Last week, Liberian President Joseph Boakak was among five African heads of states invited by US President Donald J. Trump for a three-day summit in Washington DC, eyeing  what Washington described as an “incredible” commercial opportunity. Besides President Boakai, the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal were also in attendance – and all representing countries with small populations and economies.

The invite followed last month’s peace deal signed in Washington between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo which also led to the US gaining lucrative mineral access to the two countries. At a time when the US is facing increased competition from rival powers – including China and Russia – for its prized resources, eyes were focused on how the five invited countries would handle the delicacy of America’s foreign policy shift and approach to Africa.

It was the backdrop from which President Boakai and many Liberians were hoping such a meeting would focus. Chatters were also abound that the US is contemplating sending scores of deportees and vicitms of President Trump’s massive immigration crackdown to the five African countries. It is from this background that we sat down with President Boakai for a brief interview on what transpired behind the scenes, his takeaway from a summit eclipsed by President Trump’s praise of President Boakai’s “beautiful english” and his take on the controversy surrounding the Ivanhoe/HPX encroachment on ArcelorMittla rail access from Guinea. The President also addresses his reign so far and how he’s handling echoes of growing number of his officials openly harboring presidential ambitions and how it is affecting his governance and leadership.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Mr. President, what would you say is your biggest takeaway from the summit of the five African leaders and President Donald J. Trump?

PRESIDENT JOSEPH NYUMAH BOAKAI: I believe that it is a good opportunity to get to meet the new leadership, to also get to feel the direction that they are taking and that incidentally, this is supposed to be a foreign policy that is based on economic diplomacy and commercial – and in fact we are already on track. So, we just came to get acquainted with them – and make sure that we all align ourselves with what it is they want to do. We want to see a Liberia that will be transactional, a Liberia that will seek after developing its own resources and make them available for its own citizenry. So, it was a good opportunity to get it from the horse’s mouth.

FPA: Prior to this meeting, Liberia was elected to the United Nations Security Council. There was a lot of effort and campaign from your administration to make this happen. What are your expectations and what does it mean for your government and Liberia as a whole?

JNB: Incidentally, Liberia happens to be the country that was a founding member of the United Nations, from the League of Nations to the UN – and we believe this is an opportunity. Talking about our own history, we’ve been like a trouble child within the Comity of Nations, they have given us a chance now to show that we are matured, that we are responsible and that we will be able to bring to the table, all the knowledge we have, to contribute to a wider society. And we are prepared to do that.

FPA: You mentioned during the press call yesterday, a request for the US to undertake a survey of minerals in Liberia. What do you hope this will do for Liberia and does it coincide with a similar survey carried out by the Chinese, mentioned in your annual message in January?

JNB: China did two counties, Lofa and Maryland – and they said that we have forty-seven
minerals, very strategic. We want to know, the minerals we have in the entire country. It will give us a better opportunity to plan for the use of our mineral and the management of it. In fact, I am feeling that it is about time that we know that so that we plan which ones are more strategic – and that we can manage them for the benefit of Liberians. The US has the skills, and we believe they too, because instead of just sitting and complaining, we want them to be a part of it.  We don’t have the technology they have. So, it will be helpful for all of them to share this knowledge and we can use it to our advantage.

FPA: When we spoke some time ago, prior to your ascendancy to the presidency, you were hopeful of a Liberia where corruption would not be so prevalent, that public officials would respect the wishes of the Liberian people. Has anything changed now that you are president?

JNB: I was concerned, I am concerned; and I will be concerned about corruption. I said one time that corruption is poison – look at Liberia, 178 years old we will be celebrating. What do we have to show, what does it say about our society? Why do we lose all these people that were trained to foreign countries? If we manage our resources well, if people don’t believe that they come to power just to enrich themselves, we will so find out that all can benefit, that we can gain and the society will be better. I don’t want to go live elsewhere, it’s too late now because this is a decision I made years ago. Corruption has been the problem – and I think if we fight it as we are trying to do now, we will so see that people will understand that we are in serious business to fight corruption. I’m not going to say that corruption is a vampire, so we must show that it is – and we must fight it.  

FPA: How satisfied are you with your administration’s fight against graft? What are some of the challenges? Shortcomings?

JNB: Well, the challenges are that we inherited some of the people – and that also that being the Liberian way, people want to be convinced that we are serious – and we must prove that we are serious. And let them not take it for joke, we are here to fight corruption – and we will fight it to the dead end.

FPA: Prior to the dialogue with President Trump, a lot was made about concerns that the US is trying to get some African countries to accept deportees related to immigration violations in the US as prisoners. In fact, the Wall Street Journal in a report this week alludes to this, citing state department and senior administration officials. Was this part of any behind the scenes discussions with the US President?

JNB: Talking with the Americans – even before I came and after – and even as recent as yesterday I didn’t get the impression that the Americans were putting a gun to anybody’s head to sign anything. What the Americans are saying is that they have asylum seekers that have been here for years – and they like to send them out of the country, elsewhere. They are not forcing anybody but they want for us to know that it is a concern they have. And they are asking how can we contribute or how can we help and we have assured them that for the relationship, it’s an equal concern but it is something that we have to think about, if and when they decide to ask us, we will know how to respond to it.

FPA: In a meeting with Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau Wednesday, your government was lauded for the agreement to increase multi-user access to Liberia’s railway to further facilitate economic development. There are concerns that your administration has been pressured by the US on this issue when in fact, ArcelorMittal already has an agreement in place on this. How is your administration hoping to fix this and how do you think Mittal is accepting this new arrangement? Do you think the two companies can coexist in that space?

JNB: They have no choice because we need them both, we know the value they bring to the society but we are in the best position to determine how we can make use of everybody having equal access, everybody having the possibility to use it – and then, future users, including ourselves, extended use of the railway for other than iron ore. So, we are putting into place, mechanisms – and for everybody, it will be a win-win for all because, number one, we want to have a rail authority. The rail authority will put up a tender, the tender will produce a management that will be able to work with everybody on equal basis. The other one who can do this is Liberia.

FPA: Over the past few months, there has been criticisms that too many members of your Cabinet – and government are quietly harboring future presidential ambitions – and this appears to be affecting some aspect of your hope of getting a lot of things done for the Liberian people. How are you handling this issue, considering your two former predecessors endure similar challenges?

JNB: It just so happens that over the years, because of the nature of leadership, presidential ambition now had been on the rise. I think we want to make sure that we put in a government that is responsible for the current life of the people – and the future lives of the people – and those people who see, work with us and understand where we’re going – and who understand that the future leadership, it determines for the present use of the opportunities of the presidency, those who don’t understand it – and who are in a hurry, we want to tell them, they are in the wrong place.  

FPA: Mr. President, what are your expectations for your legacy, what do you want to be remembered for when your presidency is completed?

JNB: When I came to power, I wasn’t looking for second term, I am here to make the Liberians know that we are here to better their lives, we are here to serve them. The bible says, he who that is faithful – in that which is least is faithful and that which is much. We must show the Liberians now that we are concerned about them – and we are not thinking about what it will be tomorrow. It’s about today. And that’s the kind of government that I’m putting into place. I’m not looking for that. I’m looking for a government that works for the people, a government that produces healthy citizens, youths and make sure there’s food on the table and that people can live in the country, have electricity, water and live the life that they yearn for. That’s my concern right now. Those who think that they want the tomorrow, they can get up and wait for their tomorrow.

FPA: Finally, are you happy with the performance of the members of your Cabinet? Should the Liberian people expect a reshuffle soon? There has been a lot of chatters over the past few months regarding this.

JNB: Sometimes, I call a simple reshuffle as rotating the rascals, you take one rascal from a position and put in another rascal. I want a reshuffle from a conviction. I’ve watched the people who work for me, I am learning now to know who I can trust, who think like me, who believe like me – and I’m going to do that. I’m not going to make anybody push me into, but I’m determined to work with the people I work with, and it won’t take long. You know, we have replaced so many people already – and we must continue to do that. Those who we believe are not there for the good of the country, they are leaving. So, it may not be a mass reshuffle but it’s taking place.  

FPA: Wednesday, September 13, 2023, will mark the IAA’s 10th anniversary since its establishment as an autonomous agency by an act of the Legislature. It is also your one-year anniversary as the head of IAA. What will be your anniversary message to the public?

FPA: Since assuming office one year ago, what have been some of your accomplishments?

IAA: The IAA is an entity established by the government of Liberia to work in the Public Sector to help create controls that will ensure compliance, minimize risk, and prevent abuse in the public sector. My message to the public is that the IAA is an Institution that partners with government institutions to help ensure that we meet those basic standards in providing services to the Public.

Our job at the IAA is to ensure that the internal audit function is carried out in public institutions. We hope to continue receiving the kind of cooperation we have been getting from the Public in implementing controls that will help minimize waste, fraud, abuse, and ensure compliance with basic laws and statutes.

FPA: As you celebrate 10 years of existence, what is your vision for the Agency in the next 10 years?

IAA: When I took over the IAA, one fortunate thing we had was that we met a workforce that was very enthusiastic and energetic. I am impressed and happy with the response I have received from the staff.

I have made the work environment for staff one of my major priorities, including providing them with the right tools and equipment. We have also focused on training for our staff to keep up with new developments in the sector and respond effectively to changes in the public sector financial management system.

The world is changing in the way payments are made in the public sector, with electronic payments becoming more prevalent. We are preparing our staff to meet the audit needs of these systems.

We have developed a five-year strategic plan, which includes professionalizing the institution. The initial part of that plan involves having some of our auditors improve their capacity by taking the CIA exam. We have also introduced the scorecard system at public institutions, which informs our decision on where and how to focus our Internal Audit operations, covering areas like payroll policy, management of fixed assets, budgetary allocations, and more. We are working on automating the audit process with specialized audit software to increase the quality and speed of our work.

FPA: Would you say the agency is meeting its objectives in the public sector? If not, what measures do you intend to put in place to achieve the objectives?

IAA: We may not be meeting our objectives at the IAA as required by the act establishing the Agency 100%, but significant work has been done. People expect more from the IAA because the public interest in the financial operations of the government is very high. To build public confidence, we need to professionalize our staff and ensure that our recommendations to public institutions are implemented. We will work on building cordial relationships with institutions to achieve this.

FPA: Let’s talk about the compliance scorecard. Following the round table discussion with Public sector officials, can we say that the meeting met its objective?

IAA: The rollout of the compliance scorecard was a success. We were able to ensure that close to 70% of the entities assigned IAA auditors received scores. We couldn’t achieve 100% due to logistical constraints, such as the need for computers and internet connectivity for our field staff.

Many institutions have embraced the idea of the scorecard, which was encouraging. Heads of entities who received their scores, even if they weren’t entirely favorable, decided to work with our auditors. We are part of the process to help make government more efficient, not a separate entity. We will continue to release scorecards in the future.

FPA: You have outlined your achievements, how do you describe the current status of the IAA?

IAA: The IAA, like every institution, faces challenges, including resource constraints and difficulty reaching certain areas. We also need to work on ensuring that institutions are receptive to what the IAA does.

FPA: Who do you report to? I ask because despite your auditors being assigned at various ministries and agencies, we don’t hear or see reports. Why?

IAA: In the context of internal audits, we are part of the institution and provide an advisory role. The internal auditor’s first line of reporting is to the head of the institution where they are assigned. IAA, as an entity, reports directly to the President, who determines whether to make reports public.

FPA: How do you deal with Public Officials who do not comply with your auditors?

IAA: We are a professional entity, and our goal is to point out to public officials what we find during audits. If a head of an institution believes our recommendations should not be implemented, we ask them to document their reasons and point out any risks. If there are still issues, we share them with the President. We aim to prevent problems from happening and work with institutions to improve.

FPA: There are criticisms, fears, and mistrust about your auditors. The assertions have been, “They came to take our jobs from us,” “They are spies,” “IAA auditors are external and we must not give them any document,” and “They are Police officers.” All these reasons contribute to fear, mistrust, and skepticism of auditors. How do you intend to address these problems to allay these fears and nurture teamwork and collaboration within the public service to ensure the right things are done in the right way?

