slow
pace of aid for affected people when funds had been made available.

Three days later Toe called a press conference to say he had not received any
money to take care of the victims.

Analysts believe that the row could be the reason for his resignation.

The caterpillars are a very destructive pest that attacks a wide range of crops
including coffee and cocoa, key cash earners.

Over a hundred Liberian villages have so far been affected by the plague and
authorities warn that hundreds of thousands of people could face hunger because
the caterpillars have devoured all the crops.

Liberia declared a state of emergency and called on the international community
to help it deal with the plague, which has also spread to parts of Guinea and
threatens Sierra Leone's border region with Liberia.

Copyright © 2009 AFP.

+++

2) TWU event will help make villagers' well
A sale on Saturday at the local university is open to those with a thirst for
deals.
Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance
Published: Friday, April 03, 2009

People may get more than they bargained for if they visit the Trinity Western
University garage sale this Saturday.

In addition to their bargains, people can find out about global water issues.

The sale is being held to raise money to help build a water well in a village in
Liberia, Africa, through a program called Lifewater.

In the past TWU students have actually travelled to Africa to do work for this
Christian relief organization that aims to provide safe water, sanitation and
hygiene in impoverished communities.

The sale runs from 8 a.m, to 1 p.m. in the campus' main cafeteria, and is open
to not only staff and students but the general public as well.

© Langley Advance 2009

+++

3) Rokupr Rice Research Station Opens Again (Sierra Leone)
Concord Times (Freetown)
Regina Pratt
1 April 2009


Concord — Rokupr rice research station, which was opened in 1934, has been
re-opened after it was completely destroyed by rebels who attacked the Kambia
district.

The rice station saw many directors who managed it in the persons of the late
H.E. Jordan who was the first director of the station; Professor E.A Roberts now
retired; Harry N. Will who was the first Sierra Leonean director made the
station what it was in the sub-region.

The rice station was known in the sub-region as the focal point for rice
research in the former British West African territories of Ghana, Nigeria, the
Gambia and Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, the government has established the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research
Institute (SLARI) by an act of Parliament in 2007 under which the need to
reactivate and vitalize agricultural research for the generations and promotion
of improved technologies through its research centres was actualized.

The station, now the Rokupr centre has been established to promote research,
develop, improve technologies for rice, and sorghum.

In his keynote address, deputy minister of agricultural Lovel Thomas said the
centre was key component of SLARI rehabilitated to take on its share of the new
research dispensation in the country.

He further said that the establishment of SLARI came at a crucial time in the
nation's effort to make agricultural research and development more meaningful in
national development.

"The commissioning of the rehabilitated offices, laboratories and some
residential quarters of the Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre is a step in the
right direction," he said.

The minister informed the gathering that Sierra Leone was very proud of Dr.
Monty Patrick Jones for his epoch-making contribution towards agriculture and
food security in Africa and the world.

He called on the staff of Rokupr and other SLARI institutions to continue the
footsteps of Dr. Jones.

Executive director for West and Central Africa Council for agricultural research
and development, represented by Dr. Ernest Assah Asiedu who is the staple crops
program manager, said that FARA and CORF/WECARD recognizing the current
deplorable conditions in agricultural research were facilitating a process of
lobbying and advocating national governments and partners to support the
rehabilitation initiatives.

"We were therefore glad to learn of the considerable effort that the government
of Sierra Leone has put in the rehabilitation of the Rokupr Agricultural
Research Centre for rice research."

He therefore urged the government to seek a CORAF/WECARD coordinated facility
for the 16 ECOWAS countries under the West African Agricultural Productivity
Programme (WAAPP), which is being funded by the World Bank to support
country-specific agricultural impact in Sierra Leone.

The programme was climaxed by awarding of certificates and gifts to long service
members.

Copyright © 2009 Concord Times.

+++

4) Engineering firm accuses Public Works of bad deal
Written by Charles Gbollie
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
STAR RADIO

A civil engineering firm has accused the Public Works Ministry of illegally
halting a contract between it and the ministry.

The Boima Engineering Incorporated said under the contract, it was to pave the
Kakata-Bong Mines Road at the cost of ninety-three thousand U. S. dollars.

The head of the group, John Boima alleged his group has done more than fifty
percent of the work but the ministry refused to pay for the work.

Mr. Boima further alleged the Minister of Public Works told him the ministry
would not pay on grounds the company did a poor work.

Mr. Boima noticed the ministry does not want to pay his group because of his
stance against the ministry over the Jallah Town Road Project.

When contacted, Deputy Public Minister for administration, Roderick Smith
admitted halting the contract but did not elaborate.

+++

5) African timber organization extols government
Mar 31, 2009

African timber organization extols government?
The Regional Project Coordinator of the African Timber Organization and the
International Tropical Timber Organization in Gabon says, Liberia has made
significant progress toward the achievement of sustainable forestry management.

Dr. Francois Hiol-Hiol said Liberia is moving in the right direction and urged
government to continue.

Speaking Monday in Monrovia at a multi stakeholder workshop Dr. Hiol-Hiol said,
the workshop will solicit the views of diverse stakeholders on forest
management, regarding the draft set for criteria and indicator.

The workshop was organized by the African Timber Organization and the
International Tropical Timber Organization in collaboration with the Forestry
Development Authority FDA.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

+++

6) Protecting Fishing Part of Maritime Security, Africa Command Deputy Says One
of Africa's most valuable natural resources

By Vince Crawley
U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs Print TAKORADI, Ghana - A traditional fishing
boat sails in the Gulf of Guinea near the fishing village of Takoradi, west of
Ghana's capital, Accra, on
March 2, 2009. U.S. Africa Command's civilian deputy, Ambassador Mary C. Yates,
met with local fishermen to discuss ways that maritime security programs can
protect fishing stocks, which are a vital source of food in West Africa. (Photo
by Vince Crawley, U.S. Africa Command)


TAKORADI, Ghana, Mar 30, 2009 — Meeting with Ghanaian fishermen and West
African navy personnel, U.S. Africa Command's civilian deputy, Ambassador Mary
C. Yates, stressed that maritime security includes protecting fishing grounds
and building partnerships between militaries and civil authorities. This
partnership, she said, can to counter a host of illegal activities, including
unregulated fishing and drug trafficking.

Yates visited Ghana's coastal cities of Takoradi and Sekondi in early March
2009, during a West Africa trip. At the request of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana,
she met with elders at the Takoradi fishing village to discuss the problems they
face as they try to compete with foreign fishing vessels that enter their waters
and harvest enormous volumes of fish.

"These large ships are obstructing our way of life," Nana Ekow Akon, chief of
the Takoradi fishing community, told Yates through his interpreter. "The fishing
trawlers come from other countries. Their large nets sweep away all the catch,
leaving nothing for local fisherman."

Nana Akon said his fishermen take digital photos of the illegal industrial
fishing, and use their cell phones to try to report illegal activities, but they
have little success in getting authorities to intervene.

Compounding the problem, new oil platforms off the coast are changing fish
population patterns. Even legal fishing by industrial ships can take place on
such a large scale that it depletes local catches.

The majority of Ghanaians live near the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, and fish
are a major part of the Ghanaian diet. International maritime laws regulate the
fishing in national and international waters, and Ghanaian laws further regulate
coast waters for the protection of local fishing communities. However, many
nations such as Ghana lack adequate maritime resources to enforce Yates, meeting
with African naval personnel and local reporters, said fishing stocks represent
a significant natural resource for African coastal communities. She also noted
that protecting fish resources requires international cooperation as well as
coordination between different government offices and ministries.

"The focus of the trip is to look at the illegal trafficking, the illicit
trafficking in people, in narcotics, also the illegal fishing," Yates told an
international crew aboard the USS Nashville during her March 2 visit to coastal
Ghana.

ILLEGAL FISHING HARMS ECONOMY

"The illegal fishing is equally important because it takes away from the
economic prosperity of the people," said Yates, who is U.S. AFRICOM's deputy to
the commander for civil-military activities. Yates, a former U.S. ambassador to
Ghana, visited Takoradi and Sekondi on March 2, 2009, during a West Africa trip.

Local journalists said leaders from the fishing community are reluctant to
approach the Ghanaian navy base for assistance with their fishing concerns
because of distrust between the civilian community and navy personnel. Yates
said the U.S. Africa Command is working to promote the professionalism of
Ghana's military, which is a major contributor to international peacekeeping,
and asked journalists to help build bridges of understanding between the local
navy base and the fishing communities.

During her visit, Yates emphasized the following points:

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries are a global problem, requiring
international cooperation to halt this theft of natural resources.

Properly managed, fishing is a major renewable resource that feeds people and
provides billions of dollars of income. Theft or unregulated fishing can deplete
stocks, destroying resources for future generations.

Causes of illegal or unregulated fishing include: economic incentives, excess
fleet capacity, as well as lack of management and ineffective monitoring.

Counter-narcotics, illegal fishing and illegal maritime trafficking are areas of
emphasis for U.S. relations in West Africa.

Along with visiting the Takoradi fishing community, Yates went aboard the U.S.
Navy's Africa Partnership Station ship USS Nashville. The ship is on a
five-month visit to West African
nations to promote cross-border cooperation and to help African maritime
security forces increase their ability to patrol coastal waters. Africa
Partnership is coordinated by U.S. Africa Command's U.S. Naval Forces Africa.
The Nashville, which operates as a floating schoolhouse and conference center,
is visiting Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Gabon and Cameroon, and dropped off a shore
party in Liberia. The crew consists of members of 20 nations, including 10
African nations.

The Nashville also has non-military members aboard, including a representative
from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, a U.S.
government agency focused on environmental sciences.

FISHERIES ARE A 'CROSS-OVER' CIVIL-MILITARY TOPIC

"Fisheries are not a core competency of the U.S. Naval Forces Africa or U.S.
Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM)," said Lieutenant Commander Mike Baker, a West
Africa desk officer with Africa
Command's Engagement Division.

"However, fisheries tie very closely to our main efforts of developing partner
capacity in maritime safety and security, and supporting maritime sector
development," Baker said. "Fisheries are a 'cross-over' topic, in that fishing
fleets sometimes are involved in narcotics trafficking."

Many of the techniques to counter illegal fishing can also be used to counter
other maritime challenges, Baker said. In addition, most African navies function
as Coast Guards are coastal patrols, and their key mandates include protection
of natural resources.

For this reason, the U.S. Coast Guard has been working alongside many African
navy forces, said Captain Phil Heyl, a Coast Guard officer and maritime security
advisor assigned to Africa Command.

"U.S. Africa Command is committed to supporting African efforts to build
sustainable maritime security capabilities to protect critical resources like
fisheries," Heyl said.

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard do not actively patrol African waters.
Instead, they work with African maritime forces to increase the ability of
African forces to better patrol and protect their own waters.

"West African countries have shown a desire to stop poaching and other illegal
activities in their offshore waters.," Heyl said.

Africa Partnership Station, a long-term maritime program, has used both U.S.
Coast Guard and U.S. Navy vessels to work with African Coast Guards, navies and
other African agencies "to develop boarding techniques and procedures,
inspections of cargo and fishing vessel licenses, and search for illegal,
unreported, or unregulated fish, as well as other illegal items," Heyl said.

"The key," he said, "is to work with other U.S. government agencies, such as
NOAA to provide the assistance to African coast guards to develop long-term
capacity to enforce African laws."

SCIENTISTS URGE U.S. MILITARY TO BE CAREFUL AMBASSADORS

Teresa Turk, a fisheries biologist with NOAA, said the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard
and NOAA can be an effective team to coordinate with their counterpart agencies
in African governments when addressing illegal, unregulated and unreported
fishing, along with marine security and drug trafficking.

"These issues all converge in West Africa," Turk said.

A strong point of the Africa Partnership Station ships is that they build
diverse crews from many nations, developing improved professional networks.
However, she also urged U.S. Navy members, who may visit a particular area for a
few days or weeks, to work hard to understand local cultures and ensure that
their actions fit in with long-term U.S. goals so they don't undermine those who
work in a region for many years. For example, she said, U.S. Navy sailors and
NOAA scientists are viewed by African partners as essentially the same -- all
are Americans.

Africa Partnership Station "is perfect as a transportation means to Africa and
as a networking hub" to share ideas with local authorities, Turk said. Instead
of creating a core fisheries competency within Department of Defense
organizations, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Africa Command "are providing a platform
for DoD to work with other agencies and
actors to both engage local communities and states in the arena of fisheries and
to help coordinate the role of fisheries with MSS (the Maritime Security Sector)
writ large," said Augustus Vogel, a representative from the Office of the
Oceanographer of the US. Navy, who is aboard the Africa Partnership Station's
USS Nashville.

On major APS ship deployments, such as Fort McHenry in 2007-08, High Speed
Vessel Swift in 2008 and Nashville in 2009, U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.S.
Africa Command have included efforts to support NOAA science and environmental
programs, Vogel said.

These efforts included: training of national fisheries observers from Ghana (in
April 2008 on HSV-2 SWIFT); and Senegal (February 2009 on NASHVILLE).

"Fisheries observers ride industrial fishing vessels to collect science data
(fish statistics like sizes, weights, and species;marine mammal, bird and turtle
information) and/or monitor for illegal activity," Vogel said.

"Science data are used for creating laws and regulations (i.e., how many fish
can be taken from an area, and what size should they be)," Vogel said. "So both
activities are vital to surveillance and enforcement operations for Illegal,
Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing."

In addition, he said, "We are also working with USAID to develop coordination
with the diversity of organizations needed to address the complexity of
fisheries."

This complexity includes "engagement in local communities/civil society,
research community, management community, organizations with surveillance
assets, patrolling and enforcement organizations, and legal institutions," Vogel
said. This coordination is important, he added, "because success in one area
would be negated by a lack of parallel improvement in other areas."


U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs


+++

7) EPA Director Ben Donnie is dead
Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
Saturday, 28 March 2009

The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency and one of
Liberia’s best trained foresters, Ben T. Donnie is dead.

Information Minister Laurence Bropleh confirmed Mr. Donnie died late Friday
evening at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital after a brief illness.

The Information Minister described the death of Mr. Donnie as a major loss to
the state.

Dr. Bropleh said Mr. Donnie was a key instrument in the administration of
government’s environmental program for post-conflict Liberia.

According to Dr. Bropleh, President Sirleaf is distressed over the death of Mr.
Donnie, mainly as the second prominent son of River Gee County to die in the
shortest time.

River Gee County Senator Isaac Johnson died late 2008.

+++

8) International: Steel Town Blues for Yekepa, Liberia
March 27, 3:34 PM

Mining in Liberia

Three exhausted railroad workers sip beer and talk on the back porch of a
makeshift bar in Liberia's rural Nimba County, concealed by nightfall and the
deafening din of motorcycles and a generator nearby. 'We raised the alarm two,
three times, but they have not come to our aid,' says one of the men softly,
requesting anonymity for fear of losing his job. 'They promised us once in
November that they were going to come, and they would raise the salary up, but
still nothing has been done.'

It is the end of another gruelling ten-hour day for Liberian workers renovating
the rails over 250 kilometres of railroad, from the coastal port of Buchanan to
the mining town of Yekepa, on the border where Liberia, Guinea and the Ivory
Coast intersect. They work for a Brazilian-owned company Odebrecht which has
been contracted by international steel giant ArcelorMittal. The teams hammer
down tracks six to seven days a week in the tropical heat, and sleep in tents on
a plywood floor. They are allotted one cup of rice and soup daily, drink well
water and have their pay docked for hospital visits. The Odebrecht company
website says, 'For every day worked, each of them receives a kilo of rice and
the equivalent of one U.S. dollar to pay for their meals, in addition to monthly
wages.' However, the workers claim they earn an average monthly salary of around
$80 after taxes, which in Liberia's inflated economy leaves them struggling to
cover basic
necessities like rent, food, transportation and school fees for their families
back home.

Yekepa, the seat of ArcelorMittal's large iron ore concession, is surrounded by
mineral-rich hills and lush, dense jungle. In Yekepa's heyday, the Liberian
American Swedish Chemicals Company (LAMCO) ran the high-grade ore mine from the
1950s until Charles Taylor's rebels invaded in 1989.

'On the town's outskirts, jungle encroaches on remnants of that time - a vast
art deco swimming pool, rusty trains, and the whitewashed skeletal remains of
buildings picked clean by looters.' ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel
manufacturer, moved into town three years ago as part of its global mission to
increase the company's iron ore production to two-thirds of the total product
they purchase. 'Liberia is one of the stepping stones to get there,' Joseph
Mathews, the company's head in Liberia, told IPS. Pushed by the incoming
government of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in December 2006 to revise their original
contract signed just months before her election in August 2005, ArcelorMittal
pledged a US $1.5 billion, 25-year investment for the old LAMCO property. The
government owns 30 percent of the net profit, and receives a 4.5 percent royalty
fee and three million dollars annually for development projects in Grand Bassa,
Bong, and Nimba Counties.
'The renegotiation was for the rail and the port, and it became not a company
asset but a government asset,' Mathews explains. 'We get the rights to run it,
control it and fix it up, then they get it back at the end of the 25 years.'
Global Witness, the UK-based corporate watchdog and critic of the company's
original contract, 'Mittal Steel has shown that it is possible for a
multinational company to act responsibly and negotiate a deal that remains
profitable and safeguards the interests of the host country and its people.'

'However, the real benefits of this contract to Liberia can only be truly
assessed as the company starts its operations.' For the past three years,
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has aggressively courted companies to invest in
Liberia's most valuable resources - iron ore, rubber and timber - but the global
economic meltdown in September 2008 has hit the country's concessions hard.
ArcelorMittal just posted a net loss of US $2.63 billion worldwide for their
last quarter, and their operations in Liberia are feeling the impact. No iron
ore has yet been exported from Yekepa.

CEO Matthews says, 'We will keep our operations going along with the rail, and
at one point, earlier on, we thought we would start shipping ore at the end of
2009, but that has been delayed until 2010.' 'It will all depend on how quickly
the recovery will come in... We have already put in a hiring freeze about two
months ago, and our plans and hopes are to keep as much of our Liberian staff
intact.' Eugene Shannon, the Minister for Lands, Mines and Energy is well aware
of the local impact of the global slowdown. 'To tell you a fact, we are going to
be as compromising as possible. In a downturn you cannot be as hard on people as
you can be when things are normal... We can't kick you out, we've got to work it
out because its in our interest to keep them in, and get as much out of them.'

Yekepa's sleepy market centre is filled with youth trying to scrape by as
motorbike drivers, food and electronics vendors and selling gasoline in large
jars. 33-year-old Victoria Johnson lives close by. A plumber by trade, she moved
with ten family members from Monrovia into a friend's house, and fixes pipes at
ArcelorMittal's residential quarters. 'I find small work and make about U.S. $70
month,' she says. Johnson is one of the family's few breadwinners. 'When the
children get sick, we don't take them to the hospital, we don't have the money.
We go to the drugstore.'

ArcelorMittal say they have almost 500 staff members and about 2,000 contractors
on the ground. They hope to eventually increase their staff to 3,500.
Labour Minister Kofi Woods says that rules for safeguarding the company's
subcontracted workers were not established in the concession contract, and they
are looking at standards compliance. 'Serious issues include wages, working
conditions, health and safety,' he says.
A haggard 36-year-old guard for the security company Segal - contracted by

ArcelorMittal - returns home from a night guarding the nearby Tokadeh iron ore
mine. Wishing to remain anonymous, he says he works seven days a week for nearly
US $80 a month. He receives no housing or health benefits, and has also been
asked to vacate his home. 'I don't know the arrangement between Segal and Mittal
steel. Certainly the pay does not come regularly,' he sighs. 'And anytime they
want to fire you, they can fire you from your job.'

ArcelorMittal CEO Mathews explains: 'We pay Segal U.S. $150 to U.S. $200 a man,
and it's the company's decision what to pay their workers... But in the next
stage, we will put these safeguards in there that you cannot take 50 percent of
what you pay and call that profits for yourself as the owners of the company.'
Darius Dahn is a union organizer in Yekepa with the Forestry Logging Industrial
Workers Union (FLIWU). He recently sent over worker's signatures to the Labour
Ministry but concedes that organizing the ArcelorMittal workforce - mostly
drivers and workers at Buchanan's port - and the subcontractors is an uphill
battle. 'They are just six month contractors and are afraid with the union
issue, that management will terminate their contract after its over.' But
ArcelorMittal begs for time. 'There is a perception out there that a company
comes in and turns things overnight,' says Mathews. 'And looking back, our
memories always give us this great
picture of what the past was. It takes time to get there. I think what we end
up with will be a whole lot better than LAMCO back in the sixties - it's just a
whole new world and it will be a better environment.'

Contributed by Inter Press Service (Yekepa, Liberia)

For more info: shanksrodney@...

Author: Rodney Shanks
Rodney Shanks is an examiner from Atlanta, Georgia. You can see Rodney's
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Copyright © 2009 Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com. All Rights
reserved.

+++

9)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#298 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:51 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia: Liberian Chief Executive Lauds 'Water of Life' At Fund Raising
Banquet, 2) Official delegation clarifies renewed violence at Guthrie, 3)
Nigeria, others endorse West Africa elephant conservation plan, 4) Over $1.5
Million in Conservation Grants to Aid Imperiled International Wildlife
[EXCERPT], 5) Goverance Commission begins discussions on decentralization, 6)
Confusion in Miners' Union, 7) Sinoe's Supt reports hardship, blames bad road
condition, 8) CHIMPS SANCTUARY, 9) Wild West - the Sinoe Rubber Plantation, 10)
Mittal Steel to Layoff Over 1,000 Employees, 11)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia: Liberian Chief Executive Lauds 'Water of Life' At Fund Raising
Banquet
14 April 2009

Greenville, South Carolina — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, during a visit
to Greenville in South Carolina, said the Liberian Government will continue to
encourage strong partnerships in its national development drive. The President
noted that without partnerships, Government alone cannot undertake the daunting
reconstruction and development tasks facing the country.

According to an Executive Mansion dispatch from the United States, the Liberian
leader was speaking on April 13 in Greenville during a fund raising banquet to
support projects undertaken by Water of Life, a non-profit organization based in
Greenville, South Carolina.

The President lauded the organization, expressing satisfaction at its work in
addressing Liberia's water needs through the provision of clean water.

'Thank God that you have been able to reach our mothers and their children the
Liberian people appreciate your calling," the President assured the
organization.

She said though Government was making frantic efforts to provide water and other
basic necessities to its people, the overstretching demands for other priorities
has made it difficult to meet all the needs at once.

Government, President Johnson Sirleaf said, will continue to build partnerships
to help meet its development objectives.

Water of Life Executive Director Roland Bergeron thanked the President for the
support his organization has received since its operation started in Liberia. He
said his organization was delighted to assist in the reconstruction of Liberia
through the provision of clean drinking water for the less fortunate.

Water of Life projects, Mr. Bergeron said, have helped reduce water-borne
diseases, saved the lives of mothers and children and brought hope. It is
estimated that about 5,000 children

worldwide die everyday because of lack of water or due to water related
illnesses.

Water of Life trains and equips teams to serve two purposes: dig or drill wells
which bring fresh water to communities and offer the clear message of Jesus
Christ which brings eternal living water to their hearts. The organization has
installed more than 200 wells throughout Liberia.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

2) Official delegation clarifies renewed violence at Guthrie
Written by Robert J. Clarke, Jr.
Monday, 13 April 2009
STAR RADIO

Government has denied reports of renew violence at the Guthrie Rubber
Plantation.

Deputy Information Minister Gabriel Williams said an Inter-ministerial Committee
visited the plantation Monday and saw no sign of violence.

Deputy Minister Williams said workers and the management team were surprised to
have heard of reports of violence in the media.

He said the delegation was taken around the plantation to ascertain on its own.

Deputy Minister Williams said it was gathered that the nearby farmers were
burning their farms and perhaps some flames might have spilled over.

He however, said investigation was ongoing.

He assured the Inter-ministerial Committee is working on recommendations to
strengthen workers-management relationship at the plantation.

+++

3) Nigeria, others endorse West Africa elephant conservation plan
By Chinedu Uwaegbulam, Assistant Housing & Environment Editor
Monday, April 13, 2009

REPRESENTATIVES of 13 West African countries and wildlife agencies have reached
an agreement to conserve West African populations of the African Elephant, as
governments and international conservation bodies agree on steps to stop the
depletion and the loss of their habitat.

The countries met last month in Accra, Ghana, at the first meeting of the
signatories to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and at
a joint session attended by representatives from CMS and the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
programme. Another meeting by the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants
(MIKE) also took place afterwards in Accra.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning Conservation Measures for the
West African populations of the African Elephant provides an international
framework for range state

governments, scientists and conservation groups to collaborate on the
conservation of elephant populations and their habitats.

It was concluded under the CMS and entered into force on November 23, 2005 in
close cooperation with the African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) of the IUCN
Species Survival

Commission (IUCN/SSC). The 13 states that have signed the agreement are: Benin,
Burkina Faso, C?te d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger,
Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

CITES participated as an observer at the CMS MoU meeting and jointly hosted the
CMS-MoU/CITES-MIKE meeting with CMS. CMS and CITES concluded an MoU that sets
out a framework for cooperation between the two organisations in 2002.

In West Africa, major declines of elephant populations occurred well before the
turn of the 20th century and the population has remained at low levels ever
since. The loss of habitat

and illegal killing has raised deep concerns about the future of this
endangered, highly charismatic species. An estimated 90 per cent of elephants'
habitat in West Africa has been destroyed.

Elephant habitats include both humid forest and the arid Sahel. With human
settlements encroaching ever further into elephant habitats, elephants have less
space and the number of human-elephant conflicts is increasing. Roads and
railways also split the elephant range into isolated populations. Two-thirds of
the currently existing populations contain less than 100 elephants, but only
larger groups have a chance for long-term survival.

At the meeting, delegates agreed on a three-year work programme from 2009-2011,
which was also endorsed by representatives of the CITES. CMS, as the lead
organisation, announced that it

would provide ?30,000 towards its implementation.

Local communities and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partners such as the
IUCN and WWF will study seasonal cross-border migrations of the species. Genetic
studies of forest and savannah elephants will provide information necessary for
their management. Economic benefits through ecotourism and other sources will
promote a peaceful coexistence of elephants and

local populations. Training of guards and community representatives will enhance
capacities and support the implementation of protection measures.

A major objective is to reduce the continuous loss of elephant habitat. The
creation of new migration corridors and alternative elephant habitats is
intended to mitigate conflicts

between elephants and humans. Involving local communities in finding solutions
to the causes of conflicts is considered essential, while accompanying measures
such as outreach campaigns will focus on schools and the targeted distribution
of publications.

An important threat to elephants remains illegal ivory trade. Following a
decision taken at a recent CITES conference, government representatives have now
decided to strictly implement

an action plan to enhance controls and deal with illegal domestic ivory markets,
which are still flourishing in parts of Africa. Regional governments will also
work together to obtain information about poaching, train field officers and
guards and provide them with the necessary equipment. In addition, a technical
network among the countries will monitor elephant migrations.

The results from the first meeting were taken up at the joint meeting of
representatives from CMS and the CITES programme MIKE. Delegates developed joint
project proposals where their respective governments could collaborate in a
selected trans-boundary areas.

CMS Executive Secretary, Robert Hepworth, said: "The results of the two meetings
will make a real difference for the conservation of elephants in West Africa.
Elephants play a key role in maintaining forest and savannah ecosystems. We have
provided the platform for countries, United Nations agencies, NGOs, research
institutions and local communities to work together

to halt the decline of one of the most remarkable animal species and their
habitat.


© 2003 - 2007 @ Guardian Newspapers Limited (All Rights Reserved).

+++

4) Over $1.5 Million in Conservation Grants to Aid Imperiled International
Wildlife [EXCERPT]
Monday, April 13, 2009 :: Staff infoZine
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $1.5 million in
international conservation grants under the Marine Turtle, and Great Ape and
African Elephant Conservation Funds, to aid recovery of endangered species in
thirty countries around the world.

Washington, D.C. - infoZine - "These grants provide critical support for efforts
targeting highly imperiled species and habitats throughout the world," said
Service’s acting Director Rowan Gould. "They enable local communities, partner
organizations, universities and governments to conserve and manage their natural
heritage."

The funding is made available through the Service’s Wildlife Without Borders-
Multinational Species Programs, using monies designated by Congress for
international conservation. These programs were created to provide aid and
support the conservation of species and habitats imperiled by a variety of
threats, including poaching, illegal trafficking, habitat loss, and disease.

The grants will be used to leverage more than $2.3 million in matching funds to
directly help wildlife. Examples of funded projects include: protecting
leatherback sea turtles at one of the few remaining nesting beaches in the
eastern Pacific on Costa Rica; providing a 2-month long course in natural
resources conservation for 16 wildlife professionals currently working in
protected areas in Latin America; and, a variety of field work involving
protection, monitoring, and management of these species and their habitats.

The Marine Turtle Conservation Fund (MTCF) will issue funding in the amount of
$413,948, with matching resources from partners totaling $587,316, that will be
used to enhance the conservation of leatherbacks in Indonesia, Gabon, Liberia,
Sierra Leone, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea and Vietnam;
loggerheads in Oman, Japan, Mexico and Cape Verde;

Olive ridley populations in Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua
and India; and hawksbills in Mexico, Barbados, Nicaragua, Panama and Vietnam.

...

Related link
Service’s international grants program
www.fws.gov/international/DIC/dic_home.html

ISSN 1082-7315 - © 1994-2009 INFOZINE ® A REGISTERED TRADEMARK.

++++

5) Goverance Commission begins discussions on decentralization
Written by Moses Wenyou
Thursday, 09 April 2009
STAR RADIO

The Governance Commission is expected to this week begin nation-wide discussions
on the draft national policy on decentralization and local governance.

According to a GC release, the decentralization policy is a product of nearly
three years of consultations with citizens throughout the country.

The release said the first in the series of nation-wide validation dialogues
with the media and civil society organizations would begin Friday in Gbarnga.

According to the release, the Gbarnga dialogue would be followed by publishing
of the draft policy.

The release also said three regional dialogues with county delegates from the
Eastern, Central and Western regions would be held this month and May.

The Governance Commission said the dialogues are part of the process leading to
the holding of a national constitutional referendum in Liberia.

+++

6) Confusion in Miners' Union
Written by Matthias Daffah
Thursday, 09 April 2009
STAR RADIO

The Gold and Diamond Miners and Workers Union of Liberia has announced the
removal from office of its President General Madam Helena Jackson-Thornes.

Other officials of the union, in a resolution, charged Madam Thornes with
rampant corruption and denial of training opportunities to Liberian miners .

The resolutions carved by the Executive Committee of the union dissolved with
immediate effect the Helena Jackson-Thornes leadership.

The new Secretary General of the group, Shadrach Wisner told Star Radio Madam
Thornes profited from her alleged corrupt deeds.

When contacted, Helena Jackson-Thornes denied all the allegations leveled
against her and claimed she remains President General of the union.

She alleged the self-proclaimed Secretary General of the Union Shadrach Wisner
was wanted on the charge of corruption and would be arrested if found.

+++

7) Sinoe's Supt reports hardship, blames bad road condition
Written by Charles Gbollie
Thursday, 09 April 2009
STAR RADIO

Sinoe County Superintendent Sylvester Grisby has reported a serious shortage of
basic commodities in the county.

Superintendent Grisby told Star Radio cement and rice are at the top of
commodities that are not easily found in the southeastern county.

He said the shortage of cement is serving as a great set-back to development and
reconstruction activities in Sinoe.

Mr. Grisby attributed the situation to the lack of major commercial activities
and bad road condition linking the county.

According to him, the shortage has led to a sharp increase in the prizes of rice
and cement.

He said a bag of cement is sold at twenty U.S. dollars while rice is sold
thirty-five to forty U.S. dollars.

Superintendent Grisby however, assured the local authority is working along with
the Commerce Ministry and business entities to remedy the situation.

+++

8) CHIMPS SANCTUARY
By Yurfee B. Shaikalee (ENVIRONMENTAL COLUMNIST)

Published: 09 April, 2009
Liberian Observer

Few miles away from the noisy Monrovia is a gift of God to Liberia. The Marshall
Wetland is one of the five wetlands designated by the Government of Liberia as a
Protected Area in 2006.

Marshall Wetland is also a Ramsar Convention designated site. Which means that
the Marshall Wetland is recognized by the the Convention on Wetlands, signed in
Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is

an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and
international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and
their resources. There are presently 159 Contracting Parties to the Convention,
with 1834 wetland sites, totaling 170 million hectares, designated for inclusion
in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International

Importance.

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www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!

+++

9) Wild West - the Sinoe Rubber Plantation

Rebecca Murray


Greenville, LIBERIA, Apr 8 (IPS) - "We organised security throughout the camp.
If there was noise in the plantation we would call the person and carry out an
investigation," the man known as ‘White Flower’ tells IPS. "Then the
superintendent said they should arrest me and my crew."

The Sinoe Rubber Plantation (SRP) is one of Liberia’s largest at over 242
hectares. It was the site of fierce fighting during between Charles Taylor’s
government forces and opposing militia the brutal civil war.

After the war’s end in 2003, former fighters eventually led by Leon Worjlah,
the 32-year-old ex-combatant everyone calls White Flower, took control of the
lush plantation through a local association called the Citizen’s Welfare
Committee (CWC).

"Before you can go and buy some rubber from that plantation, you had to pay $100
(U.S.) to the CWC," explains local journalist Patrick Kamor. "Then, besides
that, when you are transporting rubber to town, for every twenty bags you had to
give them five bags."

"When [White Flower] left people were feeling bad about him* Why do people have
to pay money before you can operate on the plantation? Why when you transport
your own crops do you have to pay every time by dropping bags?"

Both the area’s small-time rubber purchasers and the CWC transported the latex
to giant commercial buyers Firestone and Liberian Agriculture Company (LAC) in
Greenville.

"It was said that the fees [CWC] collected would go to benefit plantation
communities, but accusations often flew about misuse of funds by committee
members," stated a joint government

and United Nations Rubber Plantation Task Force report in September 2007.

Hard times on the plantation

The SRP lies thirty kilometres from the coastal town of Greenville, thirty km of
rutted dirt road and damaged wooden bridges that are barely navigable during the
rainy season. Bordering the mineral-rich forest of Sapo National Park, it is
home to the indigenous Wedjah community, and an influx of ex-combatants and
civilian families looking for work.

The plantation is not prospering: with a recent drop in global rubber prices and
the majority of trees bled dry from overexploitation, the coummunity lacks basic
services like clinics, schools and access to clean drinking water. A tonne of
rubber worth $1,200 in Greenville a year ago collects $282 there today.

"For the past three months we’ve had a problem with food," says Robert Reeves
, a rubber tapper from Gartey Village on the plantation's edge. "We depend on
the rubber, and the rubber is

not productive again for the entire farm - it has broken down - and we can’t
survive." He says tappers now climb over four meters up the tall rubber trees to
bleed them for latex; exhausting and hazardous work for little gain.

Reeves is building the area’s first clinic as a mason at $7 a day for the
U.N., now the SRP’s largest employer. Many of his neighbours are also enrolled
in the U.N.’s Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Recovery (RRR) programme,
which has employed over 700 workers so far, clearing brush and maintaining
roads.

The Liberian government intends to find a suitable concessionaire willing to
invest long-term in the plantation’s trees and workers. The minister of
agriculture was awaiting word on a lagging resolution to a contentious land
dispute filed in the courts by former President William Tolbert’s family,
toppled from power by a violent coup in 1980 before establishing an interim
management team for the SRP.

"We want to get all of this done before the heavy rains. We need to do that to
give enough time for the interim management team to put itself into place,"
then-minister of agriculture Chris Toe told IPS in March, shortly before his
resignation.

"We are on the verge of moving in, and we don’t want to create a confused
situation," said Toe. "And we also don’t want to do anything that can be
destabilising, because some of the measures that I’ve heard that were put in
place are measures that could be basically for the long term - it would be
difficult to uproot..."

A few years ago, not everyone on the plantation was happy with the renewed
attention from government.

"I cannot tell you the community was hostile - it was a mixed reception," says
Eric Perry, a U.N. RRR programme officer who accompanied the first Joint Task
Force into the SRP in 2006.

"The local community residents were begging for intervention because since 1990
there has not been any social service provisions - there were no schools, no
clinics, absolutely nothing."

"However," Perry says, "for the former combatants who at the time were running
the plantation* they were a little hostile, and they wanted to form part of any
eventual management team or concession what was coming."

Between a rock and a very hard place

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s government has aggressively looked for
companies to invest in Liberia’s most valuable resources - rubber, iron ore
and timber - but the global economic meltdown in September 2008 has hit the
country's concessions particularly hard.

"It is devastating," said Toe. "Even those investors, or potential investors,
who have expressed interest in not only rubber or oil palm, are doing a couple
of things. They are either scaling down their plans, or asking for more
incentives from government, or one or two of them have bowed out."

Meanwhile, at local level, Greensville's County Superintendent Sylvester
Grisgby, along with local law enforcement, masterminded the arrest of White
Flower and eight associates last November, accusing them of criminal intent to
commit murder and arson, and shutting down all CWC operations.

"There was a conflict between the worker’s group [CWC] and the community
police," explains White Flower’s attorney, Gelplah-Tiklo Konton. "And in the
process, there were gunshots, and somebody was wounded, a vehicle was burned,
and a house was burned. And the state is saying the worker’s group was
responsible for that."

White Flower is currently out on bail after months behind bars, released without
being formally charged. Warned by his lawyer to stay clear of the SRP, he finds
himself with little to do at his decrepit Greenville home, though he hopes to be
considered for a future management team at the plantation.

But rubber tappers and small-buyers have not seen their lot improve. Rumours of
Grigsby’s corrupt practices and monopoly on buyers have exacerbated tensions
among SRP workers, who are now forced to pay $100 per tonne of rubber to CWC’s
replacement, Grigsby’s brainchild, the Sinoe Trust Fund.

A future off the plantation

The future of the community may not lie in rubber production at all. The
UK-based charity Landmine Action is setting up an alternative agricultural
program for ex-combatants from SRP in nearby Panama, modelled after their
project in Guthrie Rubber Plantation, also supervised by former fighters after
the war.

Building a campus of classrooms and housing, the NGO is planning an initial
three-month course for over 200 former fighters, teaching a variety of
alternative crop and livestock farming able to sustain families for years to
come.

James Davies was a former fighter with Charles Taylor’s NPFL, and at 36 is a
natural leader for many of the workers cementing bricks on the Panama
construction site.

"I was in the plantation before here. There was a time the government told
everybody in the plantation they should leave. Especially ex-combatants. So
that’s why I decided to call a

meeting in the plantation, with my brothers, and said, ‘I want for all of us
to go to Panama and work.'"

"If you mingle with civilians and take good care of them, they will show you how
to move in the community," he laughs. "If you treat them bad, you will make
enemies."

(END/2009)

Copyright © 2009 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved.

+++

10) Mittal Steel to Layoff Over 1,000 Employees
-As Cavalla Rubber Plantation Redundants More than 300, But Labour
Warns Against Illegal Sacking

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III
Published: 07 April, 2009

[Photo]
S. Kofi Woods and Lakshmi Mittal

MONROVIA,Global steel giant, Arcelor Mittal has announced in Monrovia that it
plans to scale down on its current work force, and would retain 1,200 of nearly
3,000 Liberian jobs, while

80 percent of its large expatriate staff sill be made redundant.

Mittal offered Liberia's greatest beacon for hope in the country's recovery
drive after it signed a US$1 billion concession to take over mines in Yekepa,
Nimba County. Within a few months, the company raised the investment by 50
percnt to US$1.5 billion.

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www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!

+++

11)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#299 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:02 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) African governments dig in for fair mining deals with multinationals, 2)
Liberia: Commerce Ministry inspects business climate in rural Liberia; assured
friendly business environment, 3) Norwegian delegation visits Liberia to discuss
forestry matters, 4) Ex-fighter-turn-farmer unhappy with government, 5) Liberia:
Urban and rural infrastructure rehabilitation project, 6) Liberia: Firestone
Suffers From More Fire; Over 1,000 Trees Affected, 7) Public-private
partnerships needed to revitalize agriculture in Africa, 8) Financial Crisis
hits Mittal Steel, redundant workers demonstrate, 9) Liberia: Pit Sawing
Illegal, But Economical -FDA Boss states, 10) Liberia: New County Officials Take
Over Maryland, 11) West Africa region plans to conserve elephant habitats, 12)
Liberia exonerates Tata Steel, 13) Liberia Says It Is Unable to Curb Illegal
Gold, Diamond Mining, 14) Gold and diamond officials arrested, 15) The Informer
(Monrovia), 16) Liberia: NVP Boss
Presses For Justice In Guthrie Shootout Incident. 17)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) African governments dig in for fair mining deals with multinationals
Business Daily [Nairobi]
Written by Africa Renewal

Former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has called for renegotiation of deals and
transparent operations.
April 24, 2009

Mineral-rich countries in Africa enjoyed a mining boom between 2002 and 2007 as
metal and oil prices nearly tripled. Companies competed furiously for new mines
to meet growing world demand.

As a result, a number of African nations found themselves in a much stronger
bargaining position with foreign investors, who previously were able to demand
(and get) huge breaks before they would invest.

Now governments could strike better deals with new investors, and even
renegotiate old mining contracts.

"We just want to make sure that we are getting the best [deal] for our
deposits," Alhaji Abubakarr Jalloh, Sierra Leone’s minister of mines, said in
September 2007.

But since then, amidst a global economic downturn, world metals and oil prices
have fallen substantially, raising concerns that investors will once again shy
away, and to some extent undercutting Africa’s bargaining power.

Zambia, for example, had hoped to impose windfall profit taxes on copper mining
to finance an infrastructure fund, but shelved those plans after copper prices
plunged from $9,000 to $3,000 a tonne.

Though richly endowed with mineral and oil deposits, Africa has generally drawn
little benefit from that wealth.

Mining and oil profits have long gone abroad or been squandered, leaving many
people in poverty. But the emergence of more democratic and accountable
governments, along with agitation by communities and civil society groups, has
contributed to efforts to better harness mining for development.

So despite the recent fall in world prices, African countries will likely
continue to bargain for better contracts. The goal is not just to ensure higher
national revenues, but also to address long-standing community concerns about
environmental pollution and compensation for people displaced by mining
operations.

Most mining contracts in Africa were negotiated in the 1980s and 1990s when low
world prices and high political risks discouraged foreign investments in the
continent’s mining sector, observes Festus Mogae, the former president of
Botswana, a country widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful mineral
exporters.

Speaking at a meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in December 2008,
he noted that previously African countries had to entice investors by incentives
such as extensive tax and royalty exemptions.

Consequently, many countries earned very little from such contracts. "That is
why it is necessary to renegotiate some of them," he said. "We should use our
best endeavours to negotiate fair deals with multinationals."

But reviewing mining contracts is important for more than earning greater
revenues.

Governments are also responding to pressures from civil society groups and
communities to ensure that contracts and mining codes address environmental
protection, adequate compensation to affected communities and the rehabilitation
of land after mining operations have ceased.

Ibrahim Aidara, the West African extractive industry programme coordinator for
the UK-based non-governmental group, Oxfam, notes that few countries have proper
mechanisms to regulate the impact of mining on communities.

Even where environmental and compensation laws are in place, they are rarely
enforced.

So companies spend very little in compensation or on post-mining clean-up
efforts.

Local communities, moreover, often have little say in how mining contracts and
codes are formulated, even though their livelihoods are the most affected. Nor
do governments have adequate mechanisms for reinvesting mining revenues in
development programmes.

"Mines are a public resource and the negotiations between countries and
companies should be transparent, accessible and easily understandable by
citizens," Mr Aidara told Africa Renewal.

"Communities should be able to review mining contracts, find out how much
revenue has been generated and how, and on what it is being spent, and have
access to information about all other impacts of a mining operation."

Partly in response to such concerns, and despite the recent decline in world
mineral prices, governments are continuing to press for reviews of old contracts
and to be more demanding in negotiations for new ones. "Most of our policymakers
now understand that their national economies are not benefiting from mining and
that to do so, it is important to have good policy in the sector and be more
transparent," says Mr Aidara. "They understand that they have to reform. This is
a good start."

Tanzania has made some progress in this area. In the past, gold- and
diamond-mining investors often received tax concessions lasting up to 20 years.
So while mining accounted for nearly half of Tanzania’s exports, the total
taxes paid by all the mining companies combined amounted to less than the tax
paid by a single local company, Tanzania Breweries.

To address the problem, Tanzania set up an 11-member committee of government
officials, mining experts and civil society representatives to look at how to
make mining contracts work better for all. The committee’s recommendations
were used in renegotiating existing agreements.

Empowerment fund

Subsequently, Tanzanian Minister of Energy and Minerals, Nazir Karamagi,
announced to Parliament that mining companies AngloGold, Barrick and Resolute
had agreed to pay annual levies equivalent to US$200,000 directly to local
governments in the areas where their mines were located. The funds would be used
for community projects.

An additional $125,000 annually would be paid to an "empowerment fund" to
finance national development projects. The companies would also be required to
buy local products and services where these are available, instead of importing
them.

Governments are reaching out to civil society groups in attempts to better
respond to community concerns.

In April 2008 the secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States
(Ecowas) invited Oxfam to help facilitate civil society participation in the
drafting of a new regional mining code.

"When we have the regional mining code ratified," explains Mr Aidara, "it will
be binding for all the member countries, and will supersede all existing
national codes." He notes that the new code would standardise compensation and
environmental rules, eliminate contradictions and align the mining codes of all
15 Ecowas countries.

But better contracts alone may not be enough to ensure that citizens of
resource-rich countries benefit from their natural wealth. According to Paolo
Desea of the World Bank, speaking at a meeting of African mining officials in
Guinea in early 2008, widespread poverty in these countries often has less to do
with bad contracts than with a "lack of clear laws for national governments [on
how] to distribute the money."

Guinea illustrates the problem. Mining companies there are legally obliged to
pay a tax to the owners of the land on which they mine. They are also required
to support local development projects.

But civil society representatives, in a June 2008 interview with UN Integrated
Regional Information Networks, pointed out that hundreds of thousands of dollars
paid as taxes to support development in Guinean villages rarely reached the
communities themselves.

They cited the case of Russian bauxite-mining company ACG-Rusal, which over
three years gave $100,000 in development assistance to a local prefecture.

But the 25,000 citizens of Mambia, the village where ACG-Rusal operates,
received only a single small payment, in 2006. Mambia remains without
electricity or piped water.

Mr Mogae acknowledges the problems of corruption and poor management of
Africa’s mineral resources.

"Some of our countries’ individual leaders use their access to financial
resources from extractive industries to advance their own personal agendas,
instead of using them in the best interest of the nation as a whole," he said at
the December 2008 AfDB meeting.

Burkina Faso’s former Minister of Economy and Finance Jean-Baptiste Compaoré
agrees.

But he adds that countries such as his are taking steps to avoid such pitfalls.
Burkina Faso has recently joined the Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI).

Launched in 2002 by then UK prime minister, Tony Blair, the initiative requires
members to publish all data on revenues from mining and oil operations.

By joining the EITI, Mr Compaoré said in June 2008, "Burkina Faso has
undertaken to ensure transparency in the exploitation of its mineral resources
and the use of resources arising from them." This, he hopes, will "maximise the
positive development of the mining sector on growth and the fight against
poverty."

Reduce poverty

In theory, publishing all data on mining revenues and on what mining companies
pay to governments should make it possible for citizens and development experts
to track how much of the wealth is being used to help reduce poverty.

This, it is hoped, will encourage transparency and accountability on the part of
governments and mining companies. Sixteen African countries, including Burkina
Faso, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone have joined the initiative.

Transparency is especially difficult in countries coming out of war. Civil
society activists often cite the mining industry in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo.

In March 2007 a coalition of more than 100 international and local Congolese
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) demanded that the government renegotiate,
revoke, or cancel disadvantageous mining contracts that had been signed during
the war or under the transitional government that was in power from 2002 to
2006.

The NGOs claimed that three of the largest contracts approved by the
transitional government had "collectively signed away over 70 per cent of the
government’s most valuable copper and cobalt reserves to international
companies."

Mining contracts

A month later the new government - which came out of the first democratic
elections at the end of 2006 - set up an inter-ministerial commission to examine
more than 60 mining contracts.

It finished its work in October 2007, but did not publish the results until
March 2008, after concerted lobbying by the NGOs.

But environmental degradation, compensation for people affected by mining
operations, and post-mine recovery concerns were not addressed.

NGOs also protested the fact that a task force set up to oversee implementation
was staffed entirely by government officials.

Given the history of corruption and lack of transparency in the Congo’s mining
sector, the NGOs argued that the task force should have included independent and
international legal experts, as well as members of civil society.



© Copyright 2000-2007 by Nation Media Group. All rights


+++


2) Liberia: Commerce Ministry inspects business climate in rural Liberia;
assured friendly business environment
Apr 22, 2009
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer

Dr. Frederick Norkeh, Deputy Commerce Minister
The Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Frederick B. Norkeh, at the
head of a high power Ministry of Commerce delegation visited Bong, Nimba Grand
Gedeh and Lofa Counties over the weekend to acquaint themselves with business
activities in those areas.

The delegation among other things accessed the staffing regime, working
environment and collaborative efforts among inspecting stakeholders.

Other areas of concern accessed include, evaluating the present business
procedures at the various Port of entries with the hope of improving the
business climax in the entire Country where businessmen will see the procedures
as friendly.

At the Mande Korma border near Sierra Leone, Dr. Norkeh commended their Liberian
counterparts for the smooth and collaborative efforts that will enhance Commerce
and Trade between the two sisterly countries.

In a related development, Dr, Norkeh assured the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry employees and other Inspecting Agencies of the National Government
commitment to provide basic logistics in the presence of computing priorities
and merger financial resources at the exposure of the National Government.

Dr. Frederick Norkeh, Deputy Commerce Minister

About the Author:
Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written
articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his
hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian
press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@....


By Phone
1.646.225.9684 (USA) By Email
editor@...
TheLiberianTimes.com is a developingPress Company

www.developingpres.com

TheLiberianTimes.com web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by
LoneStar Liberia.

+++

3) Norwegian delegation visits Liberia to discuss forestry matters

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) A Norwegian delegation has arrived in Liberia to discuss
with Liberian authorities the possibility for the country to benefit from the
Norwegian Forestry Initiative.

According to a press statement Wednesday, the Norwegian Forestry Initiative is a
multi-million dollar investment fund created by the oil-rich state to assist
forest-rich countries like Liberia in the fight against global warming by
conserving their forests.

Under this initiative, Norway will fund actions to reduce deforestation and
forest degradation in Liberia. Such initiatives include tackling persistent
deforestation drivers such as pit-sawing, charcoal production and shifting
cultivation, as well as ensuring that commercial logging is well-managed and
producing legal timber.

Brazil and Tanzania are benefiting from Norwegian government support in the
preservation of their forests, the statement adds.

The delegation which comprises Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Inger Naes and
Thorvald Boye both of the Norwegian embassy in Abidjan, will meet with senior
members of the Liberian government, development partners and civil society
during their stay in Liberia from April 21-24.


TSS/daj/APA
2009-04-22

African Press Agency - Copyright upon prior authorization

+++

4) Ex-fighter-turn-farmer unhappy with government
Written by Robert J. Clarke, Jr.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
STAR RADIO

The Speaker of the Traditional Council of Liberia Rivercess branch has accused
the council and the Agriculture Ministry of stalling their farming activities.

Chief Boy Koffi Zarr told Star Radio they were told by the ministry and the
council to produce seed rice for subsequent purchase by government.

He said it was agreed by the parties that each bag of seed rice would have been
bought at forty US Dollars per bag.

Chief Zarr explained he and his colleagues produced over two hundred bags of
seed rice and transported the consignment to Monrovia.

According to him, they were told that each of the bags would be bought at
seventeen US Dollars.

Chief Koffi Zarr, an ex-General from the defunct NPFL, said he has over
thirty-five former fighters working on his farm in fulfillment of government’s
back to the soil program

He told Star Radio he depends on proceed from the sale of the rice to pay the
ex-combatants.

Chief Koffi Zarr appealed to government to see reason to purchase the seed rice
at the agreed price.

+++


5) Liberia: Urban and rural infrastructure rehabilitation project
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2009 - The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today
approved the following project:

IDA Grant: US$44 million equivalent

Project Description: The development objective of the Urban and Rural
Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project for Republic of Liberia supports
government's goal of improving road access in Monrovia and targeted rural areas,
as well as improving institutional structure for technical management of the
road sector.

Under current projects, IDA is supporting the government in comprehensively
reforming its port sector. This grant will advance IDA'S ongoing and leading
effort in addressing the rebuilding and developing of Liberia's transport
infrastructure and related Institution.

This operation will help respond to the situation by financing several critical
components of transport infrastructure around the country, including: 1)
resurfacing and rehabilitation of city streets in Monrovia and a traffic
solution for one major congested city interchange; 2) rehabilitation of primary
road sections in rural area; 3) maintenance of primary and secondary roads
through collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and United
Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers, and; 4) construction of a major
bridge and a new fuel unloading facility.

The project will support the government's efforts to re-establish basic
transport infrastructure and improve the management of the transport sector.
This will contribute to increased access to social services and commercial
opportunities for the citizenry and consequently contribute to poverty
alleviation in Liberia.

Media Contact

Rachel McColgan-Arnold
(202) 473-2588
rmccolgan@...

© 2009 ReliefWeb


+++

6) Liberia: Firestone Suffers From More Fire; Over 1,000 Trees Affected
20 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)


Monrovia - Two fire incidents (April 13 and April 15, 2009) have left at least
1, 000 rubber trees burnt in the Firestone Liberia concession area.


A significant portion of Firestone Liberia young rubber trees were on Wednesday,
April 15, 2009, gutted by fire at Division three (3), leaving nearly seven
hundred affected.

According to the Acting Fire Chief of Firestone Liberia, Lt. Mulbah D.S.
Kerkula, the fire started from a nearby village in the area called Kamara Hill.

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire was caused by unknown gardener who was
burning a track of farm land adjacent the concession area.

Lt. Kerkula who expressed regrets about the fire destruction said despite
efforts on the part of Firestone Management in sensitizing and educating the
people as to the danger of fire and the precautionary measures to be taken, the
level of cooperation has not been forthcoming.

