The Ministry of National Defense has spoken strongly against the activities of the Pacific Architectural Engineering (PAE), the company contracted to provide logistics and feeding as well as carry on construction of units at various military barracks.

	• Mr. Brownie J. Samukai

Defense Minister, Mr. Brownie J. Samukai says the government is embarrassed by the manner in which things are going relative to the execution of its work.

The United States has provided the sum of US$172M through the PAE for the provision of services to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), but there seems to be an unprecedented level of dissatisfaction as to how the money is spent.

The Liberian government, which owns the army, is not the custodian of the money other tan PAE. And in the wake of growing tension relative to complaints from officers of the AFL that they are not being properly felt, or taken care of, the Ministry of Defense is accordingly craving accountability and transparency in the application of the funds.

Already, members of the AFL are furious over the manner in which they are being treated relative with feeding and housing. “We want to know how the United States people’s money is being used,” Minister Samukai told this paper via mobile phone last evening.

Observers say the emerging developments may dampen the moral of the AFL and even cause set back for the entire training program. Liberia is craving intense international involvement, financially and materially, to transform its security sector which includes training of the AFL.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense says recent statements made by few soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the Edward Beyan Kessely Military Barracks of the 23rd Infantry Battalion on the issue of housing and food was unfortunate. The ministry says those views propounded by the soldiers did not represent that of the AFL in its entirety.

The statements by few of the soldiers should not portray any lack of confidence in the level of training been provided by our international partners in our attempt to build a capable and professional military.

Furthermore, the statement does not diminish the level of logistical support provided by the government. However, the Ministry says it is addressing priority issues of concerns to the Ministry of National Defense.

According to the Press Release, during an emergency meeting held yesterday at the Ministry of Defense, a Board of Inquiry has been set up to look at all issues that prompted the statement, as well as determine whether any provision of the Uniform Code of Ministry Justice (UCMJ) has been breached.

The Board of Inquiry will be chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defense for Administration, and includes the office of the Command Office-In-Charge, one Company Commander from the 1st Infantry Battalion, the Senior Military Advisor to the Minister of Defense and the Assistant Minister for Public Affairs. The Board, according to the release, is to submit its report to the Minister of Defense on Friday, April 17, 2008.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense has ordered that a general Muster of AFL Soldiers at which time the Command-In-Charge will address the troops on civilian-military relations, issues pertaining to their general welfare, and their obligations under the UCMJ.

The Ministry of Defense has assured the public of its unwavering commitment to build a dedicated, disciplined and professional military devoid of personal and selfish interest.

BFF, US Embassy Conduct Regional Spelling Bee

Consistent with its founding objective of promoting educational development in Liberia, the Better Future Foundation, Inc. (BFF), in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Monrovia have concluded a major academic Spelling Bee contest among schools within Gardnesville and Paynesville communities outside Monrovia.

	• Rev. Augustine S. Arkoi

The initiative, according to the BFF President Rev. Augustine S. Arkoi, seeks to improve students’ academic performance and augment their aspiration for academic excellence through Spelling Bee.

The regional contest, which took place on the campus of the New Hope Academy, featured 21 contestants representing seven schools of the region. Altogether, a total of 25 schools within Gardnerville and Paynesville communities were involved in the process.

After six rounds, Ansu Kromah of New Hope Academy, Obadiah Wesseh of Great Commission Academy, Fatumata Donzo of Paynesville English & Islamic School, and Charles Grimes of Great Commission Academy emerged as winners in that order and they will join four others to represent Montserrado County at the 2008 National Spelling Bee Contest.

BFF cash prizes of L$500.00, L$300.00, L$200.00 and L$100.00 respectively to the winners and the US Embassy has pledged to present dictionaries to the winners to prepare for the national contest.

US embassy representative, Library/IRC Director Mr. Ebenezer Z. Gibson told the audience the idea of the spelling bee has been borrowed from the United States where academic environment is very challenging.

“If you are not a winner today, don’t consider yourself a looser either,” he told the spellers. Mr. Gibson commended the BFF for “excellent” organization and the Peace Island Community for cooperation and cordial reception.

The American Library is expected to host the National Spelling Bee Contest on April 26, 2008 at the US Embassy in Monrovia. The occasion was attended by former Representative Hon. Yafar Y. Baikpeh , Peace island Community Chairman, Subozu Roberts and members of the PTA, among others. 

Better Future Foundation, Inc. is a local Ngo and has one chapter in the United States that is dedicated to the reconstruction of Liberia.