IAA: Fear of auditors is universal, and our focus is on professionalizing auditors through training and support. We aim to change the misconceptions and inform individuals about our role. When we come as auditors, we are there to complement efforts and help improve government operations. We want to build trust and cooperation.

FPA: How is your work at the IAA helping to strengthen good governance?

IAA: Our work is making a difference by encouraging agencies to respond differently to audit findings. We aim to work with heads of entities to get things right and protect government infrastructure. We need to ensure the security of financial systems and use resources efficiently.

FPA: Decentralization, how quickly will you extend to other counties?

IAA: We are already operating outside of Monrovia, with auditors at the counties’ treasurers. As the government implements revenue-sharing laws, we will continue to expand our presence to other counties to ensure the proper management of resources and provide monitoring where needed.

The book which paints a complex picture of Liberia, a nation which was founded by freed African American slaves, gives readers insight into the current challenges of a country that is still dealing with the ashes of a brutal civil war and its transition to democracy.

Journalist Bankole Thompson, the executive dean and editor-in-chief of The PuLSE Institute, whose endorsement of the book appears on the back of the cover has been invited to serve as the moderator for the launching of the book in Washington D.C. on Saturday, April 1. He spoke with Mr. Sieh for the institute’s Encounter Series which features diverse leaders and public figures who are shaping society across the global spectrum.

PuLSE: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

RODNEY SIEH: I hope readers will walk away gaining a clear understanding about the subject, George Weah and how he defied the odds as a former world best footballer to become President of one of the poorest nations on the face of planet earth. More importantly, I hope the subject himself will appreciate the research, the work and effort put into this project and see it not as an attack on his personality or his governance lapses, but as a learning tool.

The book goes to great length in highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly of a man who, from all indications is not flawless but rather complicated in the sense that his government, which ran on a pro-poor agenda and on the backs of a youth movement, is still struggling to deliver on numerous fronts.

I was able to interview several former colleagues who played with him, traveled to places he played in a bid to unravel what I believe is one of the best books out of Liberia for years. There are a lot of explosive discoveries, some he may like, others he may not. But overall, I wanted to present an objective and honest picture of how this man came from the slums of Gibraltar, rose to become a world best footballer and now, perhaps realizing the difficulties of heading an entire country, far removed from his playing days on the football field.

PuLSE: How important it is for you to chronicle the current president of Liberia in the context of what is happening in Liberia right now?

RODNEY SIEH: It is very unusual for a journalist or author to write about a sitting president in Africa – and this presented a challenge for me.

We have seen in countries in the West where this is done and where heads of state are open to the idea. But this wasn’t the case. Finding the right people to interview, in a society where many are afraid to talk out of fear of offending the President. I had to do a lot of convincing to get people to talk. Even the President himself was unwilling, thus the Unofficial Biography

Despite the challenges, I felt the story was important enough to explore. Five years ago, I had no idea this would come to fruition. I was having lunch in Washington, DC with my friend, Helene Cooper at The New York Times, who is also a Liberian, and she thought it would be a great idea – and I should consider it. The finish product is what you see now.

I’ve heard a lot of people say that I wrote the book because Liberia is heading into an election year and thus, I’m capitalizing on what is about to unfold. The fact of the matter is, this is what makes journalism great, it gives us the ability to dissect, to analyze and to go into subject matters that defy the norm.

Regardless of how the upcoming election plays out, the book will stand the test of time, it will offer an opportunity for Liberians and the rest of the world to take a deep look into a country with a rather complicated history, a country that has gone through some turbulent times and not still struggling to continue its transition from war to peace, and successful democratic transitions.

PuLSE: There has been a clarion call for true democracy in Africa, which includes respect for the rule of law and the need for a free and independent press to be a model around the world. Do you think the book will ignite those conversations around democracy on the continent of Africa?

RODNEY SIEH: I am really hoping it does because there have been so much chatters about democracy in Africa, so many nations have gone to war over the lapses in judgement by rulers and leaders that continues to cause heartache and chaos for those languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder.

It is only through political discourses that these issues can be highlighted. It is important for Liberians to understand what’s at stake in the upcoming elections. This is why discourse is necessary. We’re talking about a country where debates are not encouraged in the buildup to elections, where candidates rarely appear before constituencies to face the grilling of voters about their intentions for them, their expectations, and platforms, if any.

We’re talking about a continent were leaders are elected on a patronage system, where poverty has blinded the poor and neglected, and forcing them to settle for bags of rice and money in exchange for their votes.

We’re talking about a nation where politicians manipulate voters into turning in their voting cards for money, pile them in pickup trucks and carry them to cast their votes. Sadly, this has been Liberia’s history, a history of one-party dominance for more than a century resulting in a bloody coup d’etat on April 12, 1980 that ended decades of Americo-Liberian rule.

We’re talking about a nation engulfed in a class system that is unending. Today, the same country, which accused Americo-Liberians of political dominance is now largely dominated by the indigenous. Sadly, the country remains entrenched in corruption and bad governance. The President, the Vice President, the head of the Senate and the lower house of the national legislature are all from the indigenous background but the politicians there are doing the very things that led to the execution of twelve members of former President William R. Tolbert’s government. This is why the circle of impunity continues to linger and Liberia continues to remain poor, sadly to its own detriment.

PULSE: And the challenges of the media under the George Weah administration?

RODNEY SIEH: Definitely, the book goes to great length to explore media challenges under the Weah administration and how it draws similarity to other countries on the continent. Part of what makes the book great is that it highlights the level of intolerance exhibited by President Weah, even before he became president. We live on a continent where journalists are often subject to intimidation and threats. Most times brought on by sycophantic followers behind leaders or rulers like Weah, who prey on his vulnerabilities that their support enhances his distrust of the media and growing levels of intolerance.

What many people fail to realize is that, the lack of good governance and intolerance to opposing views are among the primary reasons countries go to war. By highlighting those issues in the book, it offers the perfect opportunity for Africans to put governments on notice.

PULSE: What do you want the American public to know about contemporary Liberia, given the country’s historic relationship with the United States?

RODNEY SIEH: Liberia and the United States of America share a historic bond, one which goes back for more than a hundred years. Often, many Americans have misconceptions about Liberia and its people. It is my hope that this book dispels much of that and Americans will get to understand Liberia, under President George Weah.

It is important to note that Liberia’s history has been a recurring theme of bad governance, corruption and greed by its leaders and the US has been at the center of it all, pumping in millions of dollars in aid to governments which have failed to make it matters to those struggle at the bottom of the barrel. Nevertheless, the country remains rich in resources, an unheralded tourist haven that is yet to be transformed to benefit the country.

PULSE: Last year was the Bicentennial of the arrival of the first free Black Americans to Liberia. How important is that history in the context of your book?

RODNEY SIEH: I tried my best to draw a lot of what’s happening now in the context of Liberia’s rugged past. Readers will find out that much of what is happening now, have similarities to the past.  For example, as far back as 1871 during the reign of Edward James Roye, issues of corruption were prevalent.

Roye served as the fifth president of Liberia, from 1870 to his overthrow in 1871 and subsequent death. Roye was removed from the presidency on October 26, 1871, in what some allies called a coup d’état. Exactly 108 years later, the April 12, 1980, coup took place. So, as you can see, the pattern continues and this is why it was important for me to put many of these historical issues into context.

PULSE: Your book is going to be read by foreign policy wonks in Washington D.C. and international aid experts focused on Africa, other parts of the developing world and Liberia in particular. How should they receive this book?

RODNEY SIEH: I want many in the international community to see this book as a cautionary tale in regard to what many African countries experienced over the years and are currently going through. It is important for donors to assist countries like Liberia but they must also ensure that the monies donated either through grants or loans trickle down to the poor and needy. It is important to take away the fact that Liberia, after hundreds of years of independence remains one of the continent’s most troubled nations with so much potential at its disposal.

PULSE: Do you expect this book to be a factor in the coming Liberia presidential election later this October?

RODNEY SIEH: As a journalist, it is a good thing to see stories making an impact. However, my hope is for Liberians to see beyond the book being a tool against the re-election of President Weah, but one that speaks to the heart of Liberia’s never-ending problems. Why the mistakes continue to recur, what can leaders do differently to make meaningful impacts on the country at large and to improve the lives of their people. How leaders can avoid the trappings of power and the pitfalls associated with sycophantic followers singing their praises to their own detriment.

This has been one of the recurring themes of bad governance that is crippling not just Liberia, but Africa as a whole. The October elections, in my view should be a referendum on governance lapses and voters should demand accountability and responsibility and hold candidates’ feet to the fire to ensure that the circle of impunity ends once and for all.

Few days ago, the President of one of Africa’s prestigious higher learning institutions, Cuttington University (CU), granted this newspaper the opportunity to sit with her and lecture about activities at CU, her leadership style, education in Liberia and parents’ role in their child or children’s education and upbringing.

Dr. Romelle A. Horton is a native of Liberia and a strong advocate for educational, developmental, gender equality, service-learning and refugee issues. Dr. Horton is currently the President of Cuttington University in Liberia, making her the First Female President in the University’s 133-year history. She graduated Summa Cum Laude (Valedictorian) with a degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Voorhees College, a private Episcopal College in Denmark, South Carolina.

After graduation, she worked as a Solution Delivery Analyst with Accenture, LTD, a global consultancy for several years before pursuing graduate studies and obtained a M.A. with Distinction, in International Service and Development at the University of Surrey, now Roehampton University, London.

She reviewed and edited the book, “Sustaining Liberia’s Peace”, authored by Hon. Olubanke King-Akerele and wrote the Prologue for the Questionnaire for Volume Two; she also wrote the Concept Note for and participated in the 2019 Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition and Awards Ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in October 2019. She chairs the Board of Trustees of Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), an organization that is instrumental in building schools and reading rooms across Liberia; serves on the Board of EcoBank, Liberia; is a Human Development Panelist on Education at Warwick University’s Annual Africa Summit in the United Kingdom and authored Chapter 11 (Education) of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Legacy Project now published.

She has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership (Education Management) from the University of Botswana; was called to national duty and served as Deputy Minister for Instruction at the Ministry of Education, Republic of Liberia; Chief Government Nominee for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Liberia, Vice-Chairperson of WAEC, International, Vice President for Academic Support Services at AME University and is an African Women Academics in Research & Development (AWARD) Fellow. A competent, dynamic and progressive Liberian professional, her ethos is to transform, impact and inspire.

She continues to play an important role in the human development sector. Her track record to date speaks for itself as her work has directly contributed to Liberia’s Development Goals, The Agenda for Transformation, Education 2030 and the SDGs. She is an avid reader who loves to travel to learn and experience new things and meet new people. Her research interest centers on educational matters, gender, refugees, development and service-learning.

FPA: Let’s begin by you introducing yourself, Doc.

DR RH: Well, me introducing myself is really short. I am Romelle, daughter of P. Agnes Thompson and Dr. A. Romeo Horton, what you see is what you get…

FPA: Thank you, Doc. Sometime in November this year, you are going to be declared President proper for Cuttington University (CU). As the First Female President, what would your first plans of action, I mean your first 100-day plan(s). Well, I know you have been working…

DR RH: I have always been working (chuckles)… The work started more than a year ago and will continue with the vision to position Cuttington University as the premier institution of higher learning by ensuring our faculty is creative, and innovative and embrace technology to train and empower our students for national development and to compete and succeed in the global market.

FPA: Okay…                                                               

DR RH: For us all days are our first 100 days. So, we’re going to continue with the plans in place for all of our students, staff and infrastructures. The vision talked about above rests on three pillars: Pathway to Greatness, Greatness through Innovation and Scholarly Integrity. These three pillars have three projects – Light Cuttington, Feed Cuttington and Grow Cuttington. This is a clarion call to all Cuttingtonians, the Mighty Scorpions and those impacted and transformed by the Scorpion Nation to join us in realizing these initiatives.

