China launches 4 satellites into space from sea
ISTANBUL – Chinese rocket developer Galactic Energy on Tuesday accomplished its first sea launch in the Yellow Sea off the coast of China, deploying four satellites into orbit. It was the world’s first unsupported land and sea universal mobile platform launch and the world’s first unguided thermal sea launch of a solid rocket. Galactic Energy’s Ceres 1 rocket successfully deployed Tianqi 21-24 satellites, which are part of the Tianqi constellation operated by Beijing-based satellite operator Guodian Gaoke. This constellation, planned to be fully deployed and operational by 2024, includes 38 low-orbit satellites and multiple ground stations. The launch took place in Haiyang, Shandong, China’s sole sea launch facility capable of accommodating diverse launch requirements, including small inclination and sun-synchronous orbits.
Source:GNN Liberia
September 05, 2023 17:46 UTC
Liberia: Senate Transport Committee Uncovers NTA Head’s Knowledge Gap and Alleged Conflict of Interest During Hearing
MONROVIA – Mr. Herbie Tekonblah McCauley on Monday demonstrated what appeared to be his lack of knowledge about the Liberia Transit Authority (NTA) which he heads as Managing Director when he faced members of the Senate’s Transport Committee. The disclosure showed that a contract between the two entities that earned the NNTA USD$18K was terminated and given to Montserrado County Senator Joseph. At the end of the hearing, the Committee on Transport mandated the Managing Director of the National Transit Authority, McCauley to submit within one week a comprehensive report of the entity. He made the statement on Monday while appearing before the Senate Transport Committee to respond to inquest regarding the unavailability of NTA Buses in Monrovia and its environs. The appearance of the Managing Director and his team was triggered by a complaint raised before Plenary by River Gee County Senator, Jonathan Boye-Charles Sogbie.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 05, 2023 14:31 UTC
Liberia: Advocacy Group Calls for Repeal of Discriminatory Laws, End to Stigmatization Against Persons Living with HIV and Key Populations
In the resolution, the group expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia, USAID, PEPFAR, and the Global Fund for their support on behalf of PLHIV and key populations, including adolescent girls and young women. The group recognized Liberia’s progress in its national HIV response, although it expressed concern about persistently high levels of stigma and discrimination, which hinder access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services for many Liberians. Furthermore, the advocacy group called for the provision of HIV services in an environment free from stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination at all levels. They encouraged increased support and investments in the National HIV and AIDS response, advocating for localization and social contracting to facilitate community-led service delivery. She said out of the total population of 5 million people, 34,431 people are living with HIV and AIDS.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 05, 2023 12:54 UTC
Liberia: Liberian Entrepreneur Wins 2023 JPI International Business Leader Award
Otis Tarwoe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tarwoe Global Consulting-LLC, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Canada-based Jamie Pajoel International (JPI) Business Leader Award. “I am honored to share my journey as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 JPI International Business Leader Award from Canada. JPI, a reputable organization based in Canada, provides leadership opportunities for young African leaders. “Although there were seven commendable nominees, I emerged as the winner in the category, marking a historic moment for Liberia. This recognition underscores the transformative impact I've achieved through my visionary approach to leadership and business development,” he said.
Source:Daily Observer
September 05, 2023 07:40 UTC
Military junta leader is sworn in as Gabon’s interim president
By Duarte Mendonca and Nimi Princewill, CNNCNN — The leader of Gabon’s military junta, Gen. Brice Nguema, was sworn in as interim president by the country’s constitutional court during a televised ceremony Monday. Last week, Nguema led a coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, a military takeover that appears to have truncated the Bongo family’s decades-long dominance over Gabonese politics. TOPSHOT – A general view of a torn campaign billboard of ousted Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba in Libreville on August 31, 2023. Nguema, a former bodyguard for Omar Bongo, was swiftly installed as a transitional leader. He was inaugurated as interim president on Monday amid a military parade and cheers from his civilian supporters.
Source:GNN Liberia
September 05, 2023 01:52 UTC
Liberia: Mastercard, GTBank Redefine Digital Payments in Liberia
The strategic collaboration is set to introduce an innovative payment gateway service to Liberia, catalyzing a monumental shift in the nation's digital payment landscape. By leveraging Mastercard’s cutting-edge technology and GTCO Liberia's robust banking network, this partnership aims to redefine digital payments in the country. The partnership between Mastercard and GTCO Liberia signifies a monumental leap towards advancing the digital payments economy in Liberia that will empower individuals and businesses, helping them unlock new opportunities and drive economic growth. However, the innovative payment gateway will provide individuals, businesses, and government entities with a secure, convenient, and seamless digital payment solution. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to accelerate the adoption of digital payments, making it easier and more secure for customers to transact.
Source:Daily Observer
September 04, 2023 21:47 UTC
Lone Star Coach Keita Underrate Nimely Ahead of Morocco Clash
Nimely exclusion from Lone Star upcoming games is one of the biggest mistakes of Keita. The Lone Star coach has named three uncapped players in his squad ahead of 2024 final African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Morocco and a friendly match with Ghana. The 26-year-old central midfielder plays in the USA second tier for Pittsburgh Riverhound and has played four matches since joining. In March 2023, he signed for another USA second tier team Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Also returning to Lone Star team is Seth Hellberg ,the defensive midfielder has been outstanding this season for IK Brage in the Swedish Superettan.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 04, 2023 15:16 UTC
Raji Feels Excited About Specialized Coaching Courses
Monrovia-Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji says he feels excited that specialized coaching courses are being done under his administration. He was speaking at the end of a CAF goalkeeping coaching course, which began on 25 August, at the LFA headquarters in Congo Town on 29 August. The LFA conducted a fitness coaching course in April and an anti-doping course in July. In my more than 28 years in football, this is the first time I have seen a specialized coaching course in Liberia for goalkeepers. Heredia, who has over 40 years of experience, was assisted by former Liberia goalkeeping coach Lucretius Togba.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 04, 2023 15:06 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah Gets Lofa’s Endorsement?