Also speaking on the fire incident, the Superintendent of Divisions 2 and 3, Mr.
G. Gaegae Russell said the Wednesday Fire Outbreak was intense which drew the
attention and assistance of teammates from New Development, Production and Fire
Service Departments.

The combined efforts of personnel of these departments led to the successful
quenching of the fire that brought vehicular traffic to a standstill along Route
One.

On Monday, April 13, 2009, over five hundred young rubber trees were also
destroyed at Division 10, blocks 43 and 48.
The Division 10 destruction, according to Lt. Kerkula is said to be done
deliberately by unscrupulous individuals who are bent on undermining the
replanting program.

For his part, the Public Affairs Manager of Firestone Liberia Mr. G. Rufus
Karmorh, who visited the scene of the latest incident, expressed indignation for
such level of destruction.

Mr. Karmorh in a pensive mood stressed that the accelerated replanting program
was a key component of the Company's operation in Liberia.

The Public Affairs Boss reiterated his call on employees and residents within
the concession area to ensure the safety of the rubber trees. "The rubber trees
of Firestone should be protected at all times because it is the catalyst for the
level of development that is permeating within the concession area, "Mr. Karmorh
asserted.

Residents spoken to following the incident are calling on the County Officials,
UNMIL and relevant stake holders in the rubber industry to institute appropriate
measures that could halt such ghastly fire outbreaks.

It can be recalled in recent times a large section of land within the concession
area of Firestone Liberia was set ablaze by some unknown individuals, leaving
more than 300 young rubber trees affected, creating a serious setback to the
ongoing replanting exercise in Divisions 6 and 10 respectively.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

7) Public-private partnerships needed to revitalize agriculture in Africa
NEW. Watch live television from Ghana plus the latest Ghanaian movies plus OBE
TV.

Accra, April 20, GNA - The Executive Committee of the Sustainable Tree Crops
Programme (STCP) partnership begins a meeting in the Ivorian commercial capital,
Abidjan, on Monday to assess its performance over the years and deliberate on
issues facing the cocoa economy of West and Central Africa. The meeting brings
together representatives of national and international institutions responsible
for the cocoa sector, according to a statement issued in Accra by STCP.

It said ahead of the meeting, STCP partners, which include the global cocoa
industry, major donors, national cocoa authorities and research institutions,
are calling upon national governments, regional authorities and the private
sector to formalize the present public-private partnership platform around tree
crops. At the same time, they are encouraging the promotion of such value chain
partnerships in other agricultural commodities, including food crops, towards
the transformation of rural economies in sub-Saharan Africa STCP is managed by
the Ibadan-based International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

It said a concerted effort across commodities was required if the six per cent
national agricultural growth rate was to be achieved as targeted by African
governments. The public-private partnership on which STCP is built has been
heralded as an innovation that "never before existed for the cocoa sector".

The statement said STCP had demonstrated that bringing together government
authorities, the private sector, development agencies and research institutions,
working together towards a common goal, can strengthen the value chain and lead
to significant increases in farmer income.

"Such revitalization benefits the local and global private sectors, which depend
on a stable supply of quality tree crop products, and national economies that
rely on agriculture as part of their growth and poverty reduction strategy."

STCP was launched in 2000 by West and Central African cocoa stakeholders, the
global cocoa industry, the World Cocoa Foundation, and USAID, and is managed by
the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

STCP has been introducing production, marketing, and institutional innovations
in the cocoa sector aimed at improving the economic and social wellbeing of tree
crop farmers. For instance, its training approach has led to farmers increasing
their cocoa yields on average by 15 to 40 per cent. The introduction of group
sales and entrepreneurship, more transparent and direct transactions, and
quality control have resulted in 5-15 per cent higher farm-gate prices for
farmers. STCP is engaged with public and private partners in C=F4te d'Ivoire,
Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Liberia to identify the potential of the cocoa
sector in contributing to rural transformation.

These demonstrated accomplishments and innovations are being integrated into new
development initiatives by national and regional authorities and the private
sector. Based on these achievements, the STCP partners recognize the significant
role of agriculture in fighting poverty in Africa.

20 April 09 Source:GNA

All Rights Reserved, 1994-2009, © Copyright GhanaHomePage

+++

8) Financial Crisis hits Mittal Steel, redundant workers demonstrate
Written by Gabriel Paul
Monday, 20 April 2009
STAR RADIO

Report from Grand Bassa County says several workers redundant by Acelor Mittal
over the weekend staged a peaceful demonstration in Buchanan.

Correspondent said the workers’ demonstration was in demand of twenty-five
months benefits the company allegedly owes them. The workers are also demanding
twenty-five years pay off salaries from Acelor Mittal since it breached their
employment contract.

The redundant workers have called on government to intervene in order to address
their plight.

Authorities of the county appealed to the workers to remain calm, assuring
everything is being done to address their plight.

Mittal Steel downsized its workforce citing constraints resulting from the
global financial crisis.

+++

9) Liberia: Pit Sawing Illegal, But Economical -FDA Boss states
Jerome Toe
20 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)

Monrovia - The Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) Mr.
John Wood has lauded the efforts of the pit-sawing in the country despite the
illegality of the process.

Addressing an interactive forum of pit-sawing in Monrovia, Mr. Woods said the
process has been a beneficiary to the Liberian society for the reconstruction,
rehabilitation process that is on going since the cessation of civil unrest in
the country that destroyed properties, claimed lives and left the economy in
shambles.

Mr. Wood pointed out that in the absence of forest concession, pit-sawing
provided timber for the rehabilitation of the country and for infrastructures,
thus enhancing the economy of the country.

He said as a result of the importance of pit-sawing in the country, the
government has turned blind eyes to its illegality because it supports the
country by providing planks for ever increasing reconstructions activities.

He said pit-sawing has performed a very valuable function in the economic of
Liberia; beside the supply of timber, it has employed a large number of the
population that could have remained unemployed given the lack of employment
opportunities.

The FDA boss pointed out that the authority has the mandate to reform the forest
sector including the forest policy based on three (3) pillars.

The pillars include Commercial logging, Conservation of forest, and Community.

These, three pillars, he said, must work collectively or coexist for the proper
implementation of the country’s forest policy.

As per the new forestry law, FDA awards a Forest Management Contract that cover
areas of 50,000 hector up to 400,000 for a period of 25 years, but this requires
heavy investment and high responsibility.

Under the Timber Sale Contract FDA gives license for an area of 5,000 hector for
a three-year period. This is often held by Liberian with at least 50% ownership
(along with a foreigner) if it is not 100% Liberian-owned.

Mr. Wood stated that this is intended to build up the entrepreneurship of the
Liberian forest sector so that profit made can be reinvested and remain in the
country.

The FDA Boss noted that pit-sawing is not a part of any of these categories of
licenses; therefore, FDA will now to conduct a comprehensive study that will
show a total picture of pit-sawing in the country.

This will facilitate the process of a making political decision regarding
pit-sawing (license wise) in Liberia.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

10) Liberia: New County Officials Take Over Maryland
20 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)

Monrovia -
The Minister of Internal Affairs Ambulai Johnson has inducted the new leadership
of Maryland County in the county’s capital Harper, calling for a difference in
leadership that will promote transformation among the people.

Superintendent J. Gblebo Browne and his assistant for development, Madam Melita
Gardiner, were recently, bringing to end nine months of finding permanent
leaders to run the affairs of the county.

Min. Johnson during the induction thanked Hon. Hodo Clarke for managing the
affairs of the county while in the process of putting in place new leaders.

Min. Johnson noted that "we hope and trust that with the cooperation of all
Marylanders there will be a real difference, a difference that will create the
type of development that any good Liberian would like to see, a difference that
will promote the issue of equity among the people, and a difference the will
transform the lives of the people."

He called on the county’s authority to work with the people of Maryland to
move forward.

For his part Hon. Gblebo Browne, after years of service in the private sector
including the United Nations, said he was pleased to report himself for
‘national duties’.

Hon. Browne also called on Min. Johnson to convey to President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf for his preferment and that he has accepted her offered with a "big
sense of humility".

Hon. Browne assured the President that he will do all in his reach, in his
power, to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He said Marylander should be proud of the caliber of representation she has in
the National Legislature, saying, "We are blessed".
He said being aware of the numeral challenges the county and its people are face
with, he would work to seek a united front for all to work to rebuild Maryland
and restore its lost bustling.
The age old land conflict was one of the issues he stressed a priority to
attack. The conflict, he said had long divided the people of the county and has
caused them to fight one another.

"We the people need to protect our territorial integrity and use the resources
especially land to bring growth and development to the suffering elders, youth,
mothers and children of the county," stated
The issues of bad roads, restoration of the William V. S. Tubman Technical
College, the new Superintendent said are priority on his administrative agenda.
For his part, Hon. K. Hodo Clarke, the outgoing acting Superintendent, said he
would work with the new county authority for the development of the county.

Meanwhile, the induction ceremony brought together chiefs elders, commissioners
and youth heads as well as the United Nations officials and women from
Monrovia.There were cultural dances as the Maryland brass band echoed across the
city, vibrating from the Harper City Hall to make the occasion a grand one

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


11) West Africa region plans to conserve elephant habitats
Written by Obadiah Ayoti
Sunday, 19 April 2009
West African countries and wildlife agencies have resolved to put mechanisms in
place to avert a possible extinction of elephants in the region.

Poaching and habitat loss are two major reasons being cited for significant
decline of elephant populations in the region. Statistics from wildlife agencies
estimate that 90 per cent of elephants' habitat in West Africa have been
destroyed.

The region’s Elephant habitats include both humid forest and the arid Sahel.
With human settlements further encroaching into elephant habitats, elephants
have less space and the number of human-elephant conflicts is increasing. Roads
and railways also split the elephant range into isolated populations.

Two-thirds of the currently existing populations contain less than 100
elephants, but only larger groups have a chance for long-term survival.

As a result of this, a recent meeting of West African countries and
international conservation bodies agreed on steps to stop the depletion and the
loss of their habitat.

The meeting which took place at Accra, Ghana was attended by representatives of
13 West African countries and wildlife agencies such as International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

During the two-day meeting, the participants agreed on a 3-year work programme
from 2009-2011 to enhance controls and deal with illegal domestic ivory markets
which was flourishing in the region.

To implement the programme, the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS) which is the lead organization announced that it would provide 30,000
Euros towards.

According to CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth, the programme will go
along way in conserving the endangered elephants from extinction.

"The results of the meeting will make a real difference for the conservation of
elephants in West Africa. Elephants play a key role in maintaining forest and
savannah ecosystems. We have provided the platform for countries, UN agencies,
NGOs, research institutions and local communities to work together to halt the
decline of one of the most remarkable animal species and their habitats,"
Hepworth told Africa Science News Service.

The main objective of the project is to reduce the continuous loss of elephant
habitat. It will prioritize the creation of new migration corridors and
alternative elephant habitats to mitigate conflicts between elephants and
humans. Local communities will be involved in finding solutions to the causes of
conflicts.

Accompanying measures such as outreach campaigns will focus on schools and the
targeted distribution of publications.

An important threat to elephants remains illegal ivory trade which is thriving
in the region. Following a decision taken at a recent CITES conference, the
government representatives vowed to implement the action plan to enhance
controls and deal with illegal domestic ivory markets.

Regional governments will also work together to obtain information about
poaching, train field officers and guards and provide them with the necessary
equipment. In addition, a technical network among the countries will monitor
elephant migrations.

Local communities and NGO partners such as the IUCN and WWF will study seasonal
cross-border migrations of the species.

Genetic studies of forest and savannah elephants will provide information
necessary for their management. Economic benefits through ecotourism and other
sources will promote a peaceful coexistence of elephants and local populations.
Training of guards and community representatives will enhance capacities and
support the implementation of protection measures.

CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth said: "The results of the meeting will
make a real difference for the conservation of elephants in West Africa.
Elephants play a key role in maintaining forest and savannah ecosystems. We have
provided the platform for countries, UN agencies, NGOs, research institutions
and local communities to work together to halt the decline of one of the most
remarkable animal species and their habitats."

In the memorandum of understanding on Conservation Measures for the West African
Populations of the African Elephant, the countries committed themselves to
collaborate with wildlife bodies and scientists to conserve elephant populations
and their habitats.

It was concluded under the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
and entered into force on 23 November 2005 in close cooperation with the African
Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission
(IUCN/SSC).

The 13 states which have signed the agreement include Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte
d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal,
Sierra Leone and Togo.

Copyright © 2008 Services in Scientific Work in Africa.

+++

12) Liberia exonerates Tata Steel
Windhoek, Namibia 17 April 2009 16:25

The Liberian government has cleared Tata Steel of all allegations of wrong
dealings in bidding for the controversial $1.6 billion Western Cluster iron ore
project and invited the company to rejoin the bidding process, the company said.
It said the country’s ministry of justice said investigations had not shown
any involvement by Tata Steel in any “acts of impropriety”, as alleged in
media reports, as these had not been “substantiated by the investigation panel
of Liberia’s public procurement and concession commission”. The Liberian
government disqualified Tata Steel, as...

Copyright © Metal Bulletin Ltd. All rights reserved.

+++

13) Liberia Says It Is Unable to Curb Illegal Gold, Diamond Mining

By Ansu Konneh

April 17 (Bloomberg) -- Liberia’s government is unable to stop the illegal
mining of gold and diamond deposits because of a lack of resources, denying the
state millions of dollars in revenue, an official said.

The agency responsible for policing the deposits can’t move into the mining
regions because it doesn’t have enough vehicles, the agency’s spokesman,
Stephen Gbana, said today.

“We rely on public transport to move into mining zones and most of those
illegal miners have their own vehicles and we can not go after them using public
transport,” Gbana said in an interview.

The government is losing about $25 million a year because of the illegal mines,
Gbana said.

No-one at the Mines Ministry was available for comment when contacted by
Bloomberg News. Liberia, a West African country, is trying to rebuild its
economy after a 14-year civil war that ended in 2003.

Liberia may have as many as 20,000 illegal gold miners operating in the Sapo
National Park, Environmental Protection Agency chief Ben Donnie said on Feb. 20.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg
at abolleurs@....

Last Updated: April 17, 2009 10:16 EDT
BLOOMBERG

+++

14)Gold and diamond officials arrested
Written by Matthias Daffah
Thursday, 16 April 2009

Four officials of the breakaway faction of the Gold and Diamond Workers Union of
Liberia have been arrested and charged.

A writ of arrest from the Monrovia City Court charged the four men with
terroristic threats and criminal coercion.

According to the writ the men with wicked and criminal intent, connived and
threatened to kill the embattled President General of the Union, Helena
Jackson-thornes.

Stephen Yeawood, Orlando Chea, Abraham Kaba and James Appleton are being held at
the Monrovia Central Prison.

Earlier, the newly inducted Public Relations Director of the Union Orlando Chea
called Star Radio and said he was being held illegally in prison.

Meanwhile, a writ of arrest has been issued for the arrest of the President
General of the breakaway faction of the Union, Nyemah Johnson.

Other officials also wanted by the Monrovia City Court are the self-imposed Vice
President Catherine Gbelay and Secretary General Shardrack Wisner.

The embattled President General of the Union Helena Jackson-Thornes announced
Thursday that the breakaway faction’s office on Carey Street has been shut
down.

+++

15) The Informer (Monrovia)

Liberia: NVP Boss Presses For Justice In Guthrie Shootout Incident
15 April 2009


Monrovia —
The 2005 standard-bearer of the National Vision Party Dr. George Momodu Kiadii
has condemned the recent shooting incident at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation in
Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties, and is calling for justice.

He said as a friendly opposition political leader, he wants the Liberian
government to speedily investigate the situation and bring to book the
perpetrators.
Dr. Kiadii said it is not yet clear who did the shooting during a protest staged
by workers against the deduction of their salaries and arrears.
At least three protesters were gunned, sustaining serious injuries, when police
officers rushed on the scene to release Bomi County Senior senator Lahai Lasanna
who the protestors held hostage for being part of the cheat against them.
As the police fired in the air to melt away the angry protesting tappers, Sen.
Lasanna allegedly pulled out his pistol and fired few rounds which wounded some
of the protesters.

Government has since set up a probe committee to examine the incident and
forward recommendation, but it seems to be delaying, causing the latest reaction
from an opposition politician who hails from the area.
Speaking to reporters recently at the plantation, Dr. Kiadii disclosed that he
will join the citizens of Bomi and Cape Mount Counties to ensure that those
responsible for the atrocity at the plantation are brought to justice, noting, "
if this is done , it will help to reduce violence among Liberians."
He said violence has over the years destroyed the fabrics of Liberia, and taken
away the lives of many of the country's citizens.
Dr. kiadii also called on Liberians to turn from acts of violence and get
engaged into positive ventures, if they are to succeed in the rebuilding of the
broken fabric of Liberia.

In another development, the Liberian politician is calling on the Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf-led government to prevail on the management of the Guthrie Rubber
Plantation to ensure the wellbeing of its employees.
Dr. Kiadii, who drove through parts the plantation, said it was disheartening to
note that employees of the plantation lack basic health care, education and
better housing facilities.

He wants the management of the plantation to create a good situation and an
enabling environment for the betterment of its employees.
He urged the government to speedily probe the shooting incident, bring to
justice perpetrators and initiate a better working relationship between
management and employees.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

16) Liberia: NVP Boss Presses For Justice In Guthrie Shootout Incident
15 April 2009


Monrovia —
The 2005 standard-bearer of the National Vision Party Dr. George Momodu Kiadii
has condemned the recent shooting incident at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation in
Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties, and is calling for justice.

He said as a friendly opposition political leader, he wants the Liberian
government to speedily investigate the situation and bring to book the
perpetrators.
Dr. Kiadii said it is not yet clear who did the shooting during a protest staged
by workers against the deduction of their salaries and arrears.
At least three protesters were gunned, sustaining serious injuries, when police
officers rushed on the scene to release Bomi County Senior senator Lahai Lasanna
who the protestors held hostage for being part of the cheat against them.

As the police fired in the air to melt away the angry protesting tappers, Sen.
Lasanna allegedly pulled out his pistol and fired few rounds which wounded some
of the protesters.

Government has since set up a probe committee to examine the incident and
forward recommendation, but it seems to be delaying, causing the latest reaction
from an opposition politician who hails from the area.

Speaking to reporters recently at the plantation, Dr. Kiadii disclosed that he
will join the citizens of Bomi and Cape Mount Counties to ensure that those
responsible for the atrocity at the plantation are brought to justice, noting, "
if this is done , it will help to reduce violence among Liberians."

He said violence has over the years destroyed the fabrics of Liberia, and taken
away the lives of many of the country's citizens.
Dr. kiadii also called on Liberians to turn from acts of violence and get
engaged into positive ventures, if they are to succeed in the rebuilding of the
broken fabric of Liberia.

In another development, the Liberian politician is calling on the Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf-led government to prevail on the management of the Guthrie Rubber
Plantation to ensure the wellbeing of its employees.
Dr. Kiadii, who drove through parts the plantation, said it was disheartening to
note that employees of the plantation lack basic health care, education and
better housing facilities.

He wants the management of the plantation to create a good situation and an
enabling environment for the betterment of its employees.

He urged the government to speedily probe the shooting incident, bring to
justice perpetrators and initiate a better working relationship between
management and employees.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer. All rights reserved.

+++

17)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#300 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Fri May 1, 2009 2:32 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia: LMA Lauds Firestone For New Market, 2) Delta Says Liberia Allows It
to Bid for Iron Deposit (Update1), 3) Liberia: After War, Creating Jobs for
Peace, 4) Liberia: Kparblee Cries Out For Development, 5) Why Rio's Guinea iron
ore was an offer Beijing could refuse [Guinea], 6) Thailand's Thaksin seeks
business in Liberia, 7) Mano River releases 2009 output programme, 8) West
Africa: Region's Mines Ministers Adopt ECOWAS Draft Mining Policies, 9) Liberia:
Govt Urged To Tackle Farm to-Market Roads To Empower Farmers, Businesses, 10)See
also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia: LMA Lauds Firestone For New Market
The Informer (Monrovia)
Roland Perry
30 April 2009


Monrovia — The Superintendent of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA),
Harbel branch, has commanded the management of Firestone Liberia for the
construction of a new market for the people of Harbel and its environs.
Marking the disclosure over the weekend, LMA superintendent Madam Esther P.
Karsue described the gesture as very rewarding and will go a long way in
improving the business sector of the area.

Madam Karsue said although marketers in the past opposed the relocation to the
new market site, they have now begun to see “light in the darkness” and
carrying on their businesses in a normal and peaceful environment, free from
criminal activities.
The Harbel Market Supt. however appealed to marketers to bear a little bit of
patience in order for buyers to get used to the new market.
She said with the construction of the new market, she is very confident that
business activities will improve in the area and will help improved the local
economy.

Supt. Karsue has also extended gratitude to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on
behave of the marketers of the plantation for lobbing with Firestone to
construct the market and is calling on the Government of Liberia to help pave
roads leading to the new market in order improve movement during the rainy
season.
For his part, the Field Coordinator of the Harbel Marketing Association Mr.
Emmanuel Liyean advised marketers to do away with politics and focus on their
businesses in order to contribute to the development of the nation in line with
the Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).
Liberia’s PRS articulates the Government’s overall vision and major
strategies for moving toward rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and
development during the period 2008-2011.

The PRS is being implemented between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2011 (the end of
the 2010/2011 fiscal year).
The government sees this period critically important as Liberia shifts from
post-conflict stabilization to laying the foundation for inclusive and
sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and progressing toward the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), the PRS paper states.
The donor-dependent US$1.6bn program is crafted with four major pillars
including enhancing peace and national security, governance and the rule of law,
economic revitalization and rehabilitation of infrastructures and delivery of
basic social services.

Firestone Liberia in recent months demolished the old market site in Camp-One
for the construction of a new residential community to be called
“Harbelville.”
The new market constructed by Firestone is being divided into sections with
marketers placed in various categories to prevent congestion.
The market also has a play ground for children, stores, hand pumps, warehouses,
as well as other necessary market facilities to help carry on smooth business
transaction.

Meanwhile the LMA has embarked on the construction of its head offices in the
newly constructed market.
The office, when completed, will host officers of the marketing association and
help carry on the smooth operation of marketers.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

2) Delta Says Liberia Allows It to Bid for Iron Deposit (Update1)
By Ron Derby

April 30 (Bloomberg) -- Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd., a company partly owned
by South African investor Bernard Swanepoel, said Liberia will allow the company
to bid for the Western Cluster iron ore deposits.

The West African country in September canceled the award to Delta of a $1.6
billion contract to develop the deposit and barred it from participating in a
new tender, citing alleged "impropriety." The matter "is now closed and we can
move forward to a more constructive engagement," Johannesburg-based Delta said
in an e-mailed statement today.

Tata Steel Ltd., India’s biggest steelmaker, was also barred last year by
Liberia from bidding for the deposit.

Delta has interests in coal and iron ore. Its biggest shareholders are Avalon
Trust, based in Johannesburg, and Swanepoel, a former chief executive officer of
Harmony Gold Mining Co.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ron Derby in Johannesburg at
rderby1@...

Last Updated: April 30, 2009 09:12 EDT

(c)2009 Bloomberg L.P.

+++

3) Liberia: After War, Creating Jobs for Peace
Africa Renewal (United Nations)
Roy Laishley
29 April 2009


It was just a small loan worth the equivalent of $100, from a UN-supported local
microfinance bank. But it enabled Mojamah, just returned to her home in Kenema,
Sierra Leone, after the country's civil war, to set up a dressmaking business to
support her family of six.

In neighbouring Liberia, Amelia, a single mother with five children, received a
loan of $83 to help expand her work crushing rocks, which are then used in road
building. The loan, from the Peace Fund established by the regional Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), worked so well she applied for
another, worth $200, to contract workers to blast additional rocks to help meet
the growing demand from rehabilitation projects in post-war Liberia.

Generating decent and sustainable livelihoods for Africa's poor is at the heart
of the continent's development plans and the ultimate goal of the New
Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the blueprint adopted by African
leaders in 2001. Achieving that goal, however, has proved to be profoundly
difficult, especially so in countries struggling to recover from years of civil
strife.

Resettling refugees and displaced people and demobilizing and reintegrating
combatants were the first priorities for the new elected governments of both
Sierra Leone and Liberia. With impoverished and disaffected youth predominant in
many of the armed groups that had ravaged their countries, both governments were
clear on the potentially lethal consequences of failing to provide employment
for those aged between 15 and 35. It is a simple equation: "If they have an
alternative, they do not fight," says Andrea Tamagnini, who heads up the
reintegration, rehabilitation and recovery arm of the UN Mission in Liberia
(UNMIL).

Today, generating employment, particularly for youth, is a central element in
the poverty reduction strategies being implemented by Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Both countries have enjoyed steady growth in recent years, but economic
opportunities remain limited. As a result, the numbers of those unemployed or
underemployed - that is, in jobs that keep them from rising above the poverty
line - remain stubbornly high, at some 70-80 per cent of the work force.
Generating jobs for all, not just ex-combatants, is crucial to continuing peace
and stability.

Emergency employment

Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes have benefited
some 70,000 ex-combatants in Sierra Leone and more than 100,000 in Liberia, as
well as many displaced people. Assistance has taken a number of forms: cash
handouts, skills training and short-term employment, usually in public-works
projects (see Africa Renewal, October 2005 and April 2007).

"There were problems on many levels - political, social, funding," recalls
Francis Kai-Kai, who headed up Sierra Leone's National Commission for
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. Funding was often in short supply
and programmes also had to deal with the trauma suffered by many ex-combatants.
Many in their home communities were deeply angry over the violence and
atrocities committed during years of war, and resentful that perpetrators were
being unjustly "rewarded" for their violence.

To counter this perception, cash handouts and training were presented not as
rewards, but as a humanitarian contribution to young people who themselves had
often been abused and deprived of their chance for schooling or to learn skills.
"We were trying to make a level playing field for them," Mr. Kai-Kai says. But,
he concedes, beneficiaries were more often than not being "reintegrated into
poverty."

Vocational training was a key element in the package provided to the more than
50,000 beneficiaries of Sierra Leone's reintegration programme. But according to
"Overview of DDR Programmes and Current Practices," a paper prepared for an
international conference on DDR in Africa organized by the UN Office of the
Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) in July 2007 in Kinshasa, the Democratic
Republic of the Congo: "The sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants into
civilian life ... particularly male youth, has been stymied by low levels of
economic growth, a lack of employment opportunities and poverty."

The programme in Liberia faced similar problems. In the latter part of 2006, two
years into the reintegration phase of the DDR operation, a UN survey found that
some 28 per cent of the 60,000 beneficiaries reported that they were unemployed,
while only 8 per cent said they had seen a rise in their standard of living.

While more recent surveys show improvements, the continuing high number of
unemployed or underemployed youth "remains a particular concern that could be
used by spoilers seeking to undermine stability," UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon warned in a February report on Liberia to the Security Council. In
January, Mr. Ban voiced similar concerns about Sierra Leone.

Complicating matters in both Liberia and Sierra Leone is the possible impact of
unrest in neighbouring countries on a mobile and unsettled youth population. Mr.
Tamagnini of UNMIL points to evidence that road repair schemes in Liberia's Lofa
County, bordering Guinea, had helped frustrate such recruitment there.

Between 2006 and 2008, over 60,000 people were employed in Liberia's
"Infrastructure for Employment" programme, rehabilitating the country's main
road arteries. Carried out over two dry seasons, the programme created an
estimated 2 mn working days and injected some $6 mn in cash payments and food
into the local economy. Importantly, the programme was not limited to
ex-combatants, who made up only 30 per cent of those employed. Another quarter
were returned refugees or displaced people and 45 per cent were from local
communities. More than one in five were women.

Participants at an OSAA-sponsored conference on youth employment in Windhoek,
Namibia, in 2005 argued that while early employment schemes in Liberia had
enhanced the skills of ex-combatants, there was too little emphasis on job
placement linked to wider government employment strategies.

Mr. Kai-Kai points out that the employment element of DDR was a short-term
programme designed "to help calm the situation" in the immediate post-war
period, as the economy slowly picked up. Such employment, Mr. Tamagnini agrees,
is "the 'peace dividend' for poor people." But reflecting the views of many, he
also argues that maintaining job creation programmes over "several years" is
essential for successful peacebuilding.

Trying for the longer run

The biggest challenge, Mr. Kai-Kai and Mr. Tamagnini agree, is shifting to the
promotion of long-term, sustainable employment for all. This is particularly
relevant in Liberia, where the final phase of the reintegration programme - and
the cash it provides - ends in April. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is
providing some $3.5 mn to help continue the road repair programme, switching the
focus from dry-season repairs to year-round maintenance, with execution by local
communities. Ex-combatants are being encouraged to return to their communities.

Mr. Tamagnini does not underestimate the challenge. "Liberia's economy simply
doesn't offer enough jobs for everybody," he points out. Both Liberia and Sierra
Leone are feeling the impact of the current global economic slowdown. In Sierra
Leone, diamond and rutile mining operations have been hit by falling prices and
other factors, leading to job losses. In Liberia, the spectacular fall in rubber
prices on the world market in recent months has forced wage cuts and layoffs at
some plantations, sometimes prompting violence.

Employment generation, particularly for youth, is central in the poverty
reduction strategies adopted by both countries, as they are across Africa, as
governments struggle to find the right strategies to create jobs.

The Sierra Leone government's blueprint for the next three years, Agenda for
Change, presented by President Ernest Koroma in December 2008, views youth
unemployment as one of the three main and immediate risks to peace and security,
along with corruption and illicit drug trafficking. The government estimates the
country will need to create over 200,000 jobs a year.

The picture is similar in Liberia, where unemployment in the formal sector is
some 80 per cent. "Job creation is a top priority," declares the country's
Development Assistance Framework for 2008-2012.

Both Sierra Leone and Liberia are beneficiaries of the UN's Peacebuilding Fund
(PBF). Some $4 mn of the $35 mn allocated to Sierra Leone has been targeted for
youth employment. In Liberia, $6 mn of the $15 mn allocation is for a
broad-range of livelihood-boosting projects.

Reflecting the importance of employment- and income-generation programmes in
post-conflict countries, the UN set up a task force, with UNDP and the
International Labour Organization (ILO) in the lead, to strengthen
implementation and "scale up" such projects. "We need to build scale, to make
sure programmes are not just drops in the ocean," says the ILO's Claudia
Coenjaerts.

Enterprise-led development

In Sierra Leone, the PBF's loans for youth employment support the government's
efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods through business development. A
recent World Bank study, "Youth and Employment in Africa," concluded that
providing financing and advice for entrepreneurship is particularly effective.

Today, small groups like the Com-munity Empowerment and Development Agency
(CEDA), the Association for Rural Development and Hope Micro, many of them
linked to international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) long active in
outreach to poor communities, are handling some $2.8 mn in PBF funding to assist
upwards of 13,000 young people. Projects include tailoring, trading,
construction and bike and vehicle repairs. Loans for taxi bikes - known as
okadas - have been particularly successful. Owners can earn up to $15 a day,
says Patrice Lamboi, a programme officer with the UN Integrated Peacebuilding
Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), enabling them to pay back a start-up loan
within six months, with a chance to get a further loan for a second bike to
expand the business.

Taxi bikes have similarly been a source of earnings in Liberia. A project run by
YMCA Liberia in the northern town of Ganta has been so successful that a
proposal is going before the PBF to extend it to other towns.

The Ganta scheme has had close involvement with local youth associations. One of
the main complaints voiced by youth representatives at OSAA's Windhoek
conference was the lack of consultation with potential beneficiaries and local
leaders. In both Liberia and Sierra Leone, aid efforts are being focused on
building up local council and community organizations to help them determine and
allocate funds for development.

Building local capacity

Having the right local arrangements and capacity is crucial, argues Mr. Kai-Kai.
He warns that this will have to involve strong and clear national leadership.
Employment has to be central, Ms. Coenjaerts argues, adding that it has to be
part of an integrated approach across sectors, with adequate local capacity to
implement it.

But ensuring effective coordination across ministries and other national bodies,
all with limited capacity, can bedevil speedy implementation. In Sierra Leone,
of the $4 mn approved for the PBF's 18-month youth employment schemes in May
2007, over $1 mn was still waiting to be allocated to projects in December 2008,
to the frustration of local youth groups. The pace of approvals is now
accelerating.

Local capacity and clear regulation are particularly important for microfinance
efforts, which are playing a key role in more and more African countries.
Studies carried out in Liberia and Sierra Leone by UNDP found a far higher
demand for small loans than existing institutions could meet.

In both countries the central banks, working with donors, have developed
policies to promote microfinance development. In January 2009 a new microfinance
entity, Access Bank, opened its doors in Liberia. Partially owned by the African
Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank's
International Finance Corporation, it has start-up capital of $6 mn and aims to
serve 27,000 customers by 2013. It will join other entities, such as the Local
Employment Assistance Programme (LEAP), Liberty Finance and Ecobank, which are
also expanding with the help of donor funding.

Aiming higher

According to Kenyeh Barlay, who oversees UNDP's microfinance programme in
Liberia, many loans go to women's groups, especially those involved in trading
activities. Liberty Bank reports that more than 90 per cent of its clients are
women. Most loans have been for people in urban areas or living along major road
arteries. The scale and pattern of microÂ-finance lending is similar in Sierra
Leone.

Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie, executive director of the African Foundation for
Development (AFFORD), a UK-based NGO that is heavily involved in Sierra Leone,
argues that microfinance schemes only go so far. Loans are generally too small.
Instead, he urges reaching the "missing middle," larger loans that can help
clients expand their businesses enough to have a real impact on jobs and wider
economic activity. Mr. Chikezie insists that only larger-scale private-sector
activities can generate sufficient long-term employment for countries like
Sierra Leone.

AFFORD is helping the government to develop a private-sector development
strategy for 2009-2014 focused in large part on improving conditions for
business. It has also set up business-support centres in Freetown and other
towns to provide entrepreneurial, accountancy and other training to people
wanting to start or expand businesses. In both countries the ILO provides kits
on "expanding your business" and other tools designed, as Ms. Coenjaerts puts
it, to increase the "employability" of people.

Return to farming

However, even if such efforts bear fruit, not enough jobs can be created without
the revival of the countries' agricultural sectors, experts agree. A recent
study by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization found that Liberia's
agriculture has considerable potential for providing jobs and income, but it
needs to be commercialized and its productivity must be raised. The ILO is
supporting efforts to build local capacity to carry out rural market
assessments. And this year the government is seeking to attract donor funding
for investment in small-scale agriculture. Mr. Chikezie cites the example of
sorghum growing in Sierra Leone to supply the local beer industry.

But nobody is underestimating the scale of the challenge. Mr. Barlay concedes
that despite successes in expanding microÂ-finance, small-scale agriculture
remains an uncertain market for enterprise-based lending, given that the risks
are perceived to be higher and the prospects lower than in other sectors.

"Nobody is selling farming as a business. A lot of people are running away from
agriculture here," observes one Liberia-based official. "People have to be
brought back to cultivating the land," another adds.

Meanwhile, the threat posed to peace and stability by youth unemployment
remains. In his January report on Sierra Leone, Mr. Ban argued that it is "the
most acute concern" among the country's main challenges, calling for urgent
action to reduce "the lingering effects of marginalization of the country's
young people."

Mr. Kai-Kai concurs that such marginalization of a major segment of the
population represents a common challenge for countries emerging from conflict.
For him, the solution "is all about governance," with efforts to involve youth
placed truly at the forefront. While building local capacity is vital, it must
be accompanied by "bold ideas, boldly managed by bold people," he argues.

With both Liberia and Sierra Leone now feeling the heat of a global economic
downturn, both Mr. Kai-Kai and Mr. Chikezie argue that it is very important for
governments to make a difference for people struggling to survive.

Copyright © 2009 Africa Renewal.

+++

4) Liberia: Kparblee Cries Out For Development
The Informer (Monrovia)
Roland Perry
29 April 2009


Monrovia - Barely three years into the existence of the ruling had Unity Party
led Government headed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, citizens of Kparblee
District in Nimba County have complained of being "marginalized" by successive
government including the UP.

The citizen said since the establishment of Nimba County in 1963, the district
has received very little attention from government and has not been ably
represented at the national Legislature, something they said, have impeded
development activities in the district for many years.
Speaking during a Kparblee District Development and Awareness program in
Monrovia Sunday, an executive of the ruling UP - who cross over from the
opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) - Mr. Victor G. Barney said as
the country enjoys total peace and stability, it was very prudent to create the
necessary awareness to call government’s attention to the plight of his
people.

He said for too long the people of Kparblee District have been isolated from the
entire country and was now urging the Government of Liberia to pay keen
attention to the many development needs in the district and other rural
communities as being done in other areas in the country.
Kparblee borders Grand Gedeh with Nimba. It is predominately occupied by Gios
and Manos who Barney said is not benefiting from all the development activities,
thereby leaving the people there with no stretch of road and other modern
facilities to improve their lives.
The program which was held Sunday at the Kailondo Hotel brought together cross
sections of Kparblee district citizens including local chiefs, youth, civil
society organizations as well as students groups from Nimba County.

Meanwhile Mr. Barney has denied report that he is eyeing the Representative post
of Kparblee in the up-coming general and presidential elections in 2011.
He said he has no intention to contest in 2011 but was speaking out to send a
signal to those wanting to represent his people to do it with sincerity and
exercise a high level of mutual respect for the people of the district and the
county as a whole without any pre-condition. Contact: (231)6 270 297/ (231)77
935 297; E-mail: perryroland@...

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

5) Why Rio's Guinea iron ore was an offer Beijing could refuse [Guinea]
John Garnaut
Sydney Morning Herald
April 27, 2009

China is wise to Africa's divide-and-rule tactics, writes John Garnaut in
Beijing.

China has underscored its power in the developing world by revealing it was
offered a huge African iron ore deposit seized from Rio Tinto but declined to
accept out of "sensitivity" to international repercussions.

The late dictator Lansana Conte's offering to Chinese companies including
Chinalco has implications for the Australia-China relationship, particularly in
the Pacific, and Chinalco's $US19.5 billion ($27 billion) investment bid in Rio
Tinto, which Canberra will soon have to block or approve.

Rio had sunk $US400 million into Guinea's Simandou iron ore tenement and had
planned to invest another $US10 billion to make it the largest iron ore mine
outside Australia and Brazil.

At the same time, the Chinese Government built a 50,000-person sports stadium, a
national assembly building and other landmarks in the Guinean capital, Conakry,
and provided services including training for the army's special forces.

Guinea is one of the world's poorest and most ill-governed nations, with annual
per capita income of just $US442 and ranking number 173 of 180 countries on
Transparency International's corruption perception index.

Wang Wenfu, who leads Chinalco's overseas acquisition team, including its
pursuit of 18 per cent of Rio, told the Herald that the Guinean Government last
year offered to hand Rio's iron ore tenement to Chinese state-owned companies in
exchange for railways, roads, ports and hydro-electricity projects.

"The Guinea Government was trying everyone in China including Chinalco," he
said.

Ultimately, some time after the August Olympics attended by the late Mr Conte,
Beijing declined.

"The Chinese Government encourages Chinese companies to go to Africa but they
are also sensitive to the international results," Mr Wang said. "Chinalco said
no - it wouldn't have been professional."

The episode also shows how China is pulling back from a previously gung-ho
attitude to investing in unstable developing nations. "China is getting better
aware of the practices of African governments to divide and rule among Chinese
companies and foreign powers," said Zha Daojiong, professor of international
relations at Peking University.

But China's decision to knock back the multibillion-dollar iron
ore-for-infrastructure deal has not yet helped Rio Tinto.

Late last year, Mr Conte handed the northern half of Rio's Simandou tenement to
BSG Resources Mining & Metals, controlled by a controversial Israeli
diamond-mining billionaire, Benny Steinmetz.

"They will see us in court," said Sam Walsh, head of Rio's iron ore division.

One version of events is that Guinean politicians were said to have ended Rio's
tenement at Simandou because they were unhappy that Rio wanted to connect the
proposed mine directly to an existing port in Liberia rather than build a
railway to a new port on the Guinean coast. "For them, it's if you invest in our
infrastructure we'll pay you back with mining resources," Mr Wang said.

In another version, Rio was also considering the indirect railway-and-port
option and lost its grip on Simandou only when some Beijing leaders
systematically courted Mr Conte and undermined the Anglo-American miner after
the China-Africa Co-operation summit in Beijing in November 2006.

China's ambassador to Guinea, Huo Zhengde, promised in 2007 to "spare no effort"
in assisting the country because the two nations were "good brothers and good
friends".

Chinalco's Mr Wang said African countries wanted to work with the Chinese
Government because of its long history of support, including scholarships for
thousands of African students who are now rising to senior posts, and because of
its unrivalled record in building fast and cheap quality infrastructure

He said it showed how China's influence in Africa could prove useful for Rio and
Australia.

"It's an example of how Chinalco could enhance the position of Rio Tinto," Mr
Wang said. "This sort of thing is happening wherever you go in Africa."

Mr Wang said China might not be so accommodating of Australia's international
interests if the Government did not approve Chinalco's investment in Rio.
State-owned companies such as Chinalco tend to compete vigorously with each
other and make their own investment decisions, while also being swayed by
privileges given to companies and executives who fulfil government objectives.

Mr Walsh said Rio had talked with Chinalco - which has bauxite exploration
activities in Guinea - about running Simandou as a joint venture. But the
discussions were superseded by more comprehensive investment talks after BHP
Billiton dropped its hostile takeover bid for Rio in November.

Rio has said it plans to mine more than 70 million tonnes of iron ore a year in
Simandou and possibly as much as 170 million, which would make it one of the
largest iron ore mines in the world.

On December 27 Moussa Dadis Camara announced that Mr Conte had died and that he
had seized power and dissolved the constitution and what remained of the
institutions of government.

Mr Walsh said the new dictator had not overturned his predecessor's decision to
deprive Rio of its tenement rights.

"We're now in a hiatus," Mr Walsh said. "But we are confident we retain legal
rights to the full Simandou tenement."

Mr Walsh said Rio had been pulling back its work in the southern half of the
tenement, where the company has focused on infrastructure, exploratory drilling
and other development, until clarity was restored.

Mr Walsh acknowledged recent erratic behaviour by Captain Camara towards global
mining companies but said the new military leader provided some cause for
optimism because he was "pro-development and clearly working actively to remove
corruption and bribery."

Four former mining ministers have been investigated for corruption since Captain
Camara took power.

Analysts say China's calculus of risk and reward in Africa is changing. The
investment rewards have crashed with commodities prices and some African
governments have reneged on Chinese investment deals.

"Like all newcomers with deep pockets, they run the risk of being exploited or
expropriated," said Susan Shirk, a leading China official during the Clinton
administration and now director of the University of California's Institute on
Global Conflict and Co-operation.

"China's investments in Africa and Latin America may give it a new appreciation
of the value of solid governmental and legal institutions," she said.

Kidnappings and murders of their employees in Africa have raised the stakes for
Chinese companies operating in conflict zones that Western miners would not
touch.

Professor Zha said China has reached a turning point in Africa, out of
self-interest. He pointed to the conflict-ridden mess of Chinese oil investments
in Angola and Sudan with Angola - China's single largest oil supplier - so
problematic that "it's just not worth it".

"It's not because China wants to be nice to other international governments …
but because China is learning that African governments are pretty good at
milking the cow."

+++

6) Thailand's Thaksin seeks business in Liberia
Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:13pm GMT
By Alphonso Toweh

MONROVIA (Reuters) - Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, living in
self-imposed exile and facing two years jail at home on conflict of interest
charges, was in Liberia this week scouting for business opportunities in Africa.

Thaksin, also briefly owner of Manchester City football club, has seen his
living options reduced after Britain revoked his visa and the Thai government
recently sought extradition agreements with Dubai and Hong Kong, where he has
been living.

Although rich in iron ore, timber, diamonds and gold, Liberia, which was founded
by freed slaves from the United States in the 19th century, is not an obvious
choice as it still battles to overcome the effects of years of war that only
ended in 2003.

"I have come to visit Liberia to explore business opportunities in the areas of
mining, agriculture and gas exploration," Thaksin told journalists after meeting
the West African country's vice president earlier this week.

"I prefer to do business in Liberia because of the good business climate and the
move by the country in reconstruction process," he said late on Tuesday evening.

Liberia was embroiled in almost constant conflict from 1990-2003, with some
250,000 people killed in its civil war and an intertwined conflict in
neighbouring Sierra Leone, which has resulted in Liberia's former President
Charles Taylor facing charges of war crimes.

Investor confidence in the country was boosted by the 2005 election of President
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank official who became Africa's first
female head of state.

Embargos imposed during the war on timber and diamond exports have since been
lifted, encouraging private investment. But the country is still highly
dependent on aid and is struggling to tackle corruption.

"In the not too distant future, we will send a team to carry out feasibility
studies on what would be a priority for us. We can begin with even a million
dollars, depending on what we discover," Thaksin said.

The former prime minister's supporters back home have been embroiled in weeks of
violent protests with the authorities in Bangkok although the current prime
minister ended a 12-day state of emergency on Friday and sought to heal deep
political rifts.

Thaksin spent two days in Liberia before leaving but the government made clear
he would be welcome back.

"We want you to come and do business that will help create jobs for Liberians.
We have a good business climate in Liberia," Vice President Joseph Boakai said.


© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

+++

7) Mano River releases 2009 output programme
Commodity Online
2009-04-24 16:40:00

Futures on Your MobileLog on to Bazaar BhaavGet Futures PricesExchange Spot
RatesSubscribe Commodity MarketMano River Resources has released details of its
gold plans for 2009, including a bankable feasibility study for the underground
mine at its New Liberty deposit in Liberia to be completed during 2010.

The new programme will target 100,000 ounces a year based on a current resource
of 1.4 million ounces, comprising 13.533 million tonnes measured and indicated
reserves based on grading at 3.18 g/t gold.

An initial 5,000m drilling schedule has been proposed for satellite deposits in
close proximity to New Liberty, a shear zone hosted Archaean age gold deposit.

Online Currency Trading. Free $50,000 Practice Account!

The New Liberty deposit is located on the Bea Mountain mining licence in western
Liberia and the current resource estimate does not include results from a 2008
deeper drilling programme.

Luis da Silva, Mano president and chief executive, said: "Our 2009 drill
programme will be intensively focused on strengthening Mano's gold portfolio
through increasing confidence and expanding the resource."

Exploration and development company Mano River Resources is based in Toronto and
is focused on projects in West Africa.


This news feed is independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not
represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

+++

8) West Africa: Region's Mines Ministers Adopt ECOWAS Draft Mining Policies
24 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)

Monrovia - ECOWAS Ministers of Mines who convened for a one-day Mining
Conference in Abuja, Nigeria have finally adopted what is termed as the "Draft
ECOWAS Directive on the Harmonization of Guiding Principles and Policies in the
Mining Sector".

The regional instrument was derived from a three-day regional experts meeting,
known as the "National Experts on Mining Workshop" held at the Community's
Parliament in Abuja April 14-16.

The adoption followed on Friday, April 17, immediately after the experts'
in-door deliberations on April 14-16, which is ahead of the Council of Ministers
meeting next month.

The draft document was the first of three documents which adoption would lead to
the harmonization of the regimes in member states and the desired mining
legalenvironment in West Africa.

"Indeed, almost all acknowledge that mineral products support our modern-day
lives and that mineral resources wealth can serve as the engine of growth and
development that can sustain progress long after the minerals are depleted,"
Mohammed Daramy , the ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade, Customs, Free Movement and
Tourism and Industry & Mines pointed out.

Daramy attested that the regional experts meeting was the first critical step in
the finalization process to the adoption of a draft document on mineral
resources by the Council of Ministers next month.

"It is envisaged that this effort is led by the Regional Economic Communities
(RECs) which are the building blocks of the African Union (AU)," Commissioner
Daramy asserted.

The natural resources of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty signed in Cotonou in 1993
states in Article 31.1 that , "member states shall harmonize and co-ordinate
their policies and program in the field of natural resources," while article
31.2d further states, "member states shall coordinate their programs for
development and utilization of mineral and water resources."

The meeting of mining experts ushered in the first mining sector ministerial
conference of ECOWAS. It is a promise by all heads of states and governments of
the African Union to promote the vision of using their mineral resources to
propel Africa's modernization process through institutions and programs such as
the African Mining Partnership (AMP) and NEPAD's Spatial Development Program
(SPD).

From such deliberations, any policy adopted would affect all ECOWAS member
states whether they have a representative there or not.

Disappointingly, Liberia, with such a need to protect and promote new mining
regulations for African states, had no representation at the experts' meeting
and the ministers' conference.

Liberia, which is still emerging from war and already has diverse investors
plundering its mineral sector, should have been an active presence at the
conference.

Meanwhile, the objective of the ECOWAS Directive comply with the provisions of
Article 31 chapter 6 of the Revised Treaty which prescribes the harmonization of
policies in the natural resources sector of member states to include Liberia.

The experts also consider other documents such as the draft Regional Mining
Policy and the draft Mining Code which includes areas of the draft directives on
Harnessing of Mineral Resources for growth and development in the region,
equitable mining regime, improving governance in the mining sector as well as
the institution of some mechanisms to ensure intergenerational equity.

Others include enhancing the value chain and linkages between the mineral
resources sector and other sectors of the economy, participatory ownership of
the minerals sector by all stakeholders, enhancing institutional and human
capacities for the development of the minerals sector and the institution of a
mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of the impact of mining activities on
the citizens of West Africa.

At the Ministers' Conference, Commissioner Daramy averred that the economic
situation in West Africa has been discussed intensely and that the crisis facing
the region is partly associated with structural deficiencies of the economy
resulting from deteriorating terms of trade.

"The role of the sector is evidenced by the important mining activities in terms
of high value or volume involving the bauxite, diamonds, gold, phosphate, and
uranium among others. The development of the mineral resources can only be
effective and sustainable where there is adequate up-to-date information and
effective and all encompassing mining code, he expressed.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development of Nigeria, Diezeani Allison-Maducke
added her voice by informing representative of ministers of Mines of ECOWAS
present at the meeting to put in their fullest support to the venture by ECOWAS.

Madam Maducke said there had been several platforms that initiated various
efforts and frameworks to engender growth in the mineral sector of the continent
and thereby pledge Nigeria's fullest support.

She said that the adoption of the Directive will enable the region to be seen in
terms of actual development through maximum earnings of revenue derived from
mineral resources.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

9) Liberia: Govt Urged To Tackle Farm to-Market Roads To Empower Farmers,
Businesses
24 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)

Monrovia - A businessman hailing from the South Eastern County of Grand Gedeh
has lauded President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led Government for its steadfastness
in fostering development initiatives in the country most especially the
rehabilitation of major roads in the city and its environs and including the
interior.
Mr. Alex Yonly, who is the Executive e Director of United Family Reconstruction
(UFAR), speaking to this paper however called on the government to prioritize
the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in the interior
parts of the country to enable farmers carry their farm products from one end to
another.

Mr. Yonly revealed that his organization along with other NGOs in the Southeast,
is working assiduously by brushing the sides of roads in several parts of the
region with the assistance of WFP food-for-work initiative.
He lauded WFP and other organization working in the Southeast for their working
relation with other local NOGs who are also opting for development in the area.

Mr. Yonly further suggested that provided farm-to-market roads are
reconditioned, the country would be able to cope with the shortage of local food
production which has the predisposition of maintaining food sufficiency in the
country.

He said as the country has just recovered from 15 years of brutal civil unrest
which impeded several developmental processes; therefore, it would mean well if
the nation taps its own usual resources by maintaining a capability in producing
its own food once the farm to market roads are prioritized and reconditioned.

He made reference to Maryland County and other parts of the Southeastern region
that are depending on Ivory Coast for vegetable and other crops.
He said while it is true that most farmers in the South East are capable in
producing their own food, the road condition becomes hindrance.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/






#301 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Fri May 1, 2009 2:33 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia: LMA Lauds Firestone For New Market, 2) Delta Says Liberia Allows It
to Bid for Iron Deposit (Update1), 3) Liberia: After War, Creating Jobs for
Peace, 4) Liberia: Kparblee Cries Out For Development, 5) Why Rio's Guinea iron
ore was an offer Beijing could refuse [Guinea], 6) Thailand's Thaksin seeks
business in Liberia, 7) Mano River releases 2009 output programme, 8) West
Africa: Region's Mines Ministers Adopt ECOWAS Draft Mining Policies, 9) Liberia:
Govt Urged To Tackle Farm to-Market Roads To Empower Farmers, Businesses, 10)See
also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia: LMA Lauds Firestone For New Market
The Informer (Monrovia)
Roland Perry
30 April 2009


Monrovia — The Superintendent of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA),
Harbel branch, has commanded the management of Firestone Liberia for the
construction of a new market for the people of Harbel and its environs.
Marking the disclosure over the weekend, LMA superintendent Madam Esther P.
Karsue described the gesture as very rewarding and will go a long way in
improving the business sector of the area.

Madam Karsue said although marketers in the past opposed the relocation to the
new market site, they have now begun to see “light in the darkness” and
carrying on their businesses in a normal and peaceful environment, free from
criminal activities.
The Harbel Market Supt. however appealed to marketers to bear a little bit of
patience in order for buyers to get used to the new market.
She said with the construction of the new market, she is very confident that
business activities will improve in the area and will help improved the local
economy.

Supt. Karsue has also extended gratitude to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on
behave of the marketers of the plantation for lobbing with Firestone to
construct the market and is calling on the Government of Liberia to help pave
roads leading to the new market in order improve movement during the rainy
season.
For his part, the Field Coordinator of the Harbel Marketing Association Mr.
Emmanuel Liyean advised marketers to do away with politics and focus on their
businesses in order to contribute to the development of the nation in line with
the Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).
Liberia’s PRS articulates the Government’s overall vision and major
strategies for moving toward rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and
development during the period 2008-2011.

The PRS is being implemented between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2011 (the end of
the 2010/2011 fiscal year).
The government sees this period critically important as Liberia shifts from
post-conflict stabilization to laying the foundation for inclusive and
sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and progressing toward the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), the PRS paper states.
The donor-dependent US$1.6bn program is crafted with four major pillars
including enhancing peace and national security, governance and the rule of law,
economic revitalization and rehabilitation of infrastructures and delivery of
basic social services.

