Liberia Government (Monrovia)

Liberia: Taking Government to the People - an Eyewitness Account of State's South Eastern Experience

8 March 2010

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, along with members of her Cabinet, set out on Saturday, February 27, 2010, for a week-long visit to southeastern Liberia, an area which, like most parts of the country, is slowly recovering from its share of the 14-year civil conflict.

But unlike other parts of the country, which are more accessible by road, reconstruction, though noticeable, faces a greater challenge. It is no wonder that there is high anticipation and expectations when the leader of the nation leaves the relative comfort of the capital city, Monrovia, to tour the rural parts of the country.

The visit began in Maryland County, with the induction of the first President of the newly established Tubman University, Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell. The occasion marked a turning point in the President's determination to decentralize the educational programs of Government.

The University will serve as the hub for students in the southeast seeking university education. But more importantly, the University offers courses which are at the heart of Government's recovery program

. It is a factor which did not escape the attention of the Liberian leader when she spoke at the convocation. "I must say how impressed I am with your academic program, which already offers degrees in areas in which the country desperately needs expertise in order to develop," the President observed. She was referring to the University's programs in Health Sciences, Management, Technology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, and Education.

"Imagine how better off Liberia will be when the 288 students who entered this University in 2009, will graduate with the types of skills that will contribute to Liberia's transformation," she said.

The prospect of Maryland County producing the country's future engineers, nurses, agronomists, educators, managers and more was clearly evident as Marylanders braced the blazing March sunshine for hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of their President to express appreciation for providing another opportunity for the people of a county, believed to be a stronghold of the President.

The Liberian President's visit to the southeast was also meant to reassure the people of the area that addressing their plight remains a major priority of the Government, a fact manifested through the marathon activities undertaken by President Sirleaf, including dedications, inspections, groundbreaking and tours of development activities at nearly every stop of her tour.

"The progress you are witnessing today must be credited to the vision and confidence which Liberians and the international community have in this President to move the country forward," officials of the county, including Senators John Ballout and Gloria Scott, Representative James Binney and Superintendant J. Gbleh-Bo Brown, repeatedly hammered at every stop. The crowd seemed to concur with the assertion as the officials recounted the progress, painting a mental picture of where the country was more than four years ago and what has been achieved four years later.

Of equal significance is the fact that the President made stops at nearly every point -- the size of the crowd did not matter -- to listen to the stories of ordinary people who never in their lives could imagine that the President of a country would sit to talk with them, share in their meals, let alone thank them for their efforts despite the challenges and, most importantly, assure them that the Government cares.

The list of activities undertaken by the President while in the southeast is too long to mention for the purpose of this article, but a few notable stops are worth mentioning. They include: the inspection of the Bonike-Yobloke road -- a road leading to the Liberian-Ivorian border-- where rehabilitation work has begun; dedication of the Manolu Public School in Maryland -- the first modern school building for the youth of the town; and groundbreaking for the construction of a primary school in Wuluken Town which, when completed, students of the town will enjoy a more comfortable learning environment.

River Gee County presents one of the most daunting development challenges for the Government. The county, one of the newest political sub-divisions of the country, is in dire need of basic infrastructure including schools. It, therefore, came as no surprise when the Liberian leader, accompanied by chiefs and elders of the county as well as the county's legislative caucus, broke ground for the construction of a sports center.

While in River Gee, the President also dedicated a district administrative building in Kanweaken City; the Gbeapo-Kanweaken General Market; a sub-police station; and an elementary school, the Gbeapo Geeken Elementary school, located about 7 miles from the main road. The school was constructed with funding provided by the Liberia Education Trust (LET), bringing to two the number of LET-funded schools in the area.

It is worth noting that the school represents the first modern school structure in the village. The dedication brings to seven the total number of schools constructed by the LET in southeast Liberia (one in Maryland County, two in River Gee, two in Grand Kru - Barclayville and Pinicess - and one in Grand Gedeh County). In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the African Development Bank, the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) is supervising the construction of five primary schools and two clinics under the Labor Based Public Works Project, the Executive Director of LACE, Ramses Kumbuyah, explained.

There is, undoubtedly, a visible impact these programs are having on the people of River Gee and the counties the President has toured. Of added importance is that hope has been restored to the people of southeastern Liberia, a sentiment well articulated by a teenager in a statement (perhaps the shortest statement recorded during the President's week-long visit) welcoming the President during a town hall meeting in Fish Town, when she said: "Thank you, Madam President, for the free education, for the books and uniforms."