FPA: At the last graduation ceremony, there was an announcement of the introduction of some new programs. Please bring the public up to speed with those new programs and whether you have already started implementing them.

DR RH: And what a great graduation it was. We celebrated our Diamond Jubilee (60th) Commencement Convocation. I am going to start with the Doctoral one first because we are immensely excited about that as it is the first Doctoral program in Liberia. So, it’s historic in this way. If you look at the Seal of the University, you will see a palm tree, representing Agriculture, a Cross, representing Religion and Ministry, our anchor and stronghold and a book, representing Education. These are our roots and as we, Cuttington, is fathered by the Episcopal Church of Liberia, we are starting our Doctoral program in that milieu. As you may know, Cuttington was the first Institution to start a Master’s program in Divinity, so we are doing what we do best. The program is expected to be launched in January of 2023 with two tracks: Doctoral in Ministry (DMin) and Doctoral in Theology (ThD) and a significant amount of work is being done for the actualization of this.

Another program that we have started is the Liberia Dental Therapy School; it’s another gap that we are filling. We are in partnership with Trinity Dental at ELWA Hospital. This program actually started today (October 3^rd, 2022). It is a two-year program, and the students are going to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Therapy. An essential part of this will have the new therapists returning to their original locations (counties) after been assisted in identifying a suitable location to work, then be equipped and enabled via on-going support from the project, to provide dental care to their local communities. The plan right now is when they graduate, each student will be provided a Dental kit that fits in a bag. The kit comes with a Dental chair and all the accoutrements they will need for cleaning, extraction and dental hygiene. Anything beyond that will be referred to the Trinity Dental Clinic at ELWA Hospital or another hospital. The goal is to equipped all 15 counties with dental hygienists and thus alleviate people coming to Monrovia for Dental care and actually saving lives. We do not want us reverting to our youthful days where we used to put the thread on the door handle and pull our tooth out – yikes. You will be surprised how a lot of people are getting serious infections that they actually die from due to pulling their tooth out that way or from bad dental hygiene, so we really need to try and get more dentists out into the rural areas. This is what we are trying to do and we are thrilled to be in partnership with Trinity and Dr. Simon Stretton-Downes, who is the brains behind this and a strong advocate.

FPA: Does one have to be a Nurse or a medical practitioner to be enrolled into the program?

DR RH: Oh no. One doesn’t have to be Nurse. One just needs to have the passion for Dentistry and/or the will to succeed. But one must have graduated high school in order to be enrolled. However, if you are a Nurse and you want to do this, we will welcome you into the program as you already have the Science background.

FPA: How much does it cost?

DR RH: It’s a flat rate of US$450.00 per semester.

FPA: Let’s talk about Cuttington Campus Bong County. How’s the enrollment for this academic year?

DR RH: For this semester, we are still registering but currently close to 1200. For the Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies, we have 650 and the Junior College, 264. Whilst we are not where we would like to be, we are in a good place student-wise and we are very excited to have our students back on campus. We also have more than 200 who are now in the dorms. So yes, it is great having our students back and we look forward to a transformative academic year.

FPA: Is it true that many students are not living in the dormitories?

DR RH: Students were opting to stay off campus which can be attributed to a number of reasons. One of which I believe is the limited number of electricity on campus. This is why the success of our November 5^th Fundraising Gala at the EJS Ministerial Complex is key as we are looking to LIGHT, FEED and GROW CU. It is good that students are starting to come back to stay on campus. We have a really good batch of young students, an awesome correlation to the age to grade ideal. Liberia is getting back to the era where you have students who are 16 and 17 years old graduating high school and are enrolling into universities. This is something the Ministry of Education has been endeavoring for a long time and I am sure they see this as a plus for the education sector. Before one could walk on campus, see a young student and think they are from the Cuttington Campus School. But now these are students who are actually college students. Additionally, we have more females going into the sciences: kudos to our girls.

FPA: Is it difficult teaching or instructing people who already have their families and those kids that you are talking about?

DR RH: Not at all, 5 or 500, if you want to learn, we are here to teach. In the past, we had a lot of mature students and they were keen to learn and excelled at their studies. We had a really big orientation the last week of September and all of our students mixed it up and had an informative session. There were representatives from all the colleges where they provided salient information to our students and encouraged them to pay attention to CU 101. This is a course that is mandatory for all students and it was developed by two of our Alumni, Jerry Mwagbe and Lovette Azango Tucker and me in 2010. It tells you all about Cuttington University and everything that the University stands for. It also teaches students how to study, manage their time and basic life skills.

FPA: Let’s talk about the Graduate School. How are things there?

DR RH: The Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies are our face in Monrovia and have been on the rise since their inception in 2005. They are one of the first, if not the first graduate schools that started. As I stated previously, we started the Program with Divinity, same like we are doing with the Doctoral Program. And we had all of the churches sending their priests and pastors there to do their Master’s. Now, most of these churches have also established master’s programs: a small pond for a variety of fish. That is great because it keeps us growing. We have added a fifth school and it’s called The School of Global Affairs and Policy. The Dean of that School is Hon. Elias B. Shoniyin, who worked at the Foreign Ministry for many years. In that School, they also award a degree in Sustainable Development, another program that only Cuttington offers in Liberia.  Also, at that School, there are tracks for Hospitality Management and Tourism; International Relations; Foreign Service and Diplomatic Studies. A number of new programs were also added to the School of Public Health; MSc. in Maternal Child Health, Public Health Nutrition and others.

FPA: Doc, let’s leave CU a bit and look at the general education sector of Liberia. You have been an Educator for a long time, give us your own perspectives on the Educational Sector.

DR RH: I say this and I will continue to say it. Education is not one person’s business. It is everybody’s business. So, whether it is Early Childhood or Higher Education, we all need to be interested in education for this nation and for our children. Education doesn’t start at the school, it starts at home. The onus is on all of us to train our children and not leave it to the school to do so. This is a partnership, parents do their part and teachers do their part. It is all of us working collectively to make this work. Remember the old adage: “It takes a village…” That is exactly what it is. Villagers, rise up and take a stand for the sake of our children and this nation Rise UP!

FPA: How long have you been teaching and been at Cuttington?

DR RH: I have always been an educator and every moment is a teaching moment for me. I got to Cuttington in 2009 but in an administrative role. With another colleague, Lovette Tucker and the support of Dr. Henrique Tokpa, the President of Cuttington, we started the Master’s in Teaching at Cuttington. We were one of the first teachers for that course. Cuttington also has a course that I also taught called “Service-Learning”, which is a required course, where the Service informs the Learning, vice versa. What happens is that the students come to class for certain amount of time, and then they go into the field to do voluntary work in different communities. After they had done the voluntary work, they come back into the classroom and do presentations on what is it that they had learned from the communities and how that had imparted their learning. So, it’s the theory and practical coming together. My other teaching experience was when I was doing my Master’s program and I was in Jamaica and I worked at a maximum security prison for death-role inmates. I thought those inmates computer skills and other life skills. That was a transformational time for me there as I was able to actually measure the impact made. Additionally, as Deputy Minister of Instruction, I was “Head Teacher”. So yes, I am always teaching. When I got to Cuttington in 2009, I was on a six month Sabbatical from my post as Director of Student Programs at the International Partnership for Service-learning and Leadership. Hmmm, which year is this now (chuckles) and I am still on Sabbatical. 

FPA: And how do you like being at Cuttington?

DR RH: I truly, truly, truly love Cuttington. I never went to Cuttington. I didn’t graduate from Cuttington. And at the risk of being redundant, I truly truly love Cuttington. Cuttington has impacted and transformed so many lives and I am just so happy to be at this school that has touched so many people. Cuttington University (CU) was established to train ministers and facilitate learning in Liberia, and in Africa – a simple and challenging mission that began in 1889 and continues to this day, 133 years later. We are proud of our history as sub-Saharan Africa’s first private, coeducational, four-year degree granting institution; of our resilience in coming through Liberia’s civil war and the destruction of our main campus facilities to offer former combatants and soldiers scholarship opportunities to pursue an education; of our strength and fortitude during Ebola to train the caregivers and open our campus to health practitioners; of our steadfast belief that a Liberian institution can educate and empower the kind of leaders our country and our world need now – leaders with the requisite intellectual curiosity, moral character, critical thinking, civic mindedness, entrepreneurial courage, and global perspective to meet the demands of 21st century realities, succeed in life, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

With more than 75 degree programs and certifications that serve over 2,500 junior college, undergraduate, graduate and professional/continuing education students across the more than 1500 acres of our four campuses – Suakoko (Bong), Kakata (Margibi), Monrovia (Montserrado) and on-line (global) – Cuttington’s impact is undeniable, and in many ways, just beginning.

We are continually seeking new ways and means to honor our legacy, achieve ever higher levels of academic excellence, and transform the future.  Cuttington is still standing and will continue to stand because we believe in holistic education, educating the whole-self – this is what sets us apart. We are SCORPIONS and our sting is felt wherever we go.

FPA: In that light, where do we see Cuttington in the next 10 years?

DR RH: Where it has always been: developing minds and producing leaders. This is where we are going to continue to go; that is what makes Cuttington great; that’s why Cuttington stands above, because we are developing leaders to develop nations. And, this is where we will be in the next five, 10, 100 years, at the top making a difference in lives and communities by developing leaders for nation building.

FPA: How do you feel being the first Female President of this prestigious university in a male-dominated society?

DR RH: Have you met me – I feel fantabulous – no one told you – the future is female (laughs out loud). Actually, it has been wonderful as we have a winning team. As I tell people, it is not about me, it is the people that surround me. From a dynamic and progressive Board of Trustees, my visionary Vice Presidents, the innovative and creative faculty and staff; my precious jewels, my students, and the most supportive and forward thinking Alumni Association; we are a family and we are all working to ensure that CU WINS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! It is a really great time to be at Cuttington. It’s all about innovation, and how we impact and transform lives and communities. Fun Fact – the Interim President of the Student Union at the Main Campus is female, the President-elect at the Junior College is female and the President for the Student Government at the Campus School is female. Want to ask that question again!

FPA: So, the males aren’t angry with you, when you are asking them to do things?

DR RH: As with most things in life, often times, it is not what you say, but how you say it. It is like the method of instruction our instructors use for the students – one has to employ the best methods that will garner the best results. That being said, I do believe I have a top-notch team. No one person, policy or idea can do this, it takes us all working together, bringing all of our ideas to the table and having a great time. And, if they are being mad with me, they are doing a really good job of hiding it – do you know something I should know (chuckles). I believe we are all together on Flight CU 1889, rising to meteoric heights to ensure that Cuttington University is giving these students who have been entrusted to us the best of the best. 

FPA: Do you still have the Cuttington Campus School, is it still operating?

DR RH: Yes, most definitely. It’s from early childhood education all the way now to the 12 Grade. It’s still operating. My students won the National Debate last year and came in third this year. We are bringing it back home next year. As you may know, USAID has launched a new program called TESTS, which is aimed at Transforming the Educational System for Teachers and Students and Cuttington has been selected as one of the partners. There are eight universities in this program and our campus school will be used as a demonstration school for that program. We look forward to that to upgrade and showcase our campus school.

FPA: The Campus School is it only for the children of teachers who are teaching the university to attend or it is open for outsiders?

DR RH: There are no outsiders at Cuttington, all are welcome. The original idea was to ensure that there was someplace close for those that worked on campus to have a place to send their kids but we have evolved and open our doors to our neighbors as they are part of our family.

FPA: It has the capacity of taking how many students?

DR RH: Right now we are close to 300 but we have the capacity for more than that; we have the space – welcome to Cuttington University Family, the Citadel of Excellence.

FPA: Talking about the Campus School, at the beginning of this primary school academic year, parents were crying ‘no money, no money’. At some point, they asked the Ministry of Education to postpone the opening of school. Did you get such complain and how did you handle it? And, do you do ‘sell pay’, where the parents can do payments in bits and pieces to the school?