Firestone Liberia in recent months demolished the old market site in Camp-One
for the construction of a new residential community to be called
“Harbelville.”
The new market constructed by Firestone is being divided into sections with
marketers placed in various categories to prevent congestion.
The market also has a play ground for children, stores, hand pumps, warehouses,
as well as other necessary market facilities to help carry on smooth business
transaction.

Meanwhile the LMA has embarked on the construction of its head offices in the
newly constructed market.
The office, when completed, will host officers of the marketing association and
help carry on the smooth operation of marketers.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

2) Delta Says Liberia Allows It to Bid for Iron Deposit (Update1)
By Ron Derby

April 30 (Bloomberg) -- Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd., a company partly owned
by South African investor Bernard Swanepoel, said Liberia will allow the company
to bid for the Western Cluster iron ore deposits.

The West African country in September canceled the award to Delta of a $1.6
billion contract to develop the deposit and barred it from participating in a
new tender, citing alleged "impropriety." The matter "is now closed and we can
move forward to a more constructive engagement," Johannesburg-based Delta said
in an e-mailed statement today.

Tata Steel Ltd., India’s biggest steelmaker, was also barred last year by
Liberia from bidding for the deposit.

Delta has interests in coal and iron ore. Its biggest shareholders are Avalon
Trust, based in Johannesburg, and Swanepoel, a former chief executive officer of
Harmony Gold Mining Co.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ron Derby in Johannesburg at
rderby1@...

Last Updated: April 30, 2009 09:12 EDT

(c)2009 Bloomberg L.P.

+++

3) Liberia: After War, Creating Jobs for Peace
Africa Renewal (United Nations)
Roy Laishley
29 April 2009


It was just a small loan worth the equivalent of $100, from a UN-supported local
microfinance bank. But it enabled Mojamah, just returned to her home in Kenema,
Sierra Leone, after the country's civil war, to set up a dressmaking business to
support her family of six.

In neighbouring Liberia, Amelia, a single mother with five children, received a
loan of $83 to help expand her work crushing rocks, which are then used in road
building. The loan, from the Peace Fund established by the regional Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), worked so well she applied for
another, worth $200, to contract workers to blast additional rocks to help meet
the growing demand from rehabilitation projects in post-war Liberia.

Generating decent and sustainable livelihoods for Africa's poor is at the heart
of the continent's development plans and the ultimate goal of the New
Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the blueprint adopted by African
leaders in 2001. Achieving that goal, however, has proved to be profoundly
difficult, especially so in countries struggling to recover from years of civil
strife.

Resettling refugees and displaced people and demobilizing and reintegrating
combatants were the first priorities for the new elected governments of both
Sierra Leone and Liberia. With impoverished and disaffected youth predominant in
many of the armed groups that had ravaged their countries, both governments were
clear on the potentially lethal consequences of failing to provide employment
for those aged between 15 and 35. It is a simple equation: "If they have an
alternative, they do not fight," says Andrea Tamagnini, who heads up the
reintegration, rehabilitation and recovery arm of the UN Mission in Liberia
(UNMIL).

Today, generating employment, particularly for youth, is a central element in
the poverty reduction strategies being implemented by Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Both countries have enjoyed steady growth in recent years, but economic
opportunities remain limited. As a result, the numbers of those unemployed or
underemployed - that is, in jobs that keep them from rising above the poverty
line - remain stubbornly high, at some 70-80 per cent of the work force.
Generating jobs for all, not just ex-combatants, is crucial to continuing peace
and stability.

Emergency employment

Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes have benefited
some 70,000 ex-combatants in Sierra Leone and more than 100,000 in Liberia, as
well as many displaced people. Assistance has taken a number of forms: cash
handouts, skills training and short-term employment, usually in public-works
projects (see Africa Renewal, October 2005 and April 2007).

"There were problems on many levels - political, social, funding," recalls
Francis Kai-Kai, who headed up Sierra Leone's National Commission for
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. Funding was often in short supply
and programmes also had to deal with the trauma suffered by many ex-combatants.
Many in their home communities were deeply angry over the violence and
atrocities committed during years of war, and resentful that perpetrators were
being unjustly "rewarded" for their violence.

To counter this perception, cash handouts and training were presented not as
rewards, but as a humanitarian contribution to young people who themselves had
often been abused and deprived of their chance for schooling or to learn skills.
"We were trying to make a level playing field for them," Mr. Kai-Kai says. But,
he concedes, beneficiaries were more often than not being "reintegrated into
poverty."

Vocational training was a key element in the package provided to the more than
50,000 beneficiaries of Sierra Leone's reintegration programme. But according to
"Overview of DDR Programmes and Current Practices," a paper prepared for an
international conference on DDR in Africa organized by the UN Office of the
Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) in July 2007 in Kinshasa, the Democratic
Republic of the Congo: "The sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants into
civilian life ... particularly male youth, has been stymied by low levels of
economic growth, a lack of employment opportunities and poverty."

The programme in Liberia faced similar problems. In the latter part of 2006, two
years into the reintegration phase of the DDR operation, a UN survey found that
some 28 per cent of the 60,000 beneficiaries reported that they were unemployed,
while only 8 per cent said they had seen a rise in their standard of living.

While more recent surveys show improvements, the continuing high number of
unemployed or underemployed youth "remains a particular concern that could be
used by spoilers seeking to undermine stability," UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon warned in a February report on Liberia to the Security Council. In
January, Mr. Ban voiced similar concerns about Sierra Leone.

Complicating matters in both Liberia and Sierra Leone is the possible impact of
unrest in neighbouring countries on a mobile and unsettled youth population. Mr.
Tamagnini of UNMIL points to evidence that road repair schemes in Liberia's Lofa
County, bordering Guinea, had helped frustrate such recruitment there.

Between 2006 and 2008, over 60,000 people were employed in Liberia's
"Infrastructure for Employment" programme, rehabilitating the country's main
road arteries. Carried out over two dry seasons, the programme created an
estimated 2 mn working days and injected some $6 mn in cash payments and food
into the local economy. Importantly, the programme was not limited to
ex-combatants, who made up only 30 per cent of those employed. Another quarter
were returned refugees or displaced people and 45 per cent were from local
communities. More than one in five were women.

Participants at an OSAA-sponsored conference on youth employment in Windhoek,
Namibia, in 2005 argued that while early employment schemes in Liberia had
enhanced the skills of ex-combatants, there was too little emphasis on job
placement linked to wider government employment strategies.

Mr. Kai-Kai points out that the employment element of DDR was a short-term
programme designed "to help calm the situation" in the immediate post-war
period, as the economy slowly picked up. Such employment, Mr. Tamagnini agrees,
is "the 'peace dividend' for poor people." But reflecting the views of many, he
also argues that maintaining job creation programmes over "several years" is
essential for successful peacebuilding.

Trying for the longer run

The biggest challenge, Mr. Kai-Kai and Mr. Tamagnini agree, is shifting to the
promotion of long-term, sustainable employment for all. This is particularly
relevant in Liberia, where the final phase of the reintegration programme - and
the cash it provides - ends in April. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is
providing some $3.5 mn to help continue the road repair programme, switching the
focus from dry-season repairs to year-round maintenance, with execution by local
communities. Ex-combatants are being encouraged to return to their communities.

Mr. Tamagnini does not underestimate the challenge. "Liberia's economy simply
doesn't offer enough jobs for everybody," he points out. Both Liberia and Sierra
Leone are feeling the impact of the current global economic slowdown. In Sierra
Leone, diamond and rutile mining operations have been hit by falling prices and
other factors, leading to job losses. In Liberia, the spectacular fall in rubber
prices on the world market in recent months has forced wage cuts and layoffs at
some plantations, sometimes prompting violence.

Employment generation, particularly for youth, is central in the poverty
reduction strategies adopted by both countries, as they are across Africa, as
governments struggle to find the right strategies to create jobs.

The Sierra Leone government's blueprint for the next three years, Agenda for
Change, presented by President Ernest Koroma in December 2008, views youth
unemployment as one of the three main and immediate risks to peace and security,
along with corruption and illicit drug trafficking. The government estimates the
country will need to create over 200,000 jobs a year.

The picture is similar in Liberia, where unemployment in the formal sector is
some 80 per cent. "Job creation is a top priority," declares the country's
Development Assistance Framework for 2008-2012.

Both Sierra Leone and Liberia are beneficiaries of the UN's Peacebuilding Fund
(PBF). Some $4 mn of the $35 mn allocated to Sierra Leone has been targeted for
youth employment. In Liberia, $6 mn of the $15 mn allocation is for a
broad-range of livelihood-boosting projects.

Reflecting the importance of employment- and income-generation programmes in
post-conflict countries, the UN set up a task force, with UNDP and the
International Labour Organization (ILO) in the lead, to strengthen
implementation and "scale up" such projects. "We need to build scale, to make
sure programmes are not just drops in the ocean," says the ILO's Claudia
Coenjaerts.

Enterprise-led development

In Sierra Leone, the PBF's loans for youth employment support the government's
efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods through business development. A
recent World Bank study, "Youth and Employment in Africa," concluded that
providing financing and advice for entrepreneurship is particularly effective.

Today, small groups like the Com-munity Empowerment and Development Agency
(CEDA), the Association for Rural Development and Hope Micro, many of them
linked to international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) long active in
outreach to poor communities, are handling some $2.8 mn in PBF funding to assist
upwards of 13,000 young people. Projects include tailoring, trading,
construction and bike and vehicle repairs. Loans for taxi bikes - known as
okadas - have been particularly successful. Owners can earn up to $15 a day,
says Patrice Lamboi, a programme officer with the UN Integrated Peacebuilding
Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), enabling them to pay back a start-up loan
within six months, with a chance to get a further loan for a second bike to
expand the business.

Taxi bikes have similarly been a source of earnings in Liberia. A project run by
YMCA Liberia in the northern town of Ganta has been so successful that a
proposal is going before the PBF to extend it to other towns.

The Ganta scheme has had close involvement with local youth associations. One of
the main complaints voiced by youth representatives at OSAA's Windhoek
conference was the lack of consultation with potential beneficiaries and local
leaders. In both Liberia and Sierra Leone, aid efforts are being focused on
building up local council and community organizations to help them determine and
allocate funds for development.

Building local capacity

Having the right local arrangements and capacity is crucial, argues Mr. Kai-Kai.
He warns that this will have to involve strong and clear national leadership.
Employment has to be central, Ms. Coenjaerts argues, adding that it has to be
part of an integrated approach across sectors, with adequate local capacity to
implement it.

But ensuring effective coordination across ministries and other national bodies,
all with limited capacity, can bedevil speedy implementation. In Sierra Leone,
of the $4 mn approved for the PBF's 18-month youth employment schemes in May
2007, over $1 mn was still waiting to be allocated to projects in December 2008,
to the frustration of local youth groups. The pace of approvals is now
accelerating.

Local capacity and clear regulation are particularly important for microfinance
efforts, which are playing a key role in more and more African countries.
Studies carried out in Liberia and Sierra Leone by UNDP found a far higher
demand for small loans than existing institutions could meet.

In both countries the central banks, working with donors, have developed
policies to promote microfinance development. In January 2009 a new microfinance
entity, Access Bank, opened its doors in Liberia. Partially owned by the African
Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank's
International Finance Corporation, it has start-up capital of $6 mn and aims to
serve 27,000 customers by 2013. It will join other entities, such as the Local
Employment Assistance Programme (LEAP), Liberty Finance and Ecobank, which are
also expanding with the help of donor funding.

Aiming higher

According to Kenyeh Barlay, who oversees UNDP's microfinance programme in
Liberia, many loans go to women's groups, especially those involved in trading
activities. Liberty Bank reports that more than 90 per cent of its clients are
women. Most loans have been for people in urban areas or living along major road
arteries. The scale and pattern of microÂ-finance lending is similar in Sierra
Leone.

Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie, executive director of the African Foundation for
Development (AFFORD), a UK-based NGO that is heavily involved in Sierra Leone,
argues that microfinance schemes only go so far. Loans are generally too small.
Instead, he urges reaching the "missing middle," larger loans that can help
clients expand their businesses enough to have a real impact on jobs and wider
economic activity. Mr. Chikezie insists that only larger-scale private-sector
activities can generate sufficient long-term employment for countries like
Sierra Leone.

AFFORD is helping the government to develop a private-sector development
strategy for 2009-2014 focused in large part on improving conditions for
business. It has also set up business-support centres in Freetown and other
towns to provide entrepreneurial, accountancy and other training to people
wanting to start or expand businesses. In both countries the ILO provides kits
on "expanding your business" and other tools designed, as Ms. Coenjaerts puts
it, to increase the "employability" of people.

Return to farming

However, even if such efforts bear fruit, not enough jobs can be created without
the revival of the countries' agricultural sectors, experts agree. A recent
study by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization found that Liberia's
agriculture has considerable potential for providing jobs and income, but it
needs to be commercialized and its productivity must be raised. The ILO is
supporting efforts to build local capacity to carry out rural market
assessments. And this year the government is seeking to attract donor funding
for investment in small-scale agriculture. Mr. Chikezie cites the example of
sorghum growing in Sierra Leone to supply the local beer industry.

But nobody is underestimating the scale of the challenge. Mr. Barlay concedes
that despite successes in expanding microÂ-finance, small-scale agriculture
remains an uncertain market for enterprise-based lending, given that the risks
are perceived to be higher and the prospects lower than in other sectors.

"Nobody is selling farming as a business. A lot of people are running away from
agriculture here," observes one Liberia-based official. "People have to be
brought back to cultivating the land," another adds.

Meanwhile, the threat posed to peace and stability by youth unemployment
remains. In his January report on Sierra Leone, Mr. Ban argued that it is "the
most acute concern" among the country's main challenges, calling for urgent
action to reduce "the lingering effects of marginalization of the country's
young people."

Mr. Kai-Kai concurs that such marginalization of a major segment of the
population represents a common challenge for countries emerging from conflict.
For him, the solution "is all about governance," with efforts to involve youth
placed truly at the forefront. While building local capacity is vital, it must
be accompanied by "bold ideas, boldly managed by bold people," he argues.

With both Liberia and Sierra Leone now feeling the heat of a global economic
downturn, both Mr. Kai-Kai and Mr. Chikezie argue that it is very important for
governments to make a difference for people struggling to survive.

Copyright © 2009 Africa Renewal.

+++

4) Liberia: Kparblee Cries Out For Development
The Informer (Monrovia)
Roland Perry
29 April 2009


Monrovia - Barely three years into the existence of the ruling had Unity Party
led Government headed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, citizens of Kparblee
District in Nimba County have complained of being "marginalized" by successive
government including the UP.

The citizen said since the establishment of Nimba County in 1963, the district
has received very little attention from government and has not been ably
represented at the national Legislature, something they said, have impeded
development activities in the district for many years.
Speaking during a Kparblee District Development and Awareness program in
Monrovia Sunday, an executive of the ruling UP - who cross over from the
opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) - Mr. Victor G. Barney said as
the country enjoys total peace and stability, it was very prudent to create the
necessary awareness to call government’s attention to the plight of his
people.

He said for too long the people of Kparblee District have been isolated from the
entire country and was now urging the Government of Liberia to pay keen
attention to the many development needs in the district and other rural
communities as being done in other areas in the country.
Kparblee borders Grand Gedeh with Nimba. It is predominately occupied by Gios
and Manos who Barney said is not benefiting from all the development activities,
thereby leaving the people there with no stretch of road and other modern
facilities to improve their lives.
The program which was held Sunday at the Kailondo Hotel brought together cross
sections of Kparblee district citizens including local chiefs, youth, civil
society organizations as well as students groups from Nimba County.

Meanwhile Mr. Barney has denied report that he is eyeing the Representative post
of Kparblee in the up-coming general and presidential elections in 2011.
He said he has no intention to contest in 2011 but was speaking out to send a
signal to those wanting to represent his people to do it with sincerity and
exercise a high level of mutual respect for the people of the district and the
county as a whole without any pre-condition. Contact: (231)6 270 297/ (231)77
935 297; E-mail: perryroland@...

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

5) Why Rio's Guinea iron ore was an offer Beijing could refuse [Guinea]
John Garnaut
Sydney Morning Herald
April 27, 2009

China is wise to Africa's divide-and-rule tactics, writes John Garnaut in
Beijing.

China has underscored its power in the developing world by revealing it was
offered a huge African iron ore deposit seized from Rio Tinto but declined to
accept out of "sensitivity" to international repercussions.

The late dictator Lansana Conte's offering to Chinese companies including
Chinalco has implications for the Australia-China relationship, particularly in
the Pacific, and Chinalco's $US19.5 billion ($27 billion) investment bid in Rio
Tinto, which Canberra will soon have to block or approve.

Rio had sunk $US400 million into Guinea's Simandou iron ore tenement and had
planned to invest another $US10 billion to make it the largest iron ore mine
outside Australia and Brazil.

At the same time, the Chinese Government built a 50,000-person sports stadium, a
national assembly building and other landmarks in the Guinean capital, Conakry,
and provided services including training for the army's special forces.

Guinea is one of the world's poorest and most ill-governed nations, with annual
per capita income of just $US442 and ranking number 173 of 180 countries on
Transparency International's corruption perception index.

Wang Wenfu, who leads Chinalco's overseas acquisition team, including its
pursuit of 18 per cent of Rio, told the Herald that the Guinean Government last
year offered to hand Rio's iron ore tenement to Chinese state-owned companies in
exchange for railways, roads, ports and hydro-electricity projects.

"The Guinea Government was trying everyone in China including Chinalco," he
said.

Ultimately, some time after the August Olympics attended by the late Mr Conte,
Beijing declined.

"The Chinese Government encourages Chinese companies to go to Africa but they
are also sensitive to the international results," Mr Wang said. "Chinalco said
no - it wouldn't have been professional."

The episode also shows how China is pulling back from a previously gung-ho
attitude to investing in unstable developing nations. "China is getting better
aware of the practices of African governments to divide and rule among Chinese
companies and foreign powers," said Zha Daojiong, professor of international
relations at Peking University.

But China's decision to knock back the multibillion-dollar iron
ore-for-infrastructure deal has not yet helped Rio Tinto.

Late last year, Mr Conte handed the northern half of Rio's Simandou tenement to
BSG Resources Mining & Metals, controlled by a controversial Israeli
diamond-mining billionaire, Benny Steinmetz.

"They will see us in court," said Sam Walsh, head of Rio's iron ore division.

One version of events is that Guinean politicians were said to have ended Rio's
tenement at Simandou because they were unhappy that Rio wanted to connect the
proposed mine directly to an existing port in Liberia rather than build a
railway to a new port on the Guinean coast. "For them, it's if you invest in our
infrastructure we'll pay you back with mining resources," Mr Wang said.

In another version, Rio was also considering the indirect railway-and-port
option and lost its grip on Simandou only when some Beijing leaders
systematically courted Mr Conte and undermined the Anglo-American miner after
the China-Africa Co-operation summit in Beijing in November 2006.

China's ambassador to Guinea, Huo Zhengde, promised in 2007 to "spare no effort"
in assisting the country because the two nations were "good brothers and good
friends".

Chinalco's Mr Wang said African countries wanted to work with the Chinese
Government because of its long history of support, including scholarships for
thousands of African students who are now rising to senior posts, and because of
its unrivalled record in building fast and cheap quality infrastructure

He said it showed how China's influence in Africa could prove useful for Rio and
Australia.

"It's an example of how Chinalco could enhance the position of Rio Tinto," Mr
Wang said. "This sort of thing is happening wherever you go in Africa."

Mr Wang said China might not be so accommodating of Australia's international
interests if the Government did not approve Chinalco's investment in Rio.
State-owned companies such as Chinalco tend to compete vigorously with each
other and make their own investment decisions, while also being swayed by
privileges given to companies and executives who fulfil government objectives.

Mr Walsh said Rio had talked with Chinalco - which has bauxite exploration
activities in Guinea - about running Simandou as a joint venture. But the
discussions were superseded by more comprehensive investment talks after BHP
Billiton dropped its hostile takeover bid for Rio in November.

Rio has said it plans to mine more than 70 million tonnes of iron ore a year in
Simandou and possibly as much as 170 million, which would make it one of the
largest iron ore mines in the world.

On December 27 Moussa Dadis Camara announced that Mr Conte had died and that he
had seized power and dissolved the constitution and what remained of the
institutions of government.

Mr Walsh said the new dictator had not overturned his predecessor's decision to
deprive Rio of its tenement rights.

"We're now in a hiatus," Mr Walsh said. "But we are confident we retain legal
rights to the full Simandou tenement."

Mr Walsh said Rio had been pulling back its work in the southern half of the
tenement, where the company has focused on infrastructure, exploratory drilling
and other development, until clarity was restored.

Mr Walsh acknowledged recent erratic behaviour by Captain Camara towards global
mining companies but said the new military leader provided some cause for
optimism because he was "pro-development and clearly working actively to remove
corruption and bribery."

Four former mining ministers have been investigated for corruption since Captain
Camara took power.

Analysts say China's calculus of risk and reward in Africa is changing. The
investment rewards have crashed with commodities prices and some African
governments have reneged on Chinese investment deals.

"Like all newcomers with deep pockets, they run the risk of being exploited or
expropriated," said Susan Shirk, a leading China official during the Clinton
administration and now director of the University of California's Institute on
Global Conflict and Co-operation.

"China's investments in Africa and Latin America may give it a new appreciation
of the value of solid governmental and legal institutions," she said.

Kidnappings and murders of their employees in Africa have raised the stakes for
Chinese companies operating in conflict zones that Western miners would not
touch.

Professor Zha said China has reached a turning point in Africa, out of
self-interest. He pointed to the conflict-ridden mess of Chinese oil investments
in Angola and Sudan with Angola - China's single largest oil supplier - so
problematic that "it's just not worth it".

"It's not because China wants to be nice to other international governments …
but because China is learning that African governments are pretty good at
milking the cow."

+++

6) Thailand's Thaksin seeks business in Liberia
Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:13pm GMT
By Alphonso Toweh

MONROVIA (Reuters) - Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, living in
self-imposed exile and facing two years jail at home on conflict of interest
charges, was in Liberia this week scouting for business opportunities in Africa.

Thaksin, also briefly owner of Manchester City football club, has seen his
living options reduced after Britain revoked his visa and the Thai government
recently sought extradition agreements with Dubai and Hong Kong, where he has
been living.

Although rich in iron ore, timber, diamonds and gold, Liberia, which was founded
by freed slaves from the United States in the 19th century, is not an obvious
choice as it still battles to overcome the effects of years of war that only
ended in 2003.

"I have come to visit Liberia to explore business opportunities in the areas of
mining, agriculture and gas exploration," Thaksin told journalists after meeting
the West African country's vice president earlier this week.

"I prefer to do business in Liberia because of the good business climate and the
move by the country in reconstruction process," he said late on Tuesday evening.

Liberia was embroiled in almost constant conflict from 1990-2003, with some
250,000 people killed in its civil war and an intertwined conflict in
neighbouring Sierra Leone, which has resulted in Liberia's former President
Charles Taylor facing charges of war crimes.

Investor confidence in the country was boosted by the 2005 election of President
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank official who became Africa's first
female head of state.

Embargos imposed during the war on timber and diamond exports have since been
lifted, encouraging private investment. But the country is still highly
dependent on aid and is struggling to tackle corruption.

"In the not too distant future, we will send a team to carry out feasibility
studies on what would be a priority for us. We can begin with even a million
dollars, depending on what we discover," Thaksin said.

The former prime minister's supporters back home have been embroiled in weeks of
violent protests with the authorities in Bangkok although the current prime
minister ended a 12-day state of emergency on Friday and sought to heal deep
political rifts.

Thaksin spent two days in Liberia before leaving but the government made clear
he would be welcome back.

"We want you to come and do business that will help create jobs for Liberians.
We have a good business climate in Liberia," Vice President Joseph Boakai said.


© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

+++

7) Mano River releases 2009 output programme
Commodity Online
2009-04-24 16:40:00

Futures on Your MobileLog on to Bazaar BhaavGet Futures PricesExchange Spot
RatesSubscribe Commodity MarketMano River Resources has released details of its
gold plans for 2009, including a bankable feasibility study for the underground
mine at its New Liberty deposit in Liberia to be completed during 2010.

The new programme will target 100,000 ounces a year based on a current resource
of 1.4 million ounces, comprising 13.533 million tonnes measured and indicated
reserves based on grading at 3.18 g/t gold.

An initial 5,000m drilling schedule has been proposed for satellite deposits in
close proximity to New Liberty, a shear zone hosted Archaean age gold deposit.

Online Currency Trading. Free $50,000 Practice Account!

The New Liberty deposit is located on the Bea Mountain mining licence in western
Liberia and the current resource estimate does not include results from a 2008
deeper drilling programme.

Luis da Silva, Mano president and chief executive, said: "Our 2009 drill
programme will be intensively focused on strengthening Mano's gold portfolio
through increasing confidence and expanding the resource."

Exploration and development company Mano River Resources is based in Toronto and
is focused on projects in West Africa.


This news feed is independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not
represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

+++

8) West Africa: Region's Mines Ministers Adopt ECOWAS Draft Mining Policies
24 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)

Monrovia - ECOWAS Ministers of Mines who convened for a one-day Mining
Conference in Abuja, Nigeria have finally adopted what is termed as the "Draft
ECOWAS Directive on the Harmonization of Guiding Principles and Policies in the
Mining Sector".

The regional instrument was derived from a three-day regional experts meeting,
known as the "National Experts on Mining Workshop" held at the Community's
Parliament in Abuja April 14-16.

The adoption followed on Friday, April 17, immediately after the experts'
in-door deliberations on April 14-16, which is ahead of the Council of Ministers
meeting next month.

The draft document was the first of three documents which adoption would lead to
the harmonization of the regimes in member states and the desired mining
legalenvironment in West Africa.

"Indeed, almost all acknowledge that mineral products support our modern-day
lives and that mineral resources wealth can serve as the engine of growth and
development that can sustain progress long after the minerals are depleted,"
Mohammed Daramy , the ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade, Customs, Free Movement and
Tourism and Industry & Mines pointed out.

Daramy attested that the regional experts meeting was the first critical step in
the finalization process to the adoption of a draft document on mineral
resources by the Council of Ministers next month.

"It is envisaged that this effort is led by the Regional Economic Communities
(RECs) which are the building blocks of the African Union (AU)," Commissioner
Daramy asserted.

The natural resources of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty signed in Cotonou in 1993
states in Article 31.1 that , "member states shall harmonize and co-ordinate
their policies and program in the field of natural resources," while article
31.2d further states, "member states shall coordinate their programs for
development and utilization of mineral and water resources."

The meeting of mining experts ushered in the first mining sector ministerial
conference of ECOWAS. It is a promise by all heads of states and governments of
the African Union to promote the vision of using their mineral resources to
propel Africa's modernization process through institutions and programs such as
the African Mining Partnership (AMP) and NEPAD's Spatial Development Program
(SPD).

From such deliberations, any policy adopted would affect all ECOWAS member
states whether they have a representative there or not.

Disappointingly, Liberia, with such a need to protect and promote new mining
regulations for African states, had no representation at the experts' meeting
and the ministers' conference.

Liberia, which is still emerging from war and already has diverse investors
plundering its mineral sector, should have been an active presence at the
conference.

Meanwhile, the objective of the ECOWAS Directive comply with the provisions of
Article 31 chapter 6 of the Revised Treaty which prescribes the harmonization of
policies in the natural resources sector of member states to include Liberia.

The experts also consider other documents such as the draft Regional Mining
Policy and the draft Mining Code which includes areas of the draft directives on
Harnessing of Mineral Resources for growth and development in the region,
equitable mining regime, improving governance in the mining sector as well as
the institution of some mechanisms to ensure intergenerational equity.

Others include enhancing the value chain and linkages between the mineral
resources sector and other sectors of the economy, participatory ownership of
the minerals sector by all stakeholders, enhancing institutional and human
capacities for the development of the minerals sector and the institution of a
mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of the impact of mining activities on
the citizens of West Africa.

At the Ministers' Conference, Commissioner Daramy averred that the economic
situation in West Africa has been discussed intensely and that the crisis facing
the region is partly associated with structural deficiencies of the economy
resulting from deteriorating terms of trade.

"The role of the sector is evidenced by the important mining activities in terms
of high value or volume involving the bauxite, diamonds, gold, phosphate, and
uranium among others. The development of the mineral resources can only be
effective and sustainable where there is adequate up-to-date information and
effective and all encompassing mining code, he expressed.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development of Nigeria, Diezeani Allison-Maducke
added her voice by informing representative of ministers of Mines of ECOWAS
present at the meeting to put in their fullest support to the venture by ECOWAS.

Madam Maducke said there had been several platforms that initiated various
efforts and frameworks to engender growth in the mineral sector of the continent
and thereby pledge Nigeria's fullest support.

She said that the adoption of the Directive will enable the region to be seen in
terms of actual development through maximum earnings of revenue derived from
mineral resources.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

9) Liberia: Govt Urged To Tackle Farm to-Market Roads To Empower Farmers,
Businesses
24 April 2009
The Informer (Monrovia)

Monrovia - A businessman hailing from the South Eastern County of Grand Gedeh
has lauded President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led Government for its steadfastness
in fostering development initiatives in the country most especially the
rehabilitation of major roads in the city and its environs and including the
interior.
Mr. Alex Yonly, who is the Executive e Director of United Family Reconstruction
(UFAR), speaking to this paper however called on the government to prioritize
the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in the interior
parts of the country to enable farmers carry their farm products from one end to
another.

Mr. Yonly revealed that his organization along with other NGOs in the Southeast,
is working assiduously by brushing the sides of roads in several parts of the
region with the assistance of WFP food-for-work initiative.
He lauded WFP and other organization working in the Southeast for their working
relation with other local NOGs who are also opting for development in the area.

Mr. Yonly further suggested that provided farm-to-market roads are
reconditioned, the country would be able to cope with the shortage of local food
production which has the predisposition of maintaining food sufficiency in the
country.

He said as the country has just recovered from 15 years of brutal civil unrest
which impeded several developmental processes; therefore, it would mean well if
the nation taps its own usual resources by maintaining a capability in producing
its own food once the farm to market roads are prioritized and reconditioned.

He made reference to Maryland County and other parts of the Southeastern region
that are depending on Ivory Coast for vegetable and other crops.
He said while it is true that most farmers in the South East are capable in
producing their own food, the road condition becomes hindrance.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/






#302 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Tue May 12, 2009 7:12 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia: How The Counties Stand - The Most And Least Populated, 2)'Tree Is
Life, Health, Conserve Liberia's Rich Biodiversity', 3) Africa's Rice production
rises, 4) Liberia: Firestone Intensifies Construction Of More Housing Units, 5)
Liberia: Wild Life Rangers Confiscate Two Baby Chimpanzees, 6) Liberia: 15 Power
Saws For 15 Counties, 7) EPA investigates extent of water pollution by
Firestone, 8) Liberia: Malaysian Company to Takeover Guthrie - Signs U.S.$800
Million Agreement With Govt, 9) Liberia: India Donates to Agriculture Ministry,
10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia: How The Counties Stand - The Most And Least Populated
New Democrat (Monrovia)
Othello B. Garblah
11 May 2009

Monrovia It is now officially known that at least 3,476,606 human beings live
here with majority of them settling in Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, Lofa and Grand
Bassa Counties respectively translating them (counties) in to the highly
populated areas here.

Montserrado, with a preliminary population of 1,144,805, the final result puts
it population at 1,118,241 translating into a decrease of 26,564 but in terms of
election it’s the top most priority county for politician.

Montserrado is followed by Nimba with its final result now put at 462,026 from a
preliminary figure at 468,088, a decreased of 6,62, makes it the second most
priority area for the 2011 elections.

Nimba is followed by Bong, which had preliminary population was put at 328,919,
with the final result showing an increase of 4, 562, now puts its population at
333, 481, making it the third most populated county here.

Lofa, which is the fourth most populated county with population initially
estimated at 270,114, witnessed an increase of 6,749 as the final result shows a
total population of 276,863.

Lofa is followed by Grand Bassa with 221,693 population. Grand Bassa preliminary
population was initial put at 224, 839, but the final result saw a decline by
3,146.

In all, nine counties, namely, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand
Gedeh, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Gee and Sinoe witness a decrease
compared to the preliminary results released by LIGIS months ago by 42,545.

At the same time the final result saw an increase in the population of 6
counties namely, Bomi, Bong, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi and Rivercess by 30, 082.
Thus indicating a decline in the preliminary result released by LIGIS months ago
by 12,464.

Copyright © 2009 New Democrat.

+++

2)'Tree Is Life, Health, Conserve Liberia's Rich Biodiversity'
Environmental News
By Leroy M. Sonpon, III
Published: 11 May, 2009

(R-l): EPA Acting Exec Dir Nyenka, FDA Act. MD Johnson & Lofa's Muslim Chair,
Fofana

LOFA COUNTY,The Acting Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Mr. Jerome Gbanneh Nyonwan Nyenka, has stressed that in order to ensure
that Liberia's national resources are protected there is a need for the full
participation of both Liberians and foreigners.

The EPA acting boss believes that the proper management of Liberia's natural
resources can be a major drive of poverty alleviation in the Poverty Reduction
Strategy (PRS) implementation

period and beyond, if the forestland, which covers about 50% of Liberia, is
conserved.

Gain access to this and all other stories. Subscribe now to
www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!

+++

3) Africa's Rice production rises
Written by ASNS in West Africa
Monday, 11 May 2009

According to the latest figures from the FAO Rice Market Monitor, the paddy
production in Africa has gone up for the 6th consecutive year, reaching 21.6
million tonnes in 2006 6% above 2005 - and NERICA has been identified as a
major factor in this growth.

Attributing the record harvest to favorable weather conditions and "the positive
effects of the adoption of NERICA rice varieties," the FAO Monitor adds that
substantial production increases were reported in Burkina Faso, The Gambia,
Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo.

It goes on to state that "gains were spectacular in Burkina Faso, where
production rose by 102% to 189,175 tonnes. Production also rose extensively in
Mali, which harvested over 1 million tonnes in 2006, up from 946, 000 tonnes in
2005, as excellent growing conditions boosted yields."

"We do not think that it is just a coincidence that Burkina Faso and Mali have
had these spectacular successes. They were the first countries to evaluate and
release the lowland NERICA varieties developed recently by the Africa Rice
Center (WARDA) in close association with national programs," said Dr Papa
Abdoulaye Seck, WARDA Director General.

Describing the recent surge in demand for NERICA seed in Nigeria, Dr Seck said
that WARDA has been informed that the country was able to reduce its rice
imports in 2005 by over 800,000

tonnes, thanks to the strong measures taken by the Nigerian Government to
increase domestic rice production and decrease rice imports. Nigeria is the
largest importer of rice in the world.

West Africa is not the only region where NERICA is performing spectacularly. The
varieties have leapfrogged from Guinea to Uganda in Eastern Africa, where they
are blazing a new trail of success.

WARDA has just been informed by the Uganda Agricultural Productivity Enhancement
Program (APEP), supported by the USAID that more than 16,000 refugee families
from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi residing in Uganda are
set to grow NERICA. This initiative is being supported by APEP-USAID and the
Ugandan government to address the food security problem and raise incomes from
their produce.

In addition, 750 Ugandan farmers, who were displaced by the civil conflicts,
have been trained in NERICA production as part of a training-of-trainers program
with support from APEP-USAID.

Also in Uganda, Japan and FAO have launched a US$ 1 million project to promote
NERICA for which WARDA is providing the technical support.

"NERICA is also being increasingly used in agricultural rehabilitation efforts
in post-conflict countries, such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Democratic Republic
of Congo and Rwanda," said Dr Seck, explaining that the African Rice Initiative
(ARI), managed by WARDA, is frequently approached for NERICA seeds to assist in
such efforts.

"We are, therefore, exploring with all our partners a sustainable strategy to
address the ever-increasing demand for NERICA seeds across sub-Saharan Africa,"
Dr Seck added.

Last Updated ( Monday, 11 May 2009 )

Copyright © 2008 Services in Scientific Work in Africa.

+++

4) Liberia: Firestone Intensifies Construction Of More Housing Units
The Informer (Monrovia)
8 May 2009

Monrovia - The Management of Firestone Liberia has intensified the construction
of addi-tional housing facilities for its employees and their families in
several parts of the concession area. This was disclosed by the Public Affairs
Manager of Firestone Liberia, G. Rufus Karmorh, on Monday, May 4, 2009, when he
inspected ongoing housing construction at the old Harbel Market.

Mr. Karmorh lauded the contractors for the level of work done and urged them to
exhibit a high degree of professionalism in the execution of the project. The
Public Affairs boss reaffirmed during the visit of the company’s determination
in improving the living conditions of its dedicated employees and the families.

Though these housing projects are spread in various parts of the concession, the
one at the site of the old Harbel Market and the once Zukorbor Community in
Harbel has attracted the attention of visitors and employees alike.

Currently, the site is the scene of the construction of several modern housing
units for dedi-cated employees of the company and their families. Firestone
Liberia has entrusted the building of the modern housing facilities to
Liberian-owned con-struction firms with the view of helping to upgrade their
capacity[.]

According to a release issued by the company, when completed, the houses would
be occupied by employees and their dependents as part of efforts by the company
to improve the living standards of those in its employ.

The ongoing construc-tion works in this part of Harbel is in fulfillment of a
decision taken in early 2009, by the Management of Firestone Liberia, to
relocate the old Harbel Market to a suitable spot so as to give way for the
complete transformation of that once congested community to a spacious and
modernized one.

Sources close to Man-agement have revealed that besides the construc-tion of the
..modern dwelling places for employees and their families, there were also plans
in the making to build schools and other structures in the area to benefit
would-be residents of that new community.

Meanwhile, several employees and residents of the concession area spoken to have
expressed a deep sense of commen-dation to the Manage-ment of Firestone Liberia
for the decision to relocate the old Harbel Market to a suitable area which was
in the collective interest of marketers, drivers and pedestrians as well.

According to them, since the relocation of the market the sanitary condition of
the old Harbel Market has improved considerably and the rate of thefts has also
reduced drastically.

Firestone has built and renovated more than 1,300 homes since the end of the
civil war and has spoken of the need to construct approximately 4,000 more
housing facilities.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

5) Liberia: Wild Life Rangers Confiscate Two Baby Chimpanzees
The Informer (Monrovia)
8 May 2009

Monrovia — Two Baby Chimpanzees believed to be less than a year old have been
confiscated by Wildlife Rangers of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)
assigned at the Schefflin Boys Town Check Point; the confiscation took place on
Friday April 24, 2009.

A press release from the FDA quoted the Wildlife Officer of the Department of
Conservation, Moses Beah as saying that the Chimps were seized from one, Mark
Joe of Red light, Monrovia.

Joe’s wife who is said to be involved in the illegal trading of wildlife
products, prohibited by law allegedly bought the Chimps from an illegal hunter
in Sinoe County.

Section 9.12 (d) (i) of the National Forestry Reform Law of 2006 states,
The release warned that “No person shall possess any protected Animals,
whether live or dead, or any part thereof, without a certificate of legal
ownership issued by the Authority. The burden of proving lawful possession of
any protected animal or any part thereof shall lie with the person in
possession”.

This animal is one of the endangered and fully protected species of Liberia in
keeping with the United Nations Convention on Intentional Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES).

In observance of this, Joe and his wife who up to present have not proven to be
licensed to trade in wildlife products would have been handed over to the
Police, However, Wildlife Officer

Beah pointed out that due to the lack of awareness at this time Mark Joe was
educated and allowed to go free and provided with two posters of protected
animals in Liberia.

The two chimps presently are in possession of the Wildlife Division of the FDA
pending their eventual release back into the wild.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

6) Liberia: 15 Power Saws For 15 Counties
The Informer (Monrovia)
8 May 2009

Monrovia —
The Chairman of the Traditional Council of Liberia Chief Zanzah Karwoh announced
on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 that the council has received from the Government of
Liberia 15 power saws for the 15 political subdivisions of the country.

The donation is intended to strengthen the Council engage in massive food
production as one of the means of making Liberia feeds itself as the country
goes ahead with its poverty reduction strategy.

The Chairman said the donation to the Council comes following a letter written
by the Council to the President of Liberia requesting for power saws for farmers
of the counties that they have direct input. He said the materials were
presented to the council through the Agriculture Ministry two weeks ago.

Revitalizing the agriculture sector to ensure food security is cardinal under
the Liberian government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).
Liberia’s PRS articulates the Government’s overall vision and major
strategies for moving toward rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and
development during the period 2008-2011.

The PRS is being implemented between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2011 (the end of
the 2010/2011 fiscal year). This period is of critical importance as Liberia
shifts from post-conflict

stabilization to laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth,
poverty reduction, and progressing toward the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), the PRS paper states.

The donor-dependent US$1.6bn program is crafted with four major pillars
including enhancing peace and national security, governance and the rule of law,
economic revitalization and

rehabilitation of infrastructures and delivery of basic social services.
Education falls in the last pillar (Pillar 4, chapter 9) of the PRS document.
The Equipment have been presented to nearly all of the counties in the country
except those counties which national Chairmen have not had the time to get their
counties saws from the

offices of the National Traditional Council of Liberia in Sinkor, Chief Karwoh
says. The national chair persons of the various counties will be responsible for
the maintenance of the equipment which will be widely used for public farms in
the counties of Liberia.

Chief Karwoh, who is the major brain behind the initiative, noted that the
government’s initiative will seriously help the council to fight the global
food crisis. He said the power saws are already in use by counties who have
received them.

Chief Karwoh disclosed that he will shortly visit counties to monitor the
achievements being made by county authorities since the distribution of the
equipment.

Prior to receipt of the donation he s aid a mandate was already in action for
each county to get involve with agricultural activities, and receiving the
equipment was just a booster to the endeavors.

He called on the Ministry of Agriculture to quickly meet with the promise made
to the council to provide seed rice to farmers in the counties.
The Chief said on a daily basis there are farmers coming from the counties
requesting for seed rice in keeping with the promise being made to them by the
Government of Liberia.

Commenting on the development of rural areas Chief Karwoh said it is about time
for government to prioritize the development of the counties, most especially
the reconditioning of roads.

He said government’s road projects must befit the counties most, because
Monrovia will seriously depend on them for its existence.
Chief Karwoh said in the next couple of years the counties will be seriously
involve with farming activities which will help the country feed itself.

Liberia’s stable food is rice and one of the counties that has been involved
with the production had been Lofa County before the fifteen years civil war.

Evidence is the Kekula Kpoto’s agriculture activities which impact was felt
widely in Lofa and other parts of the country.
The late Liberian statesman produced agricultural products including rice,
coffee, and oil palm among others which benefited a large number of people and
even helped to employ a lot of young people.

Agriculture provided the mainstay of the economy throughout the Liberian
conflict and has accounted for over half of GDP in the post-war period (compared
to one-tenth in the late 1970s).

A large proportion of the economically active population of Liberia is engaged
either directly or indirectly in smallholder subsistence agriculture or
fisheries.

Women and children are particularly dependent on the agricultural sector.
Revitalizing the agricultural sector is crucial to overall economic recovery,
ensuring that growth is inclusive, promoting peace and stability, and sustaining
poverty reduction.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

7) EPA investigates extent of water pollution by Firestone
Written by Onesimus Leigh
Wednesday, 06 May 2009
STAR RADIO

The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an investigation into the water
pollution by the Firestone Rubber Plantation in Margibi County.

EPA’s Acting Executive Director Jerome Nyenka told Star Radio the
investigation will establish the extent of pollution.

Mr. Nyenkan disclosed an inter-agency team of experts in water quality has been
dispatched to Kpanyan Community for the investigation.

The team comprises the EPA, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation and UNMIL
environmental and natural resources Unit.

The investigation follows a previous investigation in 2008 which established
that the Company was polluting streams in the Kpanyan Community.

Acting EPA Director Nyenka told Star Radio, the investigation will determine the
penalties in accordance with the constitution.

The constitution provides for a fine of up to fifty thousand US dollars for
pollution.


+++

8) Liberia: Malaysian Company to Takeover Guthrie - Signs U.S.$800 Million
Agreement With Govt
The Analyst
1 May 2009

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed a US$8-hundred million dollar
Agriculture Concession Agreement for the rehabilitation and expansion of the
Guthrie Rubber Plantations. The project is to be undertaken by the Sime Darby
Company of Malaysia.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the President noted the agreement
represents another step in Government's efforts to develop the agricultural
sector of the country and provide more employment opportunities for Liberians.

An Executive Mansion release quotes the President as saying Government was very
keen on getting back Guthrie given the Company's impressive track record in
Liberia. The agreement, the Liberian leader said, sends a strong signal because
it demonstrates that the right policies being adopted by Government are
attracting investment to the country.

The President expressed satisfaction over the social benefits to be offered by
the Sime Darby and pointed out that Government will work to ensure that the
company gets all the support to ensure the success of its investment.

The President stressed that Guthrie has been a major part of the economic
activity of the country and was pleased that Sime Darby, the number-one leading
company in the world in the oil palm industry, was undertaking the project. The
President expressed hope that the National Legislature would ratify the
agreement which she referred to as a major boost for the country.

Under the renegotiated concession agreement, the Government of Liberia will
provide the company with 220,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of oil
palm and rubber trees.

The company is to also produce subsequently oil palm and rubber products for use
in Liberia or for export. Of this area, 120,000 hectares was originally provided
for under the original concession agreement, and an additional 100,000 hectares
is being provided in consideration of investor's commitment to construct and
operate a vegetable oil refinery in Liberia.

The company, which managed Guthrie Plantation prior to the Liberian civil war,
will provide 20,000 jobs over a ten year period on 40,000 acres of land in
Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount and Bomi counties.

The agreement also provides for a social program which includes housing and
medical facilities for residents in the area.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Azhor Abdul Hamid, Executive Vice
President of the Sime Darby Group of Malaysia; Acting Agriculture Minister
Borkai Sirleaf; National Investment

Commission Chairman Richard Tolbert and Minister of State for Economic and Legal
Affairs, Morris Saytumah.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst.

+++

9) Liberia: India Donates to Agriculture Ministry
The Analyst
1 May 2009


Just a day after announcing the granting of scholarships to deserving Liberian
students to undergo studies in India, the government of India through its
Ambassador accredited to Liberia Shamma Jain yesterday presented a consignment
of agricultural chemical for pests to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Jain said the chemical kills
all insects that destroy crops. She put the value of the consignment at about
US$500,000.

The Indian envoy pointed out that her government has taken serious interest in
the agriculture sector of the country, because she realized that the strength of
every nation lies in agriculture.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the newly constructed complex of the
Agriculture Ministry in Gardnerville, Ambassador Jain said the issue of
agriculture should not be overlooked by the authority.

Receiving the consignment on behalf of government, Deputy Minister for
Administration at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Johnson Gwaikolo, expressed
thanked the government and the people of India for their kind gesture toward
Liberia.

He said the Liberian government appreciates the effort of its Indian counterpart
for remembering the country at the time Liberia needs every help to get back on
its feet.

He noted that agriculture is one of the key components to the poverty reduction
strategy documents and that government is lobbying with every organization and
country to come in and

assist with the agricultural sector.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/





#303 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Wed May 20, 2009 5:26 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Sierra Leone and Liberia Create Vast Transboundary Peace Park. 2) Liberia:
Lace Dedicates, Turnover Six Sub-Projects in Lofa County, 3)Africa gears up for
radical land laws, 4) Liberia: Academics Gather Here For First Conference On
Soil, 5) Trans-boundary Rainforest Park will be a symbol of peace and stability,
6) Liberia: Rural Women Confront Hunger Gap, Their Own Way, 7) AfDB and Liberia
sign $10 million grant agreement for agriculture project, 8) Liberia Says
Firestone Polluting Water, 9) Gold Star Resources Corp. Featured in National
Investment Newsletter [Excerpt], 10) Tullow Oil Provides Interim Update
[Excerpt], 11)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Sierra Leone and Liberia Create Vast Transboundary Peace Park
Environmental News Service

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, May 18, 2009 (ENS) - The presidents of Sierra Leone and
Liberia met Friday in the Gola Forest of Sierra Leone to announce the
establishment of a new Transboundary

Peace Park that will unite the Gola forests in both countries. The transboundary
park will protect about 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles), one of the
largest remaining stretches

of intact rainforest in the Upper Guinea area of West Africa.

The Peace Park welcome center will be built in Leilahun in the Kenema District
in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, which borders Liberia to the south.
Residents of Kenema District,

government officials of both countries and international partners gathered in
the forest for the announcement of the new park.

President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
of Liberia said the park will stand as a memorial to the long years of conflict
in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.

[Photo]
From left: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and President Ernest Bai
Koroma of Sierra Leone at a meeting of the Mano River Union in December 2008
(Photo by Adama Thompson courtesy Office of President Johnson Sirleaf)

It will provide security zones through which no armed conflict can be waged, the
leaders said. The transboundary park will facilitate a strategy for cross border
movement to prevent illegal activities and bring civil society groups and
communities to protect the interest of both countries, they said.

Control of Sierra Leone's diamond industry was a primary cause of the conflict
that raged throughout the 1990s and into 2003.

President Koroma said, "The long-term benefits of the conservation of the Gola
forests far outweigh the short-term benefits of extraction and destruction. As I
have said since I was

elected in 2007, the Gola forests will become a national park in Sierra Leone
and mining will not be permitted."

President Johnson Sirleaf said the project must be "a symbol of our renewed
commitment to peace, stability and biodiversity conservation in this region."

She said the government of Liberia has set aside 30 percent of its forests to be
included a network of forest areas, which includes the Gola Forest.

President Koroma emphasized that the project needs the collaboration of both
governments. He said the launching of the park sends a strong signal to skeptics
that the project will be successful.

The local communities in Sierra Leone, through their traditional chiefs and
Members of Parliament, have expressed their support for the conservation of the
Gola Forest and its designation

as a national park.

[Photo]
The Mano River forms the boundary between Liberia and Sierra Leone in the newly
designated peace park. (Photo by Guy Shorrock courtesy RSPB)

BirdLife International’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Hazell Shokellu
Thompson, who has worked for more than 20 years on the protection of Gola forest
said, “The establishment of the Transboundary Peace Park is a tribute to the
success of the governments of both countries in putting their recent history of
civil war behind them."

Congratulating both presidents, Thompson said, "In the run up to the United
Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen later this year, they have shown
their wholehearted commitment to taking the measures needed to reduce the
threats of climate change and increase collaboration in the conservation of
their nation’s natural resources."

Both governments have expressed interest in carbon trading and in the process of
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing
Countries, or REDD.

The REDD process of offering credits to developed countries that fund forest
protection in developing countries may become part of the climate change
agreement expected to emerge from the UN climate conference in Copenhagen in
December.

The Peace Park will provide the potential to raise tens of millions of dollars
over coming decades, ensuring sustained funding for protected area management
and community development.

The work to establish the Peace Park has involved several conservation
organizations in the BirdLife International Partnership. They include the two
national BirdLife Partners -

Conservation Society of Sierra Leone and Society for the Conservation of Nature
in Liberia - the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which is the
BirdLife partner in the UK and Vogelbescherming, which is the BirdLife partner
in The Netherlands. These organizations have been working together with the
Forest Development Authority of Liberia and the Forestry

Division in Sierra Leone.

The BirdLife Partnership, which is already working on a 4.2 million euro project
to protect Sierra Leone’s Gola Forest funded by the European Union and the
French Government, has secured an additional 3.2 million euros from the EU to
fund the four-year project to establish the protected area.

[Photo]
A red-billed dwarf hornbill in the Gola Forest of Sierra Leone. (Photo by Jon
Hornbuckle)

The balance of the funding will be made up from the Critical Ecosystem
Partnership Fund, and the Sustainable & Thriving Environments for West African
Regional Development Program of the

U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Forest Service,
International Programs.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is a joint initiative of Conservation
International, the French Development Agency, the government of Japan, the
Global Environment Facility, the

MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.

The Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem, which extends from Guinea to Togo, is one of
the world’s most biodiversity-rich ecosystems. But centuries of human
activities have led to the loss of

more than 70 percent of the overall forest cover, which was initially estimated
at 420,000 square kilometers (162,163 square miles).

The remaining forest is fragmented, restricting habitats to isolated patches and
threatening unique plants and animals.

Of the 250 forest-dependent birds in the region, more than 25 are threatened or
restricted-range species, says BirdLife International. The forest is also
inhabited by more than 50 mammal

species, such as forest elephant, pygmy hippo, and 10 species of primates,
including the threatened chimpanzee.

Alistair Gammell, manager of the Gola Forest Project, said scientists and
tourists flock to Sierra Leone every year to visit the forest. Through the
launch of the peace park, he said,

Presidents Johnson Sirleaf and Koroma have shown their commitment to helping
alleviate climate change.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2009. All rights reserved.


+++

2) Liberia: Lace Dedicates, Turnover Six Sub-Projects in Lofa County
The Informer (Monrovia)
18 May 2009

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) has dedicated and turned
over six sub-projects in Lofa County.

LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah placed the value of the six
sub-projects at US$ 240,000.00. The projects consist of four schools, a bridge
and a box culvert.

Mr. Kumbuyah challenged the various communities to begin initiating plans for
the maintenance of the facilities. "Your responsibility is to ensure teachers
and students remain in the

schools and take advantage of the free primary education policy of the
government," he told community people.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony at the Bakpalasu Public School in Lofa
County, Mr. Kumbuyah described the construction of the new facilities as a great
opportunity that shouldn't be

abused.

He presented assorted stationery valued at US$4,000.00 to jumpstarted the
operations of the four schools.

Mr. Moses Dorbor speaking on behalf the communities thanked the World Bank and
the Government of Liberia for providing support for LACE to better their lives.

He said the construction especially of schools in their communities was now a
light for their children including the older generation.

Also speaking the occasion, World Bank Task Team Leader Mr. Giuseppe Zampaglione
described the community driven development approach as an important model that
links community and local

authorities as they strived to rebuild their communities after the war period.

Mr. Zampaglione believes when this link is strong, it provides opportunity for
education; economic opportunity, development and health care for community
people.

He thanked the 50 Project Management Committee (PMC) members for their support
during the implementation of the projects.

Lofa County Development Superintendent Fofie Bimba called on the communities to
take ownership of the projects and ensure the maintenance of the facilities.

"If you don't use these facilities you're depriving Lofa County and Liberia,"
the Development Superintendent told community people.