So overwhelming are the needs that beneficiaries sometimes, perhaps unconsciously, forget to show appreciation for what has been achieved. So, when it comes from a teenager, it speaks volumes of how far Liberia has come within the past four years. We must keep reminding ourselves of this fact.

Look out for the next article on the President's southeastern tour, focusing on the President's visit to Grand Gedeh and stops in Nimba.

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allAfrica.com: Liberia: Taking Government to the People - an Eyewitness Account of State's South Eastern Experience GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "liberia"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "westafrica"); ... President Sirleaf Ends South Eastern Tour HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile Liberia Government (Monrovia) Liberia: President Sirleaf Ends South Eastern Tour 7 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment Share: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf returned to the Liberian capital, Monrovia, on Saturday, March 6, following a weeklong visit to the southeastern counties of Maryland, River Gee and Grand Gedeh. The President also made stops in Nimba and Bong Counties. In an interview Saturday with reporters, the President described the visit to the counties as rewarding. The Liberian leader said she was very pleased about the outcome of the tour, because the people have caught on to the vision of development. "Our politics is development," the President declared. She lauded the efforts of Liberians, particularly rural dwellers, toward Government's national development initiatives in the areas of reconstruction and agriculture. The President has, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction at the level of progress being made by Liberian farmers in Gbedin Town, Nimba County. The farmers, working under the umbrella of the Dokodan Farmers Cooperative, are processing locally grown rice for school feeding programs in the country. Addressing farmers and other partners collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture, the President described the program as "one of the best projects that we have going in the country." The Liberian leader also thanked partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for lending support to the program, which is also being supported by UNDP and SOCODEVI, as well as the CDA, in strengthening the capacity of farmers' cooperatives in Liberia. She also commended the chiefs and elders for providing the land, and members of the National Legislature for budgetary allocation to support the program. United States Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in remarks, announced an additional contribution for the program. She said the United States Government would provide US$6.4 million for the WFP, bringing U.S. total support to the program to US$10 million through 2010. Under the program, the WFP is purchasing 1,000 metric tons of Liberian-grown rice to help respond to the food needs of the school feeding program. Among President Sirleaf's many activities, she also dedicated the Saclapea Central Market in Nimba County. The dedication was in fulfillment of a promise by the President to construct a market facility in the area. The structure was constructed with funding provided by the Sirleaf Market Fund, a non-governmental initiative established by the President to assist local market women. The Liberian leader thanked donors for providing funding to complete the building, which was expanded to accommodate the high number of marketers in the area. Relevant Links West Africa Liberia Hundreds of marketers, who are also benefiting from an adult literacy program being offered under the project, danced and sang songs, praising the Liberian President for fulfilling a promise which also includes the provision of other opportunities for the women of the county, including a day care center which authorities of the Fund intend to add to the new market building. The President also inspected the construction, in Tappita, of a 100-bed hospital being undertaken by the Government of the People's Republic of China. She expressed satisfaction at the pace of the work, and thanked the people of Nimba for protecting the facilities. China's Ambassador to Liberia, Zhou Yuxiao, informed the Liberian leader that, unlike at other projects, no construction materials have been stolen since the project commenced. Ambassador Zhou promised that the hospital would be completed in time and handed over to the Government of Liberia before this year's July 26 Independence Celebrations slated for Nimba County. Be the first to Write a Comment! TODAY'S FEATURED NEWS allAfrica.com: Liberia: President Sirleaf Ends South Eastern Tour GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "liberia"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "westafrica"); GA_googleAddSlot( "ca-pub-2420009840005975" , "Al... Koina Salone Ex-Refugees' Houses Looted in Monrovia HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile Concord Times (Freetown) Sierra Leone: Koina Salone Ex-Refugees' Houses Looted in Monrovia Mariama Coker 5 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment Share: Freetown — Efforts by the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia, the UNHCR and LRRRC towards the integration of former Sierra Leonean refugees who opted for a second home in Liberia have been dealt a serious blow by enemies of development. Reports received by the Sierra Leone Embassy information unit early this week