Sometimes I wonder whether Liberians will ever get their acts together when it comes reconciliation and the development of that country. It appears to be all fun to me as I spill my gut feelings:
I hate to concur with John Gay who lived from 1685 to 1732, that:
"Life is a jest, and all things show it;
I thought so once, and now I know it."
John must have experienced the same feeling I felt when I told an advocate of the 70s, who later became a Minister in the Samuel Doe government, how the same people he said he was fighting for were complaining of the same rampant corruption and misuse of power for which the previous government was dislodged. This advocate turned Minister looked into my eyes and asked: "Who people you're talking about?"
I was shocked and felt betrayed. In the cause of the people, the struggle continues means different things to different people. I thought it meant all of the people of the land or the neighborhood. So actually when a Bassa man pumps his fist in the air and cries...in the cause of the people, he is really saying that his fight is for the Bassa people. His fight is not for the people of Liberia.
Now I am beginning to understand and believe the rumor that President Doe wanted every ship on the sea to come to Liberia and take away our Krahn brothers and sisters. It didn't have to be that way if the struggle was for the entire nation and people.
Liberia is a nation of 15 counties and people of many ethnic groups. A blend of these groups now make up the 16th county in the Diaspora...400,000 Liberians, according to the Liberian Embassy in Washington, DC.
The war has messed us up and divided us to the point of self destruction. We really need to change course and focus on the future of Liberia. All of us need to fight the common enemy of corruption and misuse of power. Those who now think that one group of Liberians is more patriotic than the other should think twice. What is more unpatriotic than killing people who are not of your ethnic group? What is more unpatriotic than bringing chaos to a people all because of greed and self promotion?
Sometimes I wish those who brought hell and nightmare to Liberia would just shut up and pray for peace and reconciliation and stop exacerbating our problems. They have already misled us. How competent can they be to advise us again?
I woke up at 5:05 am this morning in the epicenter of a 3.6 earthquake. The house shook and rattled. I woke up and thought to myself, this must be an earthquake. Had it been 6.6 or 7.6, I would be speaking with my mom who died many moons ago. Now that I am still here with those who experienced the same jolt, I will continue to express my gut feelings about the evil that many brought to Liberia.
I am not supposed to be experiencing earthquakes or the slipping and movement of the earth plates!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
What Next For Liberia?
Owing people money is a painful experience. So when the international community like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund decided to waive Liberia's $4.7 Billion debt, I had to join the happy bandwagon:
I am happy that Liberia has met the criteria necessary to cancel billions of dollars from her credit record. I see no reason why some people will be upset with this gesture from the international community.
I will be more than happy if American Express wipes away the $2800 I owe them. I will be extremely elated if Target told me today that the $1500 I owe them was now waived and that I could start purchasing stuff on their credit card again.
My total debt to credit cards here in America is about $5000 and I am nervous about it. Many will say that I am crazy to be worried about such a drop in the bucket, especially when one compares my debt with the debt burden of others. In Liberia we say, you hang your hat where your hand can reach.
Now that Liberia is almost free from external debts, what will the government do? If my $5000 debt were waived today, I will be able to send something to my old aunt in Liberia who has been wondering whether I still understand what our relationship means. I will be able to at least commit myself to paying some of the tuition for my nephew who wants to attend Cuttington University. I will not attempt to charge anything on those credit cards that took that 100-pound gorilla off my back.
In Liberia's case, the first thing I will expect the government to do is to tell me and many other Liberians who contributed to a Savings Bond scheme in the early 80s that our investment generated some interest and that it was now time for us to at least benefit from the ROI. I could use that money to start a business and hire a few of those who were downsized. If I can make my old aunt and nephew happy after my debt was waived, it is only fair for the government of Liberia to bring some credibility to itself by making its citizens happy by giving back interest to huge sacrifices made in the 80s, under strange and unbearable situations.
The next thing I expect the government to do is to concentrate on improving the school system in the country. Teachers in training should not be eating farina and red oil in 2010. Students should not be sitting on dirt floors in leaking huts to get an education in 2010. Teachers' pay should be taken to them; they should not be traveling to Ganta or Zwedru or Greenville or Zorzor to receive their monthly salaries. This old way of doing things in Liberia needs to be eliminated once and for all, especially in 2010.
With Liberia's debt waived, we can fix our water system and begin to generate income; we can get electricity to most of our people for a fee and improve the general welfare of the nation. And most importantly, those roads in Liberia. This debt waiver should allow Liberia to do something serious about the road condition. The roads are terrible. Commerce will improve exponentially if Liberia gives road-building the necessary attention. This should be high on the development priority-list
To leave America or Europe to come home for good is the goal of most Liberians. There is no where like home; but man, we don't want to feel miserable because of the lack of electricity, water, schools, roads, etc. Liberians, like many others, want to move up the ladder, not remain on the first rung forever and ever.
I celebrate with those who feel strongly that canceling Liberia's external debt is a good thing for the country. It is a wake-up call for us to spend our money from our abundant resources wisely and expeditiously, and in the interest of the suffering masses.
I am happy that Liberia has met the criteria necessary to cancel billions of dollars from her credit record. I see no reason why some people will be upset with this gesture from the international community.
I will be more than happy if American Express wipes away the $2800 I owe them. I will be extremely elated if Target told me today that the $1500 I owe them was now waived and that I could start purchasing stuff on their credit card again.
My total debt to credit cards here in America is about $5000 and I am nervous about it. Many will say that I am crazy to be worried about such a drop in the bucket, especially when one compares my debt with the debt burden of others. In Liberia we say, you hang your hat where your hand can reach.
Now that Liberia is almost free from external debts, what will the government do? If my $5000 debt were waived today, I will be able to send something to my old aunt in Liberia who has been wondering whether I still understand what our relationship means. I will be able to at least commit myself to paying some of the tuition for my nephew who wants to attend Cuttington University. I will not attempt to charge anything on those credit cards that took that 100-pound gorilla off my back.
In Liberia's case, the first thing I will expect the government to do is to tell me and many other Liberians who contributed to a Savings Bond scheme in the early 80s that our investment generated some interest and that it was now time for us to at least benefit from the ROI. I could use that money to start a business and hire a few of those who were downsized. If I can make my old aunt and nephew happy after my debt was waived, it is only fair for the government of Liberia to bring some credibility to itself by making its citizens happy by giving back interest to huge sacrifices made in the 80s, under strange and unbearable situations.
The next thing I expect the government to do is to concentrate on improving the school system in the country. Teachers in training should not be eating farina and red oil in 2010. Students should not be sitting on dirt floors in leaking huts to get an education in 2010. Teachers' pay should be taken to them; they should not be traveling to Ganta or Zwedru or Greenville or Zorzor to receive their monthly salaries. This old way of doing things in Liberia needs to be eliminated once and for all, especially in 2010.
With Liberia's debt waived, we can fix our water system and begin to generate income; we can get electricity to most of our people for a fee and improve the general welfare of the nation. And most importantly, those roads in Liberia. This debt waiver should allow Liberia to do something serious about the road condition. The roads are terrible. Commerce will improve exponentially if Liberia gives road-building the necessary attention. This should be high on the development priority-list
To leave America or Europe to come home for good is the goal of most Liberians. There is no where like home; but man, we don't want to feel miserable because of the lack of electricity, water, schools, roads, etc. Liberians, like many others, want to move up the ladder, not remain on the first rung forever and ever.