… Elders of the county frown at “coup d’état in the making” exposed through leaked audio by Senator Prince JohnsonPresident George Weah may have just received a crucial endorsement from major stakeholders who make up a diverse group of voters in Lofa County, a region that has historically played a pivotal role in Liberian politics. The announcement, which was made in a statement, came a few days after Nimba County Senator, Prince Johnson, claimed that his political godson, Senator Jeremiah Koung would become the country’s president-in-waiting once former Vice President Joseph Boakai is elected come October 10 polls. The Senator and the President who were friends for nearly six years fell apart earlier this year leading to the former pledging his support for Boakai who in return selected his godson, Koung who is also Senator for Nimba county as his running mate. The falloff has led to both Weah and Johnson throwing jabs and pointing at each other’s flaws in a bid to woo voters. Johnson is immensely influential in Nimba County, which has a voting population of 308,000, second only to Montserrado County.
Source:Daily Observer
September 04, 2023 12:49 UTC
U.S. imposes visa sanctions on Sierra Leone’s election riggers, manipulators
“Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for undermining the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election,” Mr Blinken said in a statement on Thursday. Also, those involved in the intimidation of voters, electoral observers and abuse of human rights through threats or violence may find themselves unqualified for U.S. visas, likewise their family members under the visa restriction policy. “Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process. Persons who undermine the democratic process in Sierra Leone—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy. “The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people.
Source:GNN Liberia
September 01, 2023 14:53 UTC
Liberia: NEC Predicts High Number of Invalid Votes; Urges Political Parties to Educate Electorates How to Vote
By Henry Karmo, [email protected]Chairperson Browne-Lansanah made this statement on Thursday during an address to a gathering of stakeholders. Her comments are rooted in the current trend of individuals tearing down campaign posters and banners of candidates they view as their opponents. “The NEC is not a political institution, but we operate within the realm of politics to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. She expressed concerns that if this behavior is already observed on campaign posters, it may carry over to the ballots themselves. She emphasized that any actions involving marking the faces or using profanity would result in votes being considered invalid and, consequently, not counted.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 01, 2023 13:24 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah Dedicates US$35m Rubber Processing Plant in Margibi
The plant, valued at US$35 million, was inaugurated by President Weah while campaigning in the county on Thursday, August 31. President Weah, accompanied by Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and other top government officials, cut the ribbon at the plant and activated the equipment to commence the initial rubber processing. Following the dedication, President Weah and his entourage departed the company’s premises to continue his political campaigning in the county. He emphasized that the Jeety Rubber Corporation is one of Liberia’s best modern factories, employing hundreds of citizens. According to the agreement, Jeety Rubber LLC will construct, develop, and operate a national rubber processing and production plant for the production of tires and other natural rubber products, including long and short rubber goods.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 01, 2023 13:18 UTC
Putin, Kim traded letters as Russia seeks munitions from North Korea, White House says
By Aamer Madhani – Associated Press –WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday said that it has new intelligence that shows Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have swapped letters as Russia looks to North Korea for munitions for the war in Ukraine. Kirby said that Russia is looking for additional artillery shells and other basic materiel to shore up its defense industrial base. He added that the letters were “more at the surface level” but that Russian and North Korean talks on a weapons sale were advancing. The leaders exchanged the letters following Shoigu’s visit, he said. “Following Shoigu’s visit another group of Russian officials traveled to Pyongyang for follow-on discussions about potential arms deals between the DPRK and Russia,” Kirby said, using the acronym for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Source:GNN Liberia
August 31, 2023 23:57 UTC
Liberia’s Unmarried Presidential Candidate, Dr. Clarence Moniba, Says He’s Not in Any Romantic Relationship
However, the Presidential candidate of the Liberian National Union (LINU), Dr. Clarence Moniba, remains unmarried and has disclosed that he has not been involved in any romantic relationship for many years. “Right now, I do not have a girlfriend,” LINU Presidential Candidate Dr. Moniba replied, as a smile played across his face. '” Dr. Moniba said. Dr. Moniba added, “Being President is one thing, but more important than being President is ensuring that Liberia becomes better. Dr. Moniba concluded, “I’m not going to get married because someone thinks it looks good.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 31, 2023 22:38 UTC
Liberia: Senate Votes to Amend the Bea Mountain Mineral Development Agreement; Company Gets 25-Yr Extension
MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate has voted in favor of the Amended Mineral Development Agreement giving Bea Mountain additional 25 years of operations in Liberia. The amended concession agreement between Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMC) and the Government of Liberia will grant the company an additional 25 years of operation. The Senate’s Plenary, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, passed into law the First Amendment to the Restated and Amended Agreement of BMMC. This move came following a recommendation by the Senate Joint Committee, led by the Committee on Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment, after a public hearing involving sectorial agencies. The Senate Committee on Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment endorsed the passage and ratification of the First Amendment to the Restated MDA.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 31, 2023 18:04 UTC