indicated that unknown persons entered into the newly constructed houses meant for former Sierra Leonean refugees in Sinje and made away with assorted valuable items that were already installed in the buildings. The Sierra Leone Embassy, however, promptly contacted the UNHCR country representative in Liberia, Ibrahima Coly and his information and communication desk officials who confirmed the act, but said they were working on strategies as to how the stolen items could be replaced soonest. Mr. Coly also disclosed his earlier intention of integrating the remaining caseloads to the said looted site on completion. He maintained that despite the setback, his intention still stands and that this would be carried out soon. Relevant Links West Africa Sierra Leone Liberia Refugees Conflict In a telephone conversation with the LRRRC field officer, Momodu Freeman, he confirmed the theft but however failed to give cost of the damage. According to Freeman, only three houses were looted and vandalized and that they were already doing replacement on the damaged buildings. No arrest has been made so far. It could be recalled that Sierra Leone Embassy officials led by Ambassador Rev. Mrs. Marie Jilo Barnett took part in last month's integration exercise of former Sierra Leonean refugees into another community from Samukai Town in Monrovia. Over 900 Sierra Leoneans residing in Liberia are now proud owners of Sierra Leonean passports which were issued free of cost. The issuance of such passports was an outcome and follow-up after series of meetings between the above partners and agreement between governments of Sierra Leone and Liberian. Be the first to Write a Comment! TODAY'S FEATURED NEWS allAfrica.com: Sierra Leone: Koina Salone Ex-Refugees' Houses Looted in Monrovia GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "conflict"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "refugees"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "liberia"); ... Witness Says, Taylor Wanted Power To Empower Citizens HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile CharlesTaylorTrial.org (The Hague) Liberia: Charles Taylor Wanted Power To Empower The Liberian People To Develop Their Country, Witness Says Alpha Sesay 4 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment(81) Share: Charles Taylor wanted power to empower the Liberian people to develop their country, a defense witness told Special Court for Sierra Leone judges today. “Charles Taylor wanted power, control his people and to empower them with the authority to develop their country in Liberia,” the witness said today as he testified about the former president’s motivation to wage a rebel war in the West African country of Liberia. The witness, only identified by pseudonym number DCT-125 started his testimony yesterday. The witness is testifying as a protected witness whose identity cannot be disclosed to the general public. When he started giving his evidence yesterday, the witness’ testimony was heard mostly in private session to the exclusion of the general public. In his testimony today, the witness testified in open session but with voice and image distortion, meaning, no one can identify his face and voice. The witness described himself as a founding member of the Mataba: that is, the “Libyan Bureau” which provided military and ideological training for revolutionaries from different parts of the world. Testifying about the character of Mr. Taylor, the witness described the former Liberian president as a very secretive person and an “intellectual bourgeois capitalist” — a description which drew a smile from the very attentive Mr. Taylor. The witness said that like Mr. Taylor, he is a Pan-Africanist who was trained in Libya alongside other revolutionaries from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) and many other countries with an aim of liberating Africans from “neo-colonialism.” Reading from the Mataba manifesto, the witness told the court that the document called on all revolutionaries around the world to come together and fight against “state sponsored terrorism.” Mr. Taylor is accused of providing support to the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a Sierra Leonean rebel group which prosecutors say committed heinous crimes in Sierra Leone such as rape, murder and “terrorizing the civilian population.” Some prosecution witnesses also testified before Special Court for Sierra Leone judges that with Mr. Taylor’s involvement, terrorist operatives from the fundamentalist group Al Qaeda visited Liberia and RUF controlled territories in Sierra Leone. Defense counsel for Mr. Taylor, Courtenay Griffiths, today asked the witness the Mataba’s position on terrorism. Relevant Links West Africa Liberia Sierra Leone Human Rights International Organisations Legal Affairs Arms and Armies Conflict “The Mataba, according to our aim and objectives, is not a terrorist organization. The Mataba is a combination of all revolutionary forces to device strategies to face imperialism and its allies wherever they are,” the witness said. Prosecutors have alleged that Mr. Taylor met with RUF leader Foday Sankoh at the Mataba in Libya in the mid to late 1980s and that the two men formed a common plan to destabilize the West African sub-region through assistance to each other in their respective wars in Liberian and Sierra Leone. Mr. Taylor has denied these assertions, insisting that he never met Mr. Sankoh in Libya. He has denied providing support to RUF rebels in Sierra Leone. There will be no hearings on Friday and Monday as the court room will be used for other trials conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Witness DCT-125’s testimony will continue on Tuesday. Read comments. Write your own. 