I celebrate with those who feel strongly that canceling Liberia's external debt is a good thing for the country. It is a wake-up call for us to spend our money from our abundant resources wisely and expeditiously, and in the interest of the suffering masses.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
No Rush, My Man!
The buzz on Liberian forums are calls from nearsighted individuals for President Sirleaf to relinquish her position as president of Liberia. These individuals of twisted memories want someone else, for they argue that the government is highly corrupt. 159 years of the rule of men show no major difference in that insatiable desire to pillage and rob our people of their right to enjoy their own country. The buzz is turning the inside of my stomach:
Joseph Jenkins Roberts
Stephen Allen Benson
Daniel B Warner
James S Payne
Edward J Roye....
I was about to talk about all these men who have had the chance to make a difference in the lives of all Liberians. And then I thought: Get some help from the web. I typed a few words in the Google space and got this link:
http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/
A country with a coast line of 350 miles and an area covering 43,000 square miles; a country endowed with an abundance of natural resources; a country that has seen Independence for 162 plus years, and a country whose people remain among the poorest in the world.
I could go on talking about the lack of pipe-borne water, medical facilities, paved roads, schools, electricity, etc., etc. According to the info found on the above link, Liberia has had three assassinated presidents and four presidents who resigned. All men!
For 159 long years men of poor vision used Liberia's natural resources to rob and to kill its citizens. I wonder why is it that most of us know these evils that these people have committed against us and yet, we are crying, imploring God to give us another man, even before the term of the first female president has come to an end. It reminds of the plight of the Israelites. They never appreciated what they had. They prayed and begged God to give them a king. King Saul was not easy. He was a wicked King. He hardly knew the God who sent the Prophet Eli to anoint him.
I personally do not see the reason why some of you want to rush another man into the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. Liberians have never had the type of freedom they enjoy today under Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. And those who are caught in the web of unbelievable corruption are of course, men! That insatiable desire to continue to rob the people of their right to be happy in their own country, is engrained in a system put in place and nurtured by again, men of limited vision.
Exposure is a painful thing. It is shameful and degrading. No president of Liberia has had the books of Liberia audited in the manner they are done today. Men of limited vision hate to be audited, yet, they continue to misappropriate and steal funds entrusted into their care. Liberia cannot afford a new group of corrupt individuals rushing to take power. The policies being put into place to bring an end to this evil in the Liberian society, must be given ample time to take hold.
That is why Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and John Morlue, and Kofi Woods, and Konneh and the few other people of vision must remain after 2011 to place and seal that cornerstone on the grave of corrupt activities that our people have known since 1847.
Comparing 12 years of EJS presidency and 159 years of nothing-doing, I will go for the 12 years and be happy about it.
Joseph Jenkins Roberts
Stephen Allen Benson
Daniel B Warner
James S Payne
Edward J Roye....
I was about to talk about all these men who have had the chance to make a difference in the lives of all Liberians. And then I thought: Get some help from the web. I typed a few words in the Google space and got this link:
http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/
A country with a coast line of 350 miles and an area covering 43,000 square miles; a country endowed with an abundance of natural resources; a country that has seen Independence for 162 plus years, and a country whose people remain among the poorest in the world.
I could go on talking about the lack of pipe-borne water, medical facilities, paved roads, schools, electricity, etc., etc. According to the info found on the above link, Liberia has had three assassinated presidents and four presidents who resigned. All men!
For 159 long years men of poor vision used Liberia's natural resources to rob and to kill its citizens. I wonder why is it that most of us know these evils that these people have committed against us and yet, we are crying, imploring God to give us another man, even before the term of the first female president has come to an end. It reminds of the plight of the Israelites. They never appreciated what they had. They prayed and begged God to give them a king. King Saul was not easy. He was a wicked King. He hardly knew the God who sent the Prophet Eli to anoint him.
I personally do not see the reason why some of you want to rush another man into the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. Liberians have never had the type of freedom they enjoy today under Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. And those who are caught in the web of unbelievable corruption are of course, men! That insatiable desire to continue to rob the people of their right to be happy in their own country, is engrained in a system put in place and nurtured by again, men of limited vision.
Exposure is a painful thing. It is shameful and degrading. No president of Liberia has had the books of Liberia audited in the manner they are done today. Men of limited vision hate to be audited, yet, they continue to misappropriate and steal funds entrusted into their care. Liberia cannot afford a new group of corrupt individuals rushing to take power. The policies being put into place to bring an end to this evil in the Liberian society, must be given ample time to take hold.
That is why Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and John Morlue, and Kofi Woods, and Konneh and the few other people of vision must remain after 2011 to place and seal that cornerstone on the grave of corrupt activities that our people have known since 1847.
Comparing 12 years of EJS presidency and 159 years of nothing-doing, I will go for the 12 years and be happy about it.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
My Assessment Of The 2010 UNICCO Elections
I am not a political guru. I do try, however, to participate in the gruelling exercise that consumes so many individuals. The 2010 Nimba County Organization (UNICCO)elections in the Diaspora had me putting on paper a political-novice kind of analysis. It was fun. The reading that follows starts from the end to the beginning of my analysis
Good afternoon, Nimbaians:
I have been reading the platforms of the last two candidates of my choice. Both platforms are amazing. Either of these platforms can do wonders for UNICCO and its members if we can muster the means to implement the many goals therein.
Tony Fele and Edwin Kruah have given this campaign their all. Their last battle cries to the members of UNICCO who will be voting two days from today have caught my attention. Tony is reminding us of his hard work to broker the peace in UNICCO that has enabled this process, and Edwin is telling us what we will get if he is elected on Sunday, May 30, 2010.
I like the ethnic make-up of Fele's Team and admire the Kruah Team for taking the bold step to put forward an amazing lady as Vice Presidential candidate. The Rainbow Bridge is a project I can contribute to anytime and REPAIR, I strongly believe, will indeed bring peace and reconciliation to our people. These proposals and the passionate pleads of both presidential candidates have taken sleep away from my eyes. Who will best represent UNICCO and Nimbaians in these United States of America? Who seems more believable, accountable, more transparent and can stand the heat of the office? Which of these candidates seems to have grasped the communication know-how of this age? Who will make UNICCO shine and who is the best to deliver the goods for our people?
These and many other questions have kept my mind busy. I cannot keep tossing and turning, watching and waiting. The interest of the community is paramount to me. The face of UNICCO is important to me and the vast majority of the voters. Our status in society must remain formidable. That is why I must make a decision and move on, hoping for the best for the candidate of my choice.
To those I did not choose, don't worry about; for when the final vote is counted, when the winner is announced, we will all be one people again, giving our full support to the new President of UNICCO.
It is in this vein that I wholeheartedly endorse the Kruah-Tozay Team to take our great organization into a future of unity, hope and prosperity.
Thank you.
Cooper Kweme
5/28/10
From: Kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, May 24, 2010 9:03 pm
Subject: Joggling and Shuffling for UNICCO
Good Evening:
The euphoria of a child graduating from college suppresses for a while, all other activities in a parent's life. That is why I have been absent from this forum. The elation is dying down and life is slowly returning to normal.