DR RH: (Chuckles) We don’t want to see our kids out of school. We try to work with our parents in the best way we can. It’s a policy that goes across all of our campuses. We have a 50% rule: to come in you have to pay 50% of your tuition and fees. While we do have community students, most of the students are from faculty and staff. They can do a commitment so that no one is left behind. Should this interview, cause any of my students or parents to come crying, I am coming for you all (all laugh).

FPA: I met a man who said because of the high school fee, he wasn’t going to send his children to school this academic year, what is your message to those kinds of people?

DR RH: We are all in a tight bind economically, but I encourage parents to look out there. They may be surprised by the number of people who are willing to help with something or point them in the right direction of some scholarship or financial aid. I don’t think any parent should give up. Always go with the positive for your child. I am a strong believer of “there is nothing God cannot do.”

FPA: I visited Kpatawee and I saw small huts that people are building around the place, it’s not far from Cuttington. You talked about Tourism in your Graduate School. What help can you give to make that place more attractive?

DR RH: We used to have faculty and staff retreats at Kpatawee. The Tourism and Hospitality Course is a Master’s Degree Course that is within our Graduate School in Monrovia. Will run this by the faculty there and sure they have something up their sleeves about this.

FPA: With the passing of Dr. Joseph S. Guannu, what are you doing about him or his legacy?

DR RH: Give one their flowers while they are alive.In 2018, the University named the Peace Institute, the Joseph Saye Guannu Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution. We have a memorial service that is planned for the 13^th of October on Campus and the funeral is on the 15^th of October in Sanniquellie, Nimba County which we will be attending. We have lost a renowned historian and impactful educator. If you did not want your brain scrambled, do not try having a conversation with Dr. G. he would have you rethinking your entire history. Rest in peace great one, you have left an indelible mark in our hearts and minds.

FPA: Before we leave you, as a mother, an educator, what’s your message to Liberians on things that we didn’t ask you about but you would like to speak on?

DR RH: Education is everybody’s business. Let us all continue to educate our children, train them to respect their elders; instill in them high moral aptitude, care for self and others and most importantly, to have integrity. Love your country and speak positively about Liberia – we ARE the ones we have been waiting for. Let us together develop and transform our nation. We have it in us – Rise up Liberians, if not now, when but it is now, RISE UP!

And finally, Cuttington University will be having a Fundraising Gala November 5^th at the Ministerial Complex. We are not only going to be looking at raising funds to Light, Feed and Grow Cuttington, this gala is also going to be recognizing Liberia’s First Females. There are lots of females in Liberia, who have done remarkably well in their fields and other areas. We have H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected female President in Africa. We have Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, who was the first female Chairperson of WAEC. In all of WEAC years, she became Chairperson in its 63^rd year. We have Dr. Abeodu Bowen Jones, who was the first African female PhD in all of Africa. We have great, great women who have accomplished remarkable things. Look at Cllr. Francis Johnson Allison, first Female Chief Justice in Liberia. We now have the third female Chief Justice, who is a Cuttington Grad, Her Honor Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh. Liberia and Cuttington has done great things and we need to tell our story. Women have been the frontrunners in most of these things. We need to be heard and recognized. So, come November 5^th, I am looking forward to all of you coming out there to recognize these outstanding women of Liberia and support Cuttington by raising funds to LIGHT, FEED AND GROW CUTTINGTON!

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: What are some of the benefits of this deal for the people of Liberia?

SCOTT LOWE: The benefits for Liberia is that it increases employment on two levels –  there will be an extra, approximately twelve hundred permanent jobs, once the production increases from the current five million tonnes to fifteen million tonnes a year of saleable products but in the meantime, there will be 2,300 construction jobs. So, enormous improvements and benefits in terms of employment, additional revenue and income to the government when we triple out our saleable production – and by the way, we’re going to fifteen million tonnes per annum with this project but we do have plans, and have reached an agreement with the government on the terms of us going from fifteen to thirty million tonnes, ultimately.

So, fifteen million tonnes in this project and in the future we intend to thirty million tonnes per annum and that will really generate much higher levels of taxes and royalties. Now, that always depends on what the iron ore price is at the time but there will be a significant increase in taxes and royalties. So, additional jobs, additional taxes and royalties, and of course there’s added benefits for direct employment as well as indirect employment boosting local service and product vendors and providers to foster local businesses. Just one example of that is that we’ve been working with local vendors on providing railways ties. Previously we’ve had to outsource them from overseas and in the interim we still may need to import some but we’re working with local vendors to boost that. That’s just one example. So, direct employment, indirect employment through local vendor services and products, and significant increases in properties and taxes, and of course it puts Liberia on the map. This is one of the biggest, if not the biggest mine expansion projects in all of Africa for this year. So, this is very significant. It puts Liberia on the map as an investment jurisdiction and I’m sure that other mining companies will be watching with interest and establishes that Liberia is truly well and open for business with a supportive government and that will put Liberia in a great position for attracting other mining companies to invest in the country as well and there is an attractive deposit of iron ore that we have a world class deposit in ArcelorMittal Liberia but there’s gold and other minerals in Liberia as well. So, I think that is a very good indicator to the global mining investment community that Liberia is open for business.

FFONTPAGEAFRICA: Why did you choose Liberia for this large investment instead of another mining jurisdiction?

LOWE: Well, we’ve been in Liberia for fifteen years as you know and we plan to be in Liberia for many decades to come. Liberia is an excellent place, we’ve shown in the last fifteen years that we can have a successful business partnership with the government and the community. We’ve got a world class deposit of iron ore and we’re well located logistically. We can service markets in Europe and Asia as well. So, there are attractive deposits in the right geographic location and a fifteen-year history of working with the government and with our employees and community to operate a successful business and we look forward to many more decades to come.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: How will the expansion contribute to taxes paid and how will it encourage other companies to invets in Liberia?

LOWE: The taxes paid will definitely increase significantly, initially going from five to fifteen million tonnes, so that’s a 300 percent increase in production. Now, taxes and royalties vary from what the prevailing iron ore price is at the time and certainly a very big increase in taxes and royalties and it encourages other companies to invest in Liberia, not just mining companies but other supporting industries and other large-scale industries can see that when a global company, a global leader like us try to invest, then other companies notice that and they often take a look at what global companies are doing and take a look at the company and I think it improves Liberia as an attractive destination for investment in Africa. When you think about mining in Africa, you immediately think about South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), about Ghana. These are all countries that are very successful, Zambia with copper and Namibia, Botswana. You think of these countries that have had very successful mining industries, I’m confident that Liberia will be the next great success story in Africa when it comes to mining investment.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: What is the progress on the official launch of Phase Two and the status of construction works for the Concentrator and other mining infrastructure?

LOWE: That’s a good question. We’ve just signed the MDA which is the major aspect and we’re grateful to the government for the partnership and the work that went into the negotiations, but we haven’t waited, we’ve been working when the MDA was being negotiated, and the amendment to the MDA. While those negotiations were being carried out, we were business beginning to spend money, in any case, to get the process started and we’ve been employing people and getting started with work on the ground and as you may recall this project is a continuation as it originally started several years ago and put on hold when Ebola struck and when there was a downturn in the global commodities prices. But we’ve been working very hard for over twelve months now getting ready for construction. So, we’ve got project teams established and we’re beginning to engage with contractors and get work underway. So, if you visit ArcelorMittal Liberia in Buchanan and Yekepa now, you will see a lot of activities going on, on the ground getting ready for construction to really ramp up.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: In layman’s terms, explain how the new mining investment by AML will transform operations?

LOWE: It will dramatically transform the operation, the first and most important is that it will convert low-grade iron ore into high-grade iron ore. So, without this project, there would be very limited life. I’ve been working in the mining industry for quite some time now and what always happens is that the very highest grade gets mined first. This area has been mined since the 1960s so all the high-grade iron ore in the mines or what we call direct-shipment ore, that you simply mine out of the ground, crush and sell, that is being rapidly depleted. So, this project was essential for extending the mine life. So, in simple terms, we take what was otherwise uneconomic and unsellable – you could not sell the iron ore without concentrating it first, so it converts low-grade quality iron ore into quality iron ore which provides much extended iron ore life for 30 years and beyond and it will provide a million products that will attract a higher price and a higher price means more taxes and royalties.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: How are Liberians being factored in the AML’s plan, especially when it comes to jobs, considering that these improvements would require highly skilled individuals? Will the training of Liberians be a top priority?

LOWE: Developing the skills of Liberians is essential to our strategy. We’re committed. Ninety-seven percent of our employees are Liberians at the moment and we aim to increase that number. Now, when we build this concentrator, we’re building a new processing plant that turns low-quality ore into high-quality products, we’re also producing new technology in rail loading, unloading, and ship loading. So, it’s the much-more advanced technological equipment that we’ll be using. So, with that, we will need to proved greater skills for the Liberian workforce. So, a lot of effort is going into developing our people’s skills and we get tremendous feedback from the work we do without vocational training what we’ll be calling our ArcelorMittal Liberia Academy and we know that increasing the skills of our workforce is absolutely critical.

In the first instance when we increase, to be honest, in the first instance when we begin this new technology, we will need to bring some international experts in because we simply do not have anybody in the country who has operated a concentrator or operated this kind of equipment before. We will be working very actively to replace international workers with local people as they become more experienced and skilled.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: AML made a substantial investment in the Vocational Training Center. Is it yielding the desired results? 

LOWE: Yes, it really is. We’re very proud of the graduates of our vocational training facility. We are now making some changes there to not only increase the number of students but also introduce more advanced skills in minerals processing, logistics, safety, and management supervision. So, our vocational training facility will not only be bigger, it will be better. It is producing great results today for our current direction, for a larger and more technologically advanced operation, we need more people and we need higher levels of skills and so we’re in the process right now of expanding and improving that facility.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: How is AML strengthening and empowering local businesses in their operations area?

LOWE: This is another critical area. I gave an example earlier of railway ties that we’re assisting local vendors to establish their capacity to supply the ties that go into the railway, that’s just one example, there are other services and products we’re fostering and we welcome local vendors. We think that’s great for the economy, for the people of Liberia. Now, of course, there are some equipment and supplies that are simply not available in Liberia that we have to source from other countries but we are certainly very keen and where it’s all possible we will  support those local vendors.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: AML has said that its employees are its greatest resource. How is the company is the advanced international studies scholarship helping to shape the future of the workforce?

LOWE: That’s a really important part where we have the vocational training center in Liberia and expanding and improving as we explained earlier and importantly, we also provide scholarships for talented young Liberians to travel internationally and be trained internationally in a wide range of disciplines in geology, in engineering, human resources and a range of disciplines and so we financially support those promising young Liberians to acquire those skills and qualifications and come back and contribute to the success of AML.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: There have been reports of planned actions against AML by a group in Grand Bassa for allegedly violating portions of its (AML) MDA. Concerns relate to housing, jobs, training and education, healthcare, etc. How is AML dealing with this?

LOWE: We have had direct interactions with these groups and we take all of our stakeholders’ and interest groups’ concerns seriously and we’re committed to engaging and clarify where there is any miscommunication and concerns. We can’t solve every problem or concern immediately but we can prioritize and work our way through them but the best outcome will come from sitting around the table together, understanding our stakeholders concerns and also the limitations of what the company can achieve and what its constraints are in terms of time and resources. I’m pleased to say that senior members of my team have met with the leadership of the group from Grand Bassa and we will also meet with interest groups and community groups from Bong and Nimba and other areas as well and wherever there are genuine concerns and questions, we’re only too happy to engage constructively and do our very best to address those concerns. I think the most recent meeting was just over a week ago when we met face-to-face with the leadership of the group and worked through their issues and we will continue to do so.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Are you confident that these talks will yield to any substantive breakthrough to these lingering problems?