Mr. Bimba urged the County Education Officer to begin providing moral technical
support to the schools.

The facilities dedicated included the Zuwulo Public School, Lutisu Public School
and the Bakpalasu Public School. Others are: Loboba Public School, Bortorsu
Bridge and Bortorsu Culvert.

The ceremony was attended by local government officials, representatives from
the United Nations, Members of the Board of Directors of the LACE, Project
Manager for Infrastructure at the

EU-Liberia office Mr. Paul Smith, community people and among others.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

3)Africa gears up for radical land laws
The Standard
Published on 17/05/2009


Prof Hastings Okoth-Ogendo died last month hours after his groundbreaking draft,
‘Frame Work and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa’, was approved by a
conference of African Union

ministers of Land and Agriculture.

Ogendo was the chairman of the African Union Commission taskforce established in
2006 to develop land policy guidelines.

Hours before he fell ill and died in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ogendo had just
presented the draft policy to a joint conference of AU ministers of Agriculture,
Land and Livestock.


Prof Okoth-Ogendo proposed changes to land policy in Africa. [PHOTO: FILE]

The draft will be presented to the AU Assembly of Heads of State for approval in
July.

Pushed too hard

Ogendo’s taskforce also comprised Africa Development Bank, the UN Economic
Commission on Africa and civil society.

"He pushed himself hard and was passionate about producing land policy
guidelines for Africa. He wanted to see the mission succeed. For him, seeing the
draft adopted by the conference of

AU ministers was a mission accomplished," says Mr Ebrahim Mwathane.

Mwathane, a former chairman of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, was a
member of the Ogendo task force that had representatives from the five regional
economic blocs * Eastern, Southern, Central, Western and Northern Africa.

Africa is plagued by numerous conflicts over land access, use and control among
communities, and foreign interests that stoke fears of dispossession.

For instance, the acquisition of estimated 15-20 million hectares of land in
Africa by commercial interests from outside the continent has led to fears of a
‘Second Scramble for Africa’.

Thorny issue

Kenya is still reeling from the aftermath of bloody ethnic violence, deeply
rooted in simmering historical land disputes ignited by the disputed 2007
General Election.

It left about 1,200 dead, thousands displaced, property worth millions of
shillings destroyed and farming disrupted.

Kenya has no land policy and uses laws drafted in colonial days.

The discovery and competition for fossil oil deposits, precious minerals and
access, use and control of coastlines is also to blame for escalation and
persistence of many bloody conflicts on the continent.

Southern Sudan, Darfur, DR Congo, Western Sahara, Niger Delta are just a few.

The arrival of China and Middle East commercial interests with their scramble
for scarce agricultural land to grow food for their home populations has raised
concerns about new conflicts between foreign interests and Africa’s food
needs.

For instance, the Kenya Government is under intense pressure to review a
controversial lease last year of 40,000 hectares to a Qatari corporation to grow
fruits and vegetables for its

citizens.

Qatar enticed Kenya with a promise to develop a $2.4 billion port in Lamu.

Mozambicans are up in arms against their government’s decision to lease
agricultural land for settlement of thousands of Chinese working on land
acquired by Chinese State corporations to grow food.

Experts warn African governments to tread cautiously on the deals, especially
due to weak legal environments and absent national land policies.

Those calling for caution include the Rome-based Food and Agriculture
Organisation that has warned acquisition of diminishing arable land in Africa by
foreign corporations could worsen depressed food supply.

Proposed law

Among others, the AU Draft says it seeks to provide basis for African States to
formulate sound land policies that facilitate and assure social stability,
economic growth, and environmental protection.

It also aims to promote consensus for shared principles as the basis for
securing access to land for all users and popular participation and formulation
of land policies.

The draft also suggests standards for best practices for land policy reforms,
among others.

The draft says the failure to resolve historical claims in Kenya, Zimbabwe and
South Africa remains a primary source of conflicts.

"In other parts of Africa, such as mineral rich nations like Angola, the DRC,
Southern Sudan, Sierra Leone and Liberia, land conflicts spurred by global
commercial interests have been intense," the draft says.

It also says: "In Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Central Africa Republic,
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and Ivory Coast, persistent conflicts in the
last decade have produced large numbers of internally displaced persons raising
complex issues about access to land, resettlement and rehabilitation."


©2009 Standard Group

+++

4) Liberia: Academics Gather Here For First Conference On Soil
New Democrat (Monrovia)
Othello Garblah
15 May 2009

Monrovia - Members of the Liberian Studies Association, a think tank on Liberia
iusses historical and contemporary, are meeting here for the first since their
more than 40 decade grouping was formed.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in opening the group's s 41st Annual Conference
said: "This signals to the international community that a Renaissance is taking
place in intellectual life, in learning and scholarly research that indeed
Liberia is back and open for business."

The President, speaking at the University of Liberia's main Capitol Hill campus
during the Conference opening, thanked the Liberian Studies Association (LSA)
for keeping the "candle of intellectual life burning" even in the midst of the
country's civil war. The LSA comprises researches, scholars, artists, writers,
and intellectuals who have conducted and continue to conduct research on
Liberia's political, social and economic landscape. The Association's journal,
the Liberian Studies Journal, is one of the oldest Pan-African journals in the
world.

The President hoped that this year's LSA Conference, held for the very first
time on Liberian soil, would crystallize the establishment of sister-partner
relationships with Liberian universities and universities abroad. She further
challenged Diaspora Liberians visiting the country for the Conference to explore
possibilities of returning home.

The LSA Conference began with an opening ceremony in Monrovia on May 13, and
will be followed by a series of panel presentations and discussions until May 15
centered around the theme,

"Researching Liberia: Past, Present and Future."
Brief remarks at the opening ceremony were delivered by Dr. Sakui Malakpa,
President of the LSA and Liberia's 2008 Independence Day Orator; Dr. Henrique
Tokpa, President of Cuttington University and the Association of Liberian
Universities; and Dr. Emmet Dennis, President of the University of Liberia.

Copyright © 2009 New Democrat.


+++

5) Trans-boundary Rainforest Park will be a symbol of peace and stability
BirdLife
15-05-2009

The Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia today met in the Gola Forest, Sierra
Leone, to announce the establishment of a new Trans-boundary Peace Park, to
protect one of the largest

remaining blocks of intact forest in the Upper Guinea Area of West Africa.

The Peace Park unites the Gola Forest Reserve in Sierra Leone (75,000 ha) and
the Lofa and Foya Forest Reserves in Liberia (80,000 ha and 100,000 ha
respectively), with additional forest

to provide corridors for the movement of wildlife between them.

"The long-term benefits of the conservation of the Gola Forests far outweigh the
short-term benefits of extraction and destruction" —H.E. President Ernest Bai
Koroma , President of Sierra

Leone

At today’s meeting H.E. President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone said: "The
long-term benefits of the conservation of the Gola Forests far outweigh the
short-term benefits of extraction and destruction. As I have said since I was
elected in 2007, the Gola Forests will become a National Park in Sierra Leone
and mining will not be permitted".

(Photo)
Guy Shorrock/RSPB

The Mano River forms a boundary between Sierra Leone's Gola Forest Reserve
Important Bird Area (IBA), and Liberia's Lofa-Gola-Mano Complex IBA.

"the project will serve as a symbol of our renewed commitment to peace,
stability and biodiversity conservation in this region" —H.E. President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia

H.E. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia said: “This launch of the
Sierra Leone - Liberia Trans-boundary Peace Park Project will serve as a symbol
of our renewed commitment to

peace, stability and biodiversity conservation in this region"

The local communities in Sierra Leone, through their traditional chiefs and
Members of Parliament, have both expressed their support for the conservation of
the Gola Forest and its

designation as a national park.

Dr Hazell Shokellu Thompson, BirdLife’s Regional Director for Africa, who has
worked for more than 20 years on the protection of Gola Forest said: “The
establishment of the Trans-

boundary Peace Park is a tribute to the success of the governments of both
countries in putting their recent history of civil war behind them. I wish to
congratulate both Presidents for

this far-sighted initiative. In the run up to the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen later this year, they have shown their wholehearted
commitment to taking the

measures needed to reduce the threats of climate change and increase
collaboration in the conservation of their Nation’s natural resources.”

The work to establish the Peace Park has involved several conservation
organisations in the BirdLife International Partnership, the two national
BirdLife Partners (Conservation Society of Sierra Leone and Society for the
Conservation of Nature in Liberia), the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK),
Vogelbescherming (BirdLife in The Netherlands), working together with the Forest

Development Authority (FDA) of Liberia, and the Forestry Division in Sierra
Leone.


The BirdLife Partnership, which is already working on a 4.2 million Euro project
to protect Sierra Leone’s Gola Forest, funded by the European Union (EU) and
FFEM (French Government), has secured an additional 3.2 million Euros to fund
the four-year project to establish the 200,000 ha protected area from the EU,
with the balance made up from the Critical Ecosystem

Partnership Fund (CEPF), and the Sustainable & Thriving Environments for West
African Regional Development (STEWARD) Program of the US Agency for
International Development (USAID) and the

US Forest Service, International Programs. CEPF is a joint initiative of
Conservation International, the French Development Agency, the government of
Japan, the Global Environment

Facility, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.

The Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem, which extends from Guinea to Togo, is one of
the world’s most biodiversity-rich ecosystems. However, centuries of human
activities has led to the loss

of more than 70% of the overall forest cover, which was initially estimated at
420,000 square kilometres. The remaining forest is highly fragmented,
restricting habitats to isolated patches and threatening the unique flora and
fauna.

(Photo)
Guy Shorrock/RSPB
White-necked Picathartes at nest

The peace park is a tribute to the success of the governments of both countries
in putting their recent history of civil war behind them —Dr Hazell Shokellu
Thompson, BirdLife's Regional

Director for Africa

Of the 240-250 forest dependent birds in the region, more than 25 are threatened
or restricted-range species. Four species, including White-breasted Guineafowl
Agelastes meleagrides and

White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus (both Red Listed as
Vulnerable) are restricted to the remnants of the western subsection of the
Upper Guinea Forest, which the Trans-boundary Peace Park will help to protect.

The forest is also home to more than 50 mammal species, such as Forest Elephant
Loxodonta cyclotis, Pygmy Hippo Choeropsis liberiensis and ten species of
primate, including the threatened

Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes.

The forests provide very important ecological services locally, nationally and
regionally, including wood and non-timber forest products, medicinal plants,
continuous provision of water,

protection against soil erosion, climatic conditions conducive for to
agricultural production, and climate change mitigation.

They are also internationally important for carbon sequestration. Both
Governments have expressed interest in carbon trading and in the REDD (Reducing
Emissions from Deforestation and

Forest Degradation in Developing Countries) process. The Peace Park will
provide the potential to raise tens of millions of dollars over forthcoming
decades, ensuring sustained funding

for protected area management and community development.

The establishment of the Peace Park will ensure that the long-term conservation
of the forests, their biodiversity and global carbon storage benefits is secured
through national and

international partnerships for improved forest governance across the Sierra
Leone–Liberia border.

The Governments of the world need to halt the destruction of the world’s
forests, which is responsible for about 20% of current global carbon emissions.
This is a major component of the

discussions in the run-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which
will be held in Copenhagen this December.

The BirdLife's Partnerships work in the Upper Guinea forests for the past 20
years has involved many organisations and institutions. The new work is with
funding from the EU, the USAID STEWARD Program, and CEPF. Other project
financingin recent years has come from the EU, the Global Conservation Fund, the
UK Darwin Initiative, and FFEM of the Agence Française de

Développement.


Original here:
http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/05/peace_park_west_africa.html


© 2009 BirdLife International. Working together for birds and people.

+++

6) Liberia: Rural Women Confront Hunger Gap, Their Own Way
Rebecca Murray
15 May 2009


Zwedru — Three brightly-clothed women walk slowly around the fallen, charred
trees strewn haphazardly across the blackened clearing, each carrying seashells
filled with indigenous rice

seed to bury in the rich soil.

The women belong to a local cooperative, Women and Children Development
Secretariat (WOCDES), and wake early for the 5-km hike down the dirt road to
their farm near Zwedru, Grand Gedeh

County, in Liberia's vast forest region on the Ivorian border.

Their day is spent in hard manual labour, hunched over and digging at the soil
with small spades. Between them they plant three hectares of seed under a
blazing tropical sun, stopping

only for a staple meal of rice and cassava leaf.

Jeanet Gay is one of the farmers. A 35-year-old mother, she fled the civil war's
fighting to Monrovia, the Liberian capital, only for her husband to be murdered
by militiamen on the

city's main bridge. Her mother, father and nieces were all killed at home.
Neither of her work companions have husbands to support them and their children.

The women's 'upland' rice crop will take up to six months to grow and harvest,
and as much as 40 percent of the crop may be lost to birds, groundhogs and other
vermin. Meanwhile, the

farm's 'lowland' or swamp area, which is naturally irrigated, is reserved for
introducing one hectare of rice breeder seed called Nerica.

Rice for Development

Rice is the largest staple food for Liberia's 3.5 million people, and provides a
quarter of the daily domestic diet.

But, lacking essential tools, fertilisers and the vital infrastructure to access
markets, many subsistence farmers view rice cultivation as too labour intensive.
Their efforts can reap

greater reward through planting alternative cash crops and buying imported rice
instead.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Liberia produces only
40 percent of its total annual rice requirement domestically, and relies heavily
on international imports

for the remaining 60 percent.

Liberia is not alone. Like many West African countries, its years of brutal
conflict drove much of its rural population to urban centres. In January 2009,
the Barcelona-based agricultural

watchdog, GRAIN, reported, "Partly because of the rapidly increasing urban
population, sub-Saharan Africa has gone from producing more rice than it needed
(112 percent of domestic

consumption) in 1961 to importing 39 percent of its consumption in 2006."
"Annual imports cost almost 2 billion U.S. dollars," they add.

Meanwhile, a global food crisis, exacerbated by the worldwide economic meltdown
last fall, has had a severe impact upon the price of imported rice. In Zwedru's
colourful main

thoroughfare, food suppliers display only the most widely available variety,
Chinese butter rice, which has virtually doubled its local value of a 50kg bag
to 40 U.S. dollars since 2006

In 1979, President William Tolbert's plan to encourage local rice growth
backfired among a hungry Liberian population. In his efforts to promote domestic
rice production, heavy tariffs

were imposed on the cereal's import. The price of rice soared, sparking violent
riots, which many believe led to the violent overthrow of Tolbert's regime the
following year, igniting the

long civil war.

The Ministry of Agriculture hopes to avoid similar unrest, promoting domestic
Nerica rice production as a major development component in Liberia's immense
post war reconstruction effort

under President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson.

"We are importing Nerica breeder seeds from the West Africa Rice Development
Agency (WARDA), which are then multiplied into foundation seeds at Liberia's
Central Agricultural Research

Institute (CARI)," says Quan Dinh, the USAID-backed advisor to the Ministry of
Agriculture. "These seeds will ultimately be distributed to NGOs and the private
sector to modify into

certified seeds."

Short for 'New Rice for Africa', Nerica is an Asian-African hybrid, which is
heavily touted by Liberia's Ministry of Agriculture for its short three-month
growth period and, according to

a United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) study, it has a 25
percent increase in yield over non-hybrid strains.

Liberia's two commercial rice ventures, including a Libyan-backed 30 million
dollars, 17,000-hectare rice farm in fertile Lofa County, are well-suited for
the Nerica brand, with financial

means to replenish the seed every two harvests, efficient machinery,
fertilisers, and irrigation and transportation systems.

Thirty kg of Nerica breeder seeds were recently donated to WOCDES by the local
branch of the international development charity, German Agro Action, and will be
planted within two weeks.

Nerica is promoted as an antidote to the West African country's painful 'hunger
gap', which runs through the rainy season from April to July. This is when the
75 percent of Liberia's

rural population who live by subsistence farming begin to exhaust their food
stores before the new crop is ready for harvest.

"This is a dream for me," says WOCDES founder, Betty Doh, about the
organisation's activities on her family's 275-hectare plot of land. Although
Liberian law bans women from inheriting

land, Doh's brothers, who received the property when their father died,
encouraged her farming initiative wholeheartedly.

"We see there is a need for food. Especially for women. We have to help them,"
says Doh. "Some of them are trying to find a place to help themselves. Their
husbands are gone, either died in the war or gone, and their children are left
unattended. The women have a lot of troubles."

Originally from Zwedru, Doh spent her career working at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs in Monrovia during the decades-long civil war that devastated the
country. "I came back briefly in 2003 just to see - I saw a lot of empty land
and empty houses," she says sadly.

For Liberia's subsistence farmers like Jeanet Gay, however, the Nerica may not
offer such a ready solution to their annual hunger gap - indeed it may
ultimately threaten their livelihoods.

"To achieve good results, farmers must have easy access to fertilisers,
pesticides and extension services, which the vast majority of them simply do not
have," says GRAIN. "Perhaps the most serious concern with Nerica is that it is
being promoted within a larger drive to expand agribusiness in Africa, which
threatens to wipe out the real basis for African food

sovereignty - Africa's small farmers and their local seed systems."

In Grand Gedeh County, Betty Doh's WOCDES, the South Eastern Women's Development
Association (SEWODA) and the Grand Gedeh Rural Women's project are a few of the
farming collaboratives

initiated by women hoping to transform from subsistence farming, and into small
profitable agricultural businesses.

But they have a long way to go. In an impoverished nation where unemployment
hovers around an estimated 85 percent, all are looking for funds. Doh financed
the farm's upland seed purchase

herself, but lacks the machines, fertilisers and effective pest deterrence to
farm her rice crop efficiently. She is unsure where she will get another batch
of Nerica grain for the low

lands, when what was given to her runs out.

For ordinary subsistence farmers, the annual cycle of harvest and hunger
threatens to continue, committing them to a lifetime of relentless labour to
satisfy their basic needs.

"When I got back, I cried every day for some time, because I saw Zwedru
destroyed, and it was empty for me," remembers Jeanet Gay. "My husband, mother,
father, and brothers all lost. But

I adjusted after some time, and haven't left since."

"I want to make some money, and take care of my children. After this work I just
try to forget and go to bed and feel fine the next day."

Copyright © 2009 Inter Press Service.


+++

7) AfDB and Liberia sign $10 million grant agreement for agriculture project
Source: African Development Bank (AfDB)

Date: 14 May 2009

Dakar, May 14, 2009 - The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the Republic
of Liberia, today, signed two agreements totaling UA 6.5 million, equivalent to
US$ 10 million, for the

implementation of an Agriculture Sector Rehabilitation Project and financing
training and technical skills needed for the project's execution in the country.
The signing took place during

the 2009 AfDB Annual Meetings in Dakar.

Liberia's Minister of Finance, Augustine K. Ngafuan, signed on behalf of his
country, while Vice President for Operations, Zeinab El Bakri, signed for the
African Development Bank Group.

The objective of the project is to increase the income of small holder farmers
and rural entrepreneurs, including women on a sustainable basis. The project
comprises infrastructure

rehabilitation, production and productivity improvement. The project will
enhance food security and poverty reduction.

Some 9,600 rural households are expected to directly benefit from the programme.
Key benefits include rehabilitation of 100 km feeder roads, improved water
management infrastructure for

1,600 Ha, 16 multifunctional marketing and commodity handling, processing and
storage facilities and potable water supply facilities within 8 project
counties. The project complements

other ongoing projects, and its design responds to gender, environmental and
climate change issues.

Speaking shortly after the signing, Mr. Ngafuan acknowledged the strong
collaboration between Liberia and AfDB, adding: "Since the coming in of our
government, the ADB budget support has

been the highest, over US$ 20 million".

For her part, Mrs. El Bakri said, "the Bank Group recognizes that the Government
of Liberia is committed to improving rural livelihood". She shared the Bank
Group's appreciation of the

"excellent relations" between the Bank and Liberia, assuring the Finance
Minister of AfDB support to the programmes pursued by Liberia, aimed at
enhancing development in an environmentally sustainable manner.

"Project interventions have been designed to focus on the rehabilitation of
agricultural production and marketing infrastructure, as well as community
empowerment that will enable

improvement in production and marketing", she added.

The Project was initiated by the Government of Liberia as part of its effort
toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly the
eradicating of hunger and poverty.

This is the first Bank's post-conflict development support to Liberia.
With the exception of public UN sources, reproduction or redistribution of the
above text, in whole, part or in any form, requires the prior consent of the
original source. The opinions expressed in the documents carried by this site
are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared by UN OCHA or ReliefWeb.

+++

8) Liberia Says Firestone Polluting Water
VOA
By Scott Stearns
Dakar
13 May 2009



A worker walks among rubber trees at the Firestone rubber plantation in
Monrovia, Liberia, (File)(Photo)

Fifty kilometers east of the capital, Harbel has always been a company town.
Named after Firestone founder Harvey Firestone and his wife Idabelle, Harbel has
been the center of the world's largest single natural rubber operation for more
than 75 years.

In a country still recovering from years of civil war and desperate for more
jobs, the eight million rubber trees at Harbel are crucial to Liberia's economic
future. The plantation was one of the first businesses to reopen after the
fighting and employs more than 7,000 workers in a nation where 80 percent of
people are unemployed.

Firestone workers receive paid vacation, subsidized food, and a retirement
pension along with free housing, medical care, and education for their children.

But people living around the plantation say it is polluting their drinking
water. John Powell is the town chief of the area known as Kpan Yah.

"We can't drink it now. It is really polluted," he said.

Powell said villagers used to collect drinking water from the Farmington River
because there are few hand pumps in the area. Now he says even the well water is
contaminated, and Firestone has done nothing to help.

A man drinks water from a well, near a rubber plantation on the outskirts of
Monrovia, Liberia, (File)(Photo)

"We told the people that they polluted the water, this stream here it goes to
our place. They denied the allegation. That is was not so. But now it is true to
the other people who have seen it now," he added.

Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency has tested the water the plantation is
pumping into the river.

"Firestone got this pollution. It has actually taken place. It is attributable
to Firestone operations," said EPA head Jerome Nyenkan

Nyenkan said he is surprised because Firestone has a history of abiding by
Liberian environmental laws.

"So we are shocked that this pollution would be emitted by Firestone operations.
So we don't expect Firestone to escape the EPA's wrath," he said.

Firestone officials at the Harbel plantation declined to be interviewed for this
story. But they did provide a written statement that said the facility has
recently constructed a new

"state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar water treatment facility that processes
water from its factory through equalization and clarification tanks" before
pumping that water into

constructed wetlands on company property for "natural, biological treatment."

Firestone said process water is not discharged into the Farmington River. Even
so, the release said the company regularly samples water from that river to
ensure compliance with

recognized water quality standards from other rubber-producing countries as part
of a 2008 agreement with the government in Monrovia.

EPA head Nyenkan said the penalties for violating Liberia's Environmental
Protection Management Law are clear.

"Anyone who discharges poisonous, toxic, or noxious substance into any water
body leading to the death of marine creatures or even harming the human person,
on conviction, that person is liable to a fine not exceeding 50,000 United
States dollars or to a jail sentence not exceeding 20 years or both," he said.

Firestone has extended its 99-year lease in Liberia through 2041 with an option
through 2091 as part of a deal that includes promises to provide free rubber
stumps to grow more trees to qualified local farmers and to sell them
agricultural supplies at cost. The renegotiated lease also includes improvements
in housing, education, water and sanitation.


VOANews

+++

9) Gold Star Resources Corp. Featured in National Investment Newsletter
[Excerpt]
PR Newswire

VANCOUVER, May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gold Star Resources Corp.
(OTCBulletinBoard: GXXFF) announced today that the Canadian resource exploration
company is featured in the "Low-Priced Stocks" column of the KonLin Letter, May
issue, (http://www.konlin.com; 631-744-8536), a New York-based investment
newsletter published by KonLin Research & Analysis Corp. The KonLin Letter is
recognized as one of the nation's premier low-priced stock investment
publications. The newsletter specializes in low-priced stocks under $10 with a
specific focus on emerging growth and special situations poised for substantial
growth and price appreciation.

The Vancouver-based junior resource company is focused on the strategic
acquisition and advancement of highly prospective oil and gas projects in West
Africa. The company is targeting

high impact, onshore opportunities in the petroleum systems through Liberia and
Cote d'Ivoire, which have shown increased promise for development of new
hydrocarbon deposits. GXX also intends to expand into Ghana, which is considered
one of the largest reserves discovered in West Africa in the last 10-25 years.

According to Konrad Kuhn, editor and publisher of The KonLin Letter, GXX's
"stock is trading in the .11 area of purchase, which has significant upside
potential, of the 29,796,000 shares

outstanding approximately 15% held by insiders. GXX is the first and only junior
company to go after onshore oil and gas opportunities in the region since the
late '70s, while the big players are focusing offshore."

In describing GXX's acquisition of a permit area in Liberia and its second
target concession acquisition onshore Cote d'Ivoire, having signed a Letter of
Intent in March with Bengal Bight Ghana, Kuhn writes: "The exploration strategy
includes securing a portfolio of sections of land along the West African coast,
assessing the reserves, and anticipating providing something of great interest
to one of the majors. Ultimate target 1.30 - 1.50."


Website: http://www.goldstarresources.com


Copyright © 1996-2009 PR Newswire Association LLC.


+++


10) Tullow Oil Provides Interim Update [Excerpt]
OilVoice
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Tullow Oil plc has performed strongly in 2009 to date. The Jubilee development
is on track for first oil in 2H 2010 and the Group has maintained a 100% success
rate with its drilling operations in both Ghana and Uganda where the Tweneboa-1
and Giraffe-1 wells, in particular, yielded substantial new discoveries. In
addition, Tullow has strengthened its balance sheet by securing a US$2 billion
bank facility and completing a £402 million equity placing. Overall, the
Group’s performance is in line with expectations.

Rest of Africa
Overall production performance from all African assets remains in line with
expectations with the Ceiba and Okume fields in Equatorial Guinea and several
Gabon fields currently exceeding expectations. Investment plans are continually
reviewed in conjunction with the field operators to ensure optimum capital
allocation in the current environment.

In January, Tullow concluded a farm-in deal to acquire a 25% interest in three
blocks offshore Liberia with the Group looking to replicate the success it has
had in its deepwater acreage offshore Ghana. In April, Tullow exercised its
back-in right to acquire a 7.5% interest in the Ebouri field offshore Gabon.

© Copyright 2007 Oilvoice.

+++

11)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#304 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sun May 24, 2009 11:45 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia gets 4 bids to develop USD 1.6 billion iron ore project, 2) Liberia's
Finance Minister Eyes Even More Productive Engagements With AfDB, 3) Cement
Market in Liberia Opens Up,
4) Liberia Delays Rubber Re-Planting Plans Due to Slump in Prices, 5) EU
provides 5.5 Euros for Sierra Leone/ Liberia Peace Park, 6) ECOSOMOL: Illicit
Mining Rampant in Liberia’s Diamond Sector, 7) Liberia: ICC/LWI to Invest
U.S.$23 Million in Forest Industry - Missive Employment Await Hundreds, 8)
Liberia Gets Four Bids to Develop $1.6 Billion Iron Ore Project, 9)
ArcelorMittal says delays Liberia iron ore mine, 10)Gold Star Resources Corp.
Launches Humanitarian Society to Aid Liberian People, 11) U.S. Ambassador
inducts new batch of Peace Corps, 12)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Liberia gets 4 bids to develop USD 1.6 billion iron ore project2) Liberia's
Finance Minister Eyes Even More Productive Engagements With AfDB
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Bloomberg cited Mr Eugene Shannon Lands, Mines and Energy Minister of Liberia as
saying that 4 companies submitted bids to develop Liberia’s USD 1.6 billion
Western Cluster iron ore project.

The 4 companies that submitted bids are

1. Israel based Elenilto Mineral Mining Limited a unit of the Engelinvest Group,

2. Capital Steel Global from China

3. Formento Limited

4. Global Steel Holdings Limited

Mr Shannon said that Delta Mining Consolidated Limited, which won the initial
bid to develop the deposit of 2008, was not among the bidders when the envelopes
were opened in the capital, Monrovia.

He said that the bids will now be scrutinized by a committee, which will decide
on the awarding of the contract.

The Western Cluster project consists of 3 deposits and 2 idled mines. The mines
on the deposits closed in 1976 and 1985 and their equipment was sold as scrap
during Liberia’s two civil wars, the last of which ended in 2003.

(Sourced from Bloomberg)


+++

2) Liberia's Finance Minister Eyes Even More Productive Engagements With AfDB
African Development Bank
(Tunis)
22 May 2009


Liberia's Finance Minister, Augustine K. Ngafuan, has expressed a strong desire
for his country to engage the African Development Bank in a more productive way.

Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the 2009 AfDB Annual Meetings
in Dakar, shortly after he signed a US$10 million grant agreement for the
implementation of an agriculture sector rehabilitation project on behalf of his
country, Mr. Ngafuan expressed satisfaction with the agreement, describing
relations between the AfDB and Liberia as strong.

He said he had been received at the meetings with "great hospitality", adding
that, "The AfDB family has done tremendously well in the planning of these
meetings". He thanked the AfDB for its role in helping Liberia cope with adverse
effects of the financial crises.

On his country's efforts in fostering economic development, Mr. Ngafuan singled
out agriculture as a big contributor to Liberia's GDP, but emphasized that most
of the farmers' outputs were stalled because of inadequate training and failure
to implement proper procedures.

"We need to improve productivity in agriculture so as to get added value,
especially with respect to the effort our farmers put in," he added.

Asked to describe how the US $10 million grant would be utilized, Mr. Ngafuan
alluded to the challenge in balancing the project's terms of reference and its
implementation with the high expectations of the people. "It's one thing to sign
an agreement, it's another thing to have it implemented on the ground. The key
now is how fast we can implement all the good ideas and plans to meet the lofty
expectations enshrined in this agreement".

He expressed his country's desire for a country office which, in his words,
"will help us a whole lot in making sure that in the short term, we turn the
(signing) ceremonies into real tangible benefits on the ground. That's what our
people need".

This project is going to help improve the capacity of the Ministry of
Agriculture and outputs of the farmers, Mr. Ngafuan said.

The project aims at increasing the income of small-holder farmers and rural
entrepreneurs, including women on a sustainable basis, reduce poverty and
enhance food security for more than 9,600 rural households. The expected
benefits include improved water management infrastructure for 1,600 Ha, the
rehabilitation of 100 km feeder roads, 16 multifunctional marketing and
commodity handling, potable water supply facilities within 8 project counties,
as well as processing and storage facilities.

On the question of future collaboration with the AfDB, he said, "We look forward
to more productive engagements with the AfDB not just through budget support,
but through the private sector".

The AfDB has been a strong partner, especially to the post-conflict Liberian
government, having provided the highest budget support so far of over US$20
million. Further, several Liberian banks have engaged the AfDB for some level of
financing, according to Mr. Ngafuan.


Emmanuel Ngwainmbi
African Development Bank

+++

3) Cement Market in Liberia Opens Up

Fortress Group, in Partnership with Liberian Business Partner imports a shipload
of Cement.
CJ: PR Agencies, 2 days ago Views:69 Comments:0
MONROVIA, Liberia, May 22 /PRNewswire/ --

After more than four decades of dominance of the Liberian cement market by a
single company, a milestone was dramatically accomplished in Liberia on Monday
May 18, when the first shipment of 12,500 mt of high grade cement entered the
Liberian Port, with another shipload of 25,000 mt scheduled to arrive in June
and every month thereafter. The deal was made possible under a JV partnership
arrangement between Fortress Group of New York & Hong Kong, and Srimex
Enterprises of Liberia. The President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
who has strongly advocated for free markets for cement and other commodities in
Liberia as part of her Government's efforts to rebuild post-conflict Liberia,
was on hand at the Freeport of Monrovia to receive the chartered vessel, along
with the Minister of Commerce, Government Officials, the management of both
Fortress and Srimex, as well as Ms. Morenike Adepoju, the Managing Director and
other staff from Ecobank Liberia
who made financing the transaction possible. Beaming with pride, the President
firmly declared "...the market for cement is open, and all of our people stand
to benefit, this has always been a goal of this Government."

Musa Bility, the CEO of Srimex, who worked diligently with Fortress, echoed
President Sirleaf's sentiments by saying, "Liberia can truly be assured that our
drive towards development and reconstruction has been enhanced even further, as
cement is at the foundation of our rebuilding and construction efforts, and
Srimex is proud to have a partner such as Fortress to make this a reality. We
could not have done this without them.

As a demonstration of commitment, Fortress provided additional credit
enhancement to reduce the bank's risk and exposure, as well as agreed to take
payment for the freight after arrival of the vessel in Liberia, making the
transaction even more possible.

Fortress Group has established subsidiaries in Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon & the
Democratic Republic of Congo. The Company has a strategic Pan-African investment
agenda and is actively pursuing other market opportunities in Africa, and has
established key local partnerships in Africa to enhance the capacity of local
partners, while at the same time ensuring profitable returns on investment and
successful execution of every trading transaction. A global trade finance &
sourcing company for commodities and consumer goods, Fortress has offices in New
York & Hong Kong. The primary goal of Fortress Group is to be a strong partner
with local business partners and host countries to ensure that the ventures they
pursue are successful, and that the products that they supply are affordable and
of high standards, thereby helping to improve the quality of lives of the people
of those countries.

Vinod Nain, Fortress Group LLC - New York Office, +1-516-522-2766,
+1-516-522-2769 (Fax), Vinod@...


+++

4) Liberia Delays Rubber Re-Planting Plans Due to Slump in Prices
By Ansu Konneh

May 22 (Bloomberg) -- Liberia, Africa’s second-largest rubber producer, is
delaying plans to replant aging trees because of falling demand for the
commodity, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said.

"We are feeling the pinch of the global recession which has affected our rubber
industry," she told reporters today in the capital, Monrovia. "Re-planting of
rubber trees has declined and companies operating in the sector have started
laying-off employees."

Rubber production in Liberia surged 45 percent last year, boosting economic
growth in the West African nation, which is recovering from 14 years of civil
war.

At the start of 2008, rubber sold for more than $1,000 a metric ton, said Andrew
Carr, a farmer in central Liberia. "Now agents are buying a ton from us at
$250," well below the government-mandated price of $450, he said.

The Ivory Coast is Africa largest rubber producer.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg
at abolleurs@...

Last Updated: May 22, 2009 10:28 EDT

© Copyright 2009 Bloomberg

+++

5) EU provides 5.5 Euros for Sierra Leone/ Liberia Peace Park
Awoko (Sierra Leone)
May 21, 2009


The European Union is providing 5.5 million Euros to Sierra Leone and Liberia to
establish a new Trans-boundary Peace Park and to save the last intact rainforest
in the Upper Guinea Area: the Gola Forest At a ceremony last week in Lalehun
in Southern Sierra Leone, the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma,
and the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, jointly launched the
"Trans-boundary Peace Park Project" and laid the foundation of the new Gola
Forest project management office.


The European Union is providing 5.5 million Euros to Sierra Leone and Liberia to
establish a new Trans-boundary Peace Park and to save the last intact rainforest
in the Upper Guinea Area: the Gola Forest

At a ceremony last week in Lalehun in Southern Sierra Leone, the President of
Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, and the President of Liberia, Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf, jointly launched the "Trans-boundary Peace Park Project" and
laid the foundation of the new Gola Forest project management office.

Louis Michel, the EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: "I
am convinced that this kind of joint actions will help to foster peace,
stability and reconciliation in a region that witnessed long and brutal civil
wars. Therefore I warmly welcome the intentions of the Presidents of Liberia and
Sierra Leone to work together to fight against climate change and to promote
peace in the Mano River region."

The joint project will secure the long-term conservation of the rain forest, its
biodiversity and global carbon storage benefits and will contribute to improved
cross-border forest governance between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Both, the Trans-boundary Peace Park as well as the Gola Forest project have been
developed in cooperation with Civil Society Organisations of EU Member States.

They are in line with the Commission’s strategies towards Sierra Leone and
Liberia for 2008-2013 to promote peace, democracy and economic development. In
the run-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen later
this year, the Commission welcomes the commitment of Liberia and Sierra Leone to
take the measures needed for reducing the threat of climate change and for
increasing the collaboration for the conservation of their Nations’ natural
resources.

Background:
The projects "Across the River: A Trans-boundary Peace Park for Sierra Leone and
Liberia" and "The Gola Forest: A new, practical model for achieving sustainable
protected areas in post-conflict Sierra Leone, a Least Developed Country" aim at
preserving the last remnants of the vast Upper Guinean Rainforest, which once
covered large pasts of coastal West Africa between Togo and Sierra Leone. These
rainforests are classified as a biodiversity hotspot of global value, while at
the same time ensuring sustainable livelihood conditions for the local
population.

The future Trans-boundary Peace Park unites the Gola Forest Reserve in Sierra
Leone (75,000 ha) and the Lofa and Foya Forest Reserves in Liberia (80,000 ha
and 100,000 ha respectively).

The Gola Forest provides for important ecological services for the entire West
African region: Climatic conditions favourable for agricultural production (e.g.
cocoa/coffee), continuous provision of water, protection against soil erosion,
mitigation of climate change, provision of wood and non-wood forest products to
the local population.

© Copyright 2008 - Awoko Newspaper

+++

6) ECOSOMOL: Illicit Mining Rampant in Liberia’s Diamond Sector

21.05.09, 11:05 / Mining

The ECOWAS Civil Society Movement of Liberia (ECOSOMOL) has issued a report
regarding widespread illicit diamond mining in the country.

According to the President of the ECOWAS Civil Society Movement of Liberia,
Oretha T. Dennis, people from the sub-region have invaded the Liberian mining
sector and are conducting massive illicit mining in Liberia, thereby undermining
its economy.

Dennis noted that the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy is doing very little
to monitor the country’s mining sector. According to ECOSOMOL, as a result of
the Ministry’s failure to coordinate the sector, unaccountable numbers of
diamonds leave the country illicitly on a daily basis.

ECOSOMOL also accused the Ministry that since the lifting of diamond sanctions,
it has failed to realize the revenue generating capacity of the diamond sector
in the country. This has resulted in a lack of employment and frustration on the
part of some Liberians, who have emigrated to other countries such as Iraq,
Pakistan and Somalia.


By: Rachel Lieberman, Israel Diamond Industry Portal

+++

7) Liberia: ICC/LWI to Invest U.S.$23 Million in Forest Industry - Missive
Employment Await Hundreds
The Informer (Monrovia)
21 May 2009


An International Consultants Capital (ICC) in collaboration with a
Liberian-European and American investment company, the Liberia Wood Industry
(LWI), is set to invest US$23 million in the forest industry sector. Already,
the company has invested US$16 million to operate a modern sawmill plant in
Brewerville, few miles from the capital.

Addressing a major news conference at the end of a two-hour tour of the ICC and
LWI facilities and sawmill, the Resident Manager of ICC, Mr. Mulbah K. Willie
said during the second year of operations, the company will undertake further
processing of the sawn timber into value-added products such as molding, doors
and door frames, furniture parts, parquets.

The company will Install a 1.2 MW diesel generator to provide energy for the
processing facilities as well as supplying the surplus energy generation to the
national grid especially for communities living closer to the industry such as
Brewerville City, Lott Carey Mission, Po-river and Virginia.

The objective, Mr. Mulbah K. Wilie, Resident Manager said is to stop the
exportation of round logs to overseas markets to enable the local market to
benefit from locally manufactured products of all kinds," while at the same time
creating job for hundreds of Liberians.

The company is aimed at contributing to national social and economic development
initiative through sustainable forest industry investment and sustains
environmentally-friendly logging, processing, value-adding and marketing
operations in the country.

He said apart from the first US$16 million sawmill investment; the company
intend to invest additional US$23 million in the forest industry upon the
approval of its bid by the panel to operate a forest in the country.

According to Mr. Willie, the sawmill when completed would be utilized to
manufacture various grades of wood and related items, with almost 70 percent of
the diverse imported machines and equipment are now stockpiled at the company's
Brewerville premises, while the remaining shipment is expected in the country as
soon the company is giving a forest of which its has been pre-qualified.

The assorted equipment and machines include a modern sawmill with accessories,
forklifts, tractors, lumber jacks and trucks of varying degrees, while
landscaping and surface work has taken place at the Brewerville site of the
company.

According to Mr. Willie, the company would construct additional two sawmill
plants in Southeastern and Northern parts of the country if the company bid is
final by the panel to operate a forest of which its was first pre-qualified. He
said the idea is to launch similar sawmill plants to locally process round logs.

According to Mr. Willie, the core of their investment strategy is to add value
to Liberian wood products and don't intend to export one round log, stressing
that they are doing everything to add value to the logging industry.

Several German engineers and skillful Liberian workers were seen at the site
busy working. The engineers are constructing infrastructure, sawmill as well as
training Liberians for future challenges.

According to confirmed report, the LWI signed an agreement with ICC and bought
major shares in the company with the LWI owning 92.5 percent in ICC. It is a
registered Liberian company and it has been pre-qualified since December 2007 to
participate in a large forestry management contract.

According to Mr. Willie, the implementation strategy include to participate in
the competitive bidding for acquisition of forest concession, and to secure
resource base that will sustain operations and investment; give preference to
the employment of Liberians to improve their livelihood opportunities and employ
better remuneration system, adapt comprehensive occupational health and safety
policy within the management operational policies.

Other strategies include comply with all management guides, regulations and
codes that will contribute to sustainable forest management, undertake
Certification of forest and the timber products to enhance free access to
European and other international timber markets, use appropriate logging
equipment and techniques with minimum impact and undertake post harvest
inspection of logged areas to assess compliance with plans, rules, codes and
standard and to inform next operational planning.

During the first year of round log production, the company will locate
two-medium out-put capacity semi-static band saw (3,000-7,000 M3/Month) for
primary processing as close as possible to the logging site to utilize and
undertake per-primary processing of logs that will not be necessary to be
transported to the Large Static Sawmill and logs that are left over from bucking
at the various bush landings; This is also intended reduce transportation cost
of production, and create more job.

Two large out-put capacities Horizontal Band sawmill (over 10,000 M3/Months) and
vertical band sawmill (above 5,000 M3) already under construction at
Brewerville, near Monrovia. The large static band sawmill facility will have at
least 5 chambers (>25 M3 per cycle) Kiln Dryer for seasoning of sawn timber
products from both the two-medium capacity and the large capacity mills.

Process at least 50% of the first year production high grade quality logs into
sawn timber. This will be increased in the second year by 20% with subsequent
increase of 30% in the third year of operation. This means that the large
out-put capacity sawmills will be under-utilized during the three-phase
operational period.

In order to fully utilize the capacity of the mill, the management will purchase
logs from other producer (most likely the Timber sale Contracts holders) who
might not put up processing facility. Two large out-put capacities Horizontal
band sawmill (over 15,000 M3/Year) and vertical band Sawmill (above 7,000 M3)
already under construction at Brewerville, near Monrovia.

The large static band sawmill facility will have at least 5 chambers (>25 M3 per
cycle) Kiln Dryer for seasoning of sawn timber products from both the two-medium
capacity and the large capacity mills.

During the second year of operations, the company will undertake further
processing of the sawn timber into value-added products such as molding, doors
and door frames, furniture parts, parquets, etc. In this case at least 25% of
sawn timber produced will be converted to value added products mostly for
export.

He said at least 60% of all export quality timber produced will be Kiln-dried
and all export orientated construction timbers will be chemically treated as may
be requested by the oversea customers.

However, He said the wood treatment will not be limited to export oriented. We
will extend this service to domestic market as long as the request and the
added-value cost are accepted.

Mr. Wille said company will establish Wood-waste fired boiler for generation of
steam and process heat from sawmills waste and wood residues from the forest to
supply the large static mill prime movers and the Kiln drying facilities and
purchasing at least 30% of logs from other producers. This he said is predicted
upon assumption that the large sawmill will be under utilized due to lack of
sufficient raw material (logs) from the contract forest.

Sponsor study of wood properties and utilization potential of lesser-known
species to Identify potential uses of these species as solid wood products for
the value-added glob al market.

Speaking on environmental policy, Mr. Willie said the ICC shall uphold the best
policies on protecting the environment. Some of the practices shall include:

The protection of forest covers in the sensitive areas, the Soil and its
properties as well as water quality and quantity, identify and manage protected
and threatened areas, species and habitats within the contract zones, undertake
annual quantitative assessment and report on environmental impacts associated
with felling, ground skidding, Road constructions and other infrastructures and
comply with environmental regulations and management standards, codes and
guidelines.

On policy of commercial forestry, the ICC resident Manager said the ICC will
undertake a well coordinated management plan.

The company will pursue the following management plan, provide training of
well-motivated work force to enhance Reduced Impact Forest Harvesting and reduce
cost f production and market less round logs in bulk (crude logs) and more
processed sawn timber and value added products.

According to him, the company will invest in thermoelectric power supply using
forest residues and processing waste to reduce fossil fuel cost in the
production chain and undertake certification of the contract forest and forest
products in order to gain quick access to the international timber market.

For policy on community, he said the ICC's goal shall be the motivation of
forest communities to appreciate the value or benefit from forest resources for
their full participation, while basic strategic objectives of the policy will
include provision of sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities other than
timber revenue benefits for forest fringe communities and allowing local
communities to identify their development projects before implementation.

He said it will facilitate constant dialogue between the management and the
communities' members for enhanced resource conflict resolution;

According to him, the policy on forest include protecting the rare, endemic, and
endangered species, protect selected areas of special scientific, scenic or
ecological significant within the contract forest ecosystem of operations,
applying appropriate silvicultural prescriptions to regenerate and restore
indigenous species at all areas affected by harvest related activities (landing,
skid trails and roads) and monitoring and control all invasive species within
the contract area, while at the same time prohibiting the carrying of fire arms
and hunting in the contract area.

He said the ICC will respect all legal or customary rights to land or forest as
well as respect for cultural, traditional and local values and customs.

The company, he said will avoid all traditionally restricted and sacred areas
such as the Sande and Poro society bushes, farmlands, and downstream
damaging/pollution of water bodies, timely address the welfare of the workers
and the communities to enhance their livelihood standards and provide equal
opportunities and preference for employment without segregation to any community
member.

Meanwhile, ICC will be formidable business entity in Liberia with great
potential to invest in the forest industry sector of the economy. Its initial
financial and technical investment for the various management systems (Log
harvesting, primary processing, secondary processing, and provision of
thermoelectric power) will amount to at least US$23,000,000 United States
Dollars during year one.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

8) Liberia Gets Four Bids to Develop $1.6 Billion Iron Ore Project

By Ansu Konneh

May 20 (Bloomberg) -- Four companies submitted bids to develop Liberia’s $1.6
billion Western Cluster iron ore project, Lands, Mines and Energy Minister
Eugene Shannon said.

Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd., which won the initial bid to develop the deposit
last year, was not among the bidders when the envelopes were opened in the
capital, Monrovia, today, Shannon said.

The four companies that submitted bids are Israel-based Elenilto Mineral Mining
Ltd., a unit of the Engelinvest Group, Capital Steel Global from China, Formento
Ltd. and Global Steel Holdings Ltd.

The bids will now be scrutinized by a committee, which will decide on the
awarding of the contract, Shannon said.

The Western Cluster project consists of three deposits and two idled mines. The
mines on the deposits closed in 1976 and 1985 and their equipment was sold as
scrap during Liberia’s two civil wars, the last of which ended in 2003.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg
at abolleurs@...

Last Updated: May 20, 2009 10:29 EDT

+++

9) ArcelorMittal says delays Liberia iron ore mine
Wed May 20, 2009 10:39pm IST

By Patrick Worsnip

MONROVIA, May 20 (Reuters) - The world's biggest steelmaker ArcelorMittal
(ISPA.AS: Quote, Profile, Research) has delayed the launch of a planned $1.5
billion iron ore mine in Liberia as a result of falling demand, the company said
on Wednesday.

ArcelorMittal, which reported slightly worse than expected first-quarter results
in April, has said it expects world steel demand to fall by 15-20 percent this
year, and that it will lay off nearly 1,000 workers in the United States.

"If we cannot sell the iron ore it becomes difficult for us to continue on the
pace that we thought we would be on by now," company spokesman Arthur Massaquoi
said on a conference call with journalists travelling with a United Nations
Security Council delegation to the West African country.

ArcelorMittal is a key investor in the poor former British colony, whose
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has made attracting foreign investment into its
natural resources a centrepiece of her efforts to rebuild the country after a
1989-2003 civil war.

"As a consequence of the global crisis ... after reviewing all of our operations
we thought it would be necessary at this moment to slow down our operations,"
Massaquoi said.

Earlier this year chairman and chief executive Lakshmi Mittal said he expected
prices for iron ore, the main steelmaking raw material, to fall substantially in
2009.

"We earlier envisaged July of this year, then later on we thought it would not
be feasible and we thought it will be next year," Massaquoi said when asked when
the firm originally planned to start shipping ore from Liberia.

"I cannot say definitely what the time frame looks like."

ArcelorMittal had subcontracted some railway rehabilitation work, Massaquoi
said, as a result of which the subcontractor had taken on 1,200 workers. But he
added the steelmaker had now terminated that contract, and cut 80 jobs of its
own in Liberia.

The firm employs 570 people in Liberia.

On Tuesday, the firm said it may have to halt production at its loss-making unit
in Kazakhstan. [ID:nLJ567082]

(Writing by Daniel Magnowski; Editing by David Cowell)


© Thomson Reuters 2009.


+++

10) Gold Star Resources Corp. Launches Humanitarian Society to Aid Liberian
People

VANCOUVER, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gold Star Resources Corp.
(OTCBulletinBoard: GXXFF) http://www.goldstarresources.com announced today the
launch of a non-profit entity called Gold Star Humanitarian Society as part of
the Canadian company's commitment to contributing to the social welfare of the
Liberian people throughout its resource exploration permit area within the
Roberts and Bassa Basins of south coastal Liberia. GXX, based in Vancouver, BC,
is focused on high-impact onshore opportunities in the petroleum systems of West
Africa, with its initial acquisition onshore Liberia where previous exploration
was never completed due to political unrest, but has been stabilized recently.

"We created the Gold Star Humanitarian Society as a separate non-profit entity
to provide much needed social welfare programs to the communities within the
boundaries of our initial permit area, currently in Grand Bassa and Margibi
counties," said Patrick Morris, president and CEO of GXX. The junior resource
company is the holder of the Hydrocarbon Reconnaissance License (No. NR-001)
that was issued earlier this year by the National Oil company of Liberia
(NOCAL).

The tiny West African state of 3.5 million people was largely destroyed by civil
conflict that began with a coup in 1980 and lasted until 2004. "The civil
conflict had devastated every sector, leaving lives and properties damaged,
especially the public facilities/infrastructure that were destroyed or taken
away completely. As a result, many communities today lack basic necessities of
life. There are also very high rates of illiteracy, poor healthcare services,
and high rates of disease.

"The Society's mission is to contribute to a better way of life for the local
people by providing medical, educational and nutritional necessities. Funding
will be deposited on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of our agreements with
government and short- and long-term goals," said Morris.

The Society's social programs are being coordinated on the ground in GXX's
permit area by Hassan Hassan, who is being assisted in the implementation of the
Society's projects by GXX's Liberian staff.

"The Society has an office and Liberian staff in-place in Monrovia, the capital,
who have already begun working in the permit area by documenting needs and
potential solutions," said Morris. "Marshall City in Margibi county is the first
city the Society is beginning its social programs with projects such as
repairing water wells and assisting schools and medical clinics there."

Website: http://www.goldstarresources.com

+++

11) U.S. Ambassador inducts new batch of Peace Corps
Written by Charles Gbollie
Monday, 18 May 2009
STAR RADIO

The U.S Ambassador to Liberia has expressed her government’s renewed
commitment to supporting Liberia in its recovery program.

Ambassador Linda Thomas Green-field said the U.S was interested to invest in all
sectors of the country.

Ambassador Green-field however said the U.S government was particularly
interested in the infrastructural development, security, health and education.

She said the U.S was aware of the numerous challenges confronting the country
and the effort the Liberian government was making to address the problems.

The U.S Ambassador to Liberia spoke to Star Radio Monday when she administered
the oath of service to six additional Peace Corps volunteers in Monrovia.

Ambassador Green-field said the Peace Corps Volunteers Program represents a
viable and visible symbol of America’s contribution to world peace efforts.

She challenged the new batch of the Peace Corps Volunteers to adhere to mission
of the program and serve with distinction.

+++

12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/



#305 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Thu May 28, 2009 2:28 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 


1) Dumbar appeals to parties to Nimba land dispute, 2)EPA probes Firestone's
pollution allegation, 3) Delta Quits Liberia Iron-Ore Project After Bid Terms
Changed, 4) Liberia: Public Works to Conduct "Spot Check" of Project, 5) Delta
claims insufficient time to file for Liberian iron ore project, 6) Liberia:
I-Help Liberia Project to conduct lecture at Science Day program at the
University of Liberia, 7) 'Pirate' trawlers gutting Ghana's fishing industry, 8)
Liberia faces data collection problem, says UK development official, 9) Liberia:
Believing in the Country And Its Potential - McCall MacBain Foundation Invests
Millions, 10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Dumbar appeals to parties to Nimba land dispute
Written by Moses Wenyou
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
STAR RADIO

A son of Nimba County has called on all parties to adhere to recommendations
from the special presidential land commission.

Mr. Abdullah Dunbar said the recommendations are crucial to finding an amicable
solution to the long standing land dispute in Nimba County.

The Special Presidential Land Commission recommended a halt to all sale of land
for six months pending the conclusion of its work.

The commission among other recommendations called on all parties to cooperate
present legitimate land documents when requested.

Mr. Dunbar called on the people of Nimba County not to allow the issue of land
to divide them once again.

According to Mr. Dunbar, the land dispute was triggered by the fourteen year
civil war which created great division among the people.


+++

2)EPA probes Firestone's pollution allegation
Written by Veronica Kpan
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
STAR RADIO

The Environmental Protection Agency says investigation is ongoing into the
alleged water pollution by Firestone as claimed by residents of the Kpanyarh
Town community.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, a team of Senior Management of the
EPA headed by its officer-in- charge, David Wah paid a recent visit to the area.

Mr. Wah said their visit was to engage Firestone Management and residents of the
area for the collection of water samples for further laboratory analysis.

He said the EPA would continue to monitor water sources in Kpanyarh Town in
ensuring a safe and health environment.