During the period of happiness I used to sneak into the forum for updates about the big election to be held in New Jersey, six days from today. Candidates for Vice President, Board Chairmanship, General Secretary, Treasurer, etc., etc., have all been certified to contest for these positions in a new UNICCO. I wish all of them good luck and God's speed.
In my effort to guesstimate or to give my personal opinion about the candidate in whom I see hope for this great institution, I have eliminated two candidates, leaving three outstanding individuals, any of whom will do a wonderful job for the people of Nimba County. But we cannot have three presidents at the same time. The choice is agonizing and the potential fallout is just overwhelming. A case in point: I was vilified and torn apart a few days ago when a particular candidate of another voter's choice was eliminated. But again, it is impossible to have five persons as president of UNICCO at the same time.
And so, the time has come for me to look at the three remaining candidates of my choice: Diah-Kpodo, Fele, and Kruah. Diah-Kpodo and Fele, I have known for the longest. My first encounter with Kruah was in North Carolina during the last Conference. First impression is always a plus. I was impressed with what I saw and heard: His deportment and seriousness duing our deliberation at the conference. His passion for transparency and accountability caught my attention.
What impresses me about Fele is his passionate and unwavering desire to see four Welcome Centers built in Nimba County. That pet project blows my mind and I know if Fele wins this election, the first modern-day toll booths in Liberia will be constructed in Nimba County. That is a project I can support with everything I have. Funds generated from such a project with all modalities in place, will do wonders for the county and people.
Diah-Kpodo is outspoken and is well versed in the game of UNICCO politics. He never misses a conference call. He is a very dedicated UNICCO personality and will represent the organization pretty well in the political arena. Mr Diah-Kpodo has the Eastern Block of voters on his side. The Philadelphia voters are awesome, but will they want to further split their allegiance between two people who have been in the struggle for recognition and power, or will they give their support to a new face who will salvage UNICCO from the abyss of controversy into a future of accountability and serious, genuine, progressive activities?
Knowing all of the above, I would certainly vote Mr Philip Diah-Kpodo Chairman of the Board of UNICCO. But since this is not the case and since Philadelphia has not been too kind to UNICCO, I will at this time and with heavy heart, scratch Mr Diah-Kpodo off my list of candidates for UNICCO presidency.
The interest of Nimbaians and the county, transparency and accountability, have not been the firebrand in the bellies of many of those who have taken the rein of power in UNICCO. These bad characteristics have caused many to withdraw and become completely complacent.
UNICCO needs a new voice and a paradigm shift. The ways of old have done us no good. Precious time and energy have been wasted. Nimbaians must mean what they say and vote one of my two remaining candidates into office.
Good luck to Tony Fele and Edwin Kruah when I return with my final choice.
PS: The quantity of butterflies I felt in my stomach before I began this journey have not decreased.The the rumbling continues, unabated.
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 5/19/2010 11:25:15 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Joggling and Shuffling for UNICCO
Good Morning, Nimbaians:
I will not be paring candidates for the presidency for UNICCO any longer. What will happen henceforth is that I will begin to eliminate those I feel will bring more controversy into the process and into a new dispensation. Four years of financial burden and zero progress can not be easily forgotten or thrown under the rug. Nimbaians must send a strong message that anyone who hinders progress and who tries to bring the organization to its knees as we have seen over the years, should be given a grace period to reflect upon her or his escapades before coming back to run for any position in the organization. I personally would be ashamed to burst on the running-for-position scene if I had the confusion and litigation that have plagued the organization.
These and many other observations bring me to candidate Dorliae. The Dorliae-Collins controversy, to me, started the domino effect that made UNICCO a laughing stock. As I can remember, the last major UNICCO election in Georgia was marred by after-midnight intrigues and uncouth behavior which caused the entire process to end up in discontent and confusion. The Chairman of the Elections Commission was heard saying that the process was overrun by people carrying slings and bow and arrows and who felt that their candidate was more qualified, even if the paperwork for his candidacy came in after the deadline.
Before I end this section, I must admit how formidable Mr Dorliae is in this race, especially when it comes to galvanizing and mobilizing the voters. My cousin who has endorsed Mr Dorliae is a crowd gatherer. I feel strongly that the rights of Nimbaians to see serious change come to UNICCO were crushed when Mr Wongeh was impeached. Had Mr Dorliae and others prevailed by looking at the bigger picture...UNICCO... and advised my cousin, Mr Wongeh otherwise, the rumbling we are hearing today would not be the case. Taking our organization to court was a hideous move. Self-aggrandizement was the motive and it belittled and shamed all Nimbaians. Nimba people, especially in America, should not vote for anyone who brought or instigated or inflicted so much pain upon our organization.
I could write on this topic the whole day, but I will stop for now and reiterate that candidate Martin Dorliae is hereby eliminated from my list of candidates who want to be president of UNICCO, eleven days from today. I therefore congratulate the remaining contenders:
1. Edwin Kruah
2. Tony Fele
3. Philip Diah-Kpodo
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 4:52 pm
Subject: Joggling and Shuffling
Good Afternoon:
The number of appearances of a candidate for UNICCO presidency on my list of paired candidates looks thus:
Name Appearances
1. Wanquoi..................................0
2. Dorliae....................................1
3. Kruah......................................4
4. Fele........................................3
5. Diah-Kpodo..........................2
The bee hive of politics in UNICCO is buzzing. The past weekend was no exception. Punches and counter punches with regard to the blame-game, characterized this period. I am sure there are more vitriols in the making. We ain't seen nothing yet!
People who care strongly that a change in attitude, a change in perspective, bringing genuine peace to a broken organization, and a strong emphasis on development, will do well to desist participating in the noise of the marketplace of UNICCO politics. The same thing we heard that brought this darling of an organization to its knees is the same thing we are reading about today.
And so, as I look at the candidates, one of whom will be the person to lead UNICCO into the sunshine of a new and dynamic period, Mr Wanquoi who appeared zero time on my choice-list is hereby eliminated.
Mr Wanquoi is a nice man who may mean well for UNICCO, but I think it's time for a new generation of Nimbaians who has that fire for serious progress ablaze in their bellies. Having had previous leadership experience in UNICCO, Mr Wanquoi will do well on a list of eminent personalities on the advisory board of a new administration.
The remaining four candidates must be congratulated for coming this far on my choice-list.
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, May 14, 2010 3:14 pm
Subject: Fwd: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified/Joggling and Shuffling
If I were instantly and without much ado choosing a President from the groups below, This would be the outcome:
My Choice
1. Wanquoi vs Dorliae.............................................Dorliae
2. Kruah vs Diah-Kpodo..........................................Kruah
3. Dorliae vs Fele.....................................................Fele
4. Fele and Wanquoi...............................................Fele
5. Diah-Kpodo and Dorliae....................................Diah-Kpodo
6. Fele vs Kruah.......................................................Kruah
7. Kruah vs Dorliae..................................................Kruah
8. Wanquoi vs Diah-Kpodo....................................Diah-Kpodo
9. Kruah vs Wanquoi...............................................Kruah
10. Diah-Kpodo vs Fele..........................................Fele
I am a listserv guy. The choices above are based on what I have read from the candidates and what has transpired over the years since I entered UNICCO. These choices are very fluid and can change at an instant. Vision, organization, and deliverables will guide my every thought as I agonize over whom will bring pride and progress to UNICCO.