LOWE: Yes, I believe so. We’re very genuine in our engagement and we are committed to working through those issues and finding solutions and agreeing on priorities on how these issues can be addressed. So, it’s good faith and goodwill on both sides and I’m confident we can work through them

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: – What is the issue regarding the reported demolition of structures in the Loop in Buchanan?

LOWE: There was some misunderstanding there, to be honest. Three derelict buildings were very unsafe and could never be repaired – and they were demolished.We knocked down three unsafe buildings to make some space and the space is not for permanent accommodation, that’s for temporary accommodation just for contract workers who will be there for a couple of years only while we building the concentrator. We need to get those contractors soon to do that work. The issue of permanent accommodation is another one we’re working through.. So, we had three unsafe buildings, we knocked them down to provide some space so we can put in some temporary accommodation for temporary workers, those are temporary construction workers. We’ll do a better job of communicating our plans there in the future. So, that our stakeholders and partners have greater visibility and standing of what we’re doing and why

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Prior to the signing of the extension there were frequent illegal protest/blocking of rail track continue to result in disruption of AML operations and continue economic losses. – Why are there always these groups protesting against AML?  What has been the government’s response?

LOWE: We have been working very closely with the government on this issue and the government agrees with ArcelorMittal that this is an illegal activity and interrupts the business, it creates serious insecurity and concerns and impacts on revenue on the government, and its not good for Liberia’s reputation for investment and so, we certainly agree with the government that we cannot allow illegal blockade of the rails, that’s one point. The second point I want to address is what are the underlying issues here.  We have worked in good faith to address these underlying issues. You might recall, we reached a settlement, a year ago. We had some redundant workers and we settled that dispute and resolved that we believed at the time settled the matter permanently but then some additional people came forward in the form of contractors and raised some concerns. We’ve been in dialogue with those. We do not have any liabilities with those people because that had been previously adjudicated by the government of Liberia. However, in the interest of finding an amicable solution because the concerns go back many years, they go back, in some cases, more than ten years. In the interest of resolving this permanently for all, we’ve been in dialogue with protesters and with the government and we’re days away, hopefully, very soon in the near future, we should conclude an agreementthat should see an end to that dispute.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: You made a commitment earlier to empower local businesses. I’ve received reports and complaints that sometimes Liberian businesses are overlooked and giving to foreign interests or Foreign businesses, one example is payroll Outsourcing. And I heard from This one local company that complained that they won the bid and in the end, it was taking from them and giving to an Indian or a Senegalese company. How can you really assure us? That Liberians will be empowered and that they would benefit from what is happening now?

LOWE: The general principle is that we invite and welcome tenders and bids from Liberian businesses and that’s not to say that if it’s something far more competitive internationally, we have a responsibility to the business and we couldn’t award business to a Liberian supplier at a much higher price for example but where they are competitive we welcome the local vendors. So, it’s still a competitive process that needs to be undertaken and ultimately, we award businesses based on the quality of the services and products on price and a range of other factors. We have always been supportive of Liberian owned businesses and will continue to strengthen local commerce and economy through our business dealings.  If all other things are equal, we would prefer Liberian vendors but Liberian vendors still need to be competitive.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: What is AML doing to address lingering issues relating to the environment, health and safety of its employees and contractors?

LOWE: Health, safety, and the environment are our number one priority and we have a health and safety committee. We respond very quickly and we are very thorough in our investigation, we work very closely with our workforce on safety improvement. I’ve worked on many mines around the world and in many countries and I’m very proud of the safety and the serious discipline in which safety is taken by the workforce in Liberia and the management of ArcelorMittal. It is good as any or better than some mining operations I’ve seen in other parts of the world. Safety is a journey and you never get to the end of the destination. None of us will be happy until there’s never any incident or injury. Now, we’ve made vast improvements although we’re not there yet there’s a constant challenge and we’re always raising the standards, we’re never satisfied until we reach perfection. I don’t believe that there’s any company in the world that has a perfect safety record but in summary, I’m very proud of our people, our workers, and our management and the efforts they put into safety. I think we compare very well, even better to other mining operations around the world and we’re not satisfied with current performance and we’re always striving for improvements.

On the environment, we’re really proud of the work that we do with our environment offsets, biodiversity, it’s a very critical part of our environmental strategy and our approach to environmental management. So, we have dedicated areas within our concession in which we do not mine but not only we do not mine in those areas but we actively protect the environment in partnership with the local communities, we have patrols, support livelihood, . It is a very successful program. So, we set these areas aside, we don’t mine in those areas and we work with local communities to protect the biodiversity and I’m very pleased to say that we’ve seen increase sightings of rare and endangered species which is just fabulous news.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Sometime back we raised the issue of the number of injuries to employees on the AML plant. Has Mittal improved the conditions for workers since?

LOWE: Yes, we have. I remember you raising the issue with me regarding that individual case but we have a policy in place to look after any injured worker in accordance with the Liberian laws and standards and will continue to focus on that. Our first priority is to not allow people to be injured in the first place but when they are injured we will make sure that they are looked after within the Liberian law and standards and the company’s health and safety policy.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: How would you rate the contract extension with Liberia – compared to what was signed before?

LOWE: I. think it’s a very good outcome and it’s a positive for the business and the government of Liberia. I think it’s an important milestone for the company and for the government as well. I’m very pleased that there is a 30-year plus horizon for mining life in Liberia. That’s the nature of our business in Liberia, mine has a definite life. Mines open and then mines closed and in my career I’ve been involved in starting new mines and sadly, I’ve been involved in closing mines down when there’s no economic ore remaining and I’m thrilled for the Liberian people that this MDA pins a 30-year mine life that keeps the economic and social benefits that come from the mining operation for many years to come.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA:  Scott employment is a major concern in Liberia and all of this noise that you hear around, obviously is because of opportunities that people are seeking. With the signing and coming of phase 2, will  Liberians being given priority, especially where the skill sets are present over expats.

LOWE: As I mentioned earlier, ninety-seven percent of our employees are Liberians, only three percent are international. And where we have international workers, we have an active program of training and upscaling Liberians to take over those roles. To be honest, to be practical, when the concentrator was first built – because it’s a brand new technology, not just a process plant but the train loading and ship loading, brand new machines that nobody in Liberia has ever operated before, so, we will need some international expertise – but we will at the same time use that international expertise not only to operate the new, expanded and improved operation but also their job as international mentors we call them would be to upscale Liberians to take their place, that’s absolutely critical.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA:  The train collision must have been an embarrassment for AML. What happened and what is AML doing make sure it does not happen again

LOWE: The investigation there showed human error, the procedures were not followed – and I can’t talk about the action that was taken to protect individuals concerned but there were human errors and safety rules violations. But we’ve dealt with that and we’ve put checks and balances in place to make sure that recurrence cannot happen. We’re just fortunate that no lives were lost but unfortunately some people were injured.

There were serious interruptions to the business .. So we’ve put additional controls in place so we can check that people are following those safety rules very diligently.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Over the past few years, a lingering dilemma for AML has been the lack of communication especially regarding issues with locals leading to disturbances. What is the company doing to improve in that area?

LOWE: Communication is critical and a bit like safety. No matter how well we’re communicating, we always want to do better and so we’re not perfect at communication, we put a lot of effort in but I’m sure, particularly when there’s so much change going on, we recognize that we’re going to have to communicate even more frequently and with numbers of people, given the level of changes that we’re seeing. But I often remind myself that –  as I said earlier, this is a very nice problem to have.

We need to communicate more and then we need to address all these issues. We’re doing that because we’re spending additional US$800 million to provide a 30-year future for our mines and to boost employment and so we don’t take any of those for granted and we know the implication is critical and we do have quite an extensive communication strategy but we’re going to have to do even more, with more people, more stakeholders, more interest groups, more concerned groups and we have to do it more frequently because of the level of change that’s going on but the overriding message is that this is great news for the country, great news for the company, we will work all through the challenges. There will be bumps along the way, there always are but we are committed to the objective of providing a safe and an environmentally-responsible successful business in partnership with our communities, our employees so that everybody benefits.

FRONTPAGEAFICA: In the days leading to the signing of this extension there were a lot of competing forces aiming for the Guinea rail operation. We even had issues with Solway Mining and HPX – and even talk of a group out of South Africa expressing interest and looking to tap in. What was the position of AML all along and how do you see the future of this operation.

LOWE: AML has a concession that provides the company with certain rights,  and the Company’s position has always been to protect its existing rights. While I can’t comment on matters that we are currently discussing with Government, what I can say is that whenever issues arise, we always seek to resolve them through dialogue with GoL, and we will continue to engage closely to resolve any differences. 

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: What do you make of concerns raised by former Grand Bassa senator Findley in a lawsuit filed Wednesday?

Rodney, we heard of the legal action via social media and in news reports.  ArcelorMittal Liberia has not received any official communication from the court regarding said petition but reaffirms that as a law-abiding business operating in Liberia, it always remains respectful of the law.

FRONTPAGEAFICA: Do you have any final thoughts on concerns from many quarters that the contract extension may not be the best deal for Liberia at this time? What assurance can you give them that this deal is something Liberians can look forward to?

LOWE: It is an excellent deal for Liberia and its people because it puts the country on the international map and it shows that Liberia is open for business and I believe it will attract others to Liberia. It creates jobs both during the construction phase so that there are temporary jobs in the years that we’re doing construction then it generates, additionally, more permanent jobs, it creates additional taxes and royalties and it also will support greater opportunities for local businesses. So, I think the message here is that it is great news for Liberia. It was negotiated very carefully, it wasn’t rushed into, there was a lot of detailed negotiations with the government over an extended period. So, this wasn’t rushed, it was carefully considered by the government of Liberia and by ArcelorMittal Liberia and we’re very thrilled with the outcome.

Thanks for your time and the conversation, Rodney.

Who is Cherbo Geeplay and where was he born?

I am an African who takes pride in his origins. I consider myself as a pan-Africanist, a Garveyite in that respect, and a great admirer of Edward Wilmot Blyden. I come from humble beginnings, like most of my fellow citizens. I was born in Pleebo, Liberia, where my dad worked for the Firestone Rubber Company as a teacher. Both of my parents hailed from River Gee. Most of my time growing up was lived in the southeastern part of Liberia. My origins are a beautiful Grebo story of salt fish, coconut, farina, cassava, dry rice, pepper soup, fufu, and palm butter, but also of vibrant village life laced with African traditions and urban culture. I come from both of these worlds, deeply rooted in my customs but a modern man in so many ways. These are the mores that make me who I am.

 Why do you do what you do, and who has motivated you?

I am an emerging poet and writer with great passion for bringing positivity into the world. It is a journey to tell the stories of my people. Writers live lonely but hopeful lives, filling up empty pages, to be widely read inspiring a transformation in society, igniting a debate—I have drawn inspiration from many people: Bai T. Moore, Dr. Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, Wilton Sankawulo, Professor Althea Romeo-Mark, Neruda, Gibran, Achebe, wa Thiong’o, and Baldwin, to name a few. I owe a debt of gratitude to many people who have, and continue to passionately support me, motivate me, encourage me, and bathe my wounds of insecurities and unfilled dreams into rivers of confidence and extraordinary assurance. I am also motivated and moved by nature. The moon fascinates me immensely; it goes right by the bedroom window most nights, captivating me. I may sometimes have a glass of water or wine, standing there and marveling at the orbiting body,  just how beautiful and amazing the moon is; sometimes I may take a break go to the bath and when I return it is gone. So is rain, thunder, pollen, rivers, flowers, bees, and the wind. Simple things that mean a lot, but are overlooked, like birds singing or flying in a flock. These are the things that fascinate but motivate me, these are the relationships that move my poetry, we live in a complicated world, but there is much hope to be had and desired by living simply and being thankful for, especially all the life and nature that surrounds us, my poetry is greatly encouraged by these connections . I am exceedingly grateful for all the life and nature that surrounds us on this planet, the only livable space known to mankind, and these are the motivating factors that move me as a poet.

Your father was a classroom teacher and your mother was a Sunday school teacher. Did their work in any way encourage you to become a poet?