He however, called on residents of the area not to panic as the EPA was
everything possible to bring the matter to a logical conclusion.

Meanwhile, a Pro-Democracy group has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the EPA to
make public its test results into the alleged pollution of creeks in six
villages by Firestone.

The movement for the Defense of the Down Trodden said it would seek legal
redress if the EPA fails to live up to the ultimatum, pending the conclusion of
the matter.

+++

3) Delta Quits Liberia Iron-Ore Project After Bid Terms Changed

By Carli Lourens

May 27 (Bloomberg) -- Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd. said it quit plans to
develop the Western Cluster Iron Ore project in Liberia after the government
added bidding terms it couldn’t meet.

"One of the requirements was a large cash guarantee, which wasn’t doable in
the short time we had available," Delta director Bernard Swanepoel said by
mobile phone today. "This specific project is now out of our hands."

While Liberia previously named Delta as preferred bidder, it reversed the
decision last year, saying on Sept. 15 that the bidding process may have been
compromised. The government last month cleared the Johannesburg-based company of
all alleged improprieties, prompting Delta to withdraw a legal order preventing
the government from re-tendering the project. Companies had until May 15 to bid.

"Liberia remains a country with iron ore opportunities," Swanepoel said, adding
the government has "pointed out one or two projects" Delta may be interested in.

The Western Cluster project consists of three deposits and two idled mines. The
mines on the deposits closed in 1976 and 1985 and their equipment was sold as
scrap during Liberia’s two civil wars, the last of which ended in 2003.

To contact the reporter on this story: Carli Lourens in Johannesburg at
clourens@...

Last Updated: May 27, 2009 03:19 EDT

+++

4) Liberia: Public Works to Conduct "Spot Check" of Project
The Informer (Monrovia)
Marcus Zoleh
26 May 2009

Public Works Minister, Samuel Kofi Woods says he is preparing for what he calls
"Spot Check" across the country.

Addressing reporters recently during the dedicatory ceremony of the Monrovia -
Cotton Tree High Way, Minister Kofi Woods said the 'spot check' will take him to
almost every part of the country, and is intended to inspect projects that are
ongoing in the rural areas.

Minister Woods who described himself as a serious man of work, futhered that he
is ready to fully execute his new responsibility as Minister of Public Works.

According to him, the reconstruction of all unfinished public buildings is high
on his agenda.

Minister Woods added that increased access and improved infrastructure
facilities especially, public buildings will certainly enhance social economic
development.

He asserted that his ministry will shortly release information on some of its
key activities in the rural part of Liberia.

Minister Woods also noted that the ministry is taking this initiative to show
that it has commenced rehabilitation works in other parts of the country and not
only in Monrovia.

The new Public Works Minister used the occasion to commend his predecessor,
Luseni Dunzo for the level of works done in the reconstruction process of
Liberia, adding, that former Minister Dunzo did well in some areas while it is
true that there was deficiency on his part in some areas especially the Jallah
Town road project.

Meanwhile President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has commended both the Ministry of
Public Works and the Chinese contractor (CHICO) for the successful completion of
the first phase of the World Bank funded project.

Prsident Sirleaf also lauded the World Bank for its continued assisstance to
Liberia during the country's reconstruction and rehabilitation process.

Performing the formal dedicatory ceremony of the Monrovia - Cotton Tree High
Way, President Sirleaf said her government is willing to work with the
international partners in delivering the goods to the Liberian people. She
called on World Bank to give more assisstance in the rehabilitation of damaged
roads in the country.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

5) Delta claims insufficient time to file for Liberian iron ore project
Windhoek 26 May 2009 16:41

South Africa’s Delta Mining Consolidated was not given enough time to prepare
a second bid for Liberia’s Western Cluster iron ore concessions, after the
cancellation of its provisional one in 2008, company chairman Bernard Swanepool
claimed. May...

Copyright © Metal Bulletin Ltd. All rights reserved.

+++

6) Liberia: I-Help Liberia Project to conduct lecture at Science Day program at
the University of Liberia
May 25, 2009
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer

Claire Nah of Hunter Colllege explains the importance of Lab Quest [photo]

The ‘I-help Liberia’ science team based in Liberia is expected to make
series of Presentations at the incoming University of Liberia Science Day
program on June 1, 2009 at the Fendell Campus of the University.

According to the Coordinator of the I Help Liberia Project in Liberia, the
presentation will be the continuation of series of Science Workshops conducted
during the past two weeks around major institutions in Monrovia. Mr. Abraham
Jabateh said his team has been working with Principals of Schools around the
country to rejuvenate the minds of both students and teachers on the importance
of the Vernier Technology taught by students and teachers of the Hunter College
High School.

The Science team according to Mr. Jabateh has engaged in the completion of eight
workshops in Monrovia including lecture series at the A.m. Doglotti College of
Medicine of the University

of Liberia in the period of two weeks.

The ‘I-help Liberia Project’ is the conglomeration of efforts by the
Liberian Mandingo Association of New York (LIMANY) and the Alumni and students
of the Hunter College High School with it aim to help promote science related
education in Liberia. It has also been involved in the distribution of Science
books, science equipments and science education to schools around

Liberia.

In a related development, the I-Help Science delegation is projected to organize
a third science workshop starting June 8 to June 20, 2009 in Monrovia and other
main cities around the

country. According to the general Coordinator of the I-Help Project, Asumana
Randolph, two experts in the areas of science will accompany him to Liberia to
make a follow up on two

previous workshops conducted in Liberia. Dr. Adam E. Cohen and Mr. Benjamin
Rapoport will give talks on research and science competition.
Dr. Adam Cohen is Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and of
Physics. He obtained PhD in 2003 Cambridge University and PhD in 2006 from
Stanford University.

Adam Cohen's research focuses on developing and applying new tools to probe the
physical properties of complex molecules. He invented an Anti-Brownian Electro
kinetic trap (ABEL trap)

capable of trapping and manipulating individual fluorescent molecules in
solution at room temperature. The ABEL trap uses high-speed fluorescence
microscopy to track the Brownian motion

of a single fluorescent molecule. A feedback circuit applies carefully timed
electric fields to the solution to induce an electro kinetic drift cancels the
Brownian motion.

Current research in the Cohen Lab focuses on application of the ABEL trap to
bimolecular systems, as well as the development of new tools and method for
probing weak protein-protein interactions and ultrafast dynamics of molecules
inside of cells.

Mr. Benjamin Rapoport is a MD-PhD student pursuing his MD in the Health Sciences
and Technology Program at Harvard Medical School, as well as his PhD in
Electrical Engineering at MIT. He received his AB in Physics and Mathematics and
AM in Physics from Harvard in 2003, and an MSc in Mathematical Biology from
Oxford in 2004. Ben is interested in designing and neurosurgical implanting
electronic interfaces with the brain and nervous system, such as neural
prosthetic devices for the paralyzed and disabled, which can repair and augment
neurologic function. His current work is on algorithms and ultra-low-power
electronic architectures for decoding neural signals in the context of fully
implantable brain-machine interfaces.

The University Science Day is a day set aside by the departments of science from
the various Universities around Monrovia to show case talents and exhibit some
technical skill learnt by students.


Hunter Team visit to Liberia [photo]

About the Author:
Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written
articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his
hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian
press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@....

Contact Us
By Phone
1.646.225.9684 (USA) By Email
editor@...
TheLiberianTimes.com is a developingPress Company

www.developingpres.com

Copyright Notice

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web

+++

7) 'Pirate' trawlers gutting Ghana's fishing industry
Kate Thomas

Last Updated: May 25. 2009 6:14PM UAE / May 25. 2009 2:14PM GMT
Fishermen set off at sunrise from Cape Coast on a traditional wooden boat.
Olivier Asselin for The National CAPE COAST, GHANA // It is mid-morning in Cape
Coast, a fishing town 120km from Ghana’s capital, Accra. Battered wooden
vessels’ sails billow in the salty breeze. Rays of sunlight illuminate the
whitewashed walls of a colonial-era castle and fishermen cast seaweed-green nets
where slave ships once sailed.

As the morning’s meagre catch is brought to shore, women swarm around
sun-beaten boats, scrambling for prized tuna, crab, squid and octopus. Most
leave disappointed, carrying small tubs of skinny herring to sell at the local
market. “The fishermen don’t bring much good fish to land these days,”
said Angeline Dey, a fishmonger.

Worse things, however, are happening at sea. Cape Coast’s slave-trading days
may be long gone, but the historic town is no stranger to modern exploitation.
Local fishermen say illegally operating foreign trawlers are raping the seas,
stealing the area’s biggest commodity – its fish.

The country’s fisheries department says stocks of some species have plummeted
by 50 per cent in recent years, but documenting the decline of fish in an
under-equipped nation is a difficult task.

“I don’t know why the [foreign trawlers] come. Maybe they have eaten all the
fish in their own countries. It is a real problem for us,” said Kodjo Thomas,
a veteran fisherman.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is one of the most serious threats
to the world’s fish stocks, jeopardising marine environments and crippling
coastal communities in developing countries such as Ghana. The environmental
watch group Greenpeace says technologies used by heavy-duty fishing vessels in
Asia and Europe have severely depleted fish stocks, and some nations are now
looking for new fisheries, targeting the more fertile waters of west and
northern Africa to satisfy demand back home.

Dwarfed by industrial-sized foreign vessels, Ghana’s decrepit fishing boats
look like plankton in an ocean increasingly frequented by whale sharks. A couple
of kilometres off Cape Coast’s golden beaches, the delicate twine of floating
nets glistens in the sun. As Kofi Mills, 31, steers the wooden boat towards last
night’s catch, the engine splutters.

Tiny flares mark the boundaries of each net, allowing fishermen to locate the
night’s catch before the sun comes up. Reeling in a huge “set net”, like
those left out overnight off Cape Coast, takes the best part of the morning and
requires serious stamina. As Mr Mills throws small fry into a plastic bucket, he
attempts a laugh. “This is all that was waiting for us when we turned up this
morning,” he said, beads of sweat dripping down tired arms.

The entire operation, carried out in unpredictable waters, is gruelling and
time-consuming. And with no guarantee of taking home a substantial catch, local
fishermen are starting to cast their nets elsewhere.

“Many fishermen are deciding to change their jobs. Crime is sometimes a last
resort,” said Nana Kwesi Baesl, chairman of the Fishing Association of Cape
Coast. “And when we don’t have enough fish to catch there is always trouble
between wives and husbands.”

Some locals have abandoned fishing altogether, instead using their rickety
crafts to take oranges, pineapples and DVD movies to the foreign trawlers,
exchanging the goods for fish that would otherwise be dumped in the ocean.

“What’s the point in working so hard for not much in return?” said Francis
Doe, who now uses his fishing boat to trade goods with the crew of Chinese
trawlers.

“For me, life is much better since I’ve given up fishing. There is not much
fish in the sea these days. I profit more by trading with the Chinese
vessels.”

Other fishermen, however, said they want to seek justice.

“Foreign trawlers may make money here, but it’s not very fair for them to
destroy our way of eating. They fish for octopus in shallow waters, destroying
the nets we set overnight. We really need to stop this problem before it gets
worse and nobody has a job,” said Mr Thomas, whose wife works as a fishmonger
at Cape Coast market.

Ghana’s government permits foreign fishing vessels – most from China, Korea
and Japan – to trawl the country’s waters in return for paying taxes.
Current law stipulates that they must operate at a depth of at least 30 metres,
but local fishermen say they often work in far shallower waters, sometimes under
the cover of darkness, depleting fish stocks and dumping waste into the sea.

This affects the delicate marine environment and the reproduction of threatened
species. In heavily trawled areas, habitats have little chance to recover and in
some cases are permanently damaged.

In competition with one another as well as with local fishermen, foreign
trawlers exploit government loopholes to increase their catches, sometimes
resorting to illegal pair trawling – dragging one large net between two
vessels and completely sweeping the seabed – or flying flags of convenience,
where the nationality of the owner is different from the country of
registration, to save on fees and taxes.

The practice – once described by Franz Fischler, former EU commissioner for
fisheries as “the scourge of today’s maritime world” – is one of the
easiest ways for large trawlers to circumvent conservation measures and avoid
questions as to their whereabouts. Trawlers registered under the flag of
Liberia, which accounts for the second largest shipping fleet in the world after
Panama, pay lower fees and fewer taxes. There is no requirement for such ships
ever to dock in the flag-bearing country. Some flag-of-convenience states, such
as Mongolia, do not even have a coastline.

Overfishing is not limited to West African waters. According to figures from the
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, at least three-quarters of the
world’s fisheries are threatened by overfishing. In Somalia, the spike in
piracy has been linked to overfishing, with pirates blaming foreign trawlers for
destroying their livelihoods, forcing them into hijacking ships and demanding
ransoms. But the consequences are more worrying in poor communities such as
those along the west African coastline, where fish is the main source of food
and income.

“Poor communities in west Africa are experiencing devastating negative impacts
from pirate fishing,” said Steve Trent, the executive director of the
Environmental Justice Foundation, a British conservation think tank. “These
include loss of food and declining food security; loss of income and employment;
loss of their fishing gears and in some cases loss of life as local artisanal
fishers are run down by illegal trawlers. In the longer term the fish stocks on
which these communities depend are being wiped out.”

West African countries such as Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea are all too
familiar with the great grey trawlers. A 2007 report by the Environmental
Justice Foundation in conjunction with the British Department for International
Development, branded the overfishing situation in Guinea “the worst in
Africa”, with 34,000 tons of fish lost every year to illegal trawlers.

About 10,000 tons of dead and decaying fish are thrown into Guinea’s waters
every year, exacerbating damage to the delicate marine environment. Mauritania
lost its lobster population decades ago and octopus has hit an all-time low in
the region, with 80 per cent less stocks than 20 years ago. The European
Commission estimates that more than 1.1 billion euros in illegal seafood enters
Europe each year, with half of all fish sold coming from developing nations.

Guinea supports an estimated 70,000 fishermen and fishmongers while Ghana’s
fishing industry provides about 500,000 jobs, with one in 10 of the country’s
population employed in fishing

and peripheral industries. If current trends continue, traditional fishing
nations such as Ghana – which reaps about US$60 million (Dh220m) from fish
exports every year – will be hit harder than anywhere else in the world.

“Here in Cape Coast, local jobs are collapsing,” said Isiah Amoukouandoh,
from Ghana’s ministry of fisheries. “There’s not much locals can do about
the damage to their nets by foreign trawlers, other than filing a report and
taking the case to court – few fishermen have the money to do that.

In 2004, researchers at the University of California in Berkeley established a
link between Ghana’s declining fish stocks and a rise in illegal hunting and
poaching. A study found that dwindling marine resources had led to the
extinction of almost half the mammal species studied in some land nature
reserves.

The news led Ghana’s current president, John Atta Mills, who was not in power
in 2004, to write an opinion piece in the local media expressing concern about
the future of the country’s

fishing industry. “Unemployment for fishers has significant social and
economic impacts since Ghanaian fishers are generally poorly educated and
landless with few other options for income generation,” he wrote at the time.
“Many unemployed fishers have migrated to the cities looking for work that is
simply unavailable and have been unable to improve their economic conditions.”

Local fishermen say they hope Mr Atta Mills, who came to power in January, will
take action. If the government continues to collect tax income from foreign
trawlers, West African fishing industries such as Cape Coast’s will be among
the first casualties of the global overfishing crisis.

“We hope President Atta Mills will change the situation now he’s in
power,” Mr Amoukouandoh said. “But it’s a difficult balance for the
government because foreign trawlers contribute to government funds. If the
trawlers stuck to regulations, there would be less of a problem. But they are
fishing in the waters reserved for the local fishermen, stealing their fish.”

According to information released by Ghana’s ministry of foreign affairs, it
is likely that the US president, Barack Obama, will visit Cape Coast castle when
he lands in Ghana this summer on his first state visit to Africa. Mr Obama will
be passing over Kenya, his ancestral homeland, in favour of Ghana, where White
House aides say he will be “highlighting the critical role that sound
governance and civil society play in promoting lasting development”. Though
Ghana is often hailed as a beacon of stability in Africa, its cracks – such as
the overfishing situation – sometimes run deep. Mr Obama may not have time to
notice the meagre catches on Cape Coast’s shoreline and how they threaten the
lasting development of a nation like Ghana.

“West Africa is one of the most heavily impacted regions,” Mr Trent of the
Environmental Justice Foundation said. “If illegal fishing regulations are not
tightened and, crucially, if enforcement is not massively improved, many poor
coastal communities will lose their means of survival and their whole way of
life.

“Countries in west Africa can strike an effective balance between earning
income from foreign trawlers and not destroying their own fishing industries in
the process, but they need locally appropriate assistance. It is clear that
unless this balance is reached the longer-term prognosis will be far worse,
damning many people to even greater poverty.”

kthomas@...

© Copyright of Abu Dhabi Media Company FZLLC.

+++

8) Liberia faces data collection problem, says UK development official
9) Liberia: Believing in the Country And Its Potential - McCall MacBain
Foundation Invests Millions
Written by Horatio Bobby Willie
Monday, 24 November 2008
STAR RADIO

An official of the UK Department for International Development says Liberia
faces a number of constraints in its data collection program.

Madam Petra Nahmias said the constraints range from the decentralization of the
data collection process of LISGIS to the lack of capacity for its staff.

Madam Nahmias told Star Radio, LISGIS also has the problem of inadequate staff,
infrastructure and equipment.

She said DFID and the United Nations Statistics Division are collaborating to
provide assistance to Liberia in order to improve its data collection.

Also, an official of the UN Statistics Division identified one of her group’s
priorities in helping to improve the country’s data collection and production.

Madam Maria Martinho said such capacity building process would mainly focus on
the Millennium Development Goals.

Madam Martinho said although Liberia is improving its data production program
there is still room for improvement.

+++

9) Liberia: Believing in the Country And Its Potential - McCall MacBain
Foundation Invests Millions
Liberia Government (Monrovia)
23 May 2009

press release

A Swiss based foundation, established by two Canadians: John and Marcy McCall
MacBain has committed ten million US dollars in grants to Liberia. The
Foundation established to improve the welfare of humanity through focused grants
in health, education and environment, has been involved in the three sectors in
Liberia since June 2007. One of the founders of the Foundation, John McCall
MacBain who has been visiting Liberia disclosed that his foundation has worked
with fourteen projects through Government Ministries and Agencies as well as
NGOs, operating in line with the goals of government's Poverty Reduction
Strategy, otherwise known as "Lift Liberia". The Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare, Medecins du Monde, Right to Play, Monrovia Transit Authority and
Alfalit Adult Literacy Program are among grantees of the McCall MacBain
Foundation. To date, Mr. MacBain puts the grants already provided to
institutions at US $5.3 million.

Liberia was selected from among four countries including: Rwanda, Ghana and
Uganda as the first and only country to receive grant from the Foundation.
"Firstly, we felt that the need was very great, the second reason was there were
very few donors here and thirdly the excellent leadership of President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf whom I met in Davos," Mr. MacBain said, narrating the criteria
for choosing Liberia to receive grant from the newly established Foundation.

MacBain spoke of the acute post conflict situation of Liberia at the time and
his foundation's conviction that unlike other countries, Liberia had the
potential to demonstrate change. Two years on, Mr. MacBain, in an apparent
excited mood, spoke of the positive changes in Liberia, some of which he
believes his Foundation helped impact especially in the health sector and job
creation. He however acknowledged there are still challenges but believes, big
changes would be seen by 2011.

At the same time, the McCall MacBain Foundation is investing in Liberia in the
energy sector through the Buchanan Renewable Company, which is currently
operating in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The company is buying old rubber
farms and shipping chips for sale in Europe. The company is also assisting in
the replanting of rubber trees.

BRE's latest venture involves an agreement to establish a biomass power plant in
Margibi to produce 35 megawatt of power to Monrovia. The power supply according
to Mr. MacBain will be a 24-7 electricity project at an affordable price. The
Canadian millionaire, with high optimism disclosed the project is on schedule. "
We'll be ordering equipment in the next forty five days, they will start
clearing the site this summer, the plant will be ready between Jan and March in
2011- producing 35 mega watt of power from Kakata, we already have a site there
- 150 acres of land, we are fully financed and moving full speed ahead, he
revealed.

MacBain believes the company will bring great relief to Liberians in all parts
of the country and bring in more investments. The company is expected to
increase the power supply to seventy (70) percent over a period of time and has
a timeline to turn over the plants to government.

In a recent interaction with reporters in Monrovia, Mr. MacBain said the global
financial crisis has not had much of an impact on his company. "In this global
financial crisis, Liberia is a great place to invest when you are not in
commodity," he maintained, noting that Buchanan Renewable is not into commodity,
but using local products for power production for local consumption, a factor
that is greatly helped the company during this global financial crisis. Mr.
MacBain believes with electricity, more investors will come into Liberia. The
Canadian millionaire said he is serving as an ambassador for Liberia spoke on
continuing discussions to attract more investors to Liberia.

On the rehabilitation of the Hydro, which has the potential to pose competition
to BR's biomass power production project, Mr. MacBain said he supports the
rehabilitation of the Hydro but said it takes a lot of capital and time. He said
the biomass power production is quicker, relatively inexpensive and right for
Liberia at this time. He envisions producing 35-megawatts of power, increasing
it to 70 megawatts before going into the Hydro rehabilitation. At the same time,
Mr. MacBain said his company has no need to worry even if the Hydro is
rehabilitated during the biomass power production project, as every country
needs multiple sources of power. He believes, the both sources will serve more
people and create an option when it comes to prices and hours of operations. "
Before the war, Monrovia alone had 192 megawatts for 400,000 people, now you
have 1.5 million people and 7-megawatts, and you're going to have 35-megawatt,
then 70 megawatt, so you need
another 120 megawatt, we need 200 megawatt from the Hydro and they will all
accumulate together, that's great," MacBain maintained.

The man, whose foundation funded the purchase and shipment of a fleet of buses
for the Monrovia Transit Authority, wants Liberians to see the Buchanan
Renewable, previously, "Buchanan Renewable Energy," as an entity that is here to
help the country because of its belief in the present leadership and the
potential Liberia offers. Whatever money raised by BR, he said will go to the
McCall MacBain Foundation and be granted to Liberia in the areas of health,
education and environment. "Our Foundation is in the country to help Liberia.
What he get in return is the satisfaction that the lives of people have been
made better through creation of jobs and other social components of the
contract," emphasizing that Buchanan Renewables wants no special preference from
Government, but will continue to invest in the Country.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#306 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Thu Jun 4, 2009 2:14 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 


1) LPRC Managing Director Summersaults- withdraws petition against the House, 2)
VP Boakai sees coordination problem at Agriculture Ministry, 3) Africa: African
Water Facility and Liberia Sign a Grant Agreement, 4) Liberia: P/Works Minister
Inspects Road Projects, 5) Full Text of Lewis Brown's Speech to Liberian
Lawmakers on Threshold Bill, 6) Nature parks can save species as climate
changes, 7) Liberia: Firestone Liberia Turns Over Hand Pump to Owensgrove
District, 8) Liberian President breaks ground for another road project, 9)
ArcelorMittal approves CSR budget for counties in Liberia, 10) Ellen Signs Three
Logging Contracts - Employment, Development for the Locals, 11) 'Stop The
Contract, Or?.' - Lower House Mandates LPRC Boss, 12) House fines Liberty Gold
nearly LD$5,000, 13) For SL & Liberia Training on Agricultural production
starts, 14) House mineral committee against new bid for western cluster, 15)See
also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) LPRC Managing Director Summersaults- withdraws petition against the House
Written by Julius Kanubah
Wednesday, 03 June 2009
STAR RADIO

LPRC Managing Director Harry Greaves has withdrawn the Writ of Prohibition filed
against the House of Representatives, barely 24-hours after it was filed.

The LPRC took the House to court in connection with the request for the LPRC to
cancel its contract with ZAKHEM International.

Chambers Justice Francis Korkpor on Tuesday revoked the decision of the House
and cited the parties to a conference on June 4.

But Mr. Greaves returned to Chambers Justice Francis Korkpor and prayed for a
withdrawal petition on Wednesday.

The Clerk of the Supreme Court Martha Bryant informed the House of the
withdrawal of the petition by Mr. Greaves.

Madam Bryant said as a result of the withdrawal the scheduled June 4 conference
between the LPRC and the House has been cancelled.

Also, Madam Bryant announced that Justice Korkpor has lifted the status quo ante
which revoked the earlier decision of the House against the LPRC.

Credible sources hinted Star Radio the withdrawal of the petition is intended to
allow in depth consultations on the 28-million U.S. dollar contract than to seek
court’s settlement.

The argument surrounds the legality of the 24.8 million US dollars expansion
contract with Zahkem International


+++


2) VP Boakai sees coordination problem at Agriculture Ministry
Written by Matthias Daffah
Wednesday, 03 June 2009
STAR RADIO

Vice President Joseph Boakai says the coordination mechanism at the Ministry of
Agriculture has been poor.

V.P. Boakai observed despite good interventions by Liberia’s international
partners, the ministry had failed to keep focused on achieving its objectives.

The Vice President wants the Agriculture Ministry to remain a policy body and
afford NGO’s and Cooperatives the opportunity to implement programs.

According to V.P. Boakai, a proper documentation system is needed at the
ministry to guide the activities of NGO’s in the agricultural sector.

He spoke when Government and three NGO partners signed agreements worth more
than two million dollars to help establish a seed bank in Liberia.

Acting Agriculture Minister Boakai Sirleaf signed for Government while
representatives of Africare, Catholic Relief Service and Greenstar signed for
their respective agencies.

The seeds were imported by USAID with financial support from the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization.

The three-year seed multiplication program is expected to include the
international NGO ADRA and Samaritan Purse and would be implemented in Lofa ,
Grand Gedeh, Nimba and Bong counties.


+++

3) Africa: African Water Facility and Liberia Sign a Grant Agreement
African Development Bank (News Release)
(Tunis)
1 June 2009


The Government of Liberia, represented by Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of
Finance, and the African Water Facility (AWF), represented by Andrianarison
Rakotobe, Director, signed a Grant Agreement amounting to Euro 1,694,000 for
financing the Liberia Water Sector Reform Study. This initiative is expected to
support the Government's efforts to improve allocation and management of water
resources, thus contribution towards poverty alleviation and meeting the MDG
targets for water supply and sanitation in the country.

The study to be undertaken, based on the priority actions of the Water Sector
Reform Action Plan developed with African Development Bank support, is AWF's
response to a request from, the Liberian Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy
(MLME) to complement the ongoing support of other donors, namely the European
Commission, the World Bank and UNICEF. The Project is to be implemented by the
Secretariat for Sector Reform of the MLME over a period of 11 months and will
focus on: (i) capacity building, implementation of a new water policy, and
institutional restructuring, and (ii) short to medium term investment planning.
The planning process adopted is underpinned by an integrated and comprehensive
approach and in line with other Government and sector policies, including
decentralization and stakeholders' participation. The estimated total cost of
the project is EUR 1,784,000, of which the AWF will provide Euro 1,694,000 (95%)
and the Government of Liberia will
contribute with an amount of Euro 90,000.

Contact

Yvan Cliche

Copyright © 2009 African Development Bank.


+++

4) Liberia: P/Works Minister Inspects Road Projects
The Informer (Monrovia)
1 June 2009


The Minister of Public Works Hon. Samuel Kofi Woods II at the head of Public
Works Delegation has inspected a number of ongoing projects in preparation of
the Independent Day Celebration.The Inspection tour took the delegation to
Careysburg District, Margibi and Bong counties.

The delegation was briefed separately by Assistant Ministers Edstel Smith,
William Slour, and the three Resident Engineers of the three counties.

The Men attributed the setbacks in the execution of their duties to bad weather,
limited equipment, among others.

Addressing public works employees separately, Minister Woods said, "I have come
to motivate you so that we can begin to dedicate Public Works rehabilitated and
constructed project through out the country".

He told the Ministry employees to break away from the past and accelerate the
development of the country and regain their lost image.

"It is about time that we commit ourselves and take credit for the
reconstruction of our country", the Public Works Minister observed.

He charged employees of the three counties to organize communities along the
Monrovia' Gbarnga Highway to form part of the Independent Day Festivities which
will take place in Gbarnga, Bong County. He said the communities should be
organized to assist in the side brushing and maintain the infrastructures along
the highway.

Meanwhile the Public Works Minister is challenging Counties authorities and
Public

Works employees to continuously dialogue in achieving government's development
programs.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

5) Full Text of Lewis Brown's Speech to Liberian Lawmakers on Threshold Bill
(Speech)
(Jun 1, 2009)
Liberian legislators in Session

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee on Internal Affairs, Governance and
Reconciliation; Other Members and Staff of the Liberian House of Senate;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:


I am grateful for this opportunity. The question before us today is whether or
not the House of Senate ought to concur with the new threshold of 40,000 for
electoral constituencies which was recently passed by the Honorable House of
Representatives. I testify with the hope that you can be persuaded not to concur
with the Honorable House of Representatives. For this purpose, we are pleased to
offer you another version of the Bill for your attention and consideration. Ours
is constructed on the need for political accommodation to tackle the pervasive
sense of social injustice, underdevelopment, and divisions that have long
haunted our body politic rather than mathematical precision intended only to
maintain and strengthen the status quo. As such, we propose a new threshold of
25,000 with the caveat that no county is to be afforded less than two
constituencies. We know that to have less than two constituencies in any county
is to pave the way for ethnic
tension and disharmony.


Additionally, our proposal does not reduce the number of representatives of any
county, rather, it increases the number of voices and influences around the
nation’s table of decision-making from 64 to 90. We accomplish this with an
expansive interpretation of Article 80 (e) “… that every constituency shall
have as close (emphasis mine) to the same population as possible (emphasis
mine)…” It is our reasoning that in keeping with the process of
approximating as closely as possible, the best interests of the Republic is
served and the risk of constitutional overflow is avoided when more persons per
constituency is established in densely populated areas and lesser persons per
constituency are established for areas that are not so densely populated.


Distinguished Senators, Ladies and Gentlemen: Every ten years, the supreme law
of our land enjoins us to engage in a process intended to provide for the
political recalibration of our nation state. We are expected to review the power
structure and provide for not just a broader participation of the people but
also increase the chances for a more just and equitable redistribution of the
nation’s wealth. Our Constitution, in Article 80 (e) anticipates that in order
to accomplish this critical endeavor, there will be times when we ought not to
be guided necessarily by mathematical precision but by the need for political
accommodation to ensure the health of the whole. How can we cling to
mathematical precisions when it is self-evident that the massive displacements
and depopulation of so-called smaller counties are not in keeping with Article
13 of the Constitution but rather a necessity brought on by the war and the
accompanying search for security? How
can we take solace in mathematical precisions when the people were uprooted
from their places by the force of mortar and gun fires – conditions over which
our Constitution exerts no control and for which it is without remedy?


When such times and conditions happen upon us, as they have today, we are wise
to return to the fundamental principles and guidelines by which this Republic
ought to be governed; the guidelines and principles by which national policies
ought to be determined; and the guidelines and principles by which legislations
and executive decisions ought to be formulated and implemented. Those guiding
principles enshrined in Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 include: (a) strengthening
national unity and integration; (b) preserving, protecting and promoting
positive Liberian culture; (c) eliminating sectionalism, tribalism, misuse of
government resources, nepotism and corruption; (d) providing equal access to
educational opportunities and facilities; (e) maximizing the participation of
Liberian citizens to advance the economic development of the country; and (f)
ensuring opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane
conditions without discrimination.


Make no mistake – the decision you are about to make is a big one. The
threshold to be established will remain enforceable up to 2018, the closest
period allowed for the next population census. You and I might not be blessed to
be around until then but your decision will. What this means is that you are
determining the power-sharing arrangement; you are determining the political
calibration of the country at least until 2024. You are basically affecting who
gets what, when and how until 2024. This is the larger impact of your decision.


You have heard from political parties, interests groups, and other opinion
leaders, all expressing the urgent need to pass an act establishing a new
threshold in keeping with the recently published results of the population
census. The National Electoral Commission has cautioned about the harmful
effects a continuous delay would have on the ensuing 2011 elections. Even the
international community has weighed in on the discussions drawing attention to
the consequences of not passing a new threshold immediately. Obviously, the
Constitution expects that you will act expeditiously. But the Constitution also
wills you to be judicious – summoning you to always assign thoughtfulness,
prudence, farsightedness and diligence to the formulation of legislations. For,
there are other voices with claims upon your offices – voices long suppressed
and increasingly indignant; voices you may not often hear but you certainly
should not ignore. Your decision will affect
all of them.


Many, if not all of you are witnesses to the historic disadvantages of not
sharing in the power of the State; the disadvantages conferred by being denied a
seat around the table of policy formation, decision-making and wealth
distribution. The conditions in your districts, villages and towns speak more
eloquently and convincingly to this problem than I ever could. I merely wish to
remind you of the stories of your lives and the struggles of your parents and
grandparents. For many of you, safe for your personal interventions and the
influence that you are able to wield today, your villages and towns would still
be in obscurity – doomed to physical and mental darkness brought about by the
lack of schools, roads, and medical facilities. Need I mention electricity? The
lack of these tangibles have led your people to lose other intangibles notably
amongst which is that children are unable to better their parents or
grandparents.


They go through life, from one day to the next without hope. And where are they
to find hope in a better tomorrow when their today is as their yesterday and
their yesterday as their tomorrow? They live and die never knowing the unending
possibilities of tomorrow. Children are without dreams. And how are they to
dream of life beyond their restrictive communities when their debilitating
circumstances impose upon them the negative convictions that they are forever
destined to live as their parents and grandparents – lives of hunting,
farming, fishing and early marriages intended to reproduce their kind? Of
course, there are family members who are always imbued with the spirit of
adventure, and thanks to programs such as those of Peace Corps Volunteers, many
moved beyond these constricting places. They followed their paths of adventure
and sometimes escape their fate by coming to Monrovia. While many became and are
comparatively successful, the price of
their success has been the tragic separation from their culture and their
history – a price no one should be made to pay for such “success”.


Distinguished Senators: Your journeys to and occupancy of these distinguished
corridors of power – varied as those journeys might be – admittedly tell the
heartwarming tales of progress. But be reminded – even today, there are places
where inhabitants live as if their lands are forever cursed with, even as they
are shackled by, the unbreakable chains of underdevelopment. They work harder;
they work longer; they give more; and yet they receive the least from their
State. And the reason for this: they have always had nominal seats, if any at
all, around the decision-making and wealth distribution table of the State. With
less say in policy formation and wealth distribution, their lands become
increasingly desolate, and overtime, have come to represent the self-deprecating
experiences of supposedly one people beholden to dissimilar journeys and fates.
And we are all called Liberians. You have a chance, by the decisions you will
make, if not to
correct, then certainly to establish the basis to correct this social
injustice.


Now, as you reflect upon your life; your journey; as you reflect upon the lives
of your parents and grandparents, can we be more politically accommodating of
each other? Can we ensure the growth of the so-called smaller counties – made
increasingly smaller and weaker, through no fault of their own, but by the
outright neglect of their State, brought about by no representation and or
underrepresentation? Are we prepared to legitimize the depopulation of the
so-called smaller counties and preside over the massive erosions of their
cultures to the benefits of the so-called bigger counties? Will it ever be
possible to take Liberia out of Monrovia and afford every Liberian the pleasure
of living anywhere in Liberia while sharing in the same opportunities and
infrastructure that Monrovia provides? Are we prepared to offer more influence
to those who have always had their voices shut out and their influences
marginalized? Whatever the size is of our national
pie is it just and equitable to give less to those who need it the most? How
are they to get what they so obviously deserve, if their seats around the table
upon which such decisions are to be taken are to be reduced simply on account of
trying to be mathematically precise? I know that where there is the political
will, we can always find a better way.


Lest we forget: There have been attempts in the past to politically recalibrate
the power structure of the State by employing means that were clearly outside
the Constitution. Needless to say, those experiences were painful for all
concerned, and the nation is yet to be healed and reconciled there from. One of
such attempts occurred in the early hours of April 12, 1980, when soldiers
maneuvered their way into the Executive Mansion and assassinated the Liberian
President. They announced the overthrow of a political system and sought to
impose a new calibration on the power structure of the State. In not so
dissimilar manner but similarly motivated, in December of 1989, insurgents moved
on the sleeping town of Butuo and announced a military expedition to remove the
leadership of the country. Whatever judgment history will pass on the outcomes
of these attempts, and notwithstanding the guise of militarism, it ought not to
be forgotten that these adventures
sought to recalibrate the political landscape of the country. In that light,
there can be very little arguments that the adventures were overwhelmingly
embraced by the people, if even initially. There is a lesson here to be learned.
All of our people know that the social injustice, underdevelopment and growing
sense of national divisions to which they have been and continue to be subjected
are wrong. They long to bring an end to these vices. The question is: Are their
leaders listening? Senators, are you going to be persuaded by the common
aspiration of your people?


I thank you for your attention.


Lewis G. Brown, II


+++

6) Nature parks can save species as climate changes (Public release date:
1-Jun-2009)

Contact: Carl Stiansen
c.r.stiansen@...
01-913-346-077
Durham University

Retaining a network of wildlife conservation areas is vital in helping to save
up to 90 per cent of bird species in Africa affected by climate change,
according to scientists.

The research team – led by Durham University - including BirdLife
International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) looked at the effects of climate
change on 815 bird species of conservation concern in sub-Saharan Africa and on
the network of sites designated for them (termed Important Bird Areas).

Published in the journal Ecology Letters, the research - funded by the RSPB -
demonstrates that a network of wildlife areas will be a crucial tool to help
biodiversity survive future climate change. The findings suggest an urgent need
for legislators to protect eco-systems and key wildlife areas in Africa. They
show that, over the next 75 years, the biodiversity of some regions will suffer
more than others as a result of climate change. They also underline the
importance of providing 'green corridors' to help wildlife to move to find new
climatically-suitable areas.

The team led by Dr Stephen Willis and Dr David Hole from the School of
Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Durham University, used simulation models
to see how climate change might affect birds in Important Bird Areas, in the
coming decades under a scenario of moderate climate change.

The researchers looked at a network of 863 IBA sites across 42 countries and
territories covering around 2,079,306 square kms (1,292,020 square miles) or 7
per cent of the African continent. The sites are identified as being critical
for the conservation of birds, in particular, species that are globally
threatened, restricted in range or restricted to particular biomes. Together,
African IBAs are home to 875 of these species.

Climate change is not the only issue affecting wildlife in Africa. More than 40
per cent of African IBAs lack any form of legal protection under national or
international law. Agricultural development, logging, invasive alien species,
and unsustainable hunting and trapping are the main threats to bird species and
IBAs across the African continent.

Dr Stephen Willis said: "We looked at bird species across the whole network of
protected areas in Africa and the results show that wildlife conservation areas
will be essential for the future survival of many species of birds.

"Important Bird Areas will provide new habitats for birds that are forced to
move as temperatures and rainfall change and food sources become scarce in the
areas where they currently occur. Protected areas are a vital conservation tool
to help birds adapt to climate change in the 21st century."

The findings show that the biodiversity of particular areas is likely to change
significantly. The turnover of species in some sites could be as high as 50 per
cent, as established species leave to find more suitable climes or new food
supplies, and new species move in to an area. The adaptability of birds will be
an important factor, the experts say.

Dr Stephen Willis said: "The results show that 90 per cent of priority species
in Africa will find suitable climate somewhere in the network of protected areas
in future. However, one in ten birds will have to find new places to live and
breed so new sites will have to be added to the IBA network.

"The central regions of Africa should maintain many of their current species as
long as the protected areas remain intact. By contrast, areas of the
Afrotropical Highlands, which occur in countries such as Cameroon, South Africa
and Ethiopia, will see enormous change with more than 40 per cent of species
leaving."

The findings also show that some species are likely to struggle, and may even
become extinct unless new populations can be established. A priority species
might be lost from a particular IBA, but there may be other climatically
suitable sites in the network for the species to move to. Many species will only
survive if they adapt by moving across Africa to seek out new,
climatically-suitable areas to inhabit.

Dr Stuart Butchart, Global Research Coordinator at BirdLife International, said:
"The survival of much of the planet's biodiversity under climate change will
depend upon adequate protection for biodiverse ecosystems, the IBAs within them,
and support for the people who depend on them - so that local communities can
participate actively in making their environment more resilient. It is essential
that policy leads to adequate protection of IBAs and takes account of the
critical role that ecosystems play in helping wildlife and people adapt."

Ruth Davis, head of climate change at the RSPB, said: "Looking after IBAs is
vital for the future of our wildlife. Protecting the natural resources and
services provided by these ecosystems is vital for people too. Healthy
ecosystems are the first line of defence against the impacts of climate change
for many of the world's poorest people."

One example, is the Gola Forest Transboundary Peace Park, on the borders of
Sierra Leone and Liberia, uniting existing protected IBAs and encompassing
additional forest to provide corridors for the movement of wildlife between
them. It protects one of the largest remaining blocks of intact forest in the
Upper Guinea Area of West Africa.


###

Differing futures for birds under climate change: -Images available-

Winners set to boom given climate change predictions:
Violet Turaco
Red-throated Bee-eater

Losers set to fare badly given climate change predictions:
Doherty's Bush Shrike
Blue Winged Goose
Dune Lark


+++

7) Liberia: Firestone Liberia Turns Over Hand Pump to Owensgrove District
The Informer (Monrovia)
1 June 2009


Citizens of the Township of Owensgrove in Lower Grand Bassa County were the
proud recipients of a hand pump constructed by the Management of Firestone
Liberia as part of the company's Community Outreach Program.

Speaking at the dedicatory ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2009, the Public Affairs
Manager of Firestone Liberia, Mr. G. Rufus Karmorh, noted that "this turning
over ceremony of this hand pump is therefore significant in terms of our
partnership."

He reminded the gathering that it was not the first time for Firestone Liberia
to undertake projects in the township. According to Mr. Karmorh, the company had
earlier constructed and installed hand pumps for the use of residents of that
community. He disclosed that Firestone Liberia was also involved in the roofing
of the Owensgrove Public School some times ago following a heavy storm that
damaged the facilities of the institution. He also disclosed that Firestone
Liberia has also facilitated the provision of some implements for a clean-up
campaign in the district.

Mr. Karmorh further reaffirmed that Firestone Liberia will continue to be an
active partner in the socio-economic development of Liberia stressing that "as I
turn this key over, I urge the citizens to handle this handpump with a high
degree of community participation and protection for the future up keep and
maintenance."

Accepting the keys of the hand pump, the Commissioner of Owensgrove District,
Mr. Isaac Paytoe thanked the Management of Firestone Liberia for constructing
the hand pump and buttressed earlier call by the youth and women representatives
for Firestone Liberia to assist in the process of roofing the only market
building in the area.

According to Commissioner Paytoe, since the roof of the market building was
damaged, citizens of Owensgrove, especially the women, have been finding it
difficult to take their goods to distant places for sale.

He called on the Management of Firestone Liberia to continue to work with
citizens of Owensgrove in meeting some of their pressing development needs,
noting that "we'll always be in constructive contact with Firestone for it to
help us develop our community." Mr. Paytoe further praised the company for the
numerous contributions it has and continues to make towards the development of
Owensgrove District aimed at improving the livelihood of its citizens. "We hope
that Firestone Liberia will continue to keep up this good partnership for the
betterment of our people" the Owensgrove District Commissioner asserted.

Also in attendance were the Community Affairs Superintendent of Firestone
Liberia, Mr. Eric Mensah and the Staff Supervisor of the Water and Sanitation
Department, Mr. Moses Coker.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

8) Liberian President breaks ground for another road project
Liberia Government (Monrovia)
Posted May 29, 2009

(Monrovia-Liberia-May 28, 2009)-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has broken
grounds for the rehabilitation of the Cotton Tree/Bokay Town road, located on
the Monrovia-Buchanan highway in Harbel, Margibi County.

Speaking Thursday at the ceremony, the President commended CHICO, the Chinese
company which is to carry out the project, for the work done in Liberia thus
far. An Executive Mansion release says the President expressed the hope that
CICO, another Chinese company, which is expected to rehabilitate roads in
central Monrovia, would begin work at the earliest.

The Liberian leader welcomed a new World Bank policy which ties in payment to a
contractor only after the completion of a project, judged to be satisfactory by
the party granting the contract.

In earlier remarks, Chinese Ambassador, Zhou Yuxiao, called on CHICO to work
towards the successful completion of the project. For his part, the new Public
Works Minister, Samuel Kofi Woods, assured the Liberian public that the road
rehabilitation work would progress on schedule and at a faster pace. Minister
Woods said, the rehabilitation of the road to Bokay Town, marks the first phase
of the project, which will be extended to Buchanan. He said more resources are
being mobilized for the road project from Bokay-town to Buchanan in Grand Bassa
County.

The 15-kilometers Cotton Tree/Bokay-Town road project which includes a bridge is
being funded by the World Bank at a cost of US $9.2-million.

The project is expected to be completed in 18-months.

Source: Executive Mansion - Monrovia

+++

9) ArcelorMittal approves CSR budget for counties in Liberia
Friday, 29 May 2009

Liberia Broadcasting System reported that the committee for the management of
ArcelorMittal's County Social Development fund has approved more than USD 4
million projects for Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties.

Mr Arthur Massaquoi public relations manager of ArcelorMittal said that the
projects will be the first set to be funded by the annual social contribution of
ArcelorMittal in the three counties.

Mr Massaquoi said that USD 3,245,130 has been allotted for Nimba County, while
USD 1 million was budgeted for Grand Bassa, with USD 490,000 given to Bong
County.

He said that the projects, which will be implemented separately in the three
counties, will cover education, agriculture, health, road rehabilitation,
infrastructure development, among others.

(Sourced from www.liberiabroadcastingsystem.com)

+++

10) Ellen Signs Three Logging Contracts - Employment, Development for the Locals
The Informer (Monrovia)
29 May 2009

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed into law three forest management
contracts with three Liberian firms that would provide more employment and
development opportunities for citizens and communities in three counties.

At a brief signing ceremony witnessed by House and Senate Committee members on
Executive Wednesday at the Foreign Ministry, the President signed into law 'An
act ratifying the forest management contract Area-B in Rivercess County between
Liberia, represented by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and EJ and J
Investment Corporation.

According to the Executive Mansion, the President also signed 'An act ratifying
the Forestry Management Contract in Area-A in Lofa and Gbarpolu counties between
Liberia, represented by the FDA and the Alpha Logging Woods Processing Inc.; and
an act ratifying the management contract Area-C in Rivercess County between
Liberia and Liberia Tree and Trading Company Incorporated.

The President's signing follows the ratifications of the deals by the Liberian
legislature, and companies will now need to sign a social contract with these
communities - agreeing on terms what development would be carried out in these
areas.

The new forest law of Liberia provides benefits and protection for communities
in which logging companies operate. Besides taxes they pay to government, it is
a must that these companies sign a 'social contract' with the people before
given these companies are green lights to harvest a cubic meter of log.

This is intended to break from the past when logging and mining companies
exploited resources from the counties and left the people there in abject
poverty and nothing to show in exchange of the utilization of their natural
resources.

Speaking Wednesday after the ceremony, President Johnson Sirleaf commended
members of the National Legislature for the pace at which the bills were passed.
She welcomed the passage of the forestry bills, noting that they will lead to
the creation of much needed jobs in areas of the country in which forest is
found.

Revitalizing the forest sector is a major component of the Government Poverty
Reduction Strategy (PRS), and the Wednesday's serves as a mile stone in
achieving goals in this sector.

Liberia's PRS articulates the Government's overall vision and major strategies
for moving toward rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and development during
the period 2008-2011.

The PRS is being implemented between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2011 (the end of
the 2010/2011 fiscal year). This period, the government says, is of critical
importance as Liberia shifts from post-conflict stabilization to laying the
foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and
progressing toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The donor-dependent US$1.6bn program is crafted with four major pillars
including enhancing Peace and National Security, Governance and the Rule of Law,
Economic Revitalization and Rehabilitation of Infrastructures and Delivery of
Basic Social Services.

Forest Sector and PRS

The forest sector falls under the third pillar of the PRS: Economic
Revitalization. Prior to 2003, the forestry sector was a major contributor to
economic growth in Liberia with an average of 7,000 persons employed in the
sector.

Total log and timber production per annum peaked at 1 million cubic meters, with
a value of approximately US$100 million while Forestry contributed approximately
50 percent of Liberian export earnings and about 20 percent of GDP.

In 2003 the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Liberian log
and timber exports because of poor governance in the sector and its role in
fueling the conflict. The ban was lifted in 2007 after convincing reforms in the
sector.

Particular, the Government lacked control over forest areas, revenues were being
assigned to individuals rather than Government accounts, human rights abuses
were being committed by sector operators, and forest area ownership was often
duplicated.

After a legal review of the sector, the new Government declared all timber
contracts null and void and instituted reform measures that were accepted by the
UNSC and led to the lifting of the sanctions in 2006.

The reform measures included the enactment of a new forest reform law, forest
land use planning, forest institutional reforms, and transparent control of
timber production through a chain of custody system. The legal framework and the
ground rules have now been laid for sustainable forest management and the
economic revival of the sector; Timber production is about to started (should
have started in 2008) and is expected to steadily increase to a sustainable
level by 2012 says the government.

The central goal for forestry over the PRS implementation period is for the
sector to become a source of higher incomes for the rural population, ensuring
that the benefits are shared equitably, and that adequate environmental and
other regulatory safeguards are in place to ensure sustainability.

The FDA during the PRS period hopes to develope commercial forestry, including
by encouraging value-added forestry products, to be a significant source of
revenue generation and growth for local people, MSMEs, and the nation at large;
use community forest management techniques to identify viable economic
opportunities for communities from forest resources and providing extension and
technical assistance in community forest management; conserve protected and
important biologically diverse areas, with an emphasis on providing sustainable
livelihoods for communities at the fringes of the forest, and promoting tourism;
enhance environmental benefits from forestry reserves through an analysis of
potential markets for trading in carbon credits, among others.

Forestry production is projected to grow substantially during the PRS period
from 30,000 cubic meters (M3) to more than 1,300,000 M3, with approximately 2.9
million hectares of forest being used for commercial and community forestry and
1.2 million hectares allocated for conservation and tourism. Rural employment in
this sector is targeted at 5,000 for the three year PRS period.

Except for the slow pace of active logging activities which should have started
in 2008, the Forestry sector has met almost all of its targets during the first
year of the PRS implementation, though President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Tuesday
announced that the government, as a body, has failed to meet its goals set out
for implementation during the first year of the PRS program. Contact: 231 6 586
531; editoratinformer@...

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

11) 'Stop The Contract, Or?.' - Lower House Mandates LPRC Boss
The Informer (Monrovia)
29 May 2009


Monrovia - Harry Greaves, Managing Director of the revenue giant, Liberia
Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) has been asked to stop the agreement he has
just entered with a British company. He is given up to Monday to implement the
order to face the wrath of the lawmakers. What that wrath would be was not spelt
out, but observers, Mr. Greaves could either be fined or sent to jail if he
failed to act as mandated.

Also, a Canadian Mining Company, the Liberia Gold, Diamond Mining Company has
been slammed with a fine of L$4,999.99 for "disrespecting the lower house of the
National Legislature." The House of Representative took the decision yesterday
during its regular session.

Mr. Greaves has been given an ultimatum to halt the over US$24 million
contractual agreement the LPRC entered with a British Firm Zahkem for the
rehabilitation of the LPRC Terminal.

The House mandated him to write the British Company that he is halting the
agreement. He is also asked to give copy of the letter to the Chief Clerk on
Monday, as failure to do so, the plenary of the House would be left with no
other alternative, but take the necessary option available to them

It may be recalled that on May 22, 2009, the Plenary of the House cited him
(LPRC boss) to explain the nature of the agreement with Zahkem. The decision to
invite him followed a complaint from some lawmakers who claimed that the
contract was irregular and illegal and that it was not attested by the
Ministries of Justice and Finance.

But Mr. Greaves told newsmen minutes afterward that he would not halt the
contract with Zahkem on ground that it needed no ratification from the National
Legislature because it was not a concession agreement

His statement angered the lawmakers, especially Speaker Alex Tyler who declared
on a local radio station that the House would not take disobedience from Mr.
Greaves.

He was subsequently invited to appear for the second time and provide reasons
for the basis of his assertion.

However, at yesterday’s forum, the LPRC boss denied ever making such remarks
and blamed the media for lying on him.

Most importantly, he extended apology to members of the House of Representatives
and pleaded for forgiveness for what he claimed he did not say.

At the same time, he insisted that he could not halt the contract with Zahkem on
ground that it was an enforceable contract. "If I halt the contract, the company
could sue the management of the LPRC. This will be bad for the Company and the
Liberian government," he said.

Mr. Greaves enjoined the lawmakers to give him time to consult the company’s
counselor with respect to mandate that he should halt the contract. The House
wanted him to halt the contract until it has the time to look into it, whether
the contract is in the supreme interest of the country as compared with the
contract his predecessor signed with MEG for US$11 million.

But members of the House vehemently rejected the appeal and described his action
as "gross disrespect" to the body.

In other development, a Canadian Company, Liberia Gold, Diamond Company, has
fallen into trouble with the House of Representatives.

The House unanimously voted to fine the company L$ 4,999.99 to be paid in to
government’s revenue in 72 hours. Besides that, they directed the company
management to work with the House on Labour to resolve the problems with the
employees

The action to fine them came from its refusal to honor an invitation from the
Committee on Labor.

The House Committee on Labour early this month invited the management to appear
before it to show why it should not be held in contempt following complaint
filed by employees of the company relative to alleged bad labour practices.

The management, in spite of constant interactions refused to honor the request,
thus leaving committee members with no alternative but to take the issue to
Plenary, the highest decision making body of the House of Representatives.

In keeping with an order, the company’s acting manager appeared before Plenary
to show cause why the company should not be held in contempt for his action.

Speaking before the full bench of Plenary, Mr. Davis apologized for the
company’s action not to honor the invitation extended it by the Committee on
Labor.

He told the lawmakers that the company did not refuse to honor the invitations,
but that they acted on the advice of the Company’s legal Counselor, Cllr.
Samuel R. Clarke.

"He informed us that he would make legal representation on behalf of the company
and advised us there was no need to appear before the Plenary because the matter
was before the Ministry of Labour," he said.

Eventhough, members of the House of Representatives accepted the company’s
apology, they took exception to what they called "disrespect demonstrated by the
company".