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Sirleaf Second Terms Gets Backing in Southeast HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile The Informer (Monrovia) Liberia: Ellen's 2nd Term Dream Receives Popular Support in Southeast D Kaihenneh Sengbeh 3 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment(3) Share: Tens of thousands of citizens in the southeastern counties of Maryland, River Gee and Grand Gedeh have pledged overwhelming support for the second term bid of incumbent President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, describing her as "the only messiah" to lead Liberia for now. The citizens, in their separate statements read during town hall meetings and along the route from Maryland, River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties said they want the president to seek a 2nd term because she has brought great pride to the country and restored its lost credibility. They said the President has put in place an unprecedented development agenda and one term was extremely limited to implement all of those sound policies. They enumerated the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing roads and construction of new ones, building of new schools and health facilities across the country and introducing the county development fund which gives them a voice in deciding what is good for them, unlike the past when all the decisions were taken in Monrovia. They listed the free and compulsory primary education program, the distribution of books and uniforms to primary school children and the empowerment of women as unprecedented achievement of the government that warrants a second term for President Sirleaf. In separate statements of support, youth, women, men, chiefs and zoes called on the Liberian leader not to panic, because she already has their votes comes 2011 Citizens of the three counties said they were pleased that and overwhelmed by joy when the Liberian leader declared her intent for second term in January at the National Legislature and argued that it was the best place for the President to declare her intent. Speaking on behave of the traditional council and chief of River Gee, Paramount Chief, James Pah Sayee said the chiefs and people of the county know no other candidate in the pending 2011 elections, but President Sirleaf. Making statements at a town hall meeting in Grand Gedeh yesterday, leaders of the youth, Women and chiefs said they are pleased that the president has responded to their request for second term, since they petitioned about two years ago. Meanwhile, the citizens have called on the president to intensify road reconstruction in the region, describing it as one of the greatest challenges in the area. The traditional chiefs have also called on the government to place their names on payroll, because they were removed based on falsehood schemed by the General Audition Commission (GAC). They said GAC referred to them as Ghost employees when they are not ghost, but living being serving their country. Relevant Links West Africa Liberia They called for empowerment in terms of mobility and other incentives to enable them work effectively to take government's policy to the people. The President in response said the matter would be addressed and the government is working hard to restore the roads and meet the needs of its people. The Liberian leader and her cabinet are on a weeklong tour of the southeast. The tour mixed with dedication of development projects, town hall meeting and a cabinet retreat kicked off Saturday in Maryland County, with the official dedication of the Tubman University and the swearing in of its President. She arrived in River Gee Sunday night and dedicated several projects before arriving in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh, late Monday, where a town hall meeting and cabinet retreat were being held up to press time. dakasen1978@yahoo.com/ 231 6 586 531. Read comments. Write your own. TODAY'S FEATURED NEWS allAfrica.com: Liberia: Ellen's 2nd Term Dream Receives Popular Support in Southeast GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "liberia"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countries", "westafrica"); GA_googleAddSlot( "ca-pub-2420... Calm Returns to Violence-Torn County HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile The Informer (Monrovia) Liberia: Calm Returns to Lofa As Monrovia Based Lofa Citizens Constitute Committee 1 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment(3) Share: Latest report reaching the Informer Newspaper indicates that calm has returned to Lofa County following violence clashes last Friday which according to information resulted in the killing of five persons. According to police report, twenty one others received gunshot and cutlass wounds. Acting Information Minister, Elizabeth Hoff said seventeen persons have been arrested and are undergoing police investigation in connection with the violence. Minister Hoff says police also seized five single barrel guns, seven cutlasses and one knife believed to have been used in the violence. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Mark Amblard in a press conference held Friday in Monrovia, instructed riot police deployed in the county to harshly handle anyone who would continue to engage into the act of riot. The Police Director told reporters that following the deployment of ERU and other police officers, a dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in Voinjama. Violence broke out in Lofa Friday when students of Lutheran Mission School went on the rampage protesting the mysterious death of their school mate, Korpo Camara of the eleven grade class in Kornia, Lofa County. The students' protest sparked out rumors that a mosque was burned in Konia following a demonstration as a result some unscrupulous Mandingo elements carrying on violent raid in Voinjama in which several churches were burned together with some private homes. As a result of the situation, citizens of Lofa County based in Monrovia in an urgent meeting at the Capitol Building in Monrovia have constituted a special committee to investigate Friday's violence in Konia Town and Voinjama City. Relevant Links West Africa Liberia Peacekeeping Conflict The special committee is to also mediate in resolving the dispute and recommend measures to avoid a recurrence of the violent incident. The delegation comprising three citizens each from the seven districts is to leave Monrovia for Lofa on Today. Former Foya District Representative Philip Tarlie is heading the delegation. The meeting called by the Lofa Legislative Caucus was attended by citizens from Salayea, Zorzor, Voinjama, Quadu Gbondi, Kolahun, Vahun and Foya Districts. The Legislative Caucus, which serves as ex-officio on the special committee is to travel with the delegation. According to latest report there is no evidence of any mosque being burned. Read comments. Write your own. TODAY'S FEATURED NEWS allAfrica.com: Liberia: Calm Returns to Lofa As Monrovia Based Lofa Citizens Constitute Committee GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "conflict"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "peacekeepi"); GA_googleAddAttr("Countr... Peace Keepers are Not Bias, Says Mission Boss HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile The Informer (Monrovia) Liberia: "Unmil is Not Bias" -Unmil Boss Asserts 4 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment(6) Share: The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General Madame Magrethe Ellen Loj has denied claims that Bangladeshi Contingent assigned in Lofa County were impartial during the riot that killed four persons leaving several wounded. Last week in Voinjama, a demonstration occurred as a result of misinformation in the county leading to the burning down of several structures, including, Churches, and other private homes. The United Nations Secretary General Special Representative(SRSG) said the UNMIL security personnel who were assigned in Voinjama were trapped in the center of the City, where the mosque that many claimed that they have protected was located; but it was not that the Troop were providing protection for the Muslim's worship center leaving out the Christian's worship centers. She said the UNMIL personnel did not sideline with any of the group that was involved in the riot that occurred. Relevant Links West Africa Liberia Peacekeeping International Organisations Conflict Ambassador Margrethe Loj pointed out that UNMIL has dealt with the situation in the county by the rule of engagement. She disclosed that the riot in Lofa has an ethnic under tune and it was very difficult to handle, because it has spilled everywhere in the city. She however disclosed that a lot of progress is been made, but a lot more needs to be done. The UNMIL Chief said the riot that occurred in Lofa is a result of speculation which began from from Konia and later spilled over to Voinjama. She however expressed sympathy to victims of the state of affairs in the county and urged them to work together as before. Read comments. Write your own. TODAY'S FEATURED NEWS allAfrica.com: Liberia: "Unmil is Not Bias" -Unmil Boss Asserts GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "conflict"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "io"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "peacekeepi"); GA_googleAddAttr("Coun... Witness Says Taylor Did Not Join 1999 Rebel Attack on Freetown HOME Site FrançaisSite GuideWho We AreContent ProvidersAdvertisingMy AccountMyAfricaBiztechSustainablePeaceMobile CharlesTaylorTrial.org (The Hague) Liberia: As Witness Concludes His Testimony, He Says Charles Taylor Did Not Take Part In The 1999 Rebel Attack On Sierra Leone's Capital Freetown Alpha Sesay 3 March 2010 Email| Print| Comment(81) Share: Neither Charles Taylor nor his security forces supported or participated in the Sierra Leonean rebel attack on the country's capital Freetown in 1999, the Special Court for Sierra Leone heard today as Mr. Taylor's first defense witness ended his testimony. Mr. Yanks' testimony consistent on this point with Mr. Taylor's own testimony stands in contrast to that of several prosecution witnesses, who had testified that the former Liberian president provided the support needed for the rebels to attack Freetown. Prosecution witnesses had also testified that both Mr. Taylor and his Special Security Services (SSS) director, Benjamin Yeaten, were in radio contact with one of the top Sierra Leonean rebels, Sam Bockarie, during the attack.  