I am not sure, but looking back the influences are there. My dad was a straight disciplinarian, never played with his rattan [laughs]. This meant doing homework and studying hard, recitations at school and reading bible verses every morning, and evening, especially on Sundays and right before bed. If there is anything you want to take from the bible, it is that it is a great poetry book too. Great verses, especially Psalms, Proverbs, Songs of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. But my real spark came in high school. I enjoyed a certain solitude, reading and thinking during the war, which primed me and gave me focus for the literary arts, but high school was pivotal. If my dad was alive today and knew I was writing poetry, I think he would be surprised. Yes, he was open minded and humbled, but this would surprise him. He was deeply religious and a man of few words. Unlike my dad, I am not religious, but his guidance has helped my transition to the arts, reading and eventually poetry. My mother was a good storyteller too, her mind was so sharp and penetrating. These are small, but important influences that have shaped me into who I am today.

What do you hope your writing will do for the young people in your native land of Liberia, as violence is the order of the day among the youth?

I hope it will inspire them to shun the violence in society, especially against women. A society cannot destroy it’s women folk and hope to grow into a prosperous community. The rise in violence against women in society is unacceptable, shameful, ghastly and something must be done immediately, especially by the national government to protect our mothers, sisters and friends. The Liberian society is certainly in a moral crisis of decay after so many years of war, debasement, impunity and violence in which untold suffering has been wantonly thrust on our people. The crimes are still ongoing today, with no remedies from the powers that be. But sadly, to this day no one has been held accountable or brought to justice, even though it is open knowledge, who these perpetrators are, especially the war time atrocious mayhem!  I hope this situation will change for the better and that these crimes are addressed in accordance with the law, and when these young people read my work—or other works out there, especially by African and Liberian writers—they will be inspired to lead healthy lives and know that violence is unacceptable, cruel and a negative influence. To be good human beings and to be of value to our communities, we must have the courage to say no to violence, especially against women and girls!

Why do you include the Grebo tradition in your work as Dr. Patricia Jabbah Wesley does? 

I feel it is my duty to speak of my Grebo heritage, as well as the Liberian and African culture and tradition. Some of my poems have references to the Cavalla River, Mesurado River, Dube River, Cestos River, and towns like: Kanweaken, Pleebo, Saclepea, Zorzor and the great forests, hills and mountains throughout the country. This is also said to be true of my poetic language describing places like the Serengeti, plains of the Savannah, and of the Great Lakes of Africa, or the Veld and the Bushman, or the Congo or Nile Rivers. It is by piecing the tapestries of this great collective mosaic together that we speak for our peoples. But Grebo country is where I was born and raised. I don’t know much about Lofa or Bong Counties, but Wilton Sankawulo, to whom I penned a tribute, is Kpelleh and from Bong. Vamba Sherif, another great Liberian writer, is from Lofa. But my poetry goes beyond Grebo and Liberia. It speaks of Africa and the poetry of our times in an age when poets’ voices are ever-needed to speak truth to power, especially the violence against Black people, police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement, migration, and our humanity. 

As a writer, it is essential not to forget your roots, or else we won’t have the great novel: THINGS FALL APART, had Achebe not told an epic befitting Igbo story, through which all Africans can relate, himself an Igbo. Ngugi wa Thiong‘o does the same, telling Africa’s story through the lens of his people, the Kikuyu. I am in no way comparing myself with these great eminent authors, as well as Dr. Wesley, Sankawulo, Moore, and Sherif, whom I mentioned earlier. The point that I am making is that a writer should not forget where he comes from, you have to write what you know, be close to the purpose that drives you. You have to be genuine, and by doing so you will find your voice, I am still trying to find my voice, hoping that its echoes are heard far and wide! 

How many poems did you write in your first book and how many are you planning to publish in your second book of poetry, and when?

Most publishers want a certain amount of poems; it depends on the publication. So far I have written several manuscripts. A writer is supposed to write every day. I don’t live by that maxim today, but I have done that in the past. I have slowed down a bit because I have been organizing my thoughts, revising and submitting my work, while responding to editorial queries, and basically working on my act and reading to catch up on all the new stuff out there. The publishing world is quite a subjective and brutal one. Your work gets rejected all the time, not because it is not good—well that may be one reason too— but because the person on whose desk it first lands may not like it, and they pass on it. That’s the life we have accustomed ourselves to, hoping to reach that next stage which may never come. But you have to keep pushing the cart. So most of the manuscripts I have written have about 50 poems. But my poems tend to be very long, with few short ones here and there. I don’t know when I will get published in the traditional sense  If all else fails, maybe I shall self-publish someday, but I am not thinking about that right now. So it could be next year or two years from now, who knows. But publishers do have my work out there, we will just have to see.

What is the title of your recent book?

I have been published in quite a few prestigious literary magazines e.g., the Adelaide Literary Magazine published my poetry in its Volume III, July 2018 edition, Rigorous also published my poetry in its Volume 2 Issue 4, 2019 edition, etc etc, and it gives me small comfort that perhaps better days are ahead. I have also been a finalist in the poetry competition in New York City, in November 2018, with the Adelaide Literary Magazine, this was an amazing award. The fact is not lost on me that out of hundreds of entries in the competition, I was one of few selected for awards and space in the anthology. When people who don’t know you, say yes to your work, with personal notices and communication to you with congratulations, it brings a certain validation, small however it may be, knowing that from a pool of seasoned and professional writers and from thousands of talents your work was chosen. 

Seasons and Tides was the very first manuscript l completed. It is not an African poetry book like all of my others. It is essentially about autumn and war and our humanity. I wanted to test myself by getting out of my comfort zone, and because also autumn is my favorite season. Songs of an African Son! is about traditions, cultures and our humanity. Hopefully these titles won’t change; nothing is certain until it is all sealed and finalized fresh out of the presses.

Do you hope to publish a book of short stories for the younger generation in your country?

Yes. I do have a short story collection based on the Civil War and the struggles families went through. One of my short stories, A Check Point Away From Dying, was published by the Rigorous Literary Magazine in 2019. It’s online for any party interested in reading a harrowing but epic story of survival from the Civil War. I hope the younger generation will take interest, but I write for everyone. I think it’s time our educators took an interest in Liberian and African books so our people can read their own literature, that they can taste and smell, or feel and touch, that speaks to their experiences and the struggles of their daily lives. In Liberia, we have the uncanny convention of inviting foreign literature into our classrooms rather than our own. But let me add, nothing is wrong with learning about other people’s ways of life through literature or arts, but it need not take precedence over your own.

Are you planning on writing your memoir and, if so, when?

I don’t think I will write a memoir. It is too presumptuous at this point in my sojourn to even think about that. No, I don’t see a memoir anytime soon. I have not accomplished anything and I am still trying to crawl at this point, and I say this with all due respect. No one knows me, I am nobody. As of this moment I am just trying to get my work out there. A memoir is not on my radar just now or anytime in the foreseeable future. And even were I greatly successful, I don’t think I will do a memoir. I don’t like writing about myself.

What would you say about the wave of violence in your country, that has led to the stabbings and bloody protests we see in the streets?

The level of violence in the country is unacceptable. Millions of dollars was spent to professionalize the security services through the Security Sector Reform, to train the police to fight, quell and punish violence, but what we see is so disheartening. Both the courts and the police and law enforcement are failing our people. The Justice system needs to serve our people and perpetrators of violence need to be held accountable. Some of the stories you hear and read in the news are just darn scary; those of unmitigated violence of an intolerant society on steroids. The authorities can and must do better. Our people deserve to live in peace given everything they have gone through: a deadly civil war, Ebola, and Covid-19. The rule of law is cardinal for peace, development, and tranquility in any country. We hope the governors will be proactive in that regard, in protecting our people who are the victims of this mass thuggery, of violence and intolerance. The country belongs to all its citizens. Those in power may not be in power tomorrow. So stop the political intolerance and violence. Let the grievances of the populace be heard, their rights to protest must be protected at all times, as guaranteed under the constitution and organic laws of the land.

Do you have a message for your government regarding education and abandoned scholarship students in foreign countries? 

Education and health in my opinion must be declared national interests! Successive Liberian governments should have to put this at the top of the list of priorities. Previous governments deliberately refused to educate our people for their own selfish reasons. If it is not inadequate budget allocations, then it is lip service to educating our people. There is also too much corruption in the classroom according to reports from demanding sex to demanding  bribes, this needs serious attention from the authorities who lead the country, these acts must be punished, corruption in the classroom room is impeding the growth of education in the country. If the Liberian government sends students abroad to study, then it must take care of them.

Is there anything you wish to speak about that I did not mention? 

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to take an interest in my work. I admire you so much for your courage and all that you have given African journalism, especially your ground breaking stories in defense of Liberian women. You have left an indelible mark, and all the accolades and awards you have racked up these many years are truly amazing and deserved. Thanks once more, Mae.

Gbarnga, Bong County – Dorothy Kwenah Toomann, former executive director of the Development Education Network (DEN-L), is the only woman amongst seven male candidates vying to become senator of Bong County.

Toomann, who is contesting as independent candidate, is an undergo in a contest dominated by the incumbent senator Henry Yallah of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and Deputy House Speaker Prince Moye of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and independent candidate Menikpakei Dumoe.

 Regardless Toomann has been a loud advocate for a fresh face in the Bong Legislative Caucus, particularly a female. Her tour of the county has been hindered by the lack of funds, something Moye and Yallah have outmuscled her.

In her first sit-down interview with FrontPage Africa’s Selma Lomax, Toomann talks about the change she believes Bong County really needs and the uphill journey towards the change.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Who is Dorothy Kwenah Tooman?

TOOMANN: Dorothy Kwenah Toomann is a daughter of Bong County. She was born onto the union of Pastor Sumo Kwenah and Ma-Younger Kwenah. My father is late now and my mother lives with me in Gbarnga. Both of them hailed from Kbonia in District Two, before migrating to Duita, District Two. My people later moved to Gbarnga in 1968, since then I have been living in Gbarnga. I went to St. Martin’s Catholic High School in Gbarnga and graduated 1986 before going Monrovia.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: What motivated you to get into the Senate race?

TOOMANN: I have been involved in the post-war peace process of our country, and also advocating for women public participation. We see a lot of problems emanating from the Bong County Legislative Caucus to the extent someone is calling for the division of the county, we invest money into some development projects in the county and it turn out to be a big waste, we see youth development being undermined by the delay in the construction of the Bong County Technical College, and I have a background in advocacy and fund raising, and with all these backgrounds you see Bong County still behind in the areas of development, advocacy and lot more, that’s what motivated me to declare my ambition for the Senate race in Bong County

Also, when it comes to women political participation, I strongly feel the county is in need of more women representations at the legislature. Currently, we have one woman in the Bong Legislative Caucus and I see it as a big strategy by the men to keep women back and this is why I chose to contest as an independent candidate.

Additionally, the legislative caucus is divided into two big blocks all because of politics. If I am elected senator of Bong County, I will use my influence to unite the caucus in a way that we will work for the overall development of the county.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: What would you do differently if you are elected senator that Yallah and Moye have not done since they were elected nine years ago?

TOOMANN: Yallah and Moye have been elected since nine years and yet the community college that is the heart beat of the young people of the county hasn’t been completed despite over 5 million United States dollars investment. Where is the leadership? The caucus needs a fresh mind that can bring that change –and I feel I am bring that change. Also, there have been a lot of incomplete projects in the county. If I am elected senator of Bong County simply because of the level of disunity that has enmeshed the caucus. Dorothy Tooman can bring that change that the county had long craved for.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Do you feel challenged entering a male-dominated race?

TOOMANN: I believe if you want to succeed in anything that you do, it doesn’t come easy. I embrace challenges very well and my mindset is that I don’t want to stop me. First and foremost, I don’t approach issues as a woman and I think that is where people get it wrong. In carrying out duties, gender should not play a role and I don’t say that to women as a form of encouragement because sometimes you find that women could be self-defeatist. It is only women take themselves to be weaker sex that they get defeated. I think the job is more important.