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst.

+++

12) House fines Liberty Gold nearly LD$5,000
Written by Julius Kanubah
Thursday, 28 May 2009
STAR RADIO

The Liberty Gold Mining Company has been ordered to pay into government’s
revenues nearly five thousand Liberian dollars.

The House fined the Company LD$4,999.99 for disrespecting the body.

The decision was taken Thursday after the final appearance of a high-ranking
officer of the Liberty Gold before the House.

The Liberty Gold Mining Company has for the past weeks been refusing to appear
before the House in relations to alleged bad labor practices against it.

However, the Acting general Manager of the Company Charles Davies Thursday
appeared before the House and apologized for the inconvenience.

Mr. Davies told the House it was based on the advice of the Company’s legal
officer that it delayed appearing.

Meanwhile, Mr. Davies has pledged to work with the House Labor Committee to
resolve the salary of former workers of the company.

+++

13) For SL & Liberia Training on Agricultural production starts
Awoko (Sierra Leone)
May 26, 2009

A two weeks regional training for Sierra Leone and Liberia on production of
Agricultural Extension materials started yesterday at the Family Kingdom jointly
organized by the Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)
and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI).

A two weeks regional training for Sierra Leone and Liberia on production of
Agricultural Extension materials started yesterday at the Family Kingdom jointly
organized by the Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)
and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI).

Reading a statement from CTA, the course Director, Professor Anthony Youdeowei
said the center acts as a broker between organizations and professionals in ACP
and EU states. And that it also seek to establish a forum for promoting dialogue
and the exchange of information between organizations and professionals in ACP
states by providing technical capacity and skills in information and
communication management for agricultural development.

Explaining their operational objectives, Professor Youdeowei said CTA aims to
improve the availability of, and access to relevant, adequate, accurate, timely
and well-adapted information on priority information topics for ACP agricultural
and rural development.

He said it also seeks to improve the communication management capacity of ACP
agricultural and rural development organizations.

Explaining further the general objective of the course, the Professor said it
was to improve the practical communication skills of agricultural extension
agents as well as to enhance their ability to write and produce extension
materials for field staff and farmers. It will also enable participants to
identify sources of agricultural information and to acquire skills to develop
materials in formats appropriate to the rural population.

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI)
Dr. Alfred Nixon spoke that the government places high priority on agriculture
and that since the potential and situation of the agricultural sector in Sierra
Leone is not much different from that of Liberia and the rest of the sub-region,
improving the agricultural sector was a potentially viable means to improve the
lots of farmers, its people as well as the economy of the sub-region.

Dr. Nixon explained that agricultural research and extension was clearly one
vital component of the development of the sector "the problems and constraints
of the farmers and other related factors have to be identified and resolved
through the development, dissemination and adoption of appropriate and
acceptable technologies" he stated.

He described the training as resourceful for the poor farmers who largely rely
on local, unimproved methods of farming and food processing. He also recognized
that whilst they invest in scientific and material inputs, it will not bear
fruits without parallel investment in human capital that will facilitate the
provision of avenues for the sharing of needed agricultural information.

The Technical Resource Person, Dr. Michael Ajayi, stressed that the course was
going to be practical as they would follow the concept of farmer force by
visiting agricultural fields.

The Deputy Director General of SLARI Dr. Abdulai Jalloh recognized that
communication in agriculture was important as a gap has existed in the transfer
of technology to farmers.

© Copyright 2008 - Awoko Newspaper

+++

14) House mineral committee against new bid for western cluster
Written by Julius Kanubah
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
STAR RADIO

The Co-Chairman of the House Mineral Committee has warned against the re-opening
of another bid for the Western Cluster.

Representative George Mulbah said any new bid for the Western Cluster would
signal a bad image for government.

According to him since government disqualified the winner of the first bid it
was important for one of the runners-up to be selected.

Representative Mulbah said the Inter Ministerial Committee and the Lands, Mines
and Energy Ministry must make the decision instead of a new bid.

He said investors would not have trust in government if it fails to select one
of the runners-up to mine the Western Cluster.

Nearly three Months ago government disqualified Delta Mining Company as the
winner of the bid for the Western Cluster.

Government said it noticed the Company was not capable to mine the Western
Cluster.

+++

15)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#307 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:26 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Liberia: Two US scientits motivate Liberian teachers and students at UL, 2)
Liberia: PRS Will Succeed With Strong Leadership, 3)"Provide assistance to flood
victims" President Sirleaf instructs, 4) Liberia: UNDP Vows to Support PRS -
Launches Liberia Volunteer for Peace, 5) Liberia: Minister Woods Inspects Bailey
Bridge Projects, 6) World Vision scandal puts spotlight on efforts to stamp out
aid corruption, 7) West African 'Oil Rush' Is On, Reports Gold Star Resources
Corp. CEO in AFROIL Online News Column, 8) Liberia: China's Commitment Fixed, 9)
LIBERIA: Community demands answers on rubber pollution, 10)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) Liberia: Two US scientits motivate Liberian teachers and students at UL
Jun 16, 2009
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer


[photo] LU Students test the experiment that was designed from local resources

Teaching these universal scientific skills and concepts do not require expensive
technology, special equipment, or a modern laboratory: your environment and the
world around you, your laboratory and classroom if you choose to view them as a
scientist and a teacher of science.-- These were the direct quotation of the two
visiting science lecturers at the Fendell campus of the University of Liberia on
Monday, June 15, when both students and teachers converged at the underground
biology laboratory at the University to grip some new ideas from the guests.

Dr. Adam Cohen and Mr. Benjamin Rapoport are guests of the I-Help Liberia
Project and LIMANY currently visiting Liberian schools and creating awareness on
the importance of science and research work.

[photo] Dr. Adam Cohen lectures UL students at Fendell Campus.

At Monday lecture session, both the lecturers and participants were able to
explore several core areas in science education as, creative exploration;
systematic observation and management (Data collection); analysis and
presentation of data (descriptive statistics, graphical presentation and
analysis, trends and correlations); controlled experiments and scientific
method; and principled engineering.

According to the guest lecturers, fair objective competition has the potential
to motivate students and inspired them to innovate, participate actively in
learning, and seek answers to their questions. “Wins and losses in team-based
individual competition can all be emotional and memorable experiences, and when
closely tied to scientific and engineering principles can be effective
approaches to teaching” the lecturers revealed.

[photo] Dr. Cohen demonstrates experiments at LU

The visiting science experts are expected to meet with all teachers from various
Universities and High School in Monrovia on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the Tubman
High School in Sinkor.

Their former teacher, Asumana Jabateh Randolph will be back in Liberia to
continue the awareness campaign. He called this media to say thanks to the
Liberian science teachers for taking care of his children (Dr. Cohen and Mr.
Rapoport).

[photo] LU Students test the experiment that was designed from local resources

[photo] Mr. Ben Rapoport tutors UL students on the Texa Instrument calculator
from Vernier Technology

[photo] Dr. Adam Cohen explains to students at UL about the strengh of research
in any institution.

About the Author:

Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written
articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his
hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian
press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@....

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia.

+++

2) Liberia: PRS Will Succeed With Strong Leadership - Visiting UNDP Boss Assures
The Informer (Monrovia)
16 June 2009



The United Nations Development Programme Administrator, Miss Helen Clarke has
assured Liberians that the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) initiated by
government will succeed with a very strong leadership, a leadership that will
not stand over the people but a leadership that is able to stand tall in the
communities, the counties and all over the country for the good and success of
the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

She stressed the importance of decentralization which she said would be
effective in bringing effective government closer to the people because
according to her there is some thing that one can do on national level but
equally so many things can be done on the local level where services and
infrastructures need to be improved.

The visiting UNDP Administrator who made the remarks recently when she served as
Chief Launcher for UNDP sponsored Liberia Volunteer for Peace program pledged
her organization's commitment and support for the government's Poverty Reduction
Strategy.

Speaking during the launching of the program in Kakata, Margibi County on last
Thursday, Madam Clark said that she has come at an appropriate time while the
government is going through the terms and the conditions of the importance of
the Poverty Reduction Strategy, "we are here to support these strategies to
succeed," she stressed.

"It is also good that I have come to launch this important Liberia Volunteer for
Peace Program for the young people who would also stand and say yes, I want to
lead on these important things in the country in an effort of promoting peace
and nothing else is important than these," she averred.

The Liberia Volunteer for Peace program is aimed at providing opportunity to the
youth through voluntary service, to contribute to peace building and social
integration in the communities in the 15 counties.

The volunteers will be called - the 'Youth Peace Ambassadors to diffuse
potential conflicts amenity levels and significantly reduce the number of
reported incidents of youth conflicts in the coun­ties.

The program is to also build the capacity of the youth to identify and diffuse
potentially vio­lent conflicts and adopt non-violent conflict resolution
strategies, through Training of Trainers they will receive from volunteers under
the program.

The Peace Ambassador will also improve mutual trust, social co­hesion and
community relations among youth.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

3)"Provide assistance to flood victims" President Sirleaf instructs
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
STAR RADIO


President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has instructed the National Disaster Relief
Commission to take necessary measures to provide assistance to flood victims in
Monrovia and its environs.

Hundreds of residents were left homeless following a heavy down pour of rain on
Friday.

The President sent out the instruction over the weekend when she visited flood
victims and presented food items and other essentials.

An Executive Mansion release says the President regrets the displacement and
loss of property caused by the flooding.

The President however cautioned the residents about the danger of erecting
structures in wetlands.Latest information say the Internal Affairs Ministry have
begun distributing food, blankets, tarpaulin and other items to the victims.

In another development, the President has welcomed the resignation of Deputy
Central Bank Governor Ethel Davies.

According to Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Wleh Badio, the President sees
the decision as right and honorable at this time.

Madam Davis resigned on Friday in connection with the one million US dollars
transfer scandal at the Central Bank.

President Sirleaf believes the resignation would provide investigators, the free
hand to get to the bottom of the fraud at the Central Bank.

The president had earlier expressed disappointment over what she called Madam
Davis’ careless handling of the transfer document.

One million US dollars was fraudulently transferred from the Central Bank to the
ECO Bank without Bank officials detecting the forgery.

Four of the suspected accomplices are in detention awaiting court trial, while
three others connected to the fraud have been charged but released on bill.

+++

4) Liberia: UNDP Vows to Support PRS - Launches Liberia Volunteer for Peace
The Informer (Monrovia)
15 June 2009

The visiting UNDP Administrator, Miss Helen Clarke who served as chief launcher
for UNDP sponsored Liberia Volunteer for Peace program has pledged her
organization's commitment and support for the government's Poverty Reduction
Strategy.

Speaking during the launching of the program, in Kakata, Margibi County on last
Thursday, Madam Clark said that she has come at an appropriate time while the
government is going through the terms and the conditions of the importance of
the Poverty Reduction Strategy, "we are here to support these strategies to
succeed," she stressed.

She said that the PRS will succeed with a very strong leadership, a leadership
that will not stand over the people but a leadership that is able to stand tall
in the communities, the counties and all over the country for the good and
success of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

She also stressed the importance of decentralization which she said would be
effective in bringing effective government closer to the people because
according to her there is some thing that one can do on national level but
equally so many things can be done on the local level where services and
infrastructure need to be improved.

"It is also good that I have come to launch this important Liberia Volunteer for
Peace Program for the young people who would also stand and say yes, I want to
lead on these important things in the country in an effort of promoting peace
and nothing else is important than these," she averred.

The Liberia Volunteer for Peace program is aimed at providing opportunity to the
youth through voluntary service, to contribute to peace building and social
integration in the communities in the 15 counties.

The volunteers will be called - the 'Youth Peace Ambassa­dors to diffuse
potential conflicts amenity levels and significantly reduce the number of
reported inci­dents of youth conflicts in the coun­ties.

The program is to also build the capacity of the youth to identify and diffuse
potentially vio­lent conflicts and adopt non-violent conflict resolution
strategies, through Training of Trainers they will receive from volunteers under
the program.

The Peace Ambassador will also improve mutual trust, social co­hesion and
community relations among youth.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

5) Liberia: Minister Woods Inspects Bailey Bridge Projects
The Informer (Monrovia)
15 June 2009


In continuation of the assessment of Public Works Projects, Minister Samuel Kofi
Woods II on Saturday, June 13, visited Juli Juah of Bomi, Sinji, Cape Mount and
Roysville of Montserrado County to inspect ongoing Bailey bridge works and urged
engineers to accelerate their works.

Minister Woods admonished engineers and technicians to properly plan their work
to be reflected in the budget for speedy implementation. He said budgetary
appropriation for projects should conform to their work schedule to enhance
timely funding.

The Public Works Boss at the head of a six man delegation, told newsmen in Juli
Juah, Bomi County that he was pleased with the community involvement in
assembling Bailey Bridges which are being carried out by Public Works in
collaboration with the UNMIL Pakistani Engineering Contingent which is expected
to be completed by Tuesday this week.

"The Capitals cities of the 15 political sub divisions will be assessable by
good roads in one year," Minister Wood declared.

He said every county will feel the impact of services rendered by the Ministry,
through the provision of basic social services, including the improvement of
roads, bridges and rural water sanitation during his tenure.

Minister Wood revealed that 27 bailey bridges are expected to be assembled
throughout the country, four of which have being launched in River Gee, Freeport
Royesville and Juli Juah Bomi County. He challenged the engineers to adequately
inform the public on equipment tonnage permitted to travel on the bridges that
yet to be completed.

The Public Works Boss also disclosed that about USD2M will be used to assemble
bridges across the country.

Hon. Woods stressed that a robust Public Works Team will be formed shortly to
monitor all ongoing infrastructure projects by contractors and development
partners to ensure that execution of works is timely to meet the required
engineering standards.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Minister says the time has come that tax payers
directly benefit the value of their contributions, which are being used on
community Roads including SKD Road, Jamaica Road Matadi Road and Old Road among
others.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

6) World Vision scandal puts spotlight on efforts to stamp out aid corruption 10
Jun 2009 19:45:00 GMT
Written by: George Fominyen

With a $1 million alleged fraud case in Liberia, World Vision has become the
latest aid agency to be embroiled in a corruption scandal. The Christian
organisation has rushed to implement new systems to prevent such abuse in the
future, but analysts say fear of negative publicity, lack of external monitoring
and a degree of complacency are hampering efforts to stamp out corruption in the
aid world.

The Liberian case involves three former World Vision officials who are accused
of stealing food and construction materials meant to help people recover from
the country's 14-year-long civil war. They allegedly masterminded a scam in
which food aid was sold for profit in local markets.

Corruption in humanitarian emergencies is widespread, particularly in countries
that already have high levels of graft. Yet aid agencies say little about this
problem because they fear it will harm their reputation and donations, analysts
say.

George Ward, senior vice-president for international programmes at World Vision
United States, told AlertNet the Liberian case had been a "heavy blow" for the
organisation.

To avoid a repeat, World Vision has taken a number of steps, including increased
field oversight of programs and improved background check procedures. It also
funded training programs to increase the ability of local staff to detect fraud.
In addition, the aid agency enhanced its international, 24/7 "integrity hotline"
which World Vision employees can call confidentially if they become aware of
anything suspicious.

WHY IS AID PRONE TO CORRUPTION?

Dishonest staff are not the only problem. Some anti-graft watchers also blame
corruption on a lack or resources for external monitoring.

"Often, in an effort to cut overhead costs, on-site external monitoring is
de-prioritised. Regular audits only pick up areas where procedures have not been
followed, not where procedures have been manipulated to cover up fraud," says
Jessica Shultz, programme coordinator at the Norway-based U4 Anti-Corruption
Resource Centre.

In addition, there is a sense of complacency towards corruption.

"Paying bribes to get goods past a road block, for example, may seem acceptable
at the height of an emergency when lives may really be at stake. However, that
thinking is being challenged now even in emergency situations," Shultz said.

A notorious corruption case surfaced in 2002 when a study brought to light
allegations of widespread sexual exploitation of refugee children in Liberia,
Guinea, and Sierra Leone by aid workers and peacekeepers from 40 agencies in
exchange for relief supplies.

Food distribution, a cornerstone of humanitarian assistance, is particularly
vulnerable because the complex logistics of aid delivery make corruption hard to
detect.

Moreover, food is a valuable commodity and there are many opportunities for
corruption in the process of shipping, storing and distributing food aid.

The World Food Programme says it has set up a system that aims to provide food
directly to women and heads of families. People are registered before the food
is delivered and there's post-distribution monitoring to ensure it has been used
by those it was intended for.

Following the Liberian case, World Vision has opted for inspection at all levels
of the process.

"When inspectors (receive) the documents (that) have been signed by recipients
(of food aid), they take them back to the villages and they re-interview the
recipients to ensure that the people did receive the food. We do not take our
internal documents at face value," Ward said.

SPEAKING OUT

Analysts believe an important first step that agencies can take in tackling
corruption is to promote open discussion.

"Corruption remains a taboo topic," said Sarah Bailey, author of a policy brief
on corruption for the British Overseas Development Institute (ODI) think-tank.

"Agencies should make sure that staff and aid recipients have channels to safely
report suspected abuses. If people feel intimidated or that they are risking
their job in reporting abuses, this presents a serious disincentive.

"We need to encourage aid agencies and aid workers to confront corruption
honestly and openly - if it remains a taboo topic or agencies withhold
assistance then no one will win - least of all the people who need assistance."

Providing recipients of aid with better information about the process also
improves openness. Experts say more needs to be done to make sure that
assistance is transparent and that people have ways to communicate suspected
fraud.

Anti-corruption organisation Transparency International is producing a handbook
on preventing corruption in humanitarian assistance based on research with the
ODI and Tufts University in the United States, due for publication later this
year.

Both high-level official support and grass-roots activism are also crucial in
the fight against aid corruption.

Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf spoke out against corruption last week
when the World Vision case came to light. The scandal also galvanised about 15
civil society organisations to hold a march in the capital Monrovia on Tuesday.
The participants presented a memorandum to the U.S Ambassador to Liberia, asking
that no visa be given to people under investigation for corruption.

Read more on how corruption is affecting aid work and what can be done to tackle
it in our Q+A with Transparency International.

Reuters AlertNet

+++

7) West African 'Oil Rush' Is On, Reports Gold Star Resources Corp. CEO in
AFROIL Online News Column


VANCOUVER, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- West Africa now offers
"unparalleled opportunities" for major and independent oil and gas companies,
writes Patrick Morris, CEO of Vancouver-based Gold Star Resources Corp.
(OTCBulletinBoard: GXXFF) in the June 10th issue of AFROIL, Africa Oil & Gas
Monitor, an online publication of Newsbase Ltd., Edinburgh, Scotland read by
subscribers in 25 countries (www.newsbase.com; Week 23; page 5 Guest Column).
Morris, author of a news column published in AFROIL entitled "West African Oil
Rush, Challenges", reported that changing geopolitics, reduced security and
political risks, the recent 1.8 billion barrel discovery in West Africa's
largest oilfield, the Jubilee in Ghana, and a new African foreign policy by
recently elected U.S. President Barack Obama have all helped in making West
Africa a "desirable destination for oil and gas exploration and production."


According to Morris, "For a long time West Africa has been off the radar of the
international community because of messy politics and brutal civil wars. Also,
apart from Nigeria and Gabon, there had been the disappointing size of oil
discoveries made at times of low oil prices. All this is now changing.
Expectations by countries and oil & gas companies to discover new reserves in
the region are high. Exploration and seismic research activities are underway in
all countries of West Africa bar Burkina Faso and Cape Verde. Governments are
also actively involved. For example, in Liberia, the National Oil Company of
Liberia (NOCAL) is promoting oil and gas exploration and development of its
hydrocarbon resources along its continental shelf and slope. The sub-region is
also gaining global attention as calm has been restored to countries such as
Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d' Ivoire, reducing security risks."


"The role of junior exploration companies is to set the trend," Morris writes in
his news column. " For example, Gold Star Resources is the first and only junior
company to go after onshore oil and gas opportunities in Cote d' Ivoire and
Liberia since the 1970s. Larger players are competing for offshore blocks all
along the coast - but with no plans for any onshore exploration."


Gold Star Resources recently signed a Letter-of-Intent with Bengal Bight Ghana
to acquire 100% of the hydrocarbon rights to the Tiampoum mining concession,
approximately 1,000 square km, in Cote d' Ivoire. In January, Gold Star entered
West Africa when it acquired 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of
Liberia's International Resources Strategies Liberia Energy (IRSLE).

Website: http://www.goldstarresources.com

Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the
accuracy of the content.
Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply.


Copyright © 1996-2009 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.

+++


8) Liberia: China's Commitment Fixed
8 June 2009

Monrovia — Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Zhou Yuxiao says his country's
commitment to helping Liberia regains its dream of development is fixed.

He said China and Liberia have come a long way in their relations and as such
nothing would it put asunder.

He made the statement when he paid a visit on Public Works Minister-designate,
Samuel Kofi Woods at his Lynch Street Office at the weekend.

Ambassador Zhou said "as Liberia is gradually taking new a shape after years of
conflict", his government and people will remain steadfast with plans to support
Liberia's development agenda.

According to him, his office will keep eyes and encourage Chinese companies that
are undertaking projects in Liberia to end them (contracts) in accordance with
the terms of agreement.

Besides that, the Chinese diplomat also indicated that Liberia-China relations
are tied to "a foundation of progress, a partnership that both countries are
bond to achieve."

Responding to Ambassador's Zhou pledge of commitment to helping Liberia, Public
Works Minister-designate, Samuel Kofi Woods also acknowledged that people of
China through their government continue to make huge contributions to Liberia's
reconstruction initiatives at every level.

According to him, Liberians will continue to appreciate the Chinese government
and people's contribution to Liberia's rebuilding process after years of
conflict.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst.


+++


9) LIBERIA: Community demands answers on rubber pollution

Photo: IRIN
Firestone rubber plantation 45km southeast of Monrovia (file photo)
MONROVIA, 4 June 2009 (IRIN) - People living next to Firestone Natural Rubber
Company’s plantation in Harbel, 45km outside of Liberia’s capital Monrovia,
say pollution from the concession is destroying their health, ruining their
livelihoods and even killing residents.

On 4 June parliamentarians called on the head of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to declare why the agency has not yet published the results of a 22
May EPA investigation into the allegations.

Firestone’s Liberia rubber concession is the second largest rubber producer in
Africa and employs some 14,000 Liberians.

Residents of the town of Kpanyarh, just next to Firestone's rubber plantation in
Harbel, say the creek from which they fish and drink their water in the dry
season has been contaminated with toxins.

“We used to fish and drink the water,” 67-year-old Kpanyarh resident John
Powell told IRIN on a visit to the creek which runs just outside the town. He
said the water became toxic in October 2008. “We can’t drink it any longer.
Some of our people have already died from this. We have drawn Firestone’s
attention to our plight but they have ignored it.”

Residents are falling ill with diarrhoea after drinking at the site, and at
least three have died as a result of drinking the polluted water since it first
emitted toxins in October 2008, Powell said.

In mid-May on an IRIN visit to the area, acidic fumes emanating from the creek
caused people’s eyes to water and made it difficult to breathe.

Mary Sackie, 49, a fisherwoman who chairs a local women’s group in the town,
said she used to earn as much as US$10 a day from fishing in the river but since
it became polluted she has given this up and does petty trade instead.

After receiving complaints from residents the EPA sent a team of environmental
experts to the site, according to EPA Director Jerome Nyenkan.

“It was established that many creeks are polluted and they could no longer be
used by the local people.” He said EPA is “troubled” about Kpanyarh
residents’ situation.

“The environmental laws of Liberia are very clear on this. Any institution or
person who discharges toxic waste and/or dangerous substances into any water
body leading to the death of marine creatures or even harming people, will be
fined $50,000 or subject to a jail sentence,” said Nyenkan.

Under Liberian law the person or institution responsible for the pollution must
also restore resources to an appropriate standard.

In a 3 June statement sent to IRIN Firestone Rubber said: “Firestone Liberia
is committed to protecting the health and welfare of our employees, neighbours
and fellow citizens of Liberia…That commitment includes our treatment of the
water used in our plant.”

The operations includes a multi-million-dollar water treatment facility which
was developed in collaboration with Robert Knight, a wetlands expert, according
to the statement provided by Rufus Kormoh, Firestone’s Liberia spokesperson.

Since the facility was set up tests have confirmed water quality is
“excellent”, it says.

Relations between Liberians and Firestone Rubber have been bitter for years,
with a series of strikes and allegations from community members and staff of
destruction of the ecosystem, unbearable living and working conditions and child
labour. Communities have also charged that the company has reneged on its
corporate social responsibilities.

In August 2008 the Firestone Agricultural Workers’ Union of Liberia negotiated
a new labour agreement with the company, which calls for improved wages, health
and safety and housing and education standards.

pc/aj

Theme(s): (IRIN) Water & Sanitation

[ENDS]

Copyright © IRIN 2009. All rights reserved.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#308 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:16 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 


1) Liberia: Expert Panel Urges Security Council to Extend UN Mission, 2) Venga's
Affiliate Announces Initial Results of Its Liberian Gold Mining Operations
[press release], 3) Situation at Guthrie: Gov’t to pay workers 180,000 dollars
salary arrears, 4)Liberia: Harvard University Scientists Vist Rural Liberia;
visit the Jabateh’s farm in Kpein, 5) KRTTI holds first graduation in 20
years, 6) Rivercess cut off from Liberia…as key bridges collapse, 7) Liberia:
Mass Slaughter of Pigs in Bong, 8) El Nino and El Nina Weather Impacts on West
Africa, 9) Policy Makers To Discuss Climate Change Issues At National Dialogue
(press release), 10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1) Liberia: Expert Panel Urges Security Council to Extend UN Mission
23 June 2009

A group of experts monitoring United Nations sanctions on Liberia has called for
the extension of the world body's peacekeeping mission in the West African
country to assist the Government in regaining control of its natural resources.

The mid-term report of the Panel of Experts on Liberia recommended that the UN
Mission, known as UNMIL, help Monrovia re-establish administration of its
natural resources and authority over mining and forestry.

The group also said that efforts to ensure that rough diamonds from Côte
d'Ivoire do not enter Liberia must be intensified through strengthened internal
controls over diamond mining and

trading, as well as continued collaboration with the Kimberley Process - an
international initiative joining governments, industry and civil society to stem
the flow of conflict diamonds - and with neighbouring countries.

The panel of experts was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in July 2007
to renew investigations of whether UN sanctions against Liberia are enforced
after learning of allegations that former president Charles Taylor may still
have access to considerable wealth.

In its report, the group reviewed the lifting of embargoes on the export of
diamonds and timber, along with the Council's travel ban and assets freeze
imposed on certain individuals associated with Mr. Taylor, who's currently on
trial in The Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The panel said that it is investigating allegations of unapproved travel by
individuals under the Council's ban amid reports that the Liberian Government
has issued at least four

passports, including a diplomatic one to listed individuals.

Among its proposals, the panel suggested that enforcement of the travel ban
could be strengthened with greater collaboration with organizations such as
INTERPOL.


Copyright © 2009 UN News Service.

+++

2) Venga's Affiliate Announces Initial Results of Its Liberian Gold Mining
Operations [press release]
Jun 22, 2009, 10:36 a.m. EST


TORONTO, ONTARIO, Jun 22, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Venga Aerospace
Systems Inc. /quotes/comstock/11v!vav (CA:VAV 0.03, -0.01, -14.29%) (PINK
SHEETS: VNGAF) (the "Company")

announced that Liberia's Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy has confirmed that
the Company's mining affiliate, Global Mineral Investments, LLC ("GMI"), has
recovered 14 ounces of gold from GMI's Dugbe River and Kumasi Hill projects in
Sinoe County, Liberia. This production occurred between May 29 and June 13, 2009
during the initial or start up phase for both GMI mining projects.

In an official communique to GMI, Mr. A. Kpandel Fayia, Deputy Minister for
Planning and Development in Liberia's Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy
stated, "Congratulations on your gold finds on the Kumasi Hill and Dugbe River
in Sinoe County. GMI is now a gold production company in Liberia. Please call me
if I can be of any service to you or GMI. Again, congratulations!!"

Photographs depicting GMI's Liberian gold mining enterprise, including images of
the initial operational activities at the Kumasi Hill project, can be viewed on
line at Venga's website:

www.vengasystems.webs.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking

statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause the
Company's results to differ materially from expectations and speak only as of
the date hereof.

SHARES ISSUED: 239,171,893

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.


Contacts:

Venga Aerospace Systems Inc.
Hirsh Kwinter
President
(514) 489-7175
venga@...
www.vengasystems.webs.com


+++

3) Situation at Guthrie: Gov’t to pay workers 180,000 dollars salary arrears
Written by Matthias Daffah
Monday, 22 June 2009
STAR RADIO


Government says it has reached a consensus with aggrieved workers of the Guthrie
Rubber Plantation in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties.

According to Deputy Information Minister Cletus Sieh the workers will receive
one month salary arrear each as of Wednesday June 24.

Minister Sieh put the total amount to cover the one month arrear of the workers
at one hundred eighty thousand US dollars.

The Deputy Information boss said the agreement was reached Monday following a
consultative meeting with the leadership of the Guthrie workers.

Minister Sieh said the government’s action was to avoid another riot at the
plantation.

The striking Guthrie workers had threatened disturbance in demand of three-month
salary arrears allegedly owed them by the management.

Deputy Minister Sieh believes the situation at Guthrie would be resolved when
the Sime Darby Company takes over in August.


+++

4)Liberia: Harvard University Scientists Vist Rural Liberia; visit the
Jabateh’s farm in Kpein
Jun 22, 2009

by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer

After week of lecture at various Universities and colleges in and around
Monrovia, the two young Harvard trained Scientists extended their science
outreach program to rural Liberia commencing with the commercial city of Ganta,
Nimba County.

Dr. Adam Cohen and Ben Rapoport left Liberia’s capital Monrovia at exactly
11:30 am and arrived at their first stop, Kpein in Nimba County where they
expressed joy over the level of welcome accorded them in Nimba County. Dr. Cohen
and Ben Rapoport were met upon arrival in Kpein by the former Commissioner of
Ganta, Mr. Vamala Jabateh at the entrance of the Jabateh farm in Kpein Township,
Nimba County where the both parties started with a tour of the Jabateh’s farm.
The 150 acres farmland which is occupied by rubber and palm was viewed with
sanguinity by the visiting United States trained Scientists.

[photo] Adam and Ben tour the Jabateh's farm in Kpain, Nimba County

While at the farm, both Dr. Cohen and Mr. Rapoport asked questions about the
production of rubber latex to end product. Out of interest, the guests attempted
on many occasions to contribute their physical Labour output to the farm by
physically handling tools such as cutlasses and other materials used for rubber
production. Viewing every leave and tree with deep concern, the two American
Scientists spent more time questioning farmers over the use of the leave
particularly when applying it as tradition medicines.

The guests later visited the Kpein Public School and met with the Principal and
staff at the institution. Both the Principal and guests were able to exchange
views and ideas in nurturing Science education in Liberia. Unfortunately, the
guests were not able to lecture students during the brief stop at Kpein Public
School due to the afternoon schedule and the closure of the annual school year
program.

[photo] Dr. Adam Cohen helps with rubber tipping

The visiting science experts also toured major facilities at the Jabateh’s
farm including the rubber farm, palm farm and the newly planted coffee farm and
met with family members of the Jabateh who were busy farming. Mr. Ben Rapoport
later attempted mountaineering the palm tree to help harvest the palm but was
stopped by the head of the Jabateh family, Vamala Jabateh due to laughable
reasons.

At the end of the tour of Jabateh farm, four curious young Liberians who
accompanied us at the farm stood shocked when our tour guide introduced Adam
Cohen as an Associate instructor of Harvard University and Ben as a MD-PhD
student at both MIT and Harvard. Many of them felt exceptionally happy to
identify with such high profile personalities for the first time.

[photo] Adam inspects new latex at Jabateh's farm

The concept built in the minds of ordinary Liberians about attending and
graduating from Harvard University is very high to the extent that identifying
with instructor of such great institution entails even more delight for them.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a product of the Harvard University.

Dr Adam Cohen and Benjamin Rapoport are guests of the iHelp Liberia project
established by their former Science teacher, Mr. Asumana Jabateh Randolph. The
Liberian Mandingo Association in New York (LIMANY) and the Alumni Association
and students of the Hunter College High School are proud sponsors of the iHelp
Liberia Science project for Liberian School system.

In a brief chat with the head of IHelp Liberia Project based in the United
States, Mr. Asumana Jabateh Randolph thanked both the hosts and guests for the
level of awareness created among

Universities and Schools in Liberia about the importance of Science. He
expressed special thanks to his former students which he considered as children
for buttressing his initiative. He revealed plans about his visit to Liberia in
August for the purpose of developing and enhancing Science education in Liberia.

[photo] Adam observe the package of rubber latex

[photo] Ben and Adam chat with Judge Domah on the highway to Nimba

[photo] Former Commissioner of Ganta, Mr. Vamala Musa Jabateh teaches Mr.
Jabateh teach Ben and Adam how rubber grow

About the Author:

Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written
articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his
hard hitting investigative

journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@....

All rights, including copyright, in the content of these TheLiberianTimes.com
web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia.

+++


5) KRTTI holds first graduation in 20 years

Posted June 22, 2009

(MONROVIA-June 20, 2009): The Kakata Rural Teachers Training Institute (KRTTI)
in Kakata, Margibi County, has held its first graduation in 20 years, with 178
teachers awarded certificates.

Delivering a special statement on June 20 at the occasion, Liberian President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf described the graduation as a manifestation of
Government’s steadfast commitment to

addressing the country’s weak school system. The President commended the
country’s partners, particularly the United States of America, the Ministry of
Education and the faculty and staff of KRTTI for their contribution to the
success of the program.

Because education is pivotal for meaningful national development, the Liberian
leader noted that socio-economic progress cannot be achieved until the requisite
human resource capacity is built through the support of a strong and productive
national education system.

The President, according to an Executive Mansion release, reiterated that at the
heart of the country’s present challenge of national reconstruction is the
need to rehabilitate, improve and transform Liberia’s education sector. She
said Government has begun to address the burning issues of quality education for
all, as many damaged institutions are being rehabilitated

and made operational. The construction of new learning facilities, the
President said, is given priority in Government’s drive to make education
available and accessible nationwide.

A sign of Government’s commitment to this goal, she added, has been the start
of construction of 40 primary schools located in communities that are severely
under-served.

The President reminded KRTTI graduates that the country’s future is firmly in
their hands, noting that Liberia needs to produce the highest quality of its
human resource to meet the challenges of national recovery.

Delivery the keynote address, United States Ambassador to Liberia, Linda
Thomas-Greenfield, described the graduates as the new face of Liberia’s
future. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield

urged teachers to demonstrate commitment to the recovery of Liberia through
their contributions to the education. “What you have learned and how you
learned it will shape Liberia’s future,” the U.S. diplomat reminded the
graduates, adding, “we want the next generation you will be teaching to be
leaders who will make impact.”

Other speakers at Saturday’s program were the Director of KRTTI, Mr. John
Sellu, and Education Minister, Dr. Joseph Korto. The ceremony marked the first
graduation of the first group of

teachers under Kakata Rural Teachers Training Institute “C” certificate
program for pre-service teachers. Another batch of gradates is expected to
receive certificates next week from the Zorzor Rural Teacher Training Institute
in Lofa County.


Source: Cyrus Badio
Press Secretary, Executive Mansion - Monrovia

+++

6) Rivercess cut off from Liberia…as key bridges collapse
Written by Julius Kanubah
Thursday, 18 June 2009
STAR RADIO

Reports reaching Star Radio say River Cess County has finally been cut-off from
the rest of Liberia due to the collapse of two major bridges.

According to the reports the bridges were swept away by heavy rains in the
Southeastern County.

River Cess County Senator George Moore said if nothing is urgently done to
repair the bridges, the people of Rivercess could face a humanitarian crisis.

Senator Moore who launched an SOS call for assistance said the people cannot
travel out of the County by road due to the situation.

He said one of the collapsed bridges links the county to Grand Bassa while the
other connects Moweh and Central River Cess Statutory districts.

The River Cess Senator put the cost for the repair of the bridges at about
thirty thousand US dollars.

+++


7) Liberia: Mass Slaughter of Pigs in Bong
The Informer (Monrovia)
Jefferson Massah
18 June 2009


Gbarnga — Several dozens of roaming pigs have been slaughtered in Bong County
after they were found to be contaminating waters and posing serious health risks
to community inhabitants.

A team of inspectors from the Ministry of Internal Affairs assigned in Bong
responsible for the cleaning of towns and containment of roaming animals
recently embarked on a vigorous inspection exercise in selected towns and
villages in two of Bong's 12 districts which led to the killing of over a dozen
of roaming pigs in several communities.

The County Inspector of Bong William Kollie told The Informer that the measure
was instituted by his office based on persistent complaints from local leaders
in some affected towns and villages. They had reported that roaming animals,
especially pigs, not being contained by people raising them, were contaminating
creeks and running streams used for drinking and other household purposes,
especially in communities lacking hand pumps.

The animals are reportedly defecating in wells and running waters which have
resulted into the outbreak of water born diseases such as "diarrhea and
chloride" in some communities.

Inspector Kollie said despite the many awareness carried out amongst cattle
owners in the county, people are not doing much to control their animals by
placing them in fence to halt them from creating environmental pollution in
various communities.

Kollie said he remains relentless in making sure cattle farmers in Bong adopt
good environmental practices and be sensitive to the health consequences when
these animals are not properly maintained.

He named Naama, Kollita, Duta and Zaybaye in Zota and Panta districts as
communities in which several roaming pigs were recently killed.

The recent exercise that witnessed the slaughtering of dozens of pigs was
reportedly predicated upon an outbreak of sore - mainly amongst children, in the
town of Naama in Zota district - caused by a strange flies being conveyed by
roaming pigs in the area.

According to information gathered from the town and other surrounding villages,
the children encountered the sore as a result of the persistent bite they
received from the wild flies which is relatively strange to their communities.

"When the flies bite anyone, the bite creates blisters which burst few days
later, and turned into real sore that are very painful," one resident narrated.
"The children are the main victims as compared to the adults because they are
unable to prevent the flies from sitting on them," he added.

The outbreak of the sore reportedly affected the enrollment at the Gborka Kollie
Public School in Naama Town. Children with big wounds were no longer going to
school as their parents were finding means of providing cure for their sores.

The community clinic in the area inability to respond to the sore out break
because of the lack of essential drugs to provide treatment for the sore victims
also exacerbated the situation.

Bulk of the habitants of Zota and Panta Districts heavily rely on cattle rearing
as their basic source of economic empowerment, but scores of these animals roam
the various towns and villages in search of food.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer


+++

8) El Nino and El Nina Weather Impacts on West Africa
By Yurfee B. Shaikalee

Published: 18 June, 2009

Liberia has suffered from a heavy downpour of rain from June 10 to 14 leaving
many residents of Monrovia and its environs homeless. The rain went on for those
days unabated. Many residents did not attempt drying anything until Sunday, June
15. According to scientists, there are projections of more rainfall in 2009 for
the entire West Coast of Africa. One cause of this rainfall is the wind from the
Pacific referred to as El Nino.

Gain access to this and all other stories. Subscribe now to
www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!


+++

9) Policy Makers To Discuss Climate Change Issues At National Dialogue (press
release)
UNDP (Monrovia)
17 June 2009


The impacts of climate change - and how Liberia can learn to better understand
the magnitude of funds needed to tackle climate change now and in the long term
- will be discussed at a National Inter-Ministerial Dialogue being held at the
Cape Hotel in Monrovia, Liberia, on 24-26 June 2009.

Discussions will focus in particular on the impacts of climate change on the key
sector of agriculture, approaches for more efficient energy uses, and ways in
which forests can be used for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause
global warming. Agriculture is a key sector for Liberia, estimated to employ
over 70% of the entire labour force and contribute around 20% of GDP. Timber
exports also contribute around 20-22% of GDP. But climate change will negatively
impact upon livestock production, reduce soil fertility, and water scarcity is
predicted to increase. Meanwhile, the timber industry releases greenhouse gases.
Currently 95% of Liberia’s energy comes from biomass (firewood, charcoal, and
palm oil) -- to move into energy production will require significant
investments. All three sectors share linkages that need to be considered more
holistically.

The Dialogue will also raise awareness about important international climate
talks that are currently underway that could have implications for national
policies. The "Bali Road Map"

discussions, which began in December 2007 under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process, have a timeline for reaching
agreement on a number of international negotiations issues on climate change by
December 2009 in Copenhagen.

The Dialogue has been organized by UNDP and the Environmental Protection Agency
as part of a global project in which Liberia is participating. There are 20
countries in total participating in the $7million project, Capacity Development
for Policy Makers to Address Climate Change. In addition to this National
Inter-Ministerial Dialogue, the government will also undertake an assessment of
the magnitude of investments required to tackle climate change now and in the
long-term for the key sectors of agriculture, energy and forestry. The analysis
of investment and financial flows to address ways to reduce greenhouse gases and
also adapt to climate change impacts is an important activity for the
development of effective and appropriate national responses to climate change.

Participants to the Dialogue will include policy makers, Ministry officials, and
representatives of the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

Copyright © 2009 UNDP.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/



#309 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:36 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1)U.S. Embassy dedicates new bridge in Caldwell, 2)Kimberley Process Sees
"Progress," NGOs Say [Excerpts], 3) Liberia: VEEP Boakai Launches ?Back To Soil?
Campaign Tomorrow, 4) Liberia: US$3 Million Tabled To Defend Country?s Coastal
Cities, 5) Gold Star Resources Corp. Eyes New Hydrocarbon Deposits in West
Africa, 6) Liberia: Govt Receives U.S. $3.5 Million for Coastal

Defense, 7) Liberia: Japan Donates Over 84,000 Metric Tons of Rice to GoL,
8)Liberia: FDA Strangulates Logging Companies, 9) Wild life conservation forum
opens in Sinoe, 10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1)U.S. Embassy dedicates new bridge in Caldwell
Written by Robert J. Clarke, Jr.
Friday, 26 June 2009
STAR RADIO

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield says community initiatives remain a
paramount concern to the US Embassy.

Ambassador Greenfield said it was necessary for local dwellers to feel the
impact and form part of development activities.

The US Ambassador spoke Friday when she opened a community bridge constructed
under the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Project in theThumbs-Up Community in
Caldwell.

The over five thousand US Dollars project links the community to the rest of the
Caldwell Township.

The Ambassador’s Self-Help project is designed to address urgent needs of
residents at the community level.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy near Monrovia says it is saddened by the death of US
Pop Star Michael Jackson.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the people of America will forever
remember Michael Jackson for his music.


+++

2)Kimberley Process Sees "Progress," NGOs Say [Excerpts]
-- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 6/26/2009 10:16:00 AM

A coalition of civil society groups acknowledged some progress at the close of
the sixth Intersessional meeting of Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in
Windhoek, Namibia this week but said that more action was needed from
governments to ensure the scheme's effectiveness.

The groups welcomed the commitment by KP members to develop a multi-stakeholder
regional task force to address implementation of the scheme in West Africa. They
said that the trade in conflict diamonds from Cote d'Ivoire was an issue of
serious concern.

The groups joined the World Diamond Council in calling for governments to
translate the positive discussions held at the Intersessional into strong
commitments and concrete actions to close the loopholes that continue to
compromise the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process.

A significant concern going into the meeting was the need for Kimberley Process
participant governments to address cases of serious non-compliance by some
members. In particular, campaigners sounded the alarm about the human rights
abuses, militarization of mining and diamond smuggling taking place in
Zimbabwe's diamond sector. A KP team will visit the country next week.

Alfred Brownell from Green Advocates, Liberia said: "We were encouraged by the
constructive discussion around human rights and development held at this meeting
and we echo Namibia's

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Amathila's call for the Kimberley Process' human rights
mandate to be given the consideration it deserves within the implementation of
the scheme.

"Kimberley Process participating governments should ensure that their diamond
sectors actively contribute to development. Conflicts often find their roots in
poverty; however, if used wisely, revenues from the diamond trade can be a
driver of development and stability."


©2009 Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All

+++

3) Liberia: VEEP Boakai Launches ?Back To Soil? Campaign Tomorrow
26 June 2009

Monrovia — It is said any nation that cannot feed itself doesn’t being
called a nation,” and this is what is fighting hard to eschew. To the extent
that the Liberian government is

wielding efforts in this direction is sufficient to conclude that it wants to be
“food sufficient and secured. But how possible and how are those working
towards this gain are coping is the main question. The Analyst provides
information on the latest efforts vis-a-vas the pending the launch of the
“Back to the Soil” Campaign.

Whether rain or shine, whether interest or no interest, whether mammoth turnout
or not, tomorrow, June 27, 2009 will go down in the annals of history as the day
the Liberian Government put the final nail to the coffin that will take it to
the land of ‘food sufficiency.

It is the day that Vice President Joseph Boakai, a former Minister of
Agriculture of Liberia, will lead an array of government officials,
international partners, farmers and ordinary Liberians to launch the second
phase of Liberia’s “Back to the soil” campaign.

His participation in the launching program as someone who is knowledgeable of
the agriculture sector, one positioned to push the program to its logical
conclusion is typical of how significant the government is working to score the
needed results.

The Liberian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture along with its
collaborating partners has already indicated that this year’s “back to the
soil” campaign will take a different trend and shape far from that of last
year.

That difference, according to the overseers, means going into the fields, seeing
what the farmers are doing and encouraging them to redouble their efforts to
make Liberia what it wants to be in food sufficiency.

It may be recalled that last year’s ‘Back to the soil” was launched in
Monrovia, but the impact was not felt in the rest of the country, meaning that
officials made no efforts in reaching out to the farmers to see what they are
doing, or whether the materials given them were properly utilized.

As a national event and in to make the day as successful as possible as the
dreams and aspirations and the aims and objectives are, the Ministry of
Agriculture is collaborating with other support institutions such as UNMIL,
Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP) with support from World Food Program (WFP),
CHICO and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to ensure that the message
reach the length and breadth of the country.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture represented by Acting Minister Boakai
Sirleaf and Assistant Minister Lorpu Kandakai, LCP represented by Ambassador of
Juli Endee and UNMIL by the

head of outrage, held a press conference to elucidate more on activities
earmarked for the “Back to the Soil.”

Assistant Minister Kandakai told reporters that this year’s “Back to the
soil” “is to make use of every inch of soil behind the homes to enhance food
sufficiency.”

The focus is not absolutely on female farmers, however they are likely to become
the main ones to watch during this maiden edition of the “back to the soil
campaign.”

The exercise, according to her, is about showcasing some of Liberia’s farmers,
seeing their products, the acres of land cultivated and what they are providing.
More than that, about 200,000 farmers are targeted for this year’s exercise.

Ambassador Juli Endee, whose organization, the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, is
charged of the publicity aspect of the “Back to the Soil” Campaign, has
indicated that the program will be launched simultaneously across the country.

This means that while the launching is taking place in Monrovia, the rest of the
counties will similarly be doing so.

Though the actual number not disclosed, Ambassador Endee says they have put in
the field as many trainers and monitors as possible. “We have trained peer
groups, monitors, and other supporting agents. They will be out there spreading
the message,” she says.

What such national event requires most, according to observers, is commitment
and proactiveness, but the LCP boss indicated that much needs to be put into
publicity. “This is a social endeavor,” she indicated, meaning that all
Liberians have a stake into it.

She said they would use cultural performances, jingoes and other media methods
to convey the message across the country.

During tomorrow’s program, cultural troops of the LCP are expected to
entertain the audience and to demonstrate what would be the main medium thru
which the message will be transmitted.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst. All rights reserved.

+++

4) Liberia: US$3 Million Tabled To Defend Country?s Coastal Cities
Edwood Dennis
25 June 2009

Liberia’s participation in international climate change conferences and fora
have begun bearing fruits as the country is posed to benefit from a US$3 million
grant for the building of a coastal defense system in three main cities in the
country.

The Acting Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Jerome Nyenkan
named the cities poised to benefit as Robertsport, Monrovia and Buchanan in
Grand Cape Mount, Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties.

He told reporters yesterday at Cape Hotel, the venue of a three-day Liberia
National Inter- Ministerial Dialogue that the cities would benefit from the
coastal defense system.

There are the most sea erosion-prone cities in Liberia. Sea erosion has taken
parts of Monrovia, Buchanan and Robertsport.

He says the grant is provided by the World Bank to be used for the building of
coastal defense system in these major cities in Liberia.

According to him, the Liberian government with support from its partners will
also engage into integrated light crops production for the improvement of
Liberia’s farming system as well as the establishment of monitoring system or
weather stations across the country for the collection of complete data on
Liberia climate.

Acting Director Nyenkan quoted report from international conferences on climate
change as revealing that Liberia is exposed to three major and dangerous climate
change conditions that have brought the three coastal cities to focus, adding
that the government needs to pay attention to the issue and seek more support
from the international community.

He named sea level rise, coastal erosion or coastal flooding and changes in rain
fall pattern as the major cases.

He says the fact that Liberia has been facing a long time threat to the climate
change, Liberia’s partners are finding way to help to address such threat.

The three-day Liberia National Inter-ministerial dialogue conference brought
together senior government officials, local government officials as well as
heads of international NGOs.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst.


+++

5) Gold Star Resources Corp. Eyes New Hydrocarbon Deposits in West Africa

Liberian Energy Company Acquisition Supports Oil Company's Strategy

VANCOUVER, June 25 Gold Star Resources Corp.'s (TSX-V: GXX; OTC Bulletin Board:
GXXFF; www.goldstarresources.com) recent acquisition of International Resource
Strategies Liberia Energy

Inc. (IRSLE) boosts the Canadian oil exploration firm's plans to develop new
hydrocarbon deposits in Liberia. Gold Star Resources announced on June 12th that
it has officially acquired IRSLE. Gold Star Resources is the first Canadian
junior oil company active in 'onshore' oil and gas projects in Cote d'Ivoire and
Liberia since the late 1970s.

According to Patrick Morris, President and CEO of GXX, "The acquisition of IRSLE
in Liberia is part of our overall strategy to pursue new hydrocarbon deposits in
that West African nation.

The Liberian political environment has stabilized and we're seeing a more
positive reception from local governments encouraging investment in new oil
exploration projects. Gold Star Resources intends to set the trend for junior
resource companies seeking to gain a profitable presence in Liberia and
elsewhere in West Africa. We recently signed a Letter-of-Intent with a Ghanaian
company, Bengal Bight Ghana Ltd. to acquire 100% interest in the hydrocarbon
rights of Bengal's 1,000 sq. km. Tiampoum mining concession in Cote d'Ivoire,
near the border of Ghana."

Morris is excited about his company's strategy to secure "onshore" oil and gas
opportunities on Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia because, "larger energy companies are
competing for 'offshore'

resources all along the African coast, but have not expressed any true interest
for any 'onshore' oil and gas exploration. That's fine with us. We see
substantive exploration opportunities onshore. While the larger energy firms
develop deepwater areas demanding considerable initial capital expenditures,
Gold Star Resources can aggressively move forward onshore where it can find
abundant acreage and favorable capital terms for its potential oil and gas
projects."

SOURCE Gold Star Resources Corp.

+++

6) Liberia: Govt Receives U.S. $3.5 Million for Coastal Defense
Akoi Dakala
The Informer (Monrovia)
25 June 2009


The Acting Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jerome
Nyenkan, has disclosed that the World Bank has given Liberia US$3.5M for its
Costal Defense program which will target three cities including Monrovia, the
capital City of Liberia, Buchanan, the Capital of Grand Bassa County and
Robertsport, the Capital of Grand Cape Mount County.

The EPA Acting Boss spoke during an Inter Ministerial Dialogue meeting at the
Cape Hotel in Monrovia on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

Mr. Nyenkan said the impacts of climate change and how Liberians can better
understand the magnitude of funds needed to tackle climate change now in the
long term will be seriously discussed at the dialogue in the course of the two
days.

He said discussions will also focus on the impacts of climate change on the key
sector of agriculture approaches for more efficient energy uses and ways in
which forests can be used for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause
global warning.

Director Nyenkan also added that the dialogue will also raise awareness about
important international climate talks that are currently underway could have
implications for national policies.

He said climate change is steering up serious issue which makes it very
challenging and needs to be looked at keenly in Liberia before it becomes so
late. "At this program, we must try to solve the threat of climate change in
Liberia and globally" he said.

For his part, the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Dr. Eugene Shannon said
in recent times, the world continues to experience climate related problems
naming sea rise, increase in temperature, erratic weather, tropical storms,
thunderstorms, cyclones among others.

He added that these situations have continue to take human lives, destruction of
infrastructures, disruption of agricultural activities, increased in water-borne
diseases and the creation of climate changes thereby affecting the livelihood of
people.

Dr. Shannon reminded the audience that Liberia is a party to the regulatory
framework of climate change convention and the Kyoto Protocol respectively and
has since made Liberia to actively participate and work assiduously to fulfill a
lot of national obligations under the convention.

The Minister then recommended the issue of adaptation and a national
comprehensive strategy should be taken into account.

He said if this is realized then people who are vulnerable to climate change and
have limited opening strategy and the need to incorporate their response would
be very easy to get since they constitute almost 70% of the population.

The dialogue is graced by international and local experts on climate change,
government institutions, Students among others.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

7) Liberia: Japan Donates Over 84,000 Metric Tons of Rice to GoL
The Informer (Monrovia)
24 June 2009

With the present demand of rice on the Liberian market, a consignment of over
84,000 metric tons of rice has been donated by the Japanese Government to the
Government of Liberia. The value of the consignment is put at US$3.3million.

According to a Ministry of Commerce release, the consignment is expected in the
country today, June 24, 2009 at mid-night, while discharging of the vessel takes
place on Thursday, June 25 at the Freeport of Monrovia,

The release further said the rice will be sold at a minimum of US$13.50 for a 30
kilogram per bag;

The release noted that proceeds from the sale of the rice will be put in a
special account at the Central Bank to be used for developmental projects mainly
in the Agriculture sector.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer.


+++

8)Liberia: FDA Strangulates Logging Companies
J. Nathaniel Daygbor
24 June 2009


The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) is said to be creating conditions that
may strangulate the activities of logging companies.

Lapses within the draft laws of the FDA are said to be biting to the extent that
logging companies are yet to get results of bids from the inter-ministerial
committee.