I do not dwell on the tribal thing, but if the presidency of UNICCO must be shared by all tribal elements in Nimba County, then I will take that into consideration. What does the Constitution say about this? Can we insert something like this in there, or should the presidency of UNICCO be based on qualification and vision and deliverables?
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 2:47 pm
Subject: Fwd: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified/Joggling and Shuffling
May 12, 2010 will be remembered as the day when the name of five candidates for UNICCO presidency was officially and finally released. The day will also be remembered as the day when a perceived splinter-group (UNIDA), headed by Mr Clarence Gono, was suddenly disbanded, buried. Philadelphia, oh Philadelphia! Mr Dorliae is certified and this ominous group is immediately non-existent. How long will vlee-ma (threats) continue to influence our daily lives in UNICCO? Anyway, let me continue the shuffling and joggling of the presidential candidates. Today, I will be pairing the candidates:
1. Wanquoi and Dorliae
2. Kruah and Diah-Kpodo
3. Dorliae and Fele
4. Fele and Wanquoi
5. Diah-Kpodo and Dorliae
6. Fele and Kruah
7. Kruah and Dorliae
8. Wanquoi and Diah-Kpodo
9. Kruah and Wanquoi
10. Diah-Kpodo and Fele
As I go over various platforms, I will also be eliminating candidates based on my own assessment of the attitude, behavior, and vision of each person in a group of this deck of cards. Remember, this will be a personal, deep-from-the-soul assessment. Like most people, I want UNICCO to stand out as the organization that represents about 12% of the population of Liberia. Our strength must be reflected in our attitude, behavior, and our vision for the future of Nimba County.
PS: You are welcome to pick your choice and see where I fit in later.
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 4:09 pm
Subject: Re: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified
Now that the candidates for UNICCO presidency have been certified, let the game begin! Congratulations to Diah-Kpodo, Dorliae, Fele, Kruah, and Wanquoi.
The certification of Mr Dorliae diminishes or puts to rest the dream of Mr Gono to form a splinter group, I hope. It's now up to the people to decide who takes UNICCO to the promise land.
Congratulations also to Mr Grupee and Mr Grugbay Zoe.
Those who were really frustrated at UNICCO meetings were mostly the women. I remembered a lady cussing the entire body as she walked out of the building in 2006. She was fuming. I am therefore shocked and dismayed that not one woman candidate is among the roster of candidates just released.
Besides Mr Dorliae, I have interacted one time or the other with the rest of the presidential candidates. Let me joggle the presidential candidates as my interaction with them (from top down) goes:
Diah-Kpodo
Fele
Wanquoi
Kruah
Dorliae
Mr Dorliae seems to be a shrewd politician, as I observed at the New Jersey gathering.
I will be joggling again later. Right now, I am browsing through the Kruah platform.
Kweme
5/12/10
The analyses above began when the below communications were released:
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Kona Fele
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 2:54 pm
Subject: Re: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified
Mr. Secretary,
Please extend my thanks and appreciation to the election team for looking beyond the peace line to come out with the decision concerning Mr. Dorliae. We all are children of Nimba and this is the only pratice ground belonging to us for our political practice. Let's allow all the kids of Nimba to come on this practice ground.
we want to take this time to congratulate Mr. Dorliae and Mr. Zoe on their acceptance to the practice ground.
Fele
NC
siayen dao
To: unicco06; "unicco_usa@yahoogroups.com"
Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 12:23:28 PM
Subject: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified
The Special Election Commission under the gallant leadership of Dr. Adam Kar has unanimously certified Mr. Martin Dorliae as a presidential candidate for the ensuing UNICCO 2010 elections. The decision was reached after reviewing the clearance submitted to the commission by the board.
In retrospect, Mr. Dorliae protest obtaining clearance from Mr. Diah-kpodo. The resolution of the protest induced unwanted delay in reaching a decision to certify Mr. Dorliae.
On behalf of the commission, I want to commend Mr. Dorliae for the demonstration of procedural steadfastness and tenacity during the push and pull over his certification. I wish Mr. Dorliae a successful campaign.
In another development, the commission has also certified Mr. D. Grugbay Zoe (Zobaniay) as a candidate for the position of a vice president. Mr. Grugbay Zoe (Zobaniay) is the ONLY vice presidential candidate that has been certified by the commission. I am exceedingly glad that Mr. Grugbay (Zobaniay) observed the guidelines of the commission and I wish him success in his campaign.
Congratulations to Mr. Dorliae and Mr. Grugbay (Zobaniay) for their certification.
Signed:
Siayen S. Dao
General Secretary
Good afternoon, Nimbaians:
I have been reading the platforms of the last two candidates of my choice. Both platforms are amazing. Either of these platforms can do wonders for UNICCO and its members if we can muster the means to implement the many goals therein.
Tony Fele and Edwin Kruah have given this campaign their all. Their last battle cries to the members of UNICCO who will be voting two days from today have caught my attention. Tony is reminding us of his hard work to broker the peace in UNICCO that has enabled this process, and Edwin is telling us what we will get if he is elected on Sunday, May 30, 2010.
I like the ethnic make-up of Fele's Team and admire the Kruah Team for taking the bold step to put forward an amazing lady as Vice Presidential candidate. The Rainbow Bridge is a project I can contribute to anytime and REPAIR, I strongly believe, will indeed bring peace and reconciliation to our people. These proposals and the passionate pleads of both presidential candidates have taken sleep away from my eyes. Who will best represent UNICCO and Nimbaians in these United States of America? Who seems more believable, accountable, more transparent and can stand the heat of the office? Which of these candidates seems to have grasped the communication know-how of this age? Who will make UNICCO shine and who is the best to deliver the goods for our people?
These and many other questions have kept my mind busy. I cannot keep tossing and turning, watching and waiting. The interest of the community is paramount to me. The face of UNICCO is important to me and the vast majority of the voters. Our status in society must remain formidable. That is why I must make a decision and move on, hoping for the best for the candidate of my choice.
To those I did not choose, don't worry about; for when the final vote is counted, when the winner is announced, we will all be one people again, giving our full support to the new President of UNICCO.
It is in this vein that I wholeheartedly endorse the Kruah-Tozay Team to take our great organization into a future of unity, hope and prosperity.
Thank you.
Cooper Kweme
5/28/10
From: Kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, May 24, 2010 9:03 pm
Subject: Joggling and Shuffling for UNICCO
Good Evening:
The euphoria of a child graduating from college suppresses for a while, all other activities in a parent's life. That is why I have been absent from this forum. The elation is dying down and life is slowly returning to normal.
During the period of happiness I used to sneak into the forum for updates about the big election to be held in New Jersey, six days from today. Candidates for Vice President, Board Chairmanship, General Secretary, Treasurer, etc., etc., have all been certified to contest for these positions in a new UNICCO. I wish all of them good luck and God's speed.
In my effort to guesstimate or to give my personal opinion about the candidate in whom I see hope for this great institution, I have eliminated two candidates, leaving three outstanding individuals, any of whom will do a wonderful job for the people of Nimba County. But we cannot have three presidents at the same time. The choice is agonizing and the potential fallout is just overwhelming. A case in point: I was vilified and torn apart a few days ago when a particular candidate of another voter's choice was eliminated. But again, it is impossible to have five persons as president of UNICCO at the same time.