It just re-emphasizes the need for more female representation in the county. Women in the county need to work to ensure that I am elected senator to represent the voice of women across the county.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Considering the huge resources that are required for an election in Liberia, who do you hope to cope with the big gladiators like Moye and Yallah?

 It is the people that will decide that. I tell my people on my tours that if people come with money ask them where they get it from. I think what I am doing here is to lend my voice and I believe it is being heard. I am the only woman in the race and the reason is I never fell for any temptation from people who had wanted me to back off from the race. The only way I want to serve my people is through a job and I believe if given the mandate, I will do the job very well. The people of Bong County are very smart people. They have understood that money can’t influence their decision as indicated on the level of support I have received from citizens since declaring my ambition. In fact, people have begun funding my county tour.  I continue to receive gasoline and money from our supporters across the county. The flyers I am using were printed by someone who voluntarily decided to help me. So, I am very much optimistic that money will not play a major part in these elections.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: You and the Deputy Speaker Moye hail from District Two, are you optimistic of winning the district despite the fact that Moye has won the district twice as a representative?

TOOMANN: My popularity is not only unique to District Two, where I have spent most of my life impacting people, I am popularity everywhere in the county. The message in District Two is that the Deputy Speaker has a job and the people in the district need another daughter of the district that will help boost the development of the district. I am very sure of defeating Moye on December 8.  

MONROVIA – Prior to his Liberia assignment, Scott Lowe had an extensive experience in mining working in senior management positions at BHP Billiton and as CEO in several publicly listed exploration and development companies. He holds advanced degrees in Business and Mining; achieved positive outcomes in a number of international locations and complex business and cultural environments.

Interview by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Lowe has been tasked with leading ArcelorMittal Liberia’s iron ore concession spanning Nimba County, Bong County, and Grand Bassa County. However, since taking over the helm as Chief Executive Officer at ArcelorMittal Liberia, the Australian journeyman, Scott Lowe has had his hands full dealing with a number of complex issues dogging the global steel giant. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Lowe addresses a wide range of issues relating to concerns from the Workers Union over Health and education benefits, hazard pay and recent attempts by two companies to encroach on its concession areas.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Over the last few months ArcelorMittal has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, protests, threats of protests and a wave of uncertainty regarding relations between the company and workers union. How much damage would you say has been done and what is Mittal doing to repair the relationship with the union?

SCOTT LOWE:  That’s a good question. ArcelorMittal has been here for fourteen years and we’ve had a positive and constructive relationship with the union – that’s not to say there haven’t been differences and these do occur from time to time. Even in the closest of families, there can be differences of opinions but the key thing is how those differences are resolved through mutual respect and solving problems amicably.

Just this week I had a meeting with representatives of the union; there’s issues we are working on resolving right now. So, I’m very confident there will be a positive, long-term relationship with the union, and we will resolve these current differences.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Let’s  Look at the issue of workers health and welfare and the issue of Stephen Nahn who suffered an accident  on the job when his arm got caught in a rock-crushing machine. What has Mittal done to assist him since the accident and what is his status now?

SCOTT LOWE:  Firstly, on the general issue of safety, I have worked for so many years in the mining industry and seen vast improvements in safety records – and ArcelorMittal can be very proud of the work that’s been done to improve safety. When I was a young man – in the 1980s, injuries would happen very regularly, thankfully now, they’re very rare. And with a lot of hard work it’s very hard to have such injuries but we can’t take that for granted. It takes a lot of hard-work, it takes constant attention and we want to get to the point where there’s zero injuries – and a lot of hard work’s gone into that. And in the case that you mentioned, where there are serious injuries, which thankfully are very rare, the company does adhere to country standards, laws and regulations. I don’t want to comment too much detail on that particular case but I am aware of it, I’m still looking into it – and it pre-dates my experience with the company but we’re looking into that. I understand there was assistance provided him at the time but we will now review what can be done to help him.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: So, it’s possible that more could be done to assist Mr. Nahn to at least make him comfortable because his arm was cut off and his source of livelihood is gone.

SCOTT LOWE:  I haven’t met him and I wasn’t sure how it was managed at the time but I’m going to look at it right now.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Recently, AML objected to the recent concession agreement between the GoL and Prista Port, even threatening not to proceed with the investment unless the prevailing situation improves. What has happened since that initial response? Where are we now?

LOWE:  We’re engaging the government quite regularly on a wide range of issues which includes the concession. First of all, we have no objection to economic development that is neighboring to our operation and doesn’t negatively impact our existing business or our exciting plans for the future. So, we have no objections and we welcome that but of course we want to make sure that our concession isn’t impacted in a way which would impede our current operation or have a negative impact on our plans for the future. So, in all of my engagements with the government, I’ve found that there is overwhelming support for that. We haven’t agreed to reduce our concession or to change the terms of our concession, but to the extent that anybody – Prista Port or anybody else agrees with the government to establish a concession outside of ArcelorMittal area, we welcome that, as long as it protects our existing concession and our terms and conditions.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Let’s look at the issue of Solway. Mittal has been firm in resisting attempts to allow Solway Mining to encroach on its concession area. How do you see this all playing out?

SCOTT LOWE:  We’re continuing discussions with the government on this. The Solway overlap was granted outside of our mining area – it’s not in our mining area but it is within our concession – and we were obviously concerned about that – but there’s ongoing constructive dialogue with the government in relation to the issue.

The key point is that I’m very confident that at the senior level of government, there is support for ArcelorMittal and a recognition that ArcelorMittal has played a very important part in Liberia for the last fourteen years and there is a lot of support, overwhelming support from the highest level of government for ArcelorMittal to continue to play an important role well into the future. As I said, I came to Liberia with the aim of not just operating existing mines, but also making a bigger and brighter future. A fundamental part of that work is the partnership with government – it is absolutely critical.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Are you hopeful that this would be resolved?

SCOTT LOWE: Yes, I’m hopeful that it would be resolved. Good faith and discussions with government, I am hopeful of a resolution that all parties are comfortable with.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: AML has been going back and forth with the workers union over reported refusal to pay hazard to nurses and hospital staff who worked in hazardous conditions treating COVID patients in AML Concession areas. How much of this is fact and how much of it is fiction?

SCOTT LOWE: This is a current issue that we are working with the union on this week – on that very issue.

First, let me say, in relations to Covid 19, I’m really proud of what my team and what I’ve done in response to Covid-19 from the very outset. We’ve introduced a wide range of measures to protect our people, to protect everybody in our concession but also contributed a great deal to the national response. Within our own operation, I’ll give you some examples, we’ve purchased ventilators and oxygen concentrators and had them flown into the country, we’ve boosted our hospital facilities – and renovated those, we’ve double the number of buses. I’m proud to say we’re the first to make masks wearing compulsory in the country.

We did have lockdowns – one in Yekepa and one in Buchanan – and lockdown was voluntary. No one in government asked us to do that. We’d seen the risks and we responded quickly and those lockdowns were very effective. I’m very proud of our response. We know the crisis isn’t over yet – and we’re continuing to work with our partners in the community and government on the response. So, that’s one comment.

In relation to the union’s approach to us for hazard pay for workers, there is a request that we grant hazard pay for the entire workforce. We’re in meaningful discussion with the workforce right now, I can’t go into the specifics but we have made a proposal to the workforce and I’m hopeful that we can reach an agreement on that in the not too distant future.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Does AML treat expat staffers different than it does locals? In terms of benefits, salaries and incentives?

SCOTT LOWE:  Firstly, 96 percent of our employees are Liberians and 66 percent of senior management are Liberians…. but we do have some expats. In fact, we have fewer expats in Liberia than many other countries that I have had experience with around the world, but because Liberia does not have a large, well-established mining industry, say like Ghana for example – and there are other African countries, that have many, many companies with much larger mining community – and there’s less need for expats. So we do need some expats. I can assure you that pay and conditions for expats are very competitive – and based on international standards, So, expats like me, my pay and remuneration is consistent with international standard. I work 70 percent of my time here and get to see my family, 30 percent of the time. So, these paying conditions are designed to attract the right talents.

But let me also say that ultimately, we want to reduce dependency on expats and we’re working toward that. With each passing year, we’ve reduced the number of expats that we have and we’ve focused really and strongly on developing local talents to occupy those roles. So, this is part of a journey, there are fewer expats this year than there was last year – and there will be fewer expats next year because we will be replacing those gradually and significantly with local talents. And as far as how expats and locals are treated, it’s all done on industry standards.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA:  Let’s look at the issue of education. The union folks contend that AML is in violation of Article XI which requires the concessionaire to provide free primary education in each location. Is it true that AML is not fulfilling its obligation in this area due to the fact that most of the expats do not have kids in Liberia going to school?

SCOTT LOWE:  Firstly, education standards have zero to do with expats. Totally unrelated. We have school facilities that we are proud of in Yekepa and more than three hundred graduates from our schools since 2010 and some 30 graduates are coming up in the next graduation. We are very proud of the facilities that we have in Yekepa. It’s true that we do not have schools in Buchanan; because public schools are available there. Nevertheless, we support all of our employees and we’re allowed will allowance to support the education of their children there. We’re very proud of what we have – and nothing to do with expats, it’s everything to do with building relations with the community and being responsible corporate citizens.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Are you content with the conditions of the hospitals in Yekepa & Buchanan? We’re told that there’s not X-Ray machines or morgues. How true is this?

SCOTT LOWE:  I’ve taken particular personal interest in the hospitals since I joined ArcelorMittal Liberia. I’ve visited both the Yekepa and Buchanan hospitals and I have allocated additional funds beyond what was budgeted for making improvements – and we have made significant improvements in the last twelve months. Is there room for more further improvements? Definitely. And so there will be more money made available next year to do even better. In summary we’re spending more money now, we will spend more money next year – to build on the improvements we’ve already made.

You asked about equipment, we are currently in the market sourcing for equipment. Equipment does break down from time to time. Our team is out there sourcing right now. But we’re giving it a priority. As I mentioned, I’ve made it a personal priority to oversee the hospital improvement program and I’m happy to say that we have made progress. Do I think we can make more progress? Definitely.  

FRONTPAGEAFRICA:  In the wake of all that has been unfolding over the past few weeks – from issues with the union to the Prista deal. Is Liberia in danger of losing AML concessions? What would it take to bring some closure to all of this?

SCOTT LOWE:  I don’t have any concerns about the long-term future here for ArcelorMittal. I see a very bright future, I’m really optimistic.

Looking back over the last fourteen years, ArcelorMittal has demonstrated its commitment to Liberia and stayed in the country through good times and bad. In tough times when some other companies abandoned the country, ArcelorMittal stayed here. It’s one of the reasons why I was happy to join the company. This is the kind of company that you’re happy to work for, that dedicates itself by committing to a country – and sticks through thick and thin.

Going forward, whenever I interact with the community or with the government regarding the future, I get overwhelming support. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t problems that pop up some times – like the Solway concession that you’ve mentioned. But overall, I am very confident that the government, our stakeholders, the community, and the company want to see the investment going forward. We intend not only to extend the mine life but to build it into something even bigger, that would generate jobs and make an even greater contribution for the Liberian economy. All the senior people in government that I have spoken to understand and agree. Of course, there will be other companies that want to invest in Liberia and we welcome that. But we think that there’s a win-win solution here for ArcelorMittal, for the Liberian government, for the people of Liberia – and for other companies too going forward.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Why did Mittal attend a recent meeting at the Ministry of Mines and Energy?  Is  AML under any kind of pressure to meet the demands of protesters? Was that a factor in Its decision to meet?

SCOTT LOWE:  There was some mediation, to address about ten concerns that were raised by the Nimba Education Guide – and we addressed those. We don’t feel like we’re under any pressure, no. We’re transparent and open with any interested groups that have concerns. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to be able to solve every problem or do so as quickly as people would like, but we do prioritize and work through those issues. I think people can see that we’re quite genuine when it comes to hearing the concerns and then prioritizing what we can to address those. We can’t address everything at once but we’re genuine and serious about addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: The workers’ union has been very critical about the lack of retirement packages after employers reach the age of 65. What is the AML policy on this and is it being implemented to the fullest?