The situation is said to be propounded by the contracting by the FDA of a French
national Nicolas Bayol whose presence is allegedly creating “bottleneck” and
strangulating loggers.

Observers have begun suggesting that what is happening at the FDA has the
potential to delay development and employment in the forest sector of the
country’s economy.

According to the new regulation being proposed by the FDA which is allegedly a
recommendation of Mr. Nicolas Bayol, companies that have won the large Forest
Management Contracts (FMC), in most cases two to three counties are to divide
their concession areas into five compartments and a company is entitled to work
within one of the compartments in five years with a strict prohibition of not
entering any of the remaining four compartments until the five years elapsed.

It is gathered that if a company wins the contract and that concession is
divided into five compartments that falls in Rivercess, it simply means that no
logging activities will take place in Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties.

Acording to information gathered by this paper, the rather unattractive policy
being put together by FDA which is said not to be in the interest of loggers and
the citizens of the Liberia needs to be halted as quickly as possible by
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Most of loggers interviewed including citizens and even superintendents of
counties have seriously frowned on the new policy and have planned to resist
because it will create more hardship for struggling Liberians.

“The continuous ploy by authority of FDA to delay logging in the country
leaves one to wonder as to what is taking place,” remarked a logger.

The new policy if carried on without any check, according to reports, has the
propensity to cause potential loggers leave the country.

It is reported also that the plan of having a company harvests only a portion of
their concession areas and leaving other counties waiting for the expiration of
five years before perhaps logging can start in their areas is a serious
political suicide for the Ellen led government and must be avoided.

When contacted, Mr. Anthony Vamyun, Public Affairs Director of the FDA confirmed
the information but added that there are polices of such but not intended to
harm the development of the forest neither its inhabitants.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst.


+++

9) Wild life conservation forum opens in Sinoe
Written by Sayounue Bilah
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
STAR RADIO

The FDA has commenced a two-day National Wild Life Conservation and Protected
Area Management Law forum in Greenvillle, Sinoe County.

FDA is the Forestry Development Authority.

The forum brings together thirty participants from River Cess, Grand Gedeh and
Sinoe Counties.

According to the head of the forum, the law mandates the FDA to make a law
guiding the protected areas of the country.

Mr. Moses Beah told Star Radio an international organization named COPAN is
sponsoring the two-day exercise.

Mr. Beah indicated the organization is also helping with the conservation of the
Liberian forest.

He said COPAN provided nearly twenty-three thousand U.S. dollars for the entire
process in Liberia.

Mr. Beah said it was important for people who live around protected areas of the
forest to have an input in the 2006 National Forest Reform Law.

He promised to take the view of the people to the National Legislature for
proper redress.

+++

10)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#310 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Sun Jul 5, 2009 7:52 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

Sorry for the larger than usual volume, your editor was away at Boy Scout Camp
w/ his Troop. [Boy Scouts is the largest youth movement in the world]

1) Rebuilding Liberia, 2) Forging ahead in Liberia, 3) Kimberly team inspects
River Ranch diamond mine, 4) LPRC boss maintains Zakhem deal, but…, 5) The
Dynamics Of A Transforming Society (Opinion), 6) Kelowna mining promoter reels
in fish, then fries them, 7) Liberia to get US$3.5M to Fight Natural Disasters,
8) Mano, African Aura conclude definite merger agreement, 9) Liberia: 150 Oil
Palm Farmers Receive High-Quality Palm Seedlings, 10) President Sirleaf Departs
for 13th Ordinary Session of African Union Conference in Libya, 11) Helping
Small Farmers Feed a Continent, 12) Japanese Donated Rice: Another Controversy
To Erupt? (Opinion), 13) Back-To-The Soil Campaign Gets Steam, 14) Liberians
Yearn For 'Food Sufficiency', 15) Move to Rescue County Development Fund, 16)
Over 8,000 Metric Tons Japanese Rice in Town, 17) Agriculture official wants
10-percent of fiscal budget for programs, 18)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Rebuilding Liberia
By Alex Perry / Monrovia Monday, Jul. 13, 2009

[Power down Schoolgirls study beneath one of Buchanan's few working
streetlights]
Photograph for TIME by Anna Kari


There are few better records of the shifting fortunes of Liberia than the guest
register at the Mamba Point Hotel. When Chawki Bsaibes opened up in the old
Dutch embassy on Monrovia's bullet-pocked seafront in the dying days of
Liberia's first civil war in 1993, his customers were peacekeepers, war
correspondents and development workers. When fighting started again in 1999, the
reporters returned, followed by mercenaries, and then — with the arrival of a
second fragile peace after President Charles Taylor's defeat and exile in 2003
— a wild-eyed group of Western carpetbaggers after a quick buck. It was only
when Harvard-educated Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won office as Africa's first elected
woman head of state in 2005 and promised wholesale reform that the Mamba Point
began to welcome what Bsaibes calls "respectables" — executives from
multinationals eyeing Liberia for opportunities and, to Bsaibe's delight,
government ministers. "This is the only time
we feel that when the government come to use our hotel, they pay their bills,
just like everyone else," he says. "We do not feel we have no right. We feel
protected."

Feeling protected — surrounding an enterprise with the law and security to
allow it to prosper — is essential to business and development, no matter
where you are. But it has been Africa's pre-eminent blight in the half-century
since colonialism that many of its rulers offered nothing of the sort. The
businesses that thrived amid the war, autocracy and corruption of
postindependence Africa were of a depressing sort: emergency aid, arms-dealing,
disaster journalism and security-ringed extractive industries for whom
development was too often someone else's problem. There were exceptions,
countries like Botswana and Mauritius and businessmen like Bsaibes, whose 19th
century Lebanese forebears were tricked into disembarking in Liberia after
buying passage to America, but who thrived anyway. But the exceptions only
highlighted how far the rest of Africa was falling short.
(Read an interview with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.)

That's changing. Africa still has too many catastrophes, places like Darfur, the
Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. But in other parts of the continent
— Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania and much of southern Africa — a new generation of
African leaders has embraced democracy and the rule of law, and is making clear
a preference for business and self-reliance over aid. Despite the global
downturn, the International Monetary Fund predicts sub-Saharan Africa will grow
by an average of 1.5% this year. Seven African countries will grow by 5% or
more, with Liberia expecting 4.9% growth in 2009 and 7.5% next year. While the
G-8 leaders discuss how to help, some parts of Africa are getting on with
business. "Whereas Africa had military rule and dictatorships, today we have 18
or 19 functioning democracies," Johnson Sirleaf tells TIME. "Africa is growing
equal to or better than all other regions. We have gone from ? [a stance of]
noninterference in our internal
affairs to respect for the principle of the responsibility to protect, so that
today Africa is intervening in African countries where governments have
suppressed the rights of their people. Major changes are happening."
(See pictures of the G-8 leaders letting their hair down.)

Liberia represents one of the best tests of Africa's capacity for regeneration.
A small nation with a population of just 3 to 5 million — the new government
has yet to conduct a reliable census — it has a reformist leader, two ports,
rich resources and a history of exporting. In the 1950s, rubber powered economic
growth of 8%, second only to Japan that decade. Fixing Liberia should still be a
relative cinch. "It's everybody's favorite model," says a Western economist in
Monrovia. "If it doesn't work here, it doesn't work anywhere."

Old Trees, New Growth
Head east from Monrovia, past Firestone, the U.S. rubber giant's worker town,
past Smell-No-Taste, a town known in years past for the fine cooking aromas that
would waft in from a nearby expatriate housing colony, down a 50-mile (80 km)
stretch of road whose potholes can swallow a small car, and you'll come to
Buchanan. When Joel Strickland, 47, first visited Liberia three years ago to
scout for opportunities, he was a partner in a Toronto hedge fund. In Buchanan,
Strickland was struck by the number of moribund rubber plantations. Untended
during the war or destroyed by marauding militias, hundreds of thousands of
acres of trees were standing idle. Even in productive plantations, old trees
were being burned as waste.

Strickland knew there was a global market for rubber wood, which is used for
furniture and medium-density fiberboard. He also knew there was an emerging
market in wood power generation. Wood may not be the most efficient energy
source, but replacing a tree with a growing sapling is basically carbon neutral
because the sapling sucks in more carbon dioxide per mass than a mature tree.
With volatile oil prices and environmental concerns boosting interest in wood
energy on both sides of the Atlantic, Strickland saw an opportunity. "We're the
closest supplier to Europe and the U.S.," Strickland says. Back in Toronto, his
hedge fund formed a company, Buchanan Renewable Energies (BRE), and readied an
IPO.

Enter fellow Canadian, John McCall MacBain, a self-made billionaire who founded
the Auto Trader classified-advertising empire, but in 2006 sold it and set up a
foundation to promote health and the environment in the developing world. In
April 2008, McCall MacBain bought 90% of BRE's stock. Strickland invested $1
million of his own money, and quit the hedge fund to become BRE's president.

The new company discarded the old extractive-industry model and formed a
power-generation arm to build biomass power stations for Liberia, starting with
a 35-megawatt station for Monrovia due to be switched on in 2010. (The capital's
million or so residents currently make do with just two megawatts.)

The company also began signing partnerships with Liberia's tens of thousands of
small rubber farmers. Under the deals, BRE builds roads and bridges to the
plantations, removes old rubber trees and pays the farmers for them, smooths the
land, replants it with new saplings grown at a BRE nursery and even plants cash
crops like beans and peanuts between the rows. These crops give the farmer an
income for the five to seven years until the rubber trees start producing latex.
The rubber farmers have to do or pay nothing. BRE even trains and employs up to
1,000 people in the process. "They couldn't believe it," says Robert Baines, 32,
manager of BRE's fuels division, which imported $50 million of equipment for the
job.

Since May 2008, the company has repaired 375 miles (600 km) of dirt road,
leveled thousands of acres of rubber, identified 600,000 (250,000 hectares)
more, and won a $112-million loan from the U.S. government-funded Overseas
Private Investment Corporation to build the power station. In Buchanan, they're
helping to revive a town. BRE pays wages of up to $600 a month for a heavy plant
operator and Baines reckons the number of shops in Buchanan has doubled since
BRE arrived. Buchanan suddenly has a third-division soccer team, in which Baines
plays striker. "It's moving so quickly," says Nelson Hill, 39, BRE's nursery
manager. "When the company arrived, people were just sitting around. Most people
had never had a job. Now people are singing in the fields." McCall MacBain, who
plans to replicate the model elsewhere in Africa, says the most common reaction
he receives from aid workers who visit is: "This is what we need to be doing."

Sustainable development needs good government. On the back of oil exports to
China, Angola's economy has grown by up to 20% a year since civil war ended in
2002. But a corrupt and inept ruling party that has neglected to spread the
wealth or diversify the economy means that when the good times end, as they now
have, the effects are severe. Ricardo Gazel, the World Bank's representative in
Angola, says Angola's GDP is likely to fall by anything from 17% to 23% in 2009.
(Read: "World Bank: Crisis Hits Developing Nations Harder.")

In Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf is doing better. She set a three-year
poverty-reduction strategy whose four pillars are peace and security, governance
and the rule of law, infrastructure and basic services, and economic
revitalization. A U.N. peacekeeping force and an embargo on arms are keeping
conflict at bay. Schools and hospitals have reopened. Tax receipts are up.
Bureaucracy is down. U.N. sanctions on diamond and timber exports have been
lifted. Liberia is attracting foreign investment in iron ore, timber, palm oil
and construction. Though steel giant Arcelor Mittal recently mothballed a $1.5
billion project to reopen an iron-ore mine and rebuild a railway in the eastern
interior, Liberia has signed a deal with Sime Darby of Malaysia for an $800
million, 20-year concession to a 494,000-acre (200,000 hectare) combined
palm-oil and rubber plantation. Earlier this year, the IMF and World Bank
canceled Liberia's $4.7-billion foreign debt. "I'm not saying
Liberia will be a paradise tomorrow," says Richard Tolbert, chairman of
Liberia's National Investment Commission. "I am saying we can regenerate this
country in 15 years."

Liberia is far from out of the woods. Violent crime is rising. Johnson Sirleaf
admits to "a capacity problem" in the professional classes, including
government. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, so effective in
postapartheid South Africa, has seen little of either in Liberia. Property
rights remain confused. Concessions granted under Taylor amounted to almost
three times Liberia's total forest area.

The Drag of Corruption
Most damaging to the president, political scandals are piling up. A hundred cars
given to Liberia by Arcelor Mittal in 2008 and intended to improve logistics for
government officials found their way into the hands of legislators responsible
for approving mining deals. Last year, according to witnesses, a senior Liberian
official greeted a delegation of foreign funders at his office apparently drunk
and demanded one delegate sit properly or "get your ass out of here." The same
month Johnson Sirleaf admitted she was "hurt ... deeply wounded" by the "very
embarrassing" publication of e-mails from her former assistant Willis Knuckles,
detailing his apparent soliciting of hefty bribes from foreign companies.
(Knuckles, now under investigation by a new anticorruption commission, claimed
someone hacked into his Yahoo account and sent the requests in his name.)

Then there is the discovery by the U.N. Panel of Experts on Liberia — the body
that oversees the country's recovery — that a company headed by former Justice
Minister Philip Banks took out copyright on the new national law code. The U.S.
embassy in Monrovia found it had to pay Banks' company $5,000 for its 20 copies,
says one Western diplomat; in theory, Liberian courts must do the same. The U.N.
panel believes the firm's "grounds for claiming copyright are questionable and
ethically dubious." Little wonder that Johnson Sirleaf struggles. "The
President's default position is to do the right thing," says the diplomat. "When
she makes the wrong decision — and it does happen — it is because the local
political pressure is overwhelming."

And of course Johnson Sirleaf cannot deliver the development she has promised
until she has the institutions to do so. She could forego checks and balances,
allow business as usual and relieve pressure from former warlords. But, says
former chairman of the U.N. experts panel, Art Blundell, "we know where that
kind of business as usual leads. Among countries recovering from conflict, more
than half slip back into it within a decade. Why? The bad guys get the
resources."

Rebuilding institutions takes time and many Liberians are frustrated as Johnson
Sirleaf tries to get the state working. But they know she stands for better
times. "Before, the only work was fighting," says BRE nursery manager Hill. "Now
there's a new vision for our people. The idea of a gun is being replaced by the
idea of a job." There in a sentence is the new hope for Liberia, and all Africa
too.

© 2009 Time Inc. All rights reserved

+++

2) Forging ahead in Liberia

Liberian Abu Denton, an ArcelorMittal supervisor, says since the start of
construction operations in 2006, ArcelorMittal Liberia has created much needed
employment both directly and through contractors in the port city of Buchanan.

By Marquita Smith
The Virginian-Pilot
© July 5, 2009
MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Just outside of the capital, tucked away in a compound for ArcelorMittal
employees, Joe Mathews gathers with friends and co-workers for dinner in his
home away from home. His Liberian cook prepares authentic Indian cuisine.

His quarters are posh enough, but the noisy residence – powered 24 hours a day
by generators – pales in comparison with his home in Greenbrier, a world away
in Chesapeake.

After living in Mumbai and the United States, Mathews spends most of his time
these days working in Liberia. The CEO for ArcelorMittal Liberia heads a $1.5
billion mining venture in the West African nation, Liberia’s biggest foreign
investment since 14 years of civil war ended in 2003.

When Mathews talks about the world’s largest steel company’s commitment to
this developing nation, his energy and optimism can fill two rooms. But as the
most powerful private economic entity in the country, he said, the pressure on
ArcelorMittal to deliver more is a constant.

“Managing the expectations is a real challenge,” Mathews said. “Liberia is
a great place to apply our 'Transforming Tomorrow’ motto. Our presence will
create a demand for products and services that, in turn, should attract many
other needed investments.”

Over dinner, he’s attentive to guests, making sure wine glasses are full and
people have plenty to eat. He shares stories about the Liberian people, such as
the men who created oversize carts to haul goods from village to village.

The men traveled miles taking turns pushing loads down a derelict railway line.
Some had created thriving businesses. But ArcelorMittal’s plans meant that
they could no longer use the tracks. So the company offered them cash or shiny
red wheelbarrows as it refurbished more than 150 miles of railroad from the
coastal port of Buchanan north to the mining town of Yekepa, on the border where
Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire meet.

“Small investments here are just as important as large ones,” he said.

Before making his way to Liberia, Mathews – who has a graduate degree in
business management and a background in metallurgical engineering – worked at
other steel companies for 20 years.

“I worked in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Indiana,” he said. “I liked what I
was doing even though the industry was not doing very well.”

Then a 1999 phone call from evangelist and Virginia Beach businessman Pat
Robertson lured him to Liberia.

“I thought, 'Umm, why would he be calling me?’” Mathews recalled. “It
turns out that through some mutual contacts he wanted to talk to me about a
business idea. He’s a very interesting character. I spent almost three hours
talking to him, and he has the ability to make you feel like you’re the exact
person he needs.”

The conversation with Robertson evolved from starting a dot -com business to a
venture in Liberia – gold exploration. Freedom Gold Ltd. was then a
Robertson-owned company based at the headquarters of his Christian Broadcasting
Network in Virginia Beach.

Mathews, who would go on to serve as the gold mining company’s vice president
of finance and administration, said when he told his wife that Robertson wanted
him to go to Liberia, he said: “I grew up in India. How difficult could it
be?”

He was soon to find out.

“You know the difference between India and America. There’s at least that
much difference between Liberia and India,” Mathews said. “The war had left
the country without electricity, running water and land-line telephones.
However, the climate and the weather remind me of where my grandparents lived in
India, Kerala . It’s the red dirt and palm trees.”

Despite the semblance of home, Liberia is thousands of miles from his wife and
three daughters in Chesapeake.

At the start, Mathews worked from Virginia Beach, making several trips a year to
Liberia to set up an exploration program in the southeast, in Sinoe County.

Liberia’s civil war appeared over in 1997 with the election of one-time
warlord Charles Taylor as president, but fighting broke out again in 1999 as a
new rebel group emerged in the northern end of the country. The fighting
intensified in 2002 and came south in 2003.

“We tried to batten down our hatches and continue working, but we had to close
down our camps” and leave in 2003, Mathews said. “That was the big war.”

After that, Mathews said, he worked on different projects before then-Mittal
Steel contacted him in 2005 about a Liberian mining venture because of his
experience with steel and his time in the country. He started working for Mittal
on Jan. 1, 2006.

Living apart from his family is probably the toughest part.

In the first couple of years, while the mining agreement was hashed out and
Mathews met with contractors in the United States, he was able to be home every
four to six weeks.

“In 2008, that’s when things really started to pick up,” said Mathews, 56.
“I have not had a chance to get to Chesapeake more than once every two months.
It’s not the best situation.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think Liberia is quite ready for family yet.”

Mittal merged with another steel giant, Arcelor, shortly after Mathews started
the job. The Luxembourg-based company operates in more than 60 countries in
Europe, Asia, Africa and America and employs more than 300,000 people.

In 2008, it reported revenue of nearly $125 billion and produced 103.3 million
tons of steel, about 10 percent of global steel output.

ArcelorMittal came to Liberia four years ago as part of an effort to increase
its iron ore production to two-thirds of its steel output. It has pledged to
spend an estimated $1.5 billion over 25 years rebuilding properties that once
belonged to the old Liberian American Swedish Mining Co., or LAMCO.

Yekepa , the seat of ArcelorMittal’s iron ore concession, is surrounded by
mineral-rich hills and thick jungle. LAMCO built a mining community there in the
1960s and ran the high-grade ore mine until Liberia’s civil war began in 1989.

The plan is to mine the iron ore around Yekepa, then transport it by rail to the
port city of Buchanan , where it will be exported to Arcelor-Mittal steel mills
around the world.

In the deal Liberia brokered, the government owns 30 percent of the mining
company and will receive a 4.5 percent royalty fee. ArcelorMittal also promised
to spend $3 million annually for community development projects in the three
counties where it operates.

The company received the green light in May 2007 to rehabilitate Yekepa and
since has worked to reconstruct hospitals, clinics and schools.

In Buchanan, the third-largest city in Liberia, workers spent months renovating
more than 120 homes abandoned by LAMCO. The city lies on Waterhouse Bay, along
the Atlantic Ocean, and was once a thriving port.

Locals hope it will be again.

Liberian Augustus Miles took his 3-year-old son, Robert, to ArcelorMittal’s
refurbished hospital not far from the port. He said his son had been coughing up
blood and was suffering from throat and chest pains. Miles, who was waiting for
the staff to do an X-ray on his son, said he can appreciate the work the company
has done in the community so far. Liberians benefit when people live and work
there, Miles said.

“It costs more, but this hospital is all right for us,” he said. “I just
want him well.”

Liberians have survived conflict and repression almost continuously since the
government was overthrown in 1980 and again in 1989. During the civil wars, an
estimated 300,000 people were killed and 1.5 million displaced out of a
population of 3.5 million.

The U.S. Department of State says the civil wars have left the country decimated
and in economic ruin. Liberia is slowly re-entering the global economy but still
suffers from 85 percent unemployment. With no national electricity grid, most
households and businesses depend on generators, leaving most of life subject to
fluctuating fuel prices.

Liberia remains one of the poorest and least-developed countries in the world,
with per-capita gross domestic product of $195 per year. The life expectancy is
35.

Yet things are changing for the better.

Under the rule of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , Africa’s “Iron Lady,”
Liberia has become the “fastest improving African nation,” according to the
latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation . The
index evaluates sub-Saharan African nations in such areas as security, rule of
law, transparency and corruption, human rights, and economic and human
development.

Liberia’s security situation is now stable, though still dependent on United
Nations peacekeepers. The economy grew 8 percent last year and is expected to
continue to expand because embargoes on timber and diamonds were lifted
recently.

“President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s efforts gave us the confidence to say,
yes, this project is worth taking and spending the money to build our
infrastructure, rehab the rails, and reconstruct the ports and to build a power
plant along with a mining and process facility,” Mathews said.

Earlier in 2009, some 2,800 people worked on the railway. The company hoped to
create a total of 3,500 direct and 20,000 indirect jobs as a result of its
investment.

In March, however, ArcelorMittal announced that it needed to make “temporary
adjustments to protect its long-term goals.” Like many companies,
ArcelorMittal has been affected by the downturn in the financial markets and the
credit crunch, it said. As a result, the company has cut steel production by
nearly 50 percent this year.

For the remainder of 2009, it is scaling back its activities in Liberia.
Officials said they expect to retain about 1,200 Liberian jobs as well as reduce
the number of expatriates in the work force by at least 80 percent, accelerating
the transition of some essential positions to Liberians.

The hope had been to start shipping ore by year’s end, Mathews said, but it
now looks to be two years off.

Besides the global recession, other challenges loom for ArcelorMittal Liberia.

The country’s lack of infrastructure is a problem. Human resources also are
limited.

“There’s a lack of skilled labor,” Mathews said. “It’s not like we can
just advertise and get people locally. There’s a lack of supporting
institutions.

“The nation also has very little businesses or industry. Everybody is geared
towards government or NGO (non-governmental organization) work. And to change
that mind-set is challenging.”

Meanwhile, the market price for iron ore, as for other commodities, has slumped
in the wake of the financial crisis, reducing the potential payout Liberia can
generate from its minerals.

Despite recent losses – ArcelorMittal lost $2.63 billion in the first quarter
– Marcus S. Wleh , its manager of corporate responsibility, recently announced
that the company would fund two projects for about $1.5 million in the mining
communities.

“This is the first round of funding; things are slow. But we’re committed to
improving quality of life for Liberians,” said Wleh, explaining that a
committee selects the community projects to fund with input from the Liberian
government.

The company also is working on a public-private partnership with West African
Power Pool, World Bank and the government to develop a transmission line that
would connect Monrovia to Côte d’Ivoire – formerly called Ivory Coast.

Besides improving the infrastructure, the company will continue to support
hospitals and educational facilities where it operates.

Even if the economy picks up and ArcelorMittal forges ahead, there’s still the
concern that expectations about its contributions to Liberia will outpace what
the company stands to gain from mining iron ore.

Eugene Shannon, Liberia’s Minister for Lands, Mines and Energy, said the
country has high hopes for the steel company.

“But the truth is we are going to be as compromising as possible,” Shannon
said. “In a downturn, you cannot be as hard on people as you can be when
things are normal.”

Even without his family, Mathews is committed for the long term.

In a place where most people earn less than a dollar a day, small investments go
far, he said, showing photos of Liberians cheering along the newly repaired
railway as the train passed.

“We once built a road to a remote exploration site. As this road opened, so
did access to many villages along the way,” Mathews said. “We were
constantly being thanked by the village elders. In one village, we were
presented with a white goat and five white chickens. My Liberian colleagues
explained that white is the ultimate symbol of gratitude.”

Marquita Smith, (757) 222-5149, marquita.smith@...


© 1993-2009, HamptonRoads.com

+++

3) Kimberly team inspects River Ranch diamond mine
Saturday, July 04, 2009

From Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge

The Kimberly Process Review Mission to Zimbabwe, led by Liberia’s Deputy
Minister of Planning and Development Mr Alfred Kpandel Fayia, yesterday visited
River Ranch diamond mine, with the plant manager assuring the world that they
had state-of-the art security systems in place to curb the smuggling of the
resource.

In an interview after the mine inspection, River Ranch manager Mr Dennis
Mutombeni said all diamond producers in the country had made it a priority to
conform to Kimberly Process protocols in a bid to curtail the illegal
exportation of the mineral.

"As producers we have made it a priority that we should adhere to world
standards when it comes to the mining of diamonds.

"Any bad news will taint our record and we might see our country being banned
from trading in diamonds and hence we want to avoid such a scenario.

"The assessment and review initiative is a welcome move to us Zimbabweans as the
results will put an end to speculation in the foreign media," he said.

River Ranch, which is located 25 km from Beitbridge, is one of three diamond
mines in the country.

Mr Mutombeni said the visit was a follow-up to another one by an assessment team
from the Kimberly Process review mechanism that that came into the country in
March this year.

The Kimberly Process is a globally accepted agreement that regulates the
international sale of diamonds.

Some non-governmental organisations have in recent months claimed Zimbabwe was
acting in contravention of Kimberly Process rules and regulations.

Apart from Mr Fayia, the Kimberly Process delegation comprises of Namibia’s
chief diamond inspector in the Ministry of Mines Mr Dessy Reinhold and Mr Martin
Mononela, the general manager for legal services and compliance with South
Africa’s diamond and precious minerals regulatory arm in the Ministry of Mines
and Minerals.

The team had an opportunity to inspect the mining company’s registration,
export permit and operating documents, including current stocks and sales
papers.

They proceeded to tour the plant and had an opportunity to see the vault and
inspect the security systems at the mine. The team expressed its satisfaction
with the manner in which the mine was run.

The team also held separate interviews with Mr Mutombeni, the police, the local
traditional leadership, a private security company manning the premises and
other security agents to establish how the mine’s operations were conducted on
a day-to-day basis.

Soon after visiting River Ranch Mine, the team headed for Murowa Diamond Mine.

Speaking after the tour, Mr Fayia said the team would meet with Government
officials in Harare today.

Meanwhile, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu is also expected to
tour River Ranch next week to get first-hand information on operations there.

+++

4) LPRC boss maintains Zakhem deal, but…
Written by Charles Gbollie
Friday, 03 July 2009
STAR RADIO

LPRC Managing Director Harry Greaves says the contract with Zakhem International
is genuine and would pursue it to the end.

Mr. Greaves said he would ensure that the entity’s storage facilities are
rehabilitated and expanded in accordance with plan..

Mr. Greaves said under the contract, three fuel storage tanks will be built to
increase the terminal’s capacity from forty to sixty thousand.

According to him, the contract would also ensure the rehabilitation of fourteen
existing storage tanks among other features.

The LPRC Managing Director spoke Friday at the 5th Edition of the Cecil Dennis
Discourse series at the AME University.

Mr. Greave’s statements followed an order by President Sirleaf for the
contract to be halted pending review.

The President set up an independent committee to review the contract amidst
reports of procedural inconsistencies.

+++

5) The Dynamics Of A Transforming Society (Opinion)
By Francis W. Nyepon

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
July 03, 2009

The vision to significantly transform the Liberian society must first deal with
changing the behavior, attitude and mindset of people at the bottom of the
social strata. Change can never come to Liberia with the majority of its people
believing that public officials do not have their best interest at heart as a
collective; or the majority of the people being stuck at the bottom of the
socioeconomic ladder. The lack of adequate healthcare, difficulties accessing
education, employment, social marginalization, inadequate sanitation, unsafe
drinking water, indecent hygiene practice, and treated garbage means that many
Liberians are dying unnecessarily or living in destitution.

The real problem with injecting change in Liberia is the lack of new ideas and
boldness amongst government functionaries, the press and civil society groups to
inspire and stimulate change in behavior, attitude and mindset amongst the
majority of our people. Significant Social Transformation must first and
foremost remove social rejection as a daily reality for the majority of our
people. Secondly, improvements in sanitation, water, hygiene, health, education
and livelihood must not remain stalled. Thirdly, it is immoral to continuously
subject ordinary Liberians unnecessarily to conditions of abject poverty given
the enormous amount of mineral resources and wealth our country is endowed with.

Our society cannot and will not change unless and until we ourselves
fundamentally change. By change, the author refers here to social makeover,
improved livelihood and provision of basic services to improve standard of
living. The idea here is that if in fact Liberian leaders desire real change,
then the livelihood of those living at the bottom of the social strata must
fundamentally and strategically be improved. In other words, the conscience of
our people must be appealed to in order for real transformation to occur. Our
society needs to be injected with appropriate new thinking with bold new policy
formulation to basically root change in the people from the bottom up. This
author does not see Change necessarily as building fancy hospitals and school
when there are no sufficient personnel to run them properly or set the roadmap
for restructuring the social order within which they must operate.

In order for Liberia to fundamentally change and go through this kind of
significant transformation that the author is pointing towards, the government
must first engage in some fundamental restructuring of its own and lead the
charge. The government must strategically and methodically take the lead in
lifting people out of poverty, misery and hopelessness. Those whose focus is
based upon using the government as a spring board to acquire personal wealth
must immediately be castigated and internally exiled, and the government must
became the escort in a massive campaign to castigate such individuals by
confiscating ill-gotten property and wealth. If this isn’t done and we are not
careful, disenchantment could undermine the huge support base that President
Sirleaf has vigorously championed over the past three years. Liberia cannot and
will not and must never again allow itself to be seen as a war-ravaged country
ruled by thugs, or governed by
authoritarian or autocratic leaders.

This author is of the firm belief that if nothing is done to fundamentally
change Liberians from the bottom up, then the country could be faced with the
reality of hope being turned into despair. In other words, if we are not
careful, our post-war hopes and aspirations could be turned into despondency,
with corrupt, incompetent and divisive individuals claiming the higher ground
once again as they successfully did for over 20 years. The creeping in of a
democratic framework of governance, and rearranging the socio-economic order
after decades of burdens under debased tyrannies and autocracies must not be
silenced. If nothing else, transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of
law, decentralized democratic practices should be our guiding policy if
stability and growth are to be sustained and sincerely rooted in the social
order of the day.

The new political dispensation, which elected Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as
President, was intended to change and evolve into a democratically driven
society where the personification of integrity, honesty and a deep sense of
purpose and nationalism would be achieved. But what went wrong with the
excitement and enthusiasm with which Liberians embraced the roadmap to change
and the beacon of hope which President Sirleaf personified? Did the cadre of
intellectuals and technocrats become visionless? Did the new administration get
duped? Did Recycled Politicians overwhelmed the process and offered no new ideas
to transform the society?

Except for the President and a handful of committed and dedicated individuals,
the majority of policymakers and bureaucrats have not produced much in terms of
creativity and innovation over the past three years. The author believes that is
the reason why ordinary Liberians have seen little in terms of progress. What
has most of those who have lead ministries and public agencies done in the past
3 years that have assisted in the Dynamics of a Changing Society? Many seem very
comfortable riding around the countryside in SUVs with tinted window and trying
to make every effort to impress the little people with their temporarily
acquired influence and power.

Over the past three years, there have been revelations of gross misuse of public
funds at a time when Liberia needs every dime for the monumental reconstruction.
The majority of our policymakers seem all too ready to rely exclusively on the
ideas of President Sirleaf without offering any of their own. The President is
one person, yes she is the visionary, but where are all the progressives who for
decades wanted to root fundamental is social ideals?

No public official, past or present, has the right to squander public funds and
get away with it. Liberians must stand up, speak up and be counted on the side
of real change. For example, property obtained by ill-gotten wealth must be
confiscated; officials who knowingly rob the national treasury or the coffer of
a public agency should not be allowed to keep stolen loot and walk around the
society displaying illegal and ill-gotten exploits. What sort of example would
that set for younger generation who make up over 46% of the population? Could
this be the reason why ordinary Liberians call their public servants,
‘Recycled Politicians’?

The time has come for all to work together to raise our expectations and
transform our country into world-class, high-performing communities, not just
for some, but for all our people. This author believes that Change is illusive
unless and until it touches the lives of real people making them socially upward
mobile. The author believes that introducing multi-party elections at the
county, metropolitan, municipal and district levels would ensure the election of
competent people to manage the urban, rural or local communities. This belief is
premised on the assumption that electorates become informed and would vote for
competent persons base upon their dedication and commitment to uplifting,
advancing and improving livelihood, standard of livings, health and basic
services.

Because good local governance and democratic decentralization has not become
widely broadcast or implemented by the Sirleaf administration, our people are
not fully realizing their social aspirations. According to the UNDP, Sustained
Poverty Reduction requires equitable growth—but this author would suggest that
it also requires poor people to have political power that allows them to decide
their future given applicable resources and political will. And the best way
this author believes that Liberia should achieve significant social
transformation in a manner consistent with human development objectives is by
building strong and deep forms of democratic governance at all levels of
society, especially at the local and rural levels.

© 2009 by The Perspective
E-mail: editor@...

+++

6) Kelowna mining promoter reels in fish, then fries them
By David Baines, Vancouver SunJuly 2, 2009
When I left former Kelowna faith healer-turned-mining promoter Len Lindstrom
in May, he had some "big fish" on the line that would potentially save his
floundering exploration company, Liberty International Mineral Corp.

He asked me to delay writing a story about the company's financial woes -- trade
creditors were pounding on his door -- for a week until he set the hook. "A lot
of good things are happening," he said.

Alas, it appears these fish -- who Lindstrom claimed to be well-heeled investors
from Dubai -- have got away and the firm is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Liberty is a private company that holds mineral concessions in Liberia and B.C.
To keep these claims in good standing and finance exploration, Lindstrom has
raised $18 million from "mom and pop" investors who are personal friends, and
from accredited investors who meet minimum net worth and income thresholds.

The shares were sold under exemptions from prospectus and registration
requirements, and are subject to severe resale restrictions. Lindstrom planned
to eventually take the company public on a stock exchange, so investors could
sell their shares, but the plans have not worked out.

In a letter to shareholders last week, Lindstrom said the company is "in an
extremely critical state." To keep the Liberian concessions in good standing, it
must pay $520,000 US. It has also accrued another $1.9 million Cdn in payables,
largely on account of its drilling program in B.C.

He said Liberty had obtained signed share subscription agreements that would
have netted the company $14.9 million US. "Unfortunately, these subscriptions
did not proceed. ... In the event that Liberty is not able to turn the situation
around rapidly and the shortfall escalates further, it is anticipated that
Liberty could be forced into bankruptcy."

Lindstrom blamed the problem on the financial meltdown, but the company has
always been scrambling for cash. Last summer he was offering shares at the
"special offer price" of 60 cents each, then 30 cents, and now 10 cents.

He said shareholders could buy up to 30 million treasury shares at 10 cents US
each, for total proceeds of $3 million US, or they could buy 30 million of his
own shares for 12.5 cents each, for total proceeds of $3.75 million. He would
then lend $3 million to the company and use the remaining $750,000 to pay
capital gains taxes. This would avoid issuing more shares from treasury and
diluting existing shareholders' interests.

His letter then assumes a heavy moral tone and he refers to himself in the third
person: "As president of Liberty, Len Lindstrom personally feels a deep moral
obligation to do everything in our power to protect these shareholders, their
investment and their future regardless of what it costs him personally, to see
them not suffer loss and heartache, but rather enjoy the potential of great gain
and added security."

Let me see if I've got this straight: A self-proclaimed faith healer turns to
exploration, even though he knows nothing about the business, gets a bunch of
fish on the line, reels them in and just as they are about to be fried, assures
them he is doing everything in his power to save them.

"We have come too far together to lose everything now without putting up a
serious and concerted fight," he continues in his letter.

"As the Good Book says of the four lepers who were certain to die of starvation
as they waited outside the gates of their besieged city, 'Why sit here until we
die?' "

There's another saying that, in my view, has greater application in this
situation: "Why throw good money after bad?"

One more point: Why does the B.C. Securities Commission allow flakes like
Lindstrom, who is not a registered broker or adviser, to sell millions of
dollars of securities in obvious disasters like Liberty, which is not registered
with the commission, to unsophisticated mom-and-pop type investors?

It's a recipe for a disaster that occurs over and over, year after year, in this
province. Maybe rather than playing around with "principles-based" regulation in
Ottawa, BCSC chairman Doug Hyndman could take his paid-for car to Kelowna and
help a few investors there. Or better yet, change the rules to eliminate this
sort of nonsense.

dbaines@...

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

+++

7) Liberia to get US$3.5M to Fight Natural Disasters
(Jul 2, 2009) By: Alphonso D. Nyanti
Liberian EPA (Logo)

Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will receive about
US$3.5 million dollars from the World Bank to develop programs that will
strengthen the capacities of policy makers who are directly involved in the
business of dealing with climate related matters.

In furtherance of these efforts, the EPA and the United Nations Development
Program (UNDP) concluded a three-day intensive dialogue in Monrovia.

Addressing reporters at the end of the consultative dialogue recently, the
Acting Executive Director for EPA, Mr. Jerome Nyekan said participants learnt
how climate change makes an impact on the agricultural sector, and how
greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming.

Mr. Nyekan said the issue of agriculture is very relevant because the EPA and
the agricultural sector employ about seventy percent of the nation’s labor
force, and contributes around twenty percent of the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP).

On the issue of climate change, he said although it is a global crisis, it must
be seen as a very serious situation in Liberia due to the negative impact on
livestock production, reduced soil fertility and its effect on water supply.

Statistics, he said, shows that 95 percent of Liberia’s energy comes from
biogas products such as firewood, charcoal and palm oil.

Therefore, Mr. Nyekan said for Liberia to move into the energy production area
requires significant investments.

To protect global environment, he said an additional US$7M dollars has been set
aside by various international environmental institutions, the UNDP and other
governments around the world, to undertake and execute a special project to
build the capacity development for policy makers to help address climate change.

Already, he said what is known as the “Bali Road Map” which started in
December 2007 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) has a timeline for reaching agreement on a number of international
negotiation issues which are expected to be re-visited during the pending world
Copenhagen Conference among key stake actors in December.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nyekan said with the US$3.5m dollars being earmarked by donors,
it will help Liberia to be able to put into place some practical programs that
will make people knowledgeable about the negative effects of a change in
rainfall, rise in the sea level as well as coastal erosion problems, thereby
protecting stakeholders in every possible way.


© Copyright 2008 The Liberian Journal


+++

8) Mano, African Aura conclude definite merger agreement
By: Creamer Media Reporter
1st July 2009


JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Aim- and TSX Venture Exchange-listed Mano
River Resources has concluded a definitive agreement with fellow junior African
Aura Resources in respect of their proposed merger.

The companies entered into a letter of intent to merge in April. Mano River
would offer 1,57 shares for every African Aura share in order to acquire the
entire issued share capital of African Aura.

The effective date for closing of the merger was likely to be in mid- to late
August, or at latest during September, Mano River said in a statement on
Wednesday.

The African Aura meeting at which its shareholders would consider the merger was
expected to be held on July 31.

The companies said in April that the merged entity would be renamed African Aura
Mining, and would be 75% owned by current Mano shareholders and 25% held by
African Aura shareholders.

Mano is exploring for iron-ore, gold and diamonds in Sierra Leone, Liberia and
Guinea, while African Aura has exploration licences in Cameroon and Liberia.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

Copyright © Creamer Media (Pty) Ltd

+++

9) Liberia: 150 Oil Palm Farmers Receive High-Quality Palm Seedlings
The Informer (Monrovia)

Jefferson Massah
1 July 2009


Gbarnga City — The Sustainable Tree Crop Program (STCP) of the International
Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has distributed 33, 000 pre-germinated
high-yielding oil palm seedlings imported from Cameroon amongst 150 oil palm
farmers in Bong County.

The seedlings were distributed among farmers divided into five groups from Kpai
and Jorquelleh districts.

The distributing agent, IITA, is a research oriented organization currently
providing support to Cocoa and Oil Palm farmers in Bong, Nimba and Lofa
counties.

STCP -Liberia oil palm project coordinator Augustine Fayiah told The Informer
that the distribution of the improved variety of oil palm seedlings amongst the
farmers is part of a two-year comprehensive revitalization program of the oil
palm sector of the country mainly in Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties.

The aim of STCP is to ensure the potential of the infant oil palm industry to
rapidly emerge from its infancy to a more meaningful and sustainable system in
order to realize productivity amongst poor rural farmers as they strive to
rebuild their lives and personal economy following uninterrupted years of
backwardness squarely attributed to civil unrest that uprooted lots of people
and establishments in Liberia.

Mr. Fayiah indicated said the oil palm project further seeks to improve the
technical skills of farmers through the provision of specialized training to
enable them properly manage their establishments in a sustainable way that will
enhance the preservation of biodiversity in these areas and create partnership
for socio-economic empowerment.

In the past, he emphasized, farmers were not provided the requisite training to
properly manage and maintain their farms which resulted into farmers facing
decline in production and eventually led to the collapsed of some farms. "These
are issues we tried to address in a more sustainable manner," he added.

The oil palm project coordinator asserted that STCP, as part of its commitment
to transfer knowledge and skills to farmers benefiting its program, a
participatory training methodology was developed which led to the formation of
the Farmer Learning Groups (FLGs) in each community benefiting from the project.

The FLGs requires each beneficiary to undergo nine months intensive training on
the field in palm management and production before he /she is eligible to
receive seedlings for planting.

This is designed to actualize the impact of the project in the various
communities said Fayiah.

He disclosed that as part of the 'exit and sustainability' strategies put in
place to ensure the viability of program even following the organization's
intervention, those providing training in the FLGs were selected from
communities directly benefiting the project and trained as master trainers
covering all aspects of palm production.

Trainers were drawn from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Central Agriculture
Research Institute (CARI) in Bong, as well as Dr. Budu, an oil palm specialist
from the University of Legon, Ghana.

Five nurseries were constructed in five communities for the 33,000 seedlings
with each nursery site being provided more than six thousand seedlings.

The farmers are also receiving basic farming implements including wheelbarrows,
shovels, diggers, and hoes, amongst others to enhance their farming activities.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

10) President Sirleaf Departs for 13th Ordinary Session of African Union
Conference in Libya
Liberia Government (Monrovia)

1 July 2009
press release


President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, at the head of an 8-member official delegation,
has left the country for the 13th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and
Government of the African Union. This year's Summit is taking place in Sirte,
the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, from July 1 - 3, 2009.

Under the theme, "Investing in Agriculture for Economic Growth and Food
Security," the three day summit will focus primarily on agricultural development
on the continent as well as political developments in a number of African
countries, including Somalia.

During President Johnson Sirleaf's absence from the country, the Minister of
Internal Affairs, Mr. Ambulai Johnson, will coordinate the affairs of Government
in consultation with Vice President Joseph Boakai.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

11) Helping Small Farmers Feed a Continent
1 July 2009

Dakar — As an African Union summit on agricultural investments opens in Libya,
donors and non-profits are calling participants' attention to the role
smallholder farmers - mostly women - can have in feeding their communities.

Agriculture is an overlooked "emergency" that deserves as much attention as the
global financial crisis, according to Kate Norgrove with Oxfam UK's office in
Dakar, Senegal. "Nearly US$9 trillion has been injected into the global
financial sector since January 2009 versus $4 billion in global ODA [overseas
development assistance] to agriculture. That is small change relative to the
scale of the problem."

Decades of declining production have pushed more families into hunger and
disease, according to Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

AGRA calculated that 18 percent of ODA in 1980 went to agriculture versus 4
percent in 2006.

Small farms bear the brunt of these cuts, according to Oxfam UK. In a recent
report, the NGO noted the United States and European Union invested less than $3
per small farm in poor countries from 1986 to 2007.

"Half these farmers do not produce enough to feed their families," Namanga
Ngongi, AGRA's president, told IRIN. "Small-scale farmers are not organized and
do not have a voice in their government's agriculture policies."

More than 70 percent of Africans depend on agriculture to live, according to the
UN. People across sub-Saharan Africa protested when the prices of agricultural
inputs, food and fuel soared in recent years; prices remain unaffordable for
many. (IRIN's coverage of global food crisis)

Small-scale revolution

AGRA's Ngongi said while he recognized the term "green revolution" recalls
memories of failed agricultural investments, "Running away from the word does
not solve productivity problems. We cannot tinker around the margins. Africa's
agricultural problems need massive investments - nothing short of a revolution."

Solutions need to be tailored to small-scale producers' needs, he added. If
smaller packages of fertilizers, seeds and tools were available, people who can
only afford smaller quantities are more likely to buy.

The readily available packages weighing up to 100kg are impractical for farmers
- most often women - travelling in precarious transport over long distances on
poor roads, Ngongi told IRIN.

Ngongi told IRIN farmers are now forced to travel long distances to get seeds
and fertilizers because there are not enough small traders in rural areas. "In
western Kenya where AGRA has implemented agro-leadership programmes to train
traders, farmers are now walking on average 4km to buy inputs versus 17km
before."

Cash-strapped governments are unable to back loans to small farms, according to
AGRA. "Banks need risk assurance," Ngongi said, describing a loan-assurance
programme in Kenya backed by AGRA and the UK Department for International
Development (DFID) that has agreed to loan $50 million to small-scale farmers
over three years.

In a recent report on cash transfers in southern Niger, the NGO Save the
Children UK wrote: "Providing agricultural inputs alone is not sufficient to
help the poorest households increase their food production. These inputs must be
accompanied by economic support (cash or food) so that able-bodied adults can
spend sufficient time working in their own fields."

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]

Copyright © 2009 UN Integrated Regional Information Networks.

+++

12) Japanese Donated Rice: Another Controversy To Erupt? (Opinion)
30 June 2009
Philip N. Wesseh (PNW)

The other night while reviewing stories for the next day’s publication, I came
across a press release from the Commerce Ministry in which it was said that the
Japanese Government has donated a consignment of rice to the Liberian
government. The press release from the Commerce Ministry read: The Japanese
Government has donated a consignment of rice valued at 3.3 million United States
Dollars to the government and people of Liberia. According to a Commerce
Ministry release, the more than eight thousand metric tons of rice is expected
in the country tomorrow, June 24, 2009 at mid-night. The consignment of the rice
would be discharged on June 25, 2009, at the Freeport of Monrovia. The Commerce
Ministry statement said the GOL intends to sell the rice at a minimum of 13.50
United States Dollars for a 30 kilogram per bag to assist the consuming public.
According to the ministry, proceeds from the sale of the rice would be placed in
a special account at the
Central Bank of Liberia to be used for developmental projects mainly in the
agricultural sector. Over the past few years, the Liberian government has
benefited from donation of rice from some friendly nations. In some instances,
these donations were distributed to the less fortunate while in other instances,
the government sold these rice with the aim of stabilizing the price of the
commodities on the market and depositing the money into the CBL to boost rice
production in the country and import more of the commodity in the country. But
doubts concerning the availability of funds generated from the exercise over the
years remain a mystery with many of those charged with the management and the
handling of money generated from remaining tight-lipped on the issue.

Just as I was perusing the press release, I began to imagine what such donation
has done to this country. Many times whenever there is a donation to government,
such always cropped up all kinds of controversies, especially as it relates to
the proceeds of the donated items. In many of these situations, government’s
explanation about the use of the proceeds of the donated items had not been
convincing to the public. No matter what kind of explanation given by the
government, it is always received with high degree of skepticism and misgiving
as some members of the public will chastise the government for “corruption.”
The other day the Nigerian government donated petroleum products to this country
and today, no amount of explanations by the government can convince the public
of the truthfulness of how the proceeds of the donation was used. Today, it
remains an issue unresolved. Besides, it is also a political issuer tantamount
to an indictment against
the Unity Party-led government.

Another issue, though, not a donation, is the use of the more than US500, 000
reportedly seized from a Nigerian businessman accused of being a drug
trafficker. The government, including President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has said
that the money was used for security purposes. At one point President Sirleaf
said that based on consultations, she was advised that such money be used for
security, something which her government did. But up to press time, it remains
one of the unresolved issues of national concerns. Another good example of this
kind of situation took place during the past interim administration of Charles
Gyudy Bryant, when controversy erupted over a consignment of rice donated by the
Chinese government. The issue which was dubbed, “The Chinese Rice,” sparked
off a serious concern as to the use of the proceeds received from the
consignment. The public did not believe the government’s explanation about how
it used the money. Today, it
remains one of the unresolved national issues.

I try to historicize on the issue of some donated items to the Liberian
Government because of the controversies which usually characterized such
donations. This article is not intended to indict past administrations, but to
draw the attention of this government to avoid any controversies over this
latest donated rice. Already, the government said the proceeds will be used for
the agricultural sector. But what matters now is for this government to ensure
proper transparency and accountability.

Considering the controversies which have marred such donations, it is necessary
that the government name a special committee, comprising people of diverse
backgrounds to supervise the sale of the commodity and how the money will be
used with the necessary accounting reports for public consumption. In fact, the
donation is part of efforts by the Japanese Government in assisting the Liberian
people. The people have all rights to know how much was realized from the sale
and how the proceeds will be used. The essence of the special committee is based
on experience that people do not trust and believe what government says, hence,
the bringing in of this special committee will build confidence and trust. I
should not be misconstrued as suggesting that the government is corrupt, but the
reality is that people do not really trust and believe the government when it
comes to the issue of the use of proceeds from donated items. A HINT TO THE
WISE IS QUITE
SUFFICIENT !

©2005 - 2009 The Inquirer Online
Developed by BlueSeas Web Designs, Inc

+++

13) Back-To-The Soil Campaign Gets Steam
30 June 2009
C. Winnie Saywah

Liberia Cultural Ambassader Juli AndeThe Ministry of Agriculture has officially
launched this year’s ‘Back to the Soil’ Campaign with three institutions
emerging as winners of the best local farm produce. This year’s campaign
sponsored by Cellcom Telecommunications and CHICO and a continuation of the
‘Back to the Soil’ Campaign launched last year June by President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf, awarded each a scratch card, a cell phone, a Cellcom T-shirt
and a cap to its three winners. Those institutions that received ‘Back to the
Soil’ awards at the campaign launched on Saturday before the E.J Roye Building
on Ashmun Street were the VOA School, 1st winner; Bethel World Christian
Community School, Cow-farm, 2nd winner and the Agriculture College of the
University of Liberia, 3rd winner. The campaign is aimed at using standardized
messages to educate and encourage young farmers into producing “what we eat,
and eating what we grow”. Mr. Joseph
Perkins who officially declared the campaign launched on behalf of the Vice
President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, described agriculture as a very decent
discipline.

Mr. Perkins said people should begin to see agriculture as a career that
supports farmers adding that government also sees it as an important element in
its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) drive. “A hungry man can do nothing, so
agriculture is so important to all of us. This government supports the campaign
and calls on all to join in the fight against poverty and starvation,” M.
Perkins stated. Also representing the Special Representative of the Secretary
General (SRSG) of UNMIL Ellen Margaret Loj, Deputy SRSG for Recovery and
Governance, Andrea Tamagnini said the underlining goal of the campaign is that
such initiative is worth undertaking because it involves life. Mr. Tamagnini
disclosed that the Mission in Liberia is proud to be partners in the Back to the
Soil Campaign because such a program has made UNMIL to be one of the most
successful missions worldwide.

The campaign which was launched simultaneously in the counties is expected to
last up to August 30 with the campaign committee headed by Ambassador Juli Endee
and comprises of traditional communicators going from door-to-door carrying
standardized messages to farmers. The campaign is also intended to promote
diversity of food for daily consumption while it focuses on students and youths
who are still active for farm work. The theater groups are expected to go out in
nine counties within the timeframe set for the campaign period. As it is said
that millions of dollars is spent every year on the importation of farm produce
that can be grown in the country, President Sirleaf is expected to visit three
counties and present prizes to best students in the area of agriculture. The
grade of farm include small, large and garden. The launch of the campaign in
Montserrado County was witnessed by trained traditional communicators, farmers
as well as performances
from gospel and secular Liberian musicians.

Liberia’s traditional culture was also showcased as Chief Zanzan Kawa along
with traditional members paid special honor to the outgoing Lone Star player,
Kelvin Segbwe naming him ‘Zanzan Kawa’ for his role played in the country.

©2005 - 2009 The Inquirer Online

+++

14) Liberians Yearn For 'Food Sufficiency'
30 June 2009


The moment long awaited, longed for, anticipated and cherished was at hand on
Saturday, June 27, 2009 when hundreds of Liberians thronged the historic Ashmud
Street for the official launch of this year's "Back to the Soil" Campaign
sponsored by the government and the United Nations in collaboration with Cellcom
Communications and CHICO while Ambassador Juli Endee's Liberia Crusaders for
Peace is chairing the committee.

Students from private schools as well as the University of Liberia, ordinary
Liberians from all walks of life, in their "Back to the Soil" t-shirts, paraded
from the headquarters of Cellcom Communications thru Broad Street before
converging on Ashmud Street between the new Central Bank of Liberia complex and
the historic E.J. Roye Building where activities for the official launch were
held.

Also leading the parade were officials of the Ministry of Agriculture
represented by Acting Minister Boakai Sirleaf, Deputy Ministry Lorpu Kakdakai,
UNMIL representatives and other stakeholders.

Most importantly myriad of locally produced crops were displayed on a carrier
draped in the national colors of red, white and blue as well as the green color
of the Agriculture Ministry.

Observers say the massive turnout of Liberians is an indication of their desire
to work toward making their country self-sufficient in food production.