And so, the time has come for me to look at the three remaining candidates of my choice: Diah-Kpodo, Fele, and Kruah. Diah-Kpodo and Fele, I have known for the longest. My first encounter with Kruah was in North Carolina during the last Conference. First impression is always a plus. I was impressed with what I saw and heard: His deportment and seriousness duing our deliberation at the conference. His passion for transparency and accountability caught my attention.
What impresses me about Fele is his passionate and unwavering desire to see four Welcome Centers built in Nimba County. That pet project blows my mind and I know if Fele wins this election, the first modern-day toll booths in Liberia will be constructed in Nimba County. That is a project I can support with everything I have. Funds generated from such a project with all modalities in place, will do wonders for the county and people.
Diah-Kpodo is outspoken and is well versed in the game of UNICCO politics. He never misses a conference call. He is a very dedicated UNICCO personality and will represent the organization pretty well in the political arena. Mr Diah-Kpodo has the Eastern Block of voters on his side. The Philadelphia voters are awesome, but will they want to further split their allegiance between two people who have been in the struggle for recognition and power, or will they give their support to a new face who will salvage UNICCO from the abyss of controversy into a future of accountability and serious, genuine, progressive activities?
Knowing all of the above, I would certainly vote Mr Philip Diah-Kpodo Chairman of the Board of UNICCO. But since this is not the case and since Philadelphia has not been too kind to UNICCO, I will at this time and with heavy heart, scratch Mr Diah-Kpodo off my list of candidates for UNICCO presidency.
The interest of Nimbaians and the county, transparency and accountability, have not been the firebrand in the bellies of many of those who have taken the rein of power in UNICCO. These bad characteristics have caused many to withdraw and become completely complacent.
UNICCO needs a new voice and a paradigm shift. The ways of old have done us no good. Precious time and energy have been wasted. Nimbaians must mean what they say and vote one of my two remaining candidates into office.
Good luck to Tony Fele and Edwin Kruah when I return with my final choice.
PS: The quantity of butterflies I felt in my stomach before I began this journey have not decreased.The the rumbling continues, unabated.
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 5/19/2010 11:25:15 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Joggling and Shuffling for UNICCO
Good Morning, Nimbaians:
I will not be paring candidates for the presidency for UNICCO any longer. What will happen henceforth is that I will begin to eliminate those I feel will bring more controversy into the process and into a new dispensation. Four years of financial burden and zero progress can not be easily forgotten or thrown under the rug. Nimbaians must send a strong message that anyone who hinders progress and who tries to bring the organization to its knees as we have seen over the years, should be given a grace period to reflect upon her or his escapades before coming back to run for any position in the organization. I personally would be ashamed to burst on the running-for-position scene if I had the confusion and litigation that have plagued the organization.
These and many other observations bring me to candidate Dorliae. The Dorliae-Collins controversy, to me, started the domino effect that made UNICCO a laughing stock. As I can remember, the last major UNICCO election in Georgia was marred by after-midnight intrigues and uncouth behavior which caused the entire process to end up in discontent and confusion. The Chairman of the Elections Commission was heard saying that the process was overrun by people carrying slings and bow and arrows and who felt that their candidate was more qualified, even if the paperwork for his candidacy came in after the deadline.
Before I end this section, I must admit how formidable Mr Dorliae is in this race, especially when it comes to galvanizing and mobilizing the voters. My cousin who has endorsed Mr Dorliae is a crowd gatherer. I feel strongly that the rights of Nimbaians to see serious change come to UNICCO were crushed when Mr Wongeh was impeached. Had Mr Dorliae and others prevailed by looking at the bigger picture...UNICCO... and advised my cousin, Mr Wongeh otherwise, the rumbling we are hearing today would not be the case. Taking our organization to court was a hideous move. Self-aggrandizement was the motive and it belittled and shamed all Nimbaians. Nimba people, especially in America, should not vote for anyone who brought or instigated or inflicted so much pain upon our organization.
I could write on this topic the whole day, but I will stop for now and reiterate that candidate Martin Dorliae is hereby eliminated from my list of candidates who want to be president of UNICCO, eleven days from today. I therefore congratulate the remaining contenders:
1. Edwin Kruah
2. Tony Fele
3. Philip Diah-Kpodo
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 4:52 pm
Subject: Joggling and Shuffling
Good Afternoon:
The number of appearances of a candidate for UNICCO presidency on my list of paired candidates looks thus:
Name Appearances
1. Wanquoi..................................0
2. Dorliae....................................1
3. Kruah......................................4
4. Fele........................................3
5. Diah-Kpodo..........................2
The bee hive of politics in UNICCO is buzzing. The past weekend was no exception. Punches and counter punches with regard to the blame-game, characterized this period. I am sure there are more vitriols in the making. We ain't seen nothing yet!
People who care strongly that a change in attitude, a change in perspective, bringing genuine peace to a broken organization, and a strong emphasis on development, will do well to desist participating in the noise of the marketplace of UNICCO politics. The same thing we heard that brought this darling of an organization to its knees is the same thing we are reading about today.
And so, as I look at the candidates, one of whom will be the person to lead UNICCO into the sunshine of a new and dynamic period, Mr Wanquoi who appeared zero time on my choice-list is hereby eliminated.
Mr Wanquoi is a nice man who may mean well for UNICCO, but I think it's time for a new generation of Nimbaians who has that fire for serious progress ablaze in their bellies. Having had previous leadership experience in UNICCO, Mr Wanquoi will do well on a list of eminent personalities on the advisory board of a new administration.
The remaining four candidates must be congratulated for coming this far on my choice-list.
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, May 14, 2010 3:14 pm
Subject: Fwd: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified/Joggling and Shuffling
If I were instantly and without much ado choosing a President from the groups below, This would be the outcome:
My Choice
1. Wanquoi vs Dorliae.............................................Dorliae
2. Kruah vs Diah-Kpodo..........................................Kruah
3. Dorliae vs Fele.....................................................Fele
4. Fele and Wanquoi...............................................Fele
5. Diah-Kpodo and Dorliae....................................Diah-Kpodo
6. Fele vs Kruah.......................................................Kruah
7. Kruah vs Dorliae..................................................Kruah
8. Wanquoi vs Diah-Kpodo....................................Diah-Kpodo
9. Kruah vs Wanquoi...............................................Kruah
10. Diah-Kpodo vs Fele..........................................Fele
I am a listserv guy. The choices above are based on what I have read from the candidates and what has transpired over the years since I entered UNICCO. These choices are very fluid and can change at an instant. Vision, organization, and deliverables will guide my every thought as I agonize over whom will bring pride and progress to UNICCO.
I do not dwell on the tribal thing, but if the presidency of UNICCO must be shared by all tribal elements in Nimba County, then I will take that into consideration. What does the Constitution say about this? Can we insert something like this in there, or should the presidency of UNICCO be based on qualification and vision and deliverables?
