Citizens’ Initiative for Dialogue (CID), a pro-democracy and human rights organization is encouraging citizens of Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa and Margibi Counties to take keen interest in the Revenue Sharing Act of 2022, as it serves as a pillar for the successful implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018. The Revenue Sharing Act is an amendment to Chapter 5 of the Public Financial Management Law (PFML) which stipulates that all revenues collected on behalf of the government of Liberia must be placed in a consolidated account for the government at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). The amendment then gives power to local governments to raise their own revenues and stipulates ways for sharing of Revenues collected by the central government of Liberia. Participants also want similar awareness sessions conducted with the newly appointed local authorities for better understanding of the LGA 2018. According to the participants, the incoming officials are new and may not be aware of the law therefore such engagements will enhance their understanding of the law.

A modern analyzing equipment geologists use to carry out effective and rapid on-site research and analysis of black mineral sand has been provided to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, by the Quetz Mining Company and its partners including Glorious Mining. The donation of the XRF machine, otherwise known as ‘X-Ray Fluorescent’, is the first gesture under the administration of Wilmot Paye as Minister of Mines and Energy, from a company. Responding to the donation, Deputy Minister Blay-Pritchard thanked Quetz Mining and their partner – Glorious, and said the machine came at a time it is much need. With Liberia being a coastal country, Deputy Minister Blay-Pritchard said the need for more of such simple machines to ease the work of Engineers at the mineral and Energy Ministry cannot be overemphasized. “We are so grateful for your partnership in making a difference”; Deputy Minister Eudora Blay-Pritchard concluded.

By AP and TOI STAFF |LOS ANGELES — Police have arrested more than 2,100 people during pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. One officer accidentally discharged his gun inside a Columbia University administration building while clearing out protesters camped inside, authorities disclosed Thursday. Body camera footage shows when the officer’s gun went off, but the district attorney’s office is conducting a review, a standard practice. More than 100 people were taken into custody during the Columbia crackdown, just a fraction of the total arrests stemming from recent campus protests against Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which began following the October 7 massacre carried out by the Hamas terror group in southern Israel. Read more of this reportVisited 11 times, 11 visit(s) today

The AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit is a conversation bringing together African media leaders (CEOs, Managing Directors & Editors-in-Chief), policy-makers, activists, academics and leaders of organizations championing Africa’s growth and development. The Summit will take place May 8-10, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya under the theme: “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation”. As part of this year’s edition, AllAfrica will present the 2024 Media Excellence Awards. AllAfrica operates the largest online platform dedicated solely to Africa-related news and information and is the only news site with truly Pan-African reach. AllAfrica is the go-to one-stop digital platform for African and African-interested ‘influentials’ across the continent and throughout the world.

The President spent his first 100 days in office appointing cabinet members and addressing vacancies within the government. President Boakai’s initial actions, particularly his promises to address key issues affecting Liberians, garnered some positive responses from the public. Although specifics of the plan were not disclosed, Boakai’s focus comes as the country’s road network remains greatly underdeveloped — among the least developed in West Africa. In these past 100 days, and despite limited resources, we were able to make significant gains against interventions we set out in various sectors,” he said. In Education, President Boakai said his administration has made strides in meeting targets in education during his regime’s first 100 days.

This is because the Liberian government has settled those owed arrears, President Joseph Boakai announced on Wednesday. THe President disclosed that US$3.5 million had been allocated in the 2024 budget to cover the cost of the exams. According to him, Liberia owes US$5.5 million as a contribution to WAEC, and if the country does not settle the payment, candidates might be allowed to sit the exam. “Liberia, being a member of WAEC, is under obligation to contribute towards WAEC headquarters,” Gbotoe added. When the George Weah administration took over, they took over US$2 million, but because he was not paying, it came to US$5.5 million.

MONROVIA — Wednesday made it exactly 100 days since Joseph Boakai was inaugurated as the 26th president of Liberia. In these past 100 days, and despite limited resources, we were able to make significant gains against interventions we set out in various sectors,” he said. In Education, President Boakai said his administration has made strides in meeting targets in education during his regime’s first 100 days. Kruah, who accused of involvement in corrupt practices, undermines the very principles that President Boakai vowed to defend. President Boakai’s first 100 days in office may have been a rude awakening for the former vice president.

MONROVIA – President Boakai has launched Liberia’s Digital Transformation Project, targeting 10,000 youths nationwide. By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]President Boakai expressed his excitement about leading Liberia’s digital transformation, stating that adapting to the digital age is crucial for the country’s progress. Rep. Ivar K. Jones, Chairman of the House Committee on Telecommunications expressed the Legislature’s support to President Boakai and his administration in their digital transformation drive. Kamara stated that digital transformation encompasses the comprehensive integration of digital technologies into all aspects of an organization or society, fundamentally changing how they operate and deliver value. “For developing countries like Liberia, digital transformation offers a multitude of opportunities to leapfrog transitional development barriers and accelerate progress,” he noted.