It was an awe-inspiring moment of musical outburst, featuring two of Liberia's
youthful musical talents, last year and this year's winners of the "A Star is
Born" competition as well as culturally displays led by the cultural troop of
the Liberian Crusaders for Peace, As the sound from LCP band echoed across the
city, more and more Liberians poured in their numbers to get the message of
"going back to the soil."

"This is the moment we need seize to make our country great in food production,"
remarked a little boy who stood idly and watched the activities unfolded.

Thrilled by the melodies of the talented stars, bulk of the audience found it
hard to remain grooved to the seats, but rushed on the stage in an apparent
appreciation of the star's musical contributions and as a demonstration of their
(audience) patriotism to a national cause.

Apart from the brilliant musical flaunting, the cultural and classical show of
interest by Liberians evident by their presence, the goodness of nature also had
a significant part to play in the process, as there were intermittent drizzles
of rain interspersed with shadowy sun shine, which symbolized heavenly blessings
of the program.

By the interference of nature, most of the participants were convinced that
indeed Liberia was on the verge of scoring victory in one of the moments it
longed for to engender food security and sufficiency. The official launch of the
"Back to the Soil" campaign was done simultaneously across the country.

Reports monitored from rural Liberia say dozens of Liberians, most of whom
farmers gathered at various selected venues to witness this year's Back to the
Soil" campaign. It is not the first time Liberia has launched the back to the
soil campaign since the seating of this government, even past governments, but
the question is whether Liberians are stomaching the idea and are returning to
the farms.

But as indicated earlier during the warning up stage of the campaign, the
Liberian government is this time around not leaving unused any inch of the
available opportunities to take the message of the importance of agriculture
throughout the length and breadth of the country, to the thousands of farmers
who working harder to make Liberia sufficient in food production.

Accordingly, the government through its agency responsible for agriculture is
terming up with various groups in making sure that this year's "Back to the
Soil" becomes reality. Institutions lined up to make the "Back to the soil"
campaign include Cellcom Communications, the official sponsor, the World Food
Program (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CHICO, UNMIL and the
Liberia Crusaders for Peace.

Saturday's launch of the "Back to the Soil" campaign was occasioned by inspiring
speeches from special invitees such as the Chairman of the National Traditional
Council of Liberia, Zanzar Kawah, Grand Kru Representative Gbenemah Solopoh Doe,
former Lone Star player, Kelvin Segbwe and many others.

In his remarks, chief Zanza Kawah told Liberians that farming was an important
tool in the reconstruction drive, but in the same vein urged his countrymen to
take note of whether conditions if they want to get results. He urged farmers
and would-be farmers to begin their farming efforts in October and in March year
taking into consideration weather conditions such the rainy and dry seasons.

Besides urging Liberians to know the timing for farming, he also wooed national
leaders to support the efforts of farmers by ensuring that locally produced rice
and imported rice are sold at the same amount. Kelvin Segbwe who was gowned by
the National Council of Liberia for his contribution to Liberia also wooed his
country men to return to the soil, because it is the only way Liberia can become
self-sufficient in food production.

The "Back to the Soil" campaign was co-launched by the Deputy SRSG of UNMIL who
pledged UNMIL's commitment to ensuring this year's initiative becomes
successful.

"The United Nations Mission in Liberia is one of the successful in the world,
not because of what we have done because you have helped us to make it
successful," he said to the delight of the crowd, and added "it is important to
go back to the soil."

"it is important to grow what we eat, so we are totally behind you as you go
thru this endeavor."

Vice President Joesph Boakai who was to launch the program was not present, but
his proxy also articulated the significance of the soil, and urged Liberians to
take advantage of the program. Grand Kru County Representative Gbenemah Solopoh
Doe called on Liberians to take farming serious, saying "this is not time for
big political speeches; it is about time that we all engage into farming," he
said.

An all-star mind-moving "back to the soil" song led by the LCP was an added
flavor of the campaign with top Liberian musicians singing in their dialects
highlighting the message of the "Back to the soil" campaign. There were other
captivating moments such performances by students and giving out of gifts to
deserving winners by Ambassador Juli Endee.

Dozens of trainers, peer groups and monitors under the guidance of the LCP are
presently in the rural parts of the country to spread the message.

Copyright © 2009 The Analyst

+++

15) Move to Rescue County Development Fund
New Democrat (Monrovia)

A. Abbas Dulleh
30 June 2009


The County Development Fund, aimed at financing target projects in rural areas,
has been politicized and needs rescue, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says.

Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio, quoting the president, said the fund
is not meeting the needs of the targeted groups because it is characterized by
"political interference." He said a special Presidential Task Force has made
this clear to President.

He said the Task Force cited "ineffective monitoring and incompetence process"
as one of the problems.

Mr. Badio said the Task Force, headed by Mr. Samuel P. Jackson, a one-time
Charles Taylor Economic Advisor, visited 15 Counties and inspected 122 projects
in 64 districts leaving five projects unverified "due to inaccessible road
condition."

The team reported, he said, that out of the 122 projects, it inspected, 56 are
incomplete or abandoned, naming Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa and Gbarpolu
Counties as having higher rates of completion and standards than the rest of the
counties.

Mr. Badio said the team has therefore presented an eight-count recommendation to
the President amongst them to minimize political interference in the award of
contracts by redesigning procurement process in the award of development
projects.

The team, amongst others, has also recommended that County Development Mandate
be revisited to design a method of providing varying amounts to counties based
on size and population.

Copyright © 2009 New Democrat.

+++

16) Over 8,000 Metric Tons Japanese Rice in Town
The Informer (Monrovia)

30 June 2009


The Government of Liberia last Friday received a grant of a little over 8,000
metric tons of rice from the Government and people of Japan.

Speaking to journalist last Friday at the Freeport of Monrovia, The Managing
Director of Marino Logistics, a Ghanaian based company, Mr. Yirenki Attuah said
the initiative is known as Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Japan.

The grant was arranged three years ago in Ghana with a subsequent follow-up by
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during her visit to the Republic of Japan
recently.

Mr. Attuah noted that this is the first time for Liberia to benefit from the ODA
grant, even though it has been given in the sub-region for the past nine years.
He said Liberia was opportune to receive the largest ration in the sub-region

He observed that the grant is a regular donation from the Government of Japan to
some needy countries most especially in the West African sub-region. He stated
that the grant can sometimes be in cash, equipment or any form.

He further revealed that the ship that brought the consignment in the country is
en-route docked in other West African Countries before docking at the Free Port
of Monrovia.

He called on the Liberian Government to place the goods in warehouses to be
distributed for consumption.

The grant, valued at US$3.3 million was received by Deputy Commerce Minister;
Frederick B. Norkeh who expressed thanks and appreciation to the donor and
assured that the rice will be used for the purpose intended Minister Korkeh said
the rice will be sold at the minimum of US$13.50 for a 30 kilogram bag and that
the proceeds will be put in a special account of the government at the Central
Bank to be used for development projects in the agriculture sector.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

17) Agriculture official wants 10-percent of fiscal budget for programs
Written by Sayounue Bilah
Monday, 29 June 2009
STAR RADIO

An Agriculture Ministry official has called on government to allocate ten
percent of the fiscal budget for agriculture programs.

The Coordinator of the “Back to the Soil” campaign believes the amount will
help the strife for food sufficiency in Liberia.

At the same time Mr. Godwin Nicollin wants money sent to China to purchase rice
to be used to support the back to the soil program in the country.

Mr. Nicollin spoke during the launch of this year’s “Back to the Soil”
awareness campaign in Greenville, Sinoe County.

The Campaign’s Coordinator told Star Radio the program is intended to
encourage self-sufficiency in food production.

He believes the awareness will motivate government and her international
partners to prioritize agricultural activities.

The campaign is sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, UNMIL, Chico and CELLCOM Communication Incorporated.

+++

18)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#311 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:27 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Obama's Ghana Trip Linked To New U.S. Oil Strategy on African Continent, 2)
'Do Better Professional Work with Cooperatives’ -Act. Agric. Minister, 3)
Tullow Oil gives Trading Statement and Operations Update [Excerpt from Press
Release], 4) Land disputes undermine Liberia's peace, 5) President Sirleaf Meets
Residents of Lorplay, 6) African Aura and Mano River Sign Definitive Combination
Agreement in Respect of Proposed Merger, 7) Squatters Face Eviction in Sapo
National Park, 8) CSA Opens MRU-CENA Workshop Today, 9) President Sirleaf
MeetsResidents of Lorplay, 10) Liberia: Firestone Constructs Additional Housing
Units for Employees, 11) LPRC boss maintains Zakhem deal, 12)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Obama's Ghana Trip Linked To New U.S. Oil Strategy on African Continent, says
Gold Star Resources CEO
U.S. Oil Imports From West Africa Will Hit 25% by 2015


VANCOUVER, July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "U.S. President Barack Obama's trip
to Ghana on July 10th-11th is a subtle White House oil strategy to secure
another source of energy on the continent of Africa," says Patrick Morris, Chief
Executive Officer of Gold Star Resources Corp. (OTCBulletinBoard: GXXFF) . Gold
Star Resources is a Vancouver-based company seeking high-impact 'onshore' oil
and gas opportunities in Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana in West Africa. The
company recently announced its acquisition of International Resources Strategies
Liberia Energy Inc. (IRSLE). Gold Star also announced that it signed a
Letter-of-Intent with Bengal Bight Ghana to acquire 100% of the hydrocarbon
rights to the Tampoum mining concession, approximately 1,000 square km, in Cote
d'Ivoire.

According to Morris, "The U.S. Department of Energy has already confirmed that
the United States will be importing over 770 million barrels of African oil
annually by the year 2020. The U.S. National Intelligence Council is projecting
that 25 percent of U.S. oil imports will come from West Africa by 2015 compared
to 15% today. My own professional experience tells me that the political
stability of Ghana's government, a credible democratic political party system,
and a positive investment environment all favor closer ties to Ghanaians by the
Obama White House."

Morris also pointed out that he's confident that President Obama "will work with
the Ghana Government and people to help them realize their own potential through
job creation in the energy resource sector. I believe that Africa has seen but a
glimpse of its potential in oil and gas discoveries in West Africa. The new U.S.
President has obviously taken notice of this fact."

"Obama's Ghana trip is a smart game plan to strengthen U.S. ties with its West
African allies and create new alliances that would ultimately secure U.S. energy
interests on the African continent," concluded Morris.


Website: http://www.goldstarresources.com

Copyright © 1996-2009 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.

+++


2) 'Do Better Professional Work with Cooperatives’ -Act. Agric. Minister
Challenges CDA Staff, By Edwin M. Fayia III & Victoria Wesseh

Observer Farmer
Published: 09 July, 2009


Acting Agric. Minister Boakai Sirleaf addressing the workshop

MONROVIA, Liberia's Acting Agric. Minister Boakai A. Sirleaf has challenged
employees and staff of Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) to be more
professional with farmers' cooperatives nationwide in order to ensure economic
growth and development in agriculture. Minister Boakai made the remarks on July
7, 2009 at a four-day in-service training workshop being hosted by the CDA and
their support partner Socodev, a Canadian cooperative group.


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+++

3) Tullow Oil gives Trading Statement and Operations Update [Excerpt from Press
Release]

Wednesday, 08 July 2009 07:55

Current Tullow Oil (LON:TLW) share price is at 855.00 or 3.99% down on
yesterday's close at 8:38am.

Tullow Oil issues this Trading Statement in respect of the first half of the
2009 financial year ended 30 June 2009.

This is in advance of the Group’s Half-Yearly Results, which are scheduled for
release on Wednesday 26 August 2009. The Operational Update is in respect of
recent Production, Development and Exploration activities. The information
contained herein has not been audited and is subject to further review.

Tullow Oil Ghana and Equatorial Atlantic Activities

* Jubilee Phase 1 Plan of Development finalised with the Government of Ghana
for formal approval. Development drilling, FPSO conversion and subsea facilities
fabrication all on track for 2010 first oil.

* Tweneboa-1 makes a significant discovery, extending the Jubilee play
westwards.

* Five potentially transformational exploration and appraisal wells
scheduled for 2H 2009; Mahogany-4, Mahogany-Deep-2, Tweneboa-2 and Teak-1 in
Ghana and South Grand Lahou in Côte d’Ivoire.

* Farm-in offers received for French Guiana acreage. New 3D seismic surveys
reveal large leads offshore Guyana and Liberia. A further two licences are being
acquired elsewhere in Liberian Basin.

SEO by Artio © 2008 Economy News.

+++

4) Land disputes undermine Liberia's peace
By Zoom Dosso
July 8, 2009


MONROVIA (AFP) - Long-standing land disputes have fueled ethnic tension in
northern Liberia, which some fear could flare into armed conflict and threaten
the country's fragile peace following two civil wars.

The spats are over property in Nimba county on the border with Guinea, a region
that saw some of the heaviest fighting in the 14 years of bloodshed and where
animosity still runs deep.

Pointing to a nearby house, Mamadee Fofana, a Mandingo -- one of the area's
three main ethnic groups with the Manos and Gios -- tells his story.

"I have lost every piece of land I had before the war," he told AFP.

Fofana was among thousands who fled to Guinea to escape bloodshed during the
1989 to 2003 conflicts, which claimed some 250,000 lives nationwide.

Like many others, he returned home two years ago.

"When I came there was somebody else on my land. He is a Mano. When I went to
ask him, he took (up) the machete against me," Fofana said.

The current occupant has a different story to tell.

"This land belonged to my grandparents," said Wilfred Saye.

"My grandparents gave this land to Mamadee's parents when we were all kids."

According to local Mano and Gio tribal chief John Gbartu, the Mandingos started
arriving in Nimba from Guinea in the 1940s looking for cola nuts and were
welcomed and made to feel at home.

"As our tradition wants it, we gave them the center of the town and we went at
the back. But at that time there was no document business," Gbartu told AFP.

He has urged the national government in Monrovia to get involved in the property
spats. "The war is over. We are talking to our children but it is a very
sensitive matter that only government can resolve," he insisted.

The mainly Muslim Mandingos, who make up 20 percent of the population of Nimba,
lived in harmony with the mixed animist and Christian Manos and the Gios for
many years. But the mood changed in the 1980s after then president Samuel Doe
labelled the Gios and the Manos as enemies of his regime.

"Mandingos supported the regime of Doe, consequently they became enemies of Gios
and Manos," Gbartu explained.

The ethnic rivalries worsened during the devastating wars that ravaged Africa's
oldest republic, which was founded by freed slaves from America in 1847.

Manos and Gios backed the rebel National Patriotic Front (NPFL) of Charles
Taylor who ousted Doe from power. After Doe was executed, many Mandingos joined
another anti-Taylor group, the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy
(LURD) rebels.

"This is how Mandingos' houses were burnt down by the NPFL and Manos and Gios
homes were burnt down by the LURD," tribal chief Gbartu said.

"My grandparents gave the land out of hospitality when Mamadee's parents
migrated from Guinea in the 1960s. But during the war the same Mandingos came
and burnt down our houses," he said.

Many who fled into Guinea were Mandingos. But when their repatriation under
peace provisions started in 2005, many returnees found their homes occupied by
Manos and Gios.

"This land problem is a serious issue here in Nimba county," warned county
superintendent Robert Kamei, "a very sensitive issue that could lead to serious
security problems if not handled properly."

In 2008 the Liberian government set up a special county-level commission with
political leaders from the three ethnic groups to find a solution.

The tension has sparked riots in Nimba in recent years, and commission head Musa
Bility fears that if the rows drag on, they could draw in allies of both sides
and spread trouble elsewhere in the country.

"This is a serious, very serious challenge to reconciliation. If we do not
resolve this issue, obviously there will be new war," he told AFP.

The commission presented its report to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf last
month, recommending the government set up a special fund to relocate people
within Nimba county after they strike a deal with the mediators.

It also asked the government to make land available where these people could be
rehoused. While Sirleaf endorsed their suggestions and promised to find funds,
it is unclear how or when the money will come to Nimba, in an impoverished
nation trying to rebuild its infrastructure.

The commission meanwhile continues to try to arbitrate in the land quarrels, but
observers said as long as funds and new property are not available tensions will
remain high in the region.

"Ethnicity and land disputes are issues the authorities need to look in
carefully and meticulously if they want to achieve everlasting peace in this
country," Liberian sociologist James Nimely told AFP.

Copyright © 2009 AFP.

+++

5) President Sirleaf Meets Residents of Lorplay

Source: The Liberian Government
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

July 07, 2009



President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says her commitment to the development of
Liberia remains strong and unwavering. The president says she will continue to
perform the tasks for which she was elected by the Liberian people with more
vigor and determination. "Keep praying for God to grant us good health and
strength to continue the work for which we were elected," the President told a
gathering of elders and residents of Lorplay in Nimba County.

The residents of Goseh-tar, Boe and Quella Chiefdom in Tappita District, Nimba
County, were in Monrovia to present a statement to the Liberian leader, pledging
their unflinching support to the President and Government.

In their statement, quoted by an Executive Mansion release, residents of the
area thanked the Liberian President for constructing the R & J Wilson Maternity
Clinic in Lorplay town in 2001, through Measuagon, prior to her ascendancy to
the Presidency. Measuagon is a non-governmental organization founded by the
Liberian leader several years ago and has undertaken development projects
throughout the country.

The clinic, the citizens said, has contributed to the health needs of the
people. "Your farsightedness to have constructed a clinic in such a remote area
at the time, demonstrates your love, care, and concern for the common people,"
Lorplay residents noted in the statement. They informed the President that the
road linking Goseh-tar to the rest of the neighboring villages in Zoe-Geh
District, Nimba County is inaccessible to motorists because of bad roads and
broken bridges, including the Weh River Bridge.

The residents say because of its strategic location, the broken Weh River Bridge
has affected the free movement of goods and services in the area.

The Liberian President has assured the citizens that Government will work with
authorities of the Ministry of Public Works to prioritize the construction of
the bridge. She disclosed that some bailey bridges are in stock and would direct
the Public Works Ministry to work along with a UN engineering battalion in the
area to erect one on the bridges pending the construction of a permanent bridge
over the river.

The President said due to the rains, not much can be done on the roads, but
promised to respond to the needs of the people appropriately.

The Liberian leader also promised to construct an extension to the Maternity
Clinic in Lorplay, in response to a request by citizens of the area that the
clinic can no longer host the large influx of patients seeking medical
attention.


© 2009 by The Perspective
E-mail: editor@...


+++


6) African Aura and Mano River Sign Definitive Combination Agreement in Respect
of Proposed Merger (Press Release)
06 July, 2009

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISSEMINATION TO US NEWS WIRE
SERVICES

African Aura Resources Ltd. ("African Aura") (TSX VENTURE:AAZ) and Mano River
Resources Inc. ("Mano River") (TSX VENTURE:MNO)(AIM:MANA) are pleased to jointly
announce that they have entered into the definitive combination agreement (the
"Combination Agreement") in respect of their proposed merger, as contemplated in
the previously announced letter of intent between the companies dated 15 April
2009, as amended on 14 May 2009 and 12 June 2009 (the "LOI"). As previously
announced, Mano River will offer 1.57 Mano River shares for every one African
Aura share in order to acquire the entire issued share capital of African Aura.

The terms of the Combination Agreement are substantially similar to the terms of
the LOI.

The transaction is structured as a merger under the corporate laws of the
British Virgin Islands ("BVI"). In accordance with the plan of merger dated 30
June 2009 between MANAAR Limited ("MANAAR"), a wholly-owned BVI subsidiary of
Mano River, African Aura and Mano River, MANAAR will, subject to regulatory
approval and the approval of the merger by the shareholders of African Aura,
merge with African Aura and Mano River will thereby acquire all of the issued
and outstanding common shares of African Aura.

The African Aura meeting at which its shareholders will consider and, if deemed
advisable, approve the merger is currently scheduled to be held on 31 July 2009
and, in any event, is expected to take place no later than 15 August 2009. Both
companies are endeavouring to expedite the process in order to hold the African
Aura shareholders' meeting as soon as possible. The notice of the African Aura
meeting and accompanying management information circular are currently under
preparation and will be sent to the African Aura shareholders at the earliest
opportunity.

The effective date for closing of the merger is expected to be in mid to late
August, or at latest during September, at which time the merger will be complete
and Mano River shares will be issuable to African Aura shareholders.

The Combination Agreement will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the
profiles of each of African Aura and Mano River on or before 10 July 2009. For a
summary of the terms of the proposed merger, refer to the press releases of each
of African Aura and Mano River dated 15 April 2009, which are available under
the companies' respective SEDAR profiles at www.sedar.com.

About African Aura

African Aura (TSX VENTURE:AAZ) has a 'first-mover' exploration strategy, focused
on the discovery of economic iron, gold, and uranium deposits in sub-Saharan
Africa. African Aura commenced exploration in 2004 and has established a
portfolio of exploration licences totalling approximately 9,480km2, targeting
areas of active artisanal gold mining within Archaean greenstone and Proterozoic
volcano-sedimentary belts. The portfolio includes the 12km long Nkout iron
project in southern Cameroon, the Batouri gold project in eastern Cameroon, the
Fula Camp gold project in western Liberia, and a pipeline of significant
prospects for drill testing, as well as numerous other gold, uranium and iron
ore targets that require follow up exploration. African Aura trades on the TSX-V
under the symbol AAZ. More information can be found on line at
www.african-aura.com and at SEDAR's website: www.sedar.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release includes certain Forward-Looking Statements. All statements,
other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without
limitation, statements regarding the proposed merger and future plans and
objectives of African Aura and/or Mano River, are forward-looking statements
that involve various known and unknown risks and uncertainties as well as other
factors. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from
current expectations, including delays in obtaining or failure to obtain
required regulatory and shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that
such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events
could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Any
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, except as may
be required by applicable law, African
Aura and Mano River disclaim any obligation to update or modify such
forward-looking statements, either as a result of new information, future events
or for any other reason.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term
is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

+++

7) Squatters Face Eviction in Sapo National Park
As Fact-finding Team Begins Work

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III
Published: 06 July, 2009

Theo V. Freeman


MONROVIA, A 34-man fact-finding team comprising local and international
stakeholders as well as government officials has been established. The team is
mandated to ascertain facts concerning the operations of illegal settlers at the
Sapo National Park and make recommendations to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
for their immediate removal. The Park is Liberia's only ecosystem in Greenville,
Sinoe County.

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+++

8) CSA Opens MRU-CENA Workshop Today

July 6, 2009

Over thirty civil servants from Member States of the Mano River Union (MRU) are
in Liberia to attend a three-day training workshop on Capacity Enhancement Needs
Assessment (CENA). The workshop, which runs from July 6-8, 2009 at the Thinkers
Village, outside Monrovia, is part of the support provided to the MRU by the
African Capacity Building Foundation (ACDF) to strengthen the capacity of the
four countries’ civil services. According to a release, the training is being
conducted by the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), which has a
highly qualified fulltime staff in addition to a large pool of short-term
consultation and modern training facilities. Capacity Enhancement Needs
Assessment is a participatory concept designed to evaluate existing capacity,
identify capacity gaps and weaknesses, and recommend possible remedies.

This is achieved by establishing mechanisms to bring people together and
building consensus, forging stronger partnership, reducing wasteful competition
and emphasizing the achievement of concrete results in keeping with the
Comprehensive Development Framework CDF), promoted by the World Bank. Topics to
be covered include Organizational Performance, Organizational Capacity,
Identifying Capacity Gaps, Task Teams, Remedial Action Plans, among others. An
array of regional and national dignitaries is expected to grace the opening of
the workshop, including the Deputy Secretary-General of the Mano River Union,
Mrs. Linda Koroma., the release signed by Theresa Jordan, Capacity Development
Project Coordinator concluded.


©2005 - 2009 The Inquirer Online

+++

9) President Sirleaf MeetsResidents of Lorplay
Source: The Liberian Government

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
July 07, 2009



President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says her commitment to the development of
Liberia remains strong and unwavering. The president says she will continue to
perform the tasks for which she was elected by the Liberian people with more
vigor and determination. "Keep praying for God to grant us good health and
strength to continue the work for which we were elected," the President told a
gathering of elders and residents of Lorplay in Nimba County.

The residents of Goseh-tar, Boe and Quella Chiefdom in Tappita District, Nimba
County, were in Monrovia to present a statement to the Liberian leader, pledging
their unflinching support to the President and Government.

In their statement, quoted by an Executive Mansion release, residents of the
area thanked the Liberian President for constructing the R & J Wilson Maternity
Clinic in Lorplay town in 2001, through Measuagon, prior to her ascendancy to
the Presidency. Measuagon is a non-governmental organization founded by the
Liberian leader several years ago and has undertaken development projects
throughout the country.

The clinic, the citizens said, has contributed to the health needs of the
people. "Your farsightedness to have constructed a clinic in such a remote area
at the time, demonstrates your love, care, and concern for the common people,"
Lorplay residents noted in the statement. They informed the President that the
road linking Goseh-tar to the rest of the neighboring villages in Zoe-Geh
District, Nimba County is inaccessible to motorists because of bad roads and
broken bridges, including the Weh River Bridge.

The residents say because of its strategic location, the broken Weh River Bridge
has affected the free movement of goods and services in the area.

The Liberian President has assured the citizens that Government will work with
authorities of the Ministry of Public Works to prioritize the construction of
the bridge. She disclosed that some bailey bridges are in stock and would direct
the Public Works Ministry to work along with a UN engineering battalion in the
area to erect one on the bridges pending the construction of a permanent bridge
over the river.

The President said due to the rains, not much can be done on the roads, but
promised to respond to the needs of the people appropriately.

The Liberian leader also promised to construct an extension to the Maternity
Clinic in Lorplay, in response to a request by citizens of the area that the
clinic can no longer host the large influx of patients seeking medical
attention.


© 2009 by The Perspective
e-mail: editor@...

+++

10) Liberia: Firestone Constructs Additional Housing Units for Employees
The Informer (Monrovia)
Jerome W. Toe
3 July 2009


Firestone Liberia Public Affairs Manager, Rufus Karmorh has disclosed the
construction of additional housing units by the company for its dedicated
employees and families.

Making the disclosure Thursday, June 25, 2009, in Harbel, Firestone, Mr. Karmorh
said following the successful relocation of the marketers, the company has
embarked upon a housing project to accommodate employees of the company as part
of its reconstruction program.

Mr. Karmorh pointed out that the company is constructing housing in other parts
of the concession area for Firestone employees and their dependants

He said the company is constructing these housing units in parts of Harbel
re-named Harbelville, Harbel Grove, Harbel Rise and Harbel Square.

When quizzed by reporters, Mr. Karmorh noted that Liberian owned construction
firms were partnering with the company in executing various projects within the
concession area. As a result of such viable partnership, job opportunities as
well as disposable income were permeating with in the economy.

He said the company has hired nearly 50 Liberian construction companies to carry
out the task of erecting housing and other projects earmarked for the employees
and their dependants.

He said since the beginning of the construction works, there has not been any
serious challenge as others may think; he pointed out that the only challenge is
from rainfall and at times the shortage of materials on the local market.

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

11) LPRC boss maintains Zakhem deal, but...
Written by Charles Gbollie
Friday, 03 July 2009
STAR RADIO

LPRC Managing Director Harry Greaves says the contract with Zakhem International
is genuine and would pursue it to the end.

Mr. Greaves said he would ensure that the entity’s storage facilities are
rehabilitated and expanded in accordance with plan..

Mr. Greaves said under the contract, three fuel storage tanks will be built to
increase the terminal’s capacity from forty to sixty thousand.

According to him, the contract would also ensure the rehabilitation of fourteen
existing storage tanks among other features.

The LPRC Managing Director spoke Friday at the 5th Edition of the Cecil Dennis
Discourse series at the AME University.

Mr. Greave’s statements followed an order by President Sirleaf for the
contract to be halted pending review.

The President set up an independent committee to review the contract amidst
reports of procedural inconsistencies.

+++

12)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#312 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:43 am
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1)Liberia: Firestone Replanting Plan Faces Setback, 2) Liberia qualifies for
Int’l chemical management initiative, 3) Liberia: President Sirleaf Identifies
With Flood Victims, 4) Rep Karway Outlines Problems Of Agriculture Sector, 5)
Liberia: Senator Siakor Wants Agricultural Sector Prioritized, 6) Bomi Senator
halts pit sawing, 7) West African Oil Gets Boost From Obama Ghana Trip, Says
Gold Star Resources CEO, 8) Barcodes on trees help to save forests, 9) Thirteen
LAC security guards held for murder, 10) Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative Bill Signed Into Law, 11) Liberia welcomes Chinese investors, 12)
Liberia: Policy training workshop on food security strategy and program opens in
Monrovia, 13)See also:

http://liberianature.blogspot.com/



1)Liberia: Firestone Replanting Plan Faces Setback
15 July 2009

Some unidentified persons have cut down several young rubber trees within the
vicinity of Division 15 in Firestone, causing a great setback to the ongoing
Replanting Program of the company in that part of the concession area.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 6, 2009, after employees assigned to that
area discovered that the affected young rubber trees had been cut over night by
some unknown individuals.

The Replanting Program was launched by Firestone Liberia few years ago, to
replace aged rubber trees or those damaged as a result of slaughter-tapping
carried out by illicit tapers.

According to the New Development Superintendent in charge of Division 15, Mr.
Bartu Sawiea, the six-three (63) affected young rubber trees were two years old
and located in Block 46 within Area C.

He disclosed that Block 46 is situated along the border line between the
concession area of Firestone Liberia and a private farm known as Philip's Farm.
The doers of the act are believed to be individuals roaming the concession area
of Firestone Liberia engaging in unwholesome activities to the detriment of the
company, its employees and their dependents as well as the economy of the
country.

Residents and employees of Division 15 have expressed dismay over what they
referred to as "act intended to hamper the operations of the company and
exacerbate the existing problem of unemployment already facing Liberia and its
people."

According to them, they view the Replanting Program launched by Firestone
Liberia as an exercise gear towards reinvesting huge capital into the company's
operations in Liberia and restoring its activities to pre-war status for the
socio-economic growth of the country.

They also expressed shock that while Firestone Liberia is doing everything
within its reach to keep the dying Liberian rubber industry alive through the
Replanting Program and Free Rubber Stumps Distribution Exercise, some
unscrupulous persons are bent on discrediting what they noted as "these good
efforts" initiated by the company.

It can be recalled that in May of last year (2008), several young rubber trees
were uprooted under the cover of darkness in Division 15 by unknown individuals.

The incident which occurred along the Monrovia-Kakata Highway near Fifteen Gate,
left more than 100 hundred young rubber trees about a year and a half old
damaged in the process. During the commission of their act, the unknown persons
damaged and abandoned sixteen (16) young rubber trees and uprooted and took away
eighty-eight (88).

The wanton cutting and uprooting of young rubber trees have become a practice by
persons roaming the concession area of Firestone Liberia. These individuals have
affected young rubber

trees in Divisions 6, 11 and other areas within the concession area.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

2) Liberia qualifies for Int’l chemical management initiative
Written by Hilary Vasco Wiagbe
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
STAR RADIO

The Environmental Protection Agency says Liberia has met all requirements to
form part of the International Initiative to manage chemicals.

Speaking at the start of a two day workshop, EPA’s acting head Jerome Nyenka
said Liberia was now required to develop national documents on chemical
management.

The workshop organized in collaboration with the UN Institute for Training is to
develop a National Chemicals Management Profile and a National Strategic
Approach to International Chemicals Management.

Mr. Nyenka urged the participants to forge for a stronger partnership to make
the exercise a success.

Individuals and Institutions in the environmental sector are attending the
workshop.


+++

3) Liberia: President Sirleaf Identifies With Flood Victims
14 July 2009
Liberia Government (Monrovia)

Monrovia - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has visited flood affected areas in
Virginia on the outskirts of Monrovia, to identify with flood victims in the
area.

An Executive Mansion release says the President toured the once booming CeCe
Beach Amusement Center to get a first hand impression of the facility, which is
now in ruins as a result of recent floods.

The President also visited flood victims on Bomi Highway in Brewerville,
expressing regrets to victims for the losses they have sustained.

The Liberian leader assured the victims that Government is concerned about the
constant flooding of areas in the vicinity and other areas in and around
Monrovia. The President said efforts are being made to find a solution to the
problem.

She attributed the constant flooding of Monrovia and its environs to the illegal
erection of structures across swamp land and other areas not approved by the
Ministry of Public Works for construction.

The President cautioned that unless residents begin to observe the zoning laws
of the country, they run the risk of being affected by floods which are frequent
especially during the rainy season.

The residents thanked the President for identifying with them during this
difficult period and hoped government would act to save their homes from further
destruction.


Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

4) Liberia: Rep Karway Outlines Problems Of Agriculture Sector
The Informer (Monrovia)
Akoi Dakala
13 July 2009


The Co-Chairman on Agriculture at the House of Representaives, Hon. Francis
Karway has diagnosed some shortcomings in the agricultural sector of the
country.

The Nimba County District #1Lawmaker said the lack of empowerment for rural
dwellers who are massively involved in agricultural activities as a means of
earning livelihood in Liberia is a

major problem of the Agriculture sector. He also recognized that the lack of
expertise is responsible for the backwardness of the sector.

Representative Karway explained that if there were opportunities provided by the
government through the Agriculture Ministry to explain to local farmers about
modern agricultural methods

on a regular basis, rapid increase in growth of agricultural products would have
increased since the end of the 15 years civil war.

He expressed regrets about the 2% allotment in this year's budget for
agriculture, saying that it is not sufficient, looking at the fact that
agriculture is one of the pillars Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

The Lawmaker made the assertion during a program marking the final program
championing agriculture development to foster economic recovery at the National
Legislative Workshop on agriculture and climate change over the weekend.

The two days workshop brought together lawmakers from Germany, Denmark, Scotland
and some social workers in Liberia.

The forum also focused on relevant international legislations and policies in
relation to agriculture in the West African. The speakers reviewed the regional
agricultural policy for West

Africa, the comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the
Maputo Agreement.

At the ceremony, relevant global stakeholder stressed the need for a focus on
the common challenges and opportunities unique to the continent and regions as
well as how Liberia can best align itself with these legal instruments.

The wide range of discussions also looked at the general state of agricultural
development in Liberia, especially as it relates to issues of climate change.
The presentations represented a wide variety of perspectives on the subject,
including the legislative perspective, the executive perspective, the gender
perspective and the World Bank perspective as well.

Additionally, the sessions focused on identifying gaps in national policy making
and provide suggestions as to how members of the legislature can be proactive on
the various aspects of the topic on a national level.

Other developments surrounded the existing opportunities to strengthen the
agricultural sector through technical adaptation and mitigation measures in
order to increase the resilience of the sector in the face of climate change and
other factors were discuss.

Experts, in return inform lawmakers on issues such as crop technology, disaster
risk management, weather insurance, including lessons learned from the community
adoption projects that was also reviewed at the program.

The two days workshop took a clear look at the relationship between agriculture,
food security and climate change. As a starting point, the Liberians Food
security and nutrition strategy of March 2009 was also suggested to be briefly
presented.

The workshop document was then taken to the relevant stakeholders of the
Agriculture sector for quick action aim at helping with the alarming need for
strengthening the agricultural sector of Liberia.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

5) Liberia: Senator Siakor Wants Agricultural Sector Prioritized
The Informer (Monrovia)
13 July 2009


Bong County Senator Franklin Siakor, has called for the prioritization of the
agricultural sector in the 2009/2010 fiscal budget.

Senator Siakor made the observation recently at a budget hearing, when he
accused the Unity Party led government of paying lip services to the budgetary
allotment particularly towards the agriculture sector.

Senator Siakor told the Senate Plenary which is the highest decision-making body
of the Upper House that, agriculture, the world over, remains the most important
source for sustaining a nation and its people economically.

The Senator during a regular Legislative deliberations concerning the 2009/2010
budget noted that if jobs must be created to alleviate the level of abject
poverty facing the people, the agricultural sector must be given the highest
attention and due consideration by the Liberian Senate vis-visa the Legislature.

Senator Siakor further asserted that why should there be job problems in the
country when there exists rich soil and vast resources.

Senator Siakor also emphasized on the importance of education, and urged the
Senate to make adequate budgetary allocations to the agricultural sector.


Copyright © 2009 The Informer

+++

6) Bomi Senator halts pit sawing
Written by Mack Rogers
Monday, 13 July 2009

STAR RADIO


Bomi County Senator Richard Divine has put a halt to pit sawing activities in
Mana Clan, Klay District

Senator Divine also ordered the seizure of planks extracted from the forests in
the Mana clan.

According to Senator Divine, illegal pit sawing activities were being carried
out in the area with no benefit to the clan.

Our correspondent says the actions followed a mass citizens’ meeting in Klay
District.

During the meeting, the Senator frowned on traditional chiefs for not monitoring
activities of pit sawing.

The Bomi County Senator also warned pit sawyers to obtain the permission of the
authorities before returning to the Forest.


+++

7) West African Oil Gets Boost From Obama Ghana Trip, Says Gold Star Resources
CEO (Press Release)
Foreign Investment In Africa Overtakes Foreign Aid

VANCOUVER, July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. President Barack Obama's
highly publicized trip to Ghana has helped focus attention on oil and gas
exploration throughout West Africa , as well as attracting new energy investment
support to the African Continent, says the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Star
Resources Corp. (TSX-V: GXX) (OTCBulletinBoard: GXXFF) . In an exclusive news
interview with Business New Network television (see the interview at
www.goldstarresources.com and click on Press Releases & Media page), Patrick
Morris, Gold Star Resources President and CEO, stated that the Obama trip has
confirmed the "political stability" within West Africa. Morris told Business
News Network that Gold Star Resources is the

"first and only junior company to seek onshore oil & gas exploration
opportunities in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire in the last 30 years." Gold Star
Resources recently announced the acquisition of International Resource
Strategies Liberia Energy (IRSLE). The company also announced its
Letter-of-Intent (LoI) with Bengal Bight Ghana Lid. To acquire 100% interest in
the hydrocarbon rights of Bengal's 1,000 sq. km Tiampoum mining concession in
Cote d'Ivoire, near the border with Ghana.

According to Morris, U.S. President Obama's recent visit to Ghana has given a
powerful boost to oil investments in West Africa. The Gold Star Resources CEO
told Business News Network TV

that his company is aggressively seeking "onshore oil and gas exploration
opportunities throughout West Africa and especially in Liberia and Cote
d'Ivoire." The Canadian oil executive also said that West Africa has shown
increased promise to develop new hydrocarbon deposits in areas such as Liberia,
where previous exploration was never completed because of the political
instability within the country.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development recently stated that
foreign investment in Africa reached $48 Billion, overtaking foreign aid for the
first time. The group also stated that there has been a quadrupling of foreign
investment in Africa since 2000.

"Africa today resembles Asia in the 1980s," said Morris. "Investment markets are
now opening up."

SOURCE Gold Star Resources Corp.

Website: http://www.goldstarresources.com


+++

8) Barcodes on trees help to save forests
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:48:00 07/13/2009

Filed Under: Forest and forest management, Global Warming, Forestry & Timber,
International (Foreign)Trade, Technology (general)


LONDON—Deep in the world’s tropical rainforests, workers are hammering
thousands of barcodes into hardwood trees to help in the fight against illegal
logging, corruption and global warming.

The plastic tags, like those on supermarket groceries, have been nailed to a
million trees across Africa, Southeast Asia and South America to help countries
keep track of timber reserves.

Helveta, the British company behind the technology, says the barcodes will help
firms comply with tough laws on importing sustainable timber into the United
States and Europe.

They could also play a role in fighting deforestation, which accounts for about
a fifth of global emissions of planet-warming carbon dioxide. The issue will
feature in global climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

“We bring transparency and visibility where historically that has probably
been limited at best,” Patrick Newton, Helveta’s chief executive officer,
told Reuters.

The company, which has just secured another $4.88 million in funding from
investors, has put barcodes on trees across the world, including in Bolivia,
Ghana, Indonesia, Liberia, Malaysia and Peru.

The computerized system is less prone to fraud than traditional paper records,
carries live data and can help governments to collect more timber taxes, Newton
said.

Harder to sell

While the barcodes can’t prevent criminals from chopping down trees, the
system makes it hard for them to process, sell or export the wood, Newton said.

Officials in remote forests use handheld computers to scan the tags from the
moment a tree is felled to its processing and export, and the live data is put
onto Helveta’s secure database.

Every tree above a certain size in a plantation is given an individual barcode.
When a tree is cut down, another barcode is attached to the stump and more tags
are nailed to the processed wood to allow customs officials to audit exports at
the docks.

Government officials and companies can track individual trees through the supply
chain and view computerized maps of forests on the database. Timber leaving a
forest or factory without tags will immediately be viewed as illegal, Newton
said.

Illegal logging costs timber-producing countries $10 billion a year in stolen
wood, lost taxes and lower prices for legally sourced products, the World Bank
estimates.

It also takes an environmental toll. Damage to forests raises the risk of fires,
flooding and damage to plants and trees that act as a “sink” to soak up
carbon dioxide, Britain’s Meteorological Office said in a report last year.

Fight vs global warming

Helveta hopes its technology could help countries taking part in a proposed
scheme to protect the world’s forests as part of the fight against global
warming. That is likely to form part of any global climate deal agreed in
Copenhagen in December.

The scheme, called Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD),
aims to increase forest cover to soak up carbon dioxide emissions blamed for
rising seas, extreme weather and melting glaciers.

It may include a market-based element where traders buy and sell REDD credits
from forestry projects that lock away carbon.

However, trading based on the number of trees in a forest needs close auditing
if the market is to work, Helveta says.

“The problem with forests is that it is very hard to validate what is truly
out there,” Newton said. “If you are trying to back that asset … you need
to be able to make sure that what you think is securitized is really there.”

Reuters


Copyright 2009 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© Copyright 2001-2009 INQUIRER.net, An INQUIRER Company

+++

9) Thirteen LAC security guards held for murder
Written by Gabriel Paul
Friday, 10 July 2009
STAR RADIO

Police in Grand Bassa County have begun investigating thirteen security guards
of the Liberia Agriculture Company for allegedly killing a laboratory
technician.

The thirteen officers are from the Plant Protection division of LAC.

The County Police Commander said the police are investigating the PPD officers
for their alleged involvement in the death of one Jackson Whodah.

Jackson Whodah was a laboratory technician working with the company.

Inspector Tito Lolin said the defendants allegedly flogged Jackson and his
brother Papa Quoi after arresting them.

They were accused of stealing fuel oil from a factory at the plantation on
July 5 this year.

Jackson reportedly died before he was taken to the Liberia Agriculture Company
Hospital.

His brother Papa Quoi who survived the incident is undergoing treatment at the
Buchanan hospital.


+++

10) Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Bill Signed Into Law
Liberia Government (Monrovia)
10 July 2009


President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed into law 'An Act establishing the
Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI).'

The new law will assist in ensuring that all benefits due the Government and
people of Liberia for the extraction of the country's mineral and other
resources are paid and duly accounted for.

In remarks at the signing ceremony, President Johnson Sirleaf described the law
as one that strives for accountability. The President spoke of the importance of
the new law, noting that

it requires all investors in the extractive industry, including mining and
forestry, to periodically report on all official and unofficial payments made to
civil society

The bill was presented to the President on Friday at the Foreign Ministry by
members of the House and Senate Joint Committee on the Executive in the National
Legislature.

Present at the ceremony were Senate Executive Committee Chairman and Gbarpolu
County Senator Daniel Naatehn; Grand Bassa County Senator Gbezhongar Findley;
Bomi County Representative Haja Fata Siryon; Nimba County Representative Nohn
Kidau; Lofa County Representative Malian Jalebah; Finance Minister Augustine
Ngafuan; and Minister of State for Economic and Legal Affairs, Morris Saytumah.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

+++

11) Liberia welcomes Chinese investors
www.chinaview.cn 2009-07-09 20:00:01

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Liberian Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on
Friday invited Chinese investors to focus on the West African country's
agricultural, mining, forestry and other sectors.

Boakai, who is here for his first Beijing tour as guest of his Chinese
counterpart Xi Jinping, hailed the booming bilateral ties since the two states
resumed diplomatic ties in 2003.

Appreciating China's contribution to the war-hit country's reconstruction at a
business forum in Beijing, Boakai pledged to further economic and trade ties
with China so as to stimulate Liberia's economic growth and improve the quality
of life of local people.

Zhang Wei, vice president of the China Council for the Promotion of
International Trade, said Chinese businessmen were interested in investing in
Liberia and other West African states.

"We are not only interested in the mining sector, but also other industries such
as agriculture, fishery and tourism, which could provide more jobs to the local
community," said Yang Yutao, a manager of the private China-Union Investment Co.
Ltd that has pumped two billion U.S. dollars into the country's mining sector.

China-Liberian trade hit 400 million U.S. dollars in the first four months of
this year, up more than 70 percent year on year and the annual volume was 1.1
billion U.S. dollars in 2008, Chinese custom figures show.

Qin said the July 5 incident in Xinjiang was an organized and premeditated
violence aimed at sabotaging China's national unification and ethnic solidarity.

The spokesman called for the international community to have a clear
understanding of what really happened, understand and support the Chinese
government's efforts to safeguard national unification, territorial integrity,
ethnic unity and social stability.


Editor: Chris
chinaview

+++

12) Liberia: Policy training workshop on food security strategy and program
opens in Monrovia
Source: Government of Liberia

Date: 09 Jul 2009

A five day Policy Training Workshop on Food Security Strategy and Program
focusing on the objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy has begun at the
Samuel Kanyan Doe Sport Complex in Monrovia.

The workshop which is being organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will provide the
framework to move the country from a post-emergency and rehabilitation to
sustainable economic development and growth.

Nearly seventy participants from ministries and agencies of government,
non-governmental organizations and the United Nations system in Liberia are
attending the workshop.

The content of the workshop will actively improve the capacities of officers and
representatives of Government and civil society organizations with the intent to
identify critical policy issues regarding planning, programming, resource
mobilization and allocation, delivery services as well as monitoring and
evaluation of activities in the National Food and Nutrition

Security Strategy (NF&NSS).

The overall objective of the workshop is the availability and use of
knowledgeable and skilled human resources at central and decentralized levels of
government and civil society organizations in providing efficient services of
policy to the national food security program and activities for food security in
the country.

At the end of the workshop where all assistant superintendents for development,
county agriculture coordinators district agriculture officers, national
agriculture experts from the NGOs and senior officials of the Ministry of
Agriculture are participating, would have produced a critical mass of government
officers at central and decentralized levels with improved knowledge and skills.

The participants will also have clear insight and better understanding in
identifying and assessing policy issues; determining implementation strategies
and mechanism to carry out monitoring and evaluation activities relating to
agricultural development nation-wide.

The Thematic Clusters of the Papers that are being presented have been arranged
as (1) Policy Issues relating to the Implementation of the National Food and
Nutrition Security Strategy of Liberia which will focus Pillar II of the Poverty
Reduction Strategy and its Emphasis on Agriculture and overview of the Emerging
National Agriculture Policy for Liberia.

The function of the local government in the National Food and Nutrition Security
Strategy of Liberia as another cluster where the local government structure,
county and its responsibilities in national development and role of the local
government administration in enhancing the national food and nutrition security
strategy.

The other cluster, Capacity Building for Liberia's National Food and Nutrition
Security Strategy will deal with Pulukpeh as a vehicle for building capacity and
establishing linkages with the rural population and Farmer Field School (FFS)
training as an instrument for building the capacity of rural dwellers.

Lastly the workshop participants will have an opportunity in cluster IV to look
at the problems prospects and the way forward in implementing the national food
and nutrition security strategy.

In an effort to address the issue of food insecurity, the Government of Liberia,
following the examples of other developing countries, introduced a national
program for food security

known as "Operation Eliminate Hunger", (OpEH) or 'Pulukpeh' which is interpreted
in the Kpelle vernacular, "Drive Away Hunger".

It was this underlying factor, that the Liberian Leader Madam Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, on June 19, 2008 launched Liberia's food security program under the
theme, "Back to the Soil".

The keynote speaker at the workshop on July 9, 2009, Deputy Agriculture Minister
for Technical Services, Peter Korvah called on government to increase budgetary
support to the Ministry of Agriculture in an effort to attain national food
security.

Deputy Minister Korvah said in order to meet the mandate of national food
security; all stakeholders in the agricultural sector must work as a team. As
reported by Bisi Klah and Arthur R. Tucker from the Samuel Kanyan Doe Complex in
Paynesville, east of Monrovia.

With the exception of public UN sources, reproduction or redistribution of the
above text, in whole, part or in any form, requires the prior consent of the
original source. The opinions

expressed in the documents carried by this site are those of the authors and are
not necessarily shared by UN OCHA or ReliefWeb.

+++

13)See also: http://liberianature.blogspot.com/

###

Complete archives at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nature_Liberia/




#313 From: EarlyBird <earlybirdliberia@...>
Date: Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:43 pm
Subject: NEWS/OPINION
anthropogeni...
Send Email Send Email
 

1) Africa Rising As Global Energy Resource Market, 2) MoF, Stakeholders
Brainstorm On Mineral Concession Tuesday, 3) LPRC, West Oil Assist Bomi Flood
Victims, 4) Gbarpolu Youth Still Concerned, 5) As Japanese Rice Arrives: UCI,
Others Commend President Sirleaf, 6) Mason, Gbollie, Haddad, Others to Restitute
US$3,938,201.09, 7) Vietnamese experts to help with rice cultivation in Liberia,
8) LRCFP Trains Forest Management Committees On 'Biodiversity Threat Analysis,
9) Sinoe Supt. Should Restitute US$25,000’, 10) Specialists Debate How US Aid
to Africa Can be More Effective, 11) National regional transport policy and
strategy consultations take in Liberia, 12)See also:
http://liberianature.blogspot.com/


1) Africa Rising As Global Energy Resource Market

VANCOUVER, July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- African oil trends and news is the
focus of a new website sponsored by Gold Star Resources Corp. (OTCBulletinBoard:
GXXFF) , a Canadian oil company involved in the strategic acquisition of
'onshore' prospective oil and gas exploration projects in West Africa. Gold Star
Resources created the new website because of the company's emergence as an
energy resource player in West Africa. The firm recently announced its
acquisition of International Resource Strategies Liberia Energy Inc. (IRSLE), as
well as a Letter-of-Intent with a Ghanian-based Bengal Bight Ghana Ltd. To
acquire 100% interest in the hydrocarbon rights of Bengal's 1,000 sq. km.
Tiampoum mining concession in Cote d'Ivoire, near the border of Ghana.

"We wanted our new website to have a specific page focused on African oil trends
because it's now obvious that the African continent offers more investing
opportunities than anywhere else in the world," stated Patrick Morris, President
and CEO of Gold Star Resources Corp. " The African Oil Trends page on the new
website lists exciting news and analysis about the energy resource business in
West Africa including some interesting articles about U.S. President Barack
Obama's recent historic trip to Ghana. If people are interested in knowing
what's happening in West Africa, then they'll want to visit our new website."

The new Gold Star Resources website also highlights the need for increased
humanitarian efforts in Africa. "There's a special page entitled 'Humanitarian'
devoted to the medical, educational, and nutritional needs of Africans," said
Morris. "Gold Star Resources believes that energy resource companies need to
reinvest their time and money to improve the lives of all Africans. We hope to
be among the leaders in this effort."

Morris is bullish on the investment potential of the African energy market.
"Africa is now likely to be among the best performing energy markets in the
world," said Morris.


http://www.goldstarresources.com
SOURCE Gold Star Resources Corp.

+++

2) MoF, Stakeholders Brainstorm On Mineral Concession Tuesday
The Informer (Monrovia)
20 July 2009


The Bureau of Concessions at the Finance Ministry will begin a two-day workshop
to review the current status of the Mineral, Energy and Forestry Sectors of the
economy in Monrovia on Tuesday.

The Director of the Bureau of Concessions, Mr. Drayton Hinneh, said the workshop
is expected to identify critical issues, bottlenecks, and propose institutional
guidelines to assist improve the sector, according to a finance ministry
release.

The participants of the workshop are drawn from the Mineral, Energy and Forestry
Sectors to analyze the institutional framework of concession agreements signed
with the Government of Liberia.

Mr. Hinneh disclosed that each sector will present a paper highlighting the
operational status of the concession projects.

He indicated that the workshop will also focus on measures to improve
communication and interaction between government and the concessionaires so as
to facilitate compliance with concession agreements

Copyright © 2009 The Informer.

+++

3) LPRC, West Oil Assist Bomi Flood Victims
Heston M. Jackson, II
The Inquirer
20 July, 2009


The Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) and the West Oil Company have
aided victims of flood in District Number Two Bomi County. The assistance was
rendered to the people of three districts in the county over the weekend as it
was done by the two institutions in collaboration with the office of the
Representative of district number two in that county, Madam Haja Fata Siryon.
The districts that benefitted from the gesture are, Beayangoma, Swen Mecca and
Zor.

According to reports from the county, the flood that took place on July 8, 2009,
in the county, was a direct result of two rivers in the county, which overflowed
their banks, entering into several areas or towns, thereby leaving several
persons in the county displaced or victimized. Speaking during the presentation
exercises held in three separate locations in the county, Mr. Harry A. Greeves,
Managing Director of the LPRC told the people of the area that the gestures were
a cooperative effort of the LPRC Charitable organization and the West Oil group,
a Lebanese company importing oil into the country.

He also said that based upon good interactions with their (district number
representative) representative, he along with the LPRC family solicited the
support of the West Oil group to assist the victims of the flood. He then used
the occasion to thank the representative of the district, describing the
collaboration between his company, West Oil and the Representative of the
District as the beginning of good a working relations that must be practiced in
the country.

He assured that the cordial relationship that has subsisted between the two
companies and the district’s Representative would continue always in
addressing issues concerning the areas and the country as a whole. "We hastened
to your call because of such a good relations we have had with Representative
Siryon, as I can assure you that there would always be such good working
relations," he added.

Responding, Representative Siryon commended the two institutions and used the
occasion to call on all inhabitants of the affected areas to remember all of
those who came to their aid. She said a friend in need is a friend in deed, and
as such; "all those who came to your aid today are your good friend; never show
ingratitude to them but you should reciprocate love and friendliness to those
who helped you".


©2005 - 2009 The Inquirer Online

+++

4) Gbarpolu Youth Still Concerned
The Inquirer
20 July, 2009

Gbapolu Youths United for Progress and Development as part of the Coalition for
the Management and Protection of Liberian Forests (COMPLIF) has read with
distress and consternation the recent newspaper reports and sta