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 2:47 pm
Subject: Fwd: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified/Joggling and Shuffling
May 12, 2010 will be remembered as the day when the name of five candidates for UNICCO presidency was officially and finally released. The day will also be remembered as the day when a perceived splinter-group (UNIDA), headed by Mr Clarence Gono, was suddenly disbanded, buried. Philadelphia, oh Philadelphia! Mr Dorliae is certified and this ominous group is immediately non-existent. How long will vlee-ma (threats) continue to influence our daily lives in UNICCO? Anyway, let me continue the shuffling and joggling of the presidential candidates. Today, I will be pairing the candidates:
1. Wanquoi and Dorliae
2. Kruah and Diah-Kpodo
3. Dorliae and Fele
4. Fele and Wanquoi
5. Diah-Kpodo and Dorliae
6. Fele and Kruah
7. Kruah and Dorliae
8. Wanquoi and Diah-Kpodo
9. Kruah and Wanquoi
10. Diah-Kpodo and Fele
As I go over various platforms, I will also be eliminating candidates based on my own assessment of the attitude, behavior, and vision of each person in a group of this deck of cards. Remember, this will be a personal, deep-from-the-soul assessment. Like most people, I want UNICCO to stand out as the organization that represents about 12% of the population of Liberia. Our strength must be reflected in our attitude, behavior, and our vision for the future of Nimba County.
PS: You are welcome to pick your choice and see where I fit in later.
From: kweme6@aol.com
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 4:09 pm
Subject: Re: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified
Now that the candidates for UNICCO presidency have been certified, let the game begin! Congratulations to Diah-Kpodo, Dorliae, Fele, Kruah, and Wanquoi.
The certification of Mr Dorliae diminishes or puts to rest the dream of Mr Gono to form a splinter group, I hope. It's now up to the people to decide who takes UNICCO to the promise land.
Congratulations also to Mr Grupee and Mr Grugbay Zoe.
Those who were really frustrated at UNICCO meetings were mostly the women. I remembered a lady cussing the entire body as she walked out of the building in 2006. She was fuming. I am therefore shocked and dismayed that not one woman candidate is among the roster of candidates just released.
Besides Mr Dorliae, I have interacted one time or the other with the rest of the presidential candidates. Let me joggle the presidential candidates as my interaction with them (from top down) goes:
Diah-Kpodo
Fele
Wanquoi
Kruah
Dorliae
Mr Dorliae seems to be a shrewd politician, as I observed at the New Jersey gathering.
I will be joggling again later. Right now, I am browsing through the Kruah platform.
Kweme
5/12/10
The analyses above began when the below communications were released:
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Kona Fele
To: unicco06@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 2:54 pm
Subject: Re: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified
Mr. Secretary,
Please extend my thanks and appreciation to the election team for looking beyond the peace line to come out with the decision concerning Mr. Dorliae. We all are children of Nimba and this is the only pratice ground belonging to us for our political practice. Let's allow all the kids of Nimba to come on this practice ground.
we want to take this time to congratulate Mr. Dorliae and Mr. Zoe on their acceptance to the practice ground.
Fele
NC
siayen dao
To: unicco06
Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 12:23:28 PM
Subject: [unicco06] Dorliae is Certified
The Special Election Commission under the gallant leadership of Dr. Adam Kar has unanimously certified Mr. Martin Dorliae as a presidential candidate for the ensuing UNICCO 2010 elections. The decision was reached after reviewing the clearance submitted to the commission by the board.
In retrospect, Mr. Dorliae protest obtaining clearance from Mr. Diah-kpodo. The resolution of the protest induced unwanted delay in reaching a decision to certify Mr. Dorliae.
On behalf of the commission, I want to commend Mr. Dorliae for the demonstration of procedural steadfastness and tenacity during the push and pull over his certification. I wish Mr. Dorliae a successful campaign.
In another development, the commission has also certified Mr. D. Grugbay Zoe (Zobaniay) as a candidate for the position of a vice president. Mr. Grugbay Zoe (Zobaniay) is the ONLY vice presidential candidate that has been certified by the commission. I am exceedingly glad that Mr. Grugbay (Zobaniay) observed the guidelines of the commission and I wish him success in his campaign.
Congratulations to Mr. Dorliae and Mr. Grugbay (Zobaniay) for their certification.
Signed:
Siayen S. Dao
General Secretary
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Supporting Trusteeship For Liberia
The rumor that the UN is contemplating putting Liberia under a Trusteeship has riled my enthusiasm for such a venture. We have not shown that zeal that is usually aligned with the sovereignty of a nation. We have squandered every opportunity to develop our country since 1847. That's why I strongly feel that Trusteeship at this time is a good and moral thing for Liberia and its people.
I have been trying to decipher Uncle Sam’s coded messages and also trying to understand what a Trusteeship will do for Liberia and its people. I understand that a Trusteeship is the “administration of a territory by a country or countries so commissioned by the United Nations.”
Our leaders know exactly what Uncle Sam’s coded messages have been and what they mean. I doubt whether they will want to divulge the meanings to us. Here is a simple example. If I give you money to install an electric generator in a small town and to my amazement the money is used to send your son or daughter to college in a foreign country or you used the money to buy a house in Europe or America, of course, I will send you coded messages that only you can understand. I will tell you to give me back my money or you will find it difficult enjoying another dime from me.
I can’t remember how much money America gave Liberia through President Doe. All I do know is that there was a lot of smiling on the White House lawn when President Reagan referred to our C-I-C Doe as Mr Moe. No one was complaining at the time. But when it became obvious to America that there were no returns on their investments, they began to send President Doe secret messages.
When I got frustrated with what I saw in Monrovia and how the roads were in such deplorable condition in the country as a whole, during my visit there in December of 2009, I was asked: My man, which part of Monrovia did you visit? I fired back: Which part of Monrovia was out of bound to visit? I did not like the fact that I had to use a bucket of water to flush the commode every time I used a bathroom. I was frustrated that drivers of cars and motorcycles were using the little available sidewalks to ply their vehicles. I was shocked that electric generators were operating insides of houses. I kept wondering: Whatever happens to carbon monoxide and its effect on people in an enclosed area. Yet, there was constant news of people in government misappropriating money intended to improve lives and build infrastructures in the country.
This brings me to Trusteeship. I love the idea. If the sovereignty of a nation means leaving the country to a few of its citizens to pillage the resources and misappropriate development funds, then I prefer Trusteeship to sovereignty. If after 162 plus year of sovereignty, the living conditions of majority of the people have seen no major improvements whatsoever, then I strongly prefer Trusteeship for Liberia. If since 1847 I cannot drive my car to Cape Palmas without blowing the tires two or three times, then Trusteeship is my only option. I could go on and on and on, and still, Trusteeship will end up being the preferable choice to the type of sovereignty a few are begging to preserve and uphold.
A two-year Trusteeship of Liberia under the leadership of General Colin Powell or any other assigned UN personnel will put in place a system that the common man can only dream about. Infringing upon the sovereignty of an Independent country? Give me a break. In 162 years, what have you done to prove to the world that your country is endowed with an abundance of natural resources?
Why is there only one x-ray machine in a country of 3 million people? How many of your citizens were trained to be medical doctors or engineers, etc? How many fire trucks are there in Monrovia or Kakata or Sanniquellie or in Zwedru? In the midst of such poverty and human suffering,and no development, why do we keep hearing of government officials stealing and stealing and stealing?
Majority of the suffering masses of Liberia want Trusteeship, and they want it now! The few who are spewing out that old talk of Sovereignty and Independence are the same ones who continue to let the nation down by enriching themselves from the benefits of its natural resources.