The President said in his communication that the objective of the Act is to amend the Act establishing the Ministry of Internal Affairs and to create in its stead the Ministry of Local Government consistent with the Local Government Act of 2018. “When enacted, the Ministry of Local Government shall be responsible for providing executive oversight to, mentor, and guide all local governments, specifically in their management of balanced, socio-economic development programs. These include communal farming, research, boundary harmonization; empowerment of local communities, strengthening of the delivery of social services, cultural and traditional practices,” the President indicated. Meanwhile, President Boakai has also written the House of Representatives to approve AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW, LIBERIAN CODES OF LAW REVISED TO ESTABLISH THE Liberia NATIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY ACT (LNTA). “The Tourism Sector, when properly managed, will be an engine of investment, employment, growth, national development, international integration and reconciliation,” the President averred.

Green Advocates International and the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic of Yale Law School have written the UN, calling for stronger protection of environmental defenders attending the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) events. Organized under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP is the world’s largest forum for international climate negotiations. COP meetings are currently the preeminent forum for international climate negotiations and involve discussions on climate change and other related environmental issues. The report identifies critical gaps in protection for environmental defenders. The clinic team, comprising Shehla Chowdhury, Chloe Miller, Sonya Schoenberger and Ding Yuan, under the supervision of Hope Metcalf (Lecturer in Law and Executive Director, Schell Center for International Human Rights) and Alfred Brownell (Tom and Andi Bernstein Visiting Human Rights Fellow and Founder of Green Advocates International, worked on a year-long project that evaluated risks facing global climate defenders.

By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]Western Cluster Limited – Its BeginningWestern Cluster Limited is a subsidiary of Elenilto Minerals & Mining, an international mining and exploration group. In 2008, Delta Mining Consolidated won a US$1.5 billion bid to develop the Western Cluster Iron Ore Deposit in Liberia. Sesa Goa Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta PLC, acquired 51% of Western Cluster Limited from Elenilto for US$90 million in a ‘flip’ deal. Boakai who does not see the essence of the company in the country and has threatened to close Western Cluster Limited. Boakai said, “I just met the lawyer for Western Cluster this morning and I told him we’re going to close them down.

He said Liberia is rapidly cultivating democratic values for healthy democratization, peaceful advancement, and enduring permanency. “The transfer of political power from one democratically elected President to another democratically elected President in our recent history is a testament to this significant democratic progress”, he stated. The bill is entitled, “An Act to amend Title 12, Chapter 1, Part 1, Executive Law, Liberian Codes of Law Revised By Creating A New Sub-Chapter “E” To Be Known- As Presidential Transition Act. There is no law governing presidential transition in Liberia. The latest transition that ushered in President Boakai and his Vice President Koung were marred by controversy and blame shifting.

Gboko Stewart, gboko@journalrage.orgPaynesville -- An activist couple living in the suburbs of Paynesville has been alarmed over repeated threats on their lives due to their open acceptance of people from the LGBTQ+ community in Liberia. The couple, Mr.& Mrs. Nyanti, said their calamity began in June 2023 when they posted photos on Facebook wearing apparels which depicted support for the LGBTQ+ community while on vacation in the United States. No gay rights people welcome here, y'all go back to where y'all came from. Y'all don't bring your demonic gay rights activities in our country. But the gay community says harassment and discrimination are widespread.

The Supreme Court on April 30 declined to hear a Bill of Information filed by the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the Chairperson of the Governance Commission to declare their suspension by President Joseph Boakai unlawful. Associate Justice Yussif Kaba, currently presiding in Chambers of the Supreme Court, wrote a statement declining to hear the bill. Despite Justice Kaba's decision, the suspended tenured officials could file the request before the Full Bench of the Supreme Court. The tenured officials' latest legal battle was triggered by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's recent action to have them all suspended. They claim the letter of indefinite suspension places an impossible condition for President Boakai to lift the suspension.

By Rédaction Africanews |UNITED KINGDOM – British authorities have started detaining migrants as part of preparations to relocate them to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks. The government announced on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy. In April, Parliament endorsed legislation to facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers to Rwanda if they entered Britain without authorization. Photographs shared by the UK’s interior ministry on Wednesday depict individuals being detained by immigration enforcement officials, underscoring the swift implementation of these measures. According to The Sun Newspaper, Britain has already initiated its first asylum seeker relocation to Rwanda under a voluntary program, distinct from the deportation policy.