In his re-examination today, Mr. Smythe dismissed the allegations as lies, adding that no member of Mr. Taylor's security apparatus travelled to Sierra Leone for the operation. "To your knowledge, did Benjamin Yeaten travel overseas at any point in time around the first week of January in 1999?" Mr. Taylor's defense counsel, Morris Anyah, asked the witness. "I'm not aware of him making any trip outside of Liberia at that time," Mr. Smythe said. "To your knowledge, were any employees or members of the SSS during that period of time engaged in any fighting in Sierra Leone?" Mr. Anyah asked. "No, to my knowledge, none of the SSS were involved in any fighting in Sierra Leone," the witness responded. Seeking to clarify the issues further, Mr. Anyah asked the witness whether "to your knowledge, were any members of the SSS, in particular Benjamin Yeaten, engaged in any radio communications with persons in Sierra Leone during that period of time?" Again, Mr. Smythe responded that "to my knowledge, no." My. Smythe also today told the court that a document bearing the name and signature of Mr. Yeaten did not reflect the correct spelling and signature of the former SSS director's name. In his 2008 testimony for the prosecution, Abu Keita, who reportedly served in Mr. Taylor's government in Liberia, testified to the authenticity of a document titled 'Operation Orders' and attested that the document bore Mr. Yeaten's name and signature. During his re-examination today, Mr. Smythe told the court that the name Benjamin had been misspelled and that the signature did not reflect that of Mr. Yeaten's as he knew it. Mr. Anyah sought to clarify the issue. "In the time you were assistant director for operations when you worked with Benjamin Yeaten, have you ever know him to sign a document containing an incorrect spelling of his name?" Mr. Anyah asked the witness. In his response, the witness said that "no, I've never known him to sign any document containing an incorrect spelling of his name." Looking at the document that bore Mr. Yeaten's name, the witness observed: "that doesn't look like Benjamin Yeaten's handwriting." Relevant Links West Africa Liberia Human Rights International Organisations Arms and Armies Legal Affairs Sierra Leone Conflict As Mr. Smythe concluded his testimony, Mr. Taylor's defense team called the next witness to testify in defense of the former president. The witness, with pseudonym number DCT-125 will testify as a protected witness because, like some prosecution witnesses, security reasons demanded that his identity not be revealed to the public. The witness testified mostly in private session with the exclusion of the general public. For the short periods that his testimony moved from private session, the witness testified with voice and image distortion measures. Voice and image distortion measures ensure that the witness's voice and image are not identified by members of the public. DCT-125's testimony continues tomorrow. Read comments. Write your own. Foreign Nations Prevented Taylor NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Denies Working For CIA NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Say Taylor Executed Politicians NEWS — Liberia: Witness Says, Taylor Wanted Power To Empower Citizens NEWS — Liberia: Witness Says Taylor Did Not Receive Diamonds From Rebels NEWS — West Africa: Witness Denies Taylor Planned to Destabilize Region NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Denies Arms Smuggling Reports NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Say Taylor Suppressed Press Freedom NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Denies Sending Fighters to Ivory Coast NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Denies Knowing of Rebel Commander's Threats to Citizens NEWS — Liberia: Foreign Countries Prevented Taylor From Liberating Country NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Never Gave His Rebels Orders to Kill, Said Witness NEWS — Liberia: Witness Claims Prosecutors Misrepresented His Statement NEWS — Liberia: Witness says, "Nobody Is Lying" NEWS — Liberia: Defense Witness Contradicts Taylor's Testimony NEWS — Liberia: Witness Says, Taylor Did Not Send Gambian Fighters to Country NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Explains Covert Bank Account NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Question Taylor's Motives for Releasing UN Hostages NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Accuse Taylor of Lying Before Court NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Question Taylor About Foreign Bank Accounts NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Accuse Taylor of Recruiting Child Soldiers NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Question Taylor About Crimes Committed by His Rebels NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Denies Interfering With Judiciary NEWS — Liberia: Charles Taylor Back on the Stand NEWS — Liberia: Defense Witness Says Taylor Never Used Child Soldiers NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Says, Prosecutors Have Not Proven Any Case Against Him NEWS — Liberia: Taylor Says Conspiracy Brought Him to Court NEWS — Liberia: Prosecutors Say Taylor Waged War to Regain Power NEWS — Liberia: Taylor's Prosecutors Ordered Not To Use New Documents Implicating Naomi Campbell TODAY'S FEATURED NEWS allAfrica.com: Liberia: As Witness Concludes His Testimony, He Says Charles Taylor Did Not Take Part In The 1999 Rebel Attack On Sierra Leone's Capital Freetown GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-2420009840005975"); GS_googleEnableAllServices(); GA_googleAddAttr("Language", "english"); GA_googleAddAttr("Topics", "armsandarm"); GA_...   Advertisement   The Liberian Connection is a LoneStar Liberia >> Global Media Company Copyright Notice: All rights, including copyright, in the content of these The The Liberian Connection web pages are owned or controlled for these purposes by LoneStar Liberia. 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