Until love for country and people can be seen streaming from the bellies of a new generation of Liberians, until that time when a new system of accountability and transparency is put into place and tested and functioning well for the benefit of all in society, until some kind of hope for Liberia is seen on the horizon, I prefer to see the United Nations set up the Trusteeship and save our country from the corrupt few.
I have been trying to decipher Uncle Sam’s coded messages and also trying to understand what a Trusteeship will do for Liberia and its people. I understand that a Trusteeship is the “administration of a territory by a country or countries so commissioned by the United Nations.”
Our leaders know exactly what Uncle Sam’s coded messages have been and what they mean. I doubt whether they will want to divulge the meanings to us. Here is a simple example. If I give you money to install an electric generator in a small town and to my amazement the money is used to send your son or daughter to college in a foreign country or you used the money to buy a house in Europe or America, of course, I will send you coded messages that only you can understand. I will tell you to give me back my money or you will find it difficult enjoying another dime from me.
I can’t remember how much money America gave Liberia through President Doe. All I do know is that there was a lot of smiling on the White House lawn when President Reagan referred to our C-I-C Doe as Mr Moe. No one was complaining at the time. But when it became obvious to America that there were no returns on their investments, they began to send President Doe secret messages.
When I got frustrated with what I saw in Monrovia and how the roads were in such deplorable condition in the country as a whole, during my visit there in December of 2009, I was asked: My man, which part of Monrovia did you visit? I fired back: Which part of Monrovia was out of bound to visit? I did not like the fact that I had to use a bucket of water to flush the commode every time I used a bathroom. I was frustrated that drivers of cars and motorcycles were using the little available sidewalks to ply their vehicles. I was shocked that electric generators were operating insides of houses. I kept wondering: Whatever happens to carbon monoxide and its effect on people in an enclosed area. Yet, there was constant news of people in government misappropriating money intended to improve lives and build infrastructures in the country.
This brings me to Trusteeship. I love the idea. If the sovereignty of a nation means leaving the country to a few of its citizens to pillage the resources and misappropriate development funds, then I prefer Trusteeship to sovereignty. If after 162 plus year of sovereignty, the living conditions of majority of the people have seen no major improvements whatsoever, then I strongly prefer Trusteeship for Liberia. If since 1847 I cannot drive my car to Cape Palmas without blowing the tires two or three times, then Trusteeship is my only option. I could go on and on and on, and still, Trusteeship will end up being the preferable choice to the type of sovereignty a few are begging to preserve and uphold.
A two-year Trusteeship of Liberia under the leadership of General Colin Powell or any other assigned UN personnel will put in place a system that the common man can only dream about. Infringing upon the sovereignty of an Independent country? Give me a break. In 162 years, what have you done to prove to the world that your country is endowed with an abundance of natural resources?
Why is there only one x-ray machine in a country of 3 million people? How many of your citizens were trained to be medical doctors or engineers, etc? How many fire trucks are there in Monrovia or Kakata or Sanniquellie or in Zwedru? In the midst of such poverty and human suffering,and no development, why do we keep hearing of government officials stealing and stealing and stealing?
Majority of the suffering masses of Liberia want Trusteeship, and they want it now! The few who are spewing out that old talk of Sovereignty and Independence are the same ones who continue to let the nation down by enriching themselves from the benefits of its natural resources.
Until love for country and people can be seen streaming from the bellies of a new generation of Liberians, until that time when a new system of accountability and transparency is put into place and tested and functioning well for the benefit of all in society, until some kind of hope for Liberia is seen on the horizon, I prefer to see the United Nations set up the Trusteeship and save our country from the corrupt few.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Stop The Stealing; Begin To Build Liberia
When I think of the corruption in Liberia and how ordinary Liberians are making it in America, I feel sick to know that the leaders of the country will continue to dupe our people and allow a few to remain rich off the country's resources to the detriment of the masses. It is this frustration that keeps my guts boiling with words of disgust:
It is so good for Liberians to come to America to tell their fellow Liberians how well development activities are proceeding in our native land. What is not good at all is for those coming with such a lovely message to have clouds of financial discrepancies hanging over their heads as they land at JFK Airport in New York. All good news or projected efforts that should be wonderful to the ears become overshadowed by news of massive theft in the home land.
Many of us Liberians who work in America have no way of stealing money at our work places as many Liberians do at their work places in Liberia. The consequences of even thinking about stealing or giving dubious accounts to assigned responsibilities are too grave for the honest person. I am in no way saying that theft does not occur in work places in America.There are so many processes one goes through to even cash a check here in America that sometimes one wonders whether the whole thing is worth the effort. Even if stealing was a way of life in America, just look at the roads and infrastructual setup; look at the hospitals and pipe-borne water system; look at electricity and the malls and the parks and waterways; just look at the place Liberians in America wish Liberia could take development cue from.
No one carries blank, signed checks in her or his pocket even if the checks were their own. That is why it hurts the heart to hear that Liberians, most of whom were in the United States or Europe struggling to make end meet, and who vowed to go home to bring a positive difference in the lives of a dirt poor people, are the same ones in the news everyday accused of stealing or misappropriating millions of dollars.
I was in Liberia in December of 2009. I am still depressed from what I saw: the terrible road condition, the filth at Red Light, Waterside, New Krutown Junction, West Point. Why should the rich think that they will continue to prosper and enjoy life more abundantly when the number of poor people in the same area continues to climb? How does a country prosper with such horrible road condition? How can a people be healthy with no safe-drinking water?
If this stealing of our resources does not stop, if our people are not given the God-given right to expand their horizon and to equally enjoy their birth rights, the rich or rogues can not expect to do well in such a society. If my sister-in law, who has a six-grade education from Liberia can own a home, have a car and can transact her own activities here in America, why can’t the same opportunity be available to Liberians in Liberia? How do people feel stealing from Liberia to build or to buy houses in America? Why are Liberians going to Ghana or Ivory Coast for medical treatments. Why is there one old x-ray machine in the entire country? What kanda thing is that?
The way things are set up in Liberia and the way majority of the citizens continue to be treated, I see why it was so difficult for me to afford a pair of sneakers when I was going to school. I used to use flip flops or slippers to school. When the part that goes between the toes severed, I used safety pins to keep it attached. If the pins got loosed, as they always did, they ended up in the flesh of my big toes. It was a shameful time in my life. In America however, where I am but an ordinary person, my 15-year old son refuses to believe my story as I tell him to pack the mountain of sneakers he owns piled up in our jacket and coat closet.
Those in government need to stop the fleecing of our resources and misappropriating development funds and open avenues of progres for all Liberians. Let’s change from stealing and misappropriating to building a country we can be proud of. The country will soon be 163 years old, you know.
It is so good for Liberians to come to America to tell their fellow Liberians how well development activities are proceeding in our native land. What is not good at all is for those coming with such a lovely message to have clouds of financial discrepancies hanging over their heads as they land at JFK Airport in New York. All good news or projected efforts that should be wonderful to the ears become overshadowed by news of massive theft in the home land.
Many of us Liberians who work in America have no way of stealing money at our work places as many Liberians do at their work places in Liberia. The consequences of even thinking about stealing or giving dubious accounts to assigned responsibilities are too grave for the honest person. I am in no way saying that theft does not occur in work places in America.There are so many processes one goes through to even cash a check here in America that sometimes one wonders whether the whole thing is worth the effort. Even if stealing was a way of life in America, just look at the roads and infrastructual setup; look at the hospitals and pipe-borne water system; look at electricity and the malls and the parks and waterways; just look at the place Liberians in America wish Liberia could take development cue from.
No one carries blank, signed checks in her or his pocket even if the checks were their own. That is why it hurts the heart to hear that Liberians, most of whom were in the United States or Europe struggling to make end meet, and who vowed to go home to bring a positive difference in the lives of a dirt poor people, are the same ones in the news everyday accused of stealing or misappropriating millions of dollars.
I was in Liberia in December of 2009. I am still depressed from what I saw: the terrible road condition, the filth at Red Light, Waterside, New Krutown Junction, West Point. Why should the rich think that they will continue to prosper and enjoy life more abundantly when the number of poor people in the same area continues to climb? How does a country prosper with such horrible road condition? How can a people be healthy with no safe-drinking water?
If this stealing of our resources does not stop, if our people are not given the God-given right to expand their horizon and to equally enjoy their birth rights, the rich or rogues can not expect to do well in such a society. If my sister-in law, who has a six-grade education from Liberia can own a home, have a car and can transact her own activities here in America, why can’t the same opportunity be available to Liberians in Liberia? How do people feel stealing from Liberia to build or to buy houses in America? Why are Liberians going to Ghana or Ivory Coast for medical treatments. Why is there one old x-ray machine in the entire country? What kanda thing is that?
The way things are set up in Liberia and the way majority of the citizens continue to be treated, I see why it was so difficult for me to afford a pair of sneakers when I was going to school. I used to use flip flops or slippers to school. When the part that goes between the toes severed, I used safety pins to keep it attached. If the pins got loosed, as they always did, they ended up in the flesh of my big toes. It was a shameful time in my life. In America however, where I am but an ordinary person, my 15-year old son refuses to believe my story as I tell him to pack the mountain of sneakers he owns piled up in our jacket and coat closet.
Those in government need to stop the fleecing of our resources and misappropriating development funds and open avenues of progres for all Liberians. Let’s change from stealing and misappropriating to building a country we can be proud of. The country will soon be 163 years old, you know.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Making Ourselves Comfortable
My travel experience with SN Brussels did not come to mind until I read a story about a Counselor who had sued the airline for overchaging for extra baggage, etc. Liberians love to complain. I had other things to say too regarding the over-all story:
I just read about a law suit against SN Brussels by Counselor F Musah Dean, Jr. Since I had done no International travels since leaving Liberia in 1990, I had no idea what to expect when I boarded United Airlines for Brussels last year, en route to Liberia.
Besides the separate African Terminal at Brussels Airport, the five- to six-hour of waiting time for a flight to Africa is grueling. Schipol Airport in Amsterdam or Heathrow Airport in London does not do that to us Africans, if I can remember. I thought about the glaring separation of terminals while waiting at Brussels; but I brushed it off when that tiny voice in me kept reminding me that this was a kind of injustice and discrimination.
With regard to the unknown chemical spraying, I too experienced the ritual. I did not know what to make of the whole exercise. I can’t remember whether the spraying was done while we were getting on or off the plane. I don’t want to speculate or become too critical, but some explanation needs to me given by the airline authorities.
How long are Africans going to blame other people? When are we going to follow international standards and operate our own airlines effectively? When will Liberia in particular, replace that plane that was lost over East Africa many, many years ago? What happened to pride? It is hard time that we hear of corruption and theft everyday, and yet, complain bitterly when other people put their pride on the front burner and develop their countries and operate their airlines effectively and profitably. We prefer to steal and squander and take care of individual business then to advocate for a National Airline…our own Liberian National Airways. Liberia can have its own airline if we, for a moment, put our hearts into the idea.
Just imagine this scenario: Take all the money that John Morlu’s audit reports consider as money misappropriated, misused or squandered. In more recent times, the Ministries of Finance and Health have been highlighted and put on record for ineffective management of funds in their care. Even though there are vehement outcries from those in charge of these ministries, tendencies that have become a norm when audits are instituted in Liberia, there is no smoke where fire has not been started. The fact that the signature of a former boss is used for months to transact business under a new boss makes such a deliberate oversight ridiculously alarming and causes eyes to roll in people’s heads. The red flag of suspicion is right there for the whole world to see.
The Secretary-treasurer at my work place signs all payroll and vendor checks. Two weeks after she was promoted, her signature was replaced with that of the person who was designated to act in her place. The Minister of Finance should be aware of and accustom to this type of procedure. As I write this, no bank in America will honor a check carrying the signature of our former Secretary-treasurer.
Going back to the inconvenience of not having our own, it is now time for Liberians to take pride in ownership. We need to stop squandering our own resources and think about the general welfare of all. We need to purchase our own commercial plane or anything that will make us proud and keep us comfortable.
I just read about a law suit against SN Brussels by Counselor F Musah Dean, Jr. Since I had done no International travels since leaving Liberia in 1990, I had no idea what to expect when I boarded United Airlines for Brussels last year, en route to Liberia.
Besides the separate African Terminal at Brussels Airport, the five- to six-hour of waiting time for a flight to Africa is grueling. Schipol Airport in Amsterdam or Heathrow Airport in London does not do that to us Africans, if I can remember. I thought about the glaring separation of terminals while waiting at Brussels; but I brushed it off when that tiny voice in me kept reminding me that this was a kind of injustice and discrimination.
With regard to the unknown chemical spraying, I too experienced the ritual. I did not know what to make of the whole exercise. I can’t remember whether the spraying was done while we were getting on or off the plane. I don’t want to speculate or become too critical, but some explanation needs to me given by the airline authorities.
How long are Africans going to blame other people? When are we going to follow international standards and operate our own airlines effectively? When will Liberia in particular, replace that plane that was lost over East Africa many, many years ago? What happened to pride? It is hard time that we hear of corruption and theft everyday, and yet, complain bitterly when other people put their pride on the front burner and develop their countries and operate their airlines effectively and profitably. We prefer to steal and squander and take care of individual business then to advocate for a National Airline…our own Liberian National Airways. Liberia can have its own airline if we, for a moment, put our hearts into the idea.
Just imagine this scenario: Take all the money that John Morlu’s audit reports consider as money misappropriated, misused or squandered. In more recent times, the Ministries of Finance and Health have been highlighted and put on record for ineffective management of funds in their care. Even though there are vehement outcries from those in charge of these ministries, tendencies that have become a norm when audits are instituted in Liberia, there is no smoke where fire has not been started. The fact that the signature of a former boss is used for months to transact business under a new boss makes such a deliberate oversight ridiculously alarming and causes eyes to roll in people’s heads. The red flag of suspicion is right there for the whole world to see.
The Secretary-treasurer at my work place signs all payroll and vendor checks. Two weeks after she was promoted, her signature was replaced with that of the person who was designated to act in her place. The Minister of Finance should be aware of and accustom to this type of procedure. As I write this, no bank in America will honor a check carrying the signature of our former Secretary-treasurer.
Going back to the inconvenience of not having our own, it is now time for Liberians to take pride in ownership. We need to stop squandering our own resources and think about the general welfare of all. We need to purchase our own commercial plane or anything that will make us proud and keep us comfortable.
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