SCOTT LOWE:  We strive to adhere to local standards. This issue hasn’t been raised with me previously but it is something that I’m aware that people are beginning to ask questions about and we will continue to engage with people. But to answer your question, what is the company’s policy? It’s to be in line with the country’s standards.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA:  Let’s look at the issue of living conditions of the union members. Is this a genuine concern?

SCOTT LOWE:  Most definitely. We’ve been spending significant amount of money every year on what we call estates or housing and amenities. Are there any problems with maintenance there? Yes, there have been and it is something that we dedicate a considerable amount of funds and labor to addressing. Outside of the production department, the largest number of people we have working for us work in Estates – in maintaining and improving and correcting problems that come up from time to time with facilities. So, yes There’s definitely room for improvements but we dedicate a very large resource for a great number of people and a considerable budget every year to estates and maintenance and I’m confident that we will be able to address those problems as they arise.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: If you were to go way back in time, prior to when you took over this job, back to the riots of 2014 when striking workers blocked the tracks and destroyed properties to now when things are still going on of that nature. What would you change – in terms of the way things were handled?

SCOTT LOWE:  I wasn’t here at the time so I can’t comment on how things would have been handled but in the short time I’ve been here I’ve been greatly encouraged by the willingness of everybody in the government, community and the company to work together, to come up with amicable solutions to problems as they arise.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: AML recently announced the approval of Phase Two of its mining operations in Liberia. What’s the status of that now?

SCOTT LOWE:  Phase II of the project is critical to the company and the country for the future and we are one hundred percent committed to that project.  US$1.7 billion was previously spent on that project and then when Ebola came along and iron ore prices dropped it was put on hold.  Since then we’ve been working on redesign and improving the project and we’re now looking to recommence construction in the not so distant future. Doing so would mean not only extending the mine life but seeing significant increase in output which would mean more jobs during construction and more jobs during the production phase – we want to provide a 30-year  mine life in our Phase II project – it is the cornerstone of our future here in Liberia and we are very serious about taking that project forward.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: Finally, let’s look at the issue of the Ganta-Yekepa Road. Where is that project now and how far along are we?

SCOTT LOWE:  We’ve committed to funding US$40 million for the Ganta-Yekepa Road – it will take a number of years. At least another two years. However, it’s really making progress. I’ve traveled that road during the wet season and I know how tough it can be and I can see why that project is so important. In any project, there’s always a slow start but its starting to pick up speed and we remain committed to the US$40 million contribution to that project. Right now, it’s at 27 percent completion.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: How would you assess level of achievement of AML during the COVID-19?

SCOTT LOWE:  We’ve been achieving high-levels of production during Covid-19. What I’m proud of? Unlike some other companies in the country, we didn’t stand any employees down – and we didn’t reduce anybody’s salary – even the non-essential workers that were not required to come to work were fully paid. We kept their pay at one hundred percent – and we’re very grateful to the workforce who cooperated with us so constructively. We’ve been achieving record levels of production and keeping employment levels at a hundred percent – and of course contributing strongly to the economy. So, I think it is a great success story and its thanks to the cooperation of the workforce and the coordination of the community and stakeholders. At the start of Covid-19 none of us knew how bad it would get – and of course everyone feared the worst – and its just not good luck, I think Liberia as a country responded, they moved quickly compared to other countries.

Back in March I was returning to Liberia from Australia, the Australians were doing nothing. I land in South Africa they were doing nothing, I transited through Ghana and they were doing nothing. When I arrived in Liberia I wasn’t allowed in the airport until I washed my hands and they were asking me ‘where have you been? Have you been to China – and this is very early on and so the people of Liberia, the government of Liberia has done an exceptional job of moving very quickly and let’s hope that the worst of it is over and we must not lose track that it has a second life, maybe it could but we haven’t let our guard down or gotten out of control but Liberia has done well. ArcelorMittal, we’re very proud of the contributions that we’ve made. We’ve bought a large number of ventilators to make sure – and there were very few, if any ventilators in the country at the time. We all hope that the worst is over.

FRONTPAGEAFRICA: If you were to sit down with the union workers, from a humanly perspective, what would you tell them, in the wake of what has been going on and what has been happening over the years?

SCOTT LOWE:  I’d say that ArcelorMittal has had a good history in Liberia, there have been problems in the past but those problems have been resolved. There will no doubt be differences in the future but I really admire the way in which the parties have mutually respect and resolve those issues. My main message would be, ArcelorMittal is here for the long-term future. We are committed – our fourteen-year history demonstrates that and we are absolutely committed for the long term in Liberia. There’s tremendous good will on all sides to create that positive future.

Monrovia – Rep. Thomas P. Fallah (CDC, Montserrado, District No. 5), the chosen one by the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change to challenge the incumbent Senator Abraham Darius Dillon(Collaborating Political Parties) in the upcoming Senatorial Midterm elections is venturing into unfamiliar territory for incumbents in vote-rich Montserrado. With the exception of Senator Saah Joseph who won the special elections to fill the void left by football legend George Manneh Weah following his ascendancy to the Liberian Presidency, the county, regarded as the microcosm of Liberia, has always been dominated by the opposition.

Interview by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

After losing bragging rights to Senator Dillon in last year’s elections to fill the void left in the aftermath of the late Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff, the ruling CDC is leaving no stone unturn in a bid to recapture the county from the opposition.

In his first exclusive interview since winning the party’s primaries, Rep. Fallah, riding on a wave of recent endorsements, appears upbeat and confident that he is the right man to get the job done, owing to his status as a three-time elected lawmaker from District No. 5, covering the Paynesville communities of 72nd Community, Police Academy, Bassa Town, Red Light, A.B. Tolbert Road and Town Hall, as well as the Congo Town communities of Swankamore and and Pagos Island.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Before we get started tell us about yourself – who is Thomas Fallah, how did you get into politics and what are some of the challenges encountered on the way here?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: First of all, let me say it’s a pleasure to be on this platform. I’m Thomas Fallah, a humble Liberian, young person; from a very humble background, a humble beginning, born and grew up in Montserrado County, especially in the Paynesville township. I’m a businessman turned politician, a family person – married and blessed with kids. I’m an educator, I believe in education. I have been representing the people of District 7 now District 5 since 2005 at the Legislature.

I’ve been opportune to go through the ranks and files of the Legislature. I was just an ordinary member, but today I’m in leadership at the Legislature.

Politically, I’ve been affiliating with the Congress for Democratic Change since I joined politics to present. I saw went through the ranks and file from being a gate keeper and we managed to navigate our way to the national leadership of our party. I’m a devoted Christian, so far so good.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: You’ve been elected three times by the people of District 5, that’s where you got the name T-Five. Why do you think the time is ripe for you now to try your luck in the Senate, especially when you most recently won the 2017 elections with the CDC?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: The name T-Five has been in the body politics for 15 years. Like I said, I went through the ranks and files to begin with Montserrado County first. Montserrado County comprise of 17 electoral districts. We got elected, we had what we called the Caucus of Montserrado County building relationship with the local leadership, the local government and we were successful to have been members of that caucus, we went to assistant secretary of the caucus leadership and then we went to the position of co-chairman and today I serve as caucus chairman of the Montserrado Legislative Caucus.

I had the opportunity also to work with three superintendents of our county. I served the last 10, 15 years, we build a good working relationship with the former Superintendent, we had working relationship with Grace Kpaan; we also have a working relationship – a cordial one with Florence Brandy. We managed to work with the government in terms of the structure – commissioners, governors, and all of that. So, we have a good network.

We also managed to work with our former colleagues form the 52^nd to the 53^rd [Legislature].  From 2005 to 2011, there was a group of lawmakers that came in and after we had the 2011 elections, we had another batch of lawmakers that came in with different political backgrounds, experience as well. They joined us and we managed to work with them going through the process. Now, we got another batch of lawmakers since 2017 elections that brought me to the chairmanship of Montserrado County [Legislative Caucus].

I understand some of the issues though I was confined to one electoral district which was District 5.

“How can you be a Senator of Montserrado County, you have no working relationship with the Superintendent of the County – that’s the local governance structure of the county. How can you be the Senator a county you don’t know the name of one township commissioner? You’re the Senator of the county, you have no working relationship with the caucus members because you’re the Senator for the 17 of us, you have no working relationship. You have no better working relationship even with the three branches of government.“

– Rep. Thomas Fallah, Montserrado County Senatorial Aspirant (CDC)

Working outside of District 5, we managed to understand some of the issues working with some of our colleagues – the challenges in their respective districts; working with local governments. I think we’ve been doing well and I think this time around, we have come with leadership because in Montserrado we believe we have managed to go through the ranks and file to understand the challenges our county is faced with. To begin with our colleagues because we’ve got new breed of lawmakers that have come in. The role of a Senator is to help play that administrative role to manage the expectations of those that cannot find their way through. Especially, as a Senator, you represent the aspiration of the 17 districts, you must have a complete network that would manage them and I think I’m good at that because of our stay there and our working relationship that we have built over the years.

We come with a perfect leadership, I think history is there that we have network even with the opposition community.

In 2005 we worked with our colleagues in the former ruling Unity Party – we were in the CDC we built that working relationship. It is a strong network that we built and today we are part of the ruling party though we have our colleagues and friends from the opposition, we also have a network. In the legislature, it’s about network building, it’s not about a singular individual no matter how well you propound or how well you push an issue, if you don’t solicit the support of your colleagues, sometimes you’ll only be making sense on what you think is right for the people so the first thing is you have to build a consensus within the legislature. So, we have come with the collaborative spirit; we have come with little knowledge in terms of the governance or running of Montserrado County. So, I think we’ve got the pedigree, we have the know-how, we have the connections that we can put on the table working with our colleagues using our networks to make sure provide those basic social services to our people in Montserrado County.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: You’ve had this job in the lower House for more than two times. What difference are you going to make in the Senate?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: I am the longest serving representative in Montserrado County and I went through the rank and file. If one could say, I am the senior elder of Montserrado County because since the inception of there is not one individual that have been elected in succession in Montserrado County. So, if I am the most senior elder of Montserrado County by virtue of my staying in the House for 15 years.

I’ve come with the leadership, I’ve come with humility and passion for the job. I can do the work and I think I can deliver what the people of Montserrado want.

By my elections three times in my district it speaks volume because no one can just be easily elected if you’re not doing anything for your people, if you don’t understand the terrain. Just by that, it gives me edge over my colleagues that think they want to provide leadership for Montserrado County.

I stand a better position both in the executive, in the judiciary, in the legislature there is a network there because this is how governance work.

Even in the opposition community, we have a lot of friends, we disagree on issues; we’ve built that relationship.

I think we can work with the current government today which I’m part of and even manage to stabilize the expectations of the oppositions.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Monstserrado is a very difficult territory for incumbents, the only exception in the last few years is Saah Joseph who managed to fill the current President, George Weah. What are you going to do differently to change the trend, in terms of an incumbent winning Montserrado County?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: Montserrado County, normally people say is a place for the opposition – we respect their opinion. This individual that is in question is not only limited to the ruling party, I have built beyond the ruling party or my own party, I have managed to even cultivate in the opposition because during our days, we worked with the former ruling party.

There were critical issues, understanding the doctrine of coordination and cooperation in governance, we were able to work with the then ruling party. I have been with the CDC all through – from school to politics. There were times we disagreed with Madam Sirleaf, but if you check District 5, I was a strong opposition candidate but because we managed to build that coordination and representation adequately, today you see the district is completely laid out.

Being an opposition doesn’t mean that you must always create tons of problems for the ruling establishment. There would be internal disagreements, there would be problems, but you need to have a focused leadership that would be able to bring the ruling party to the table, bring the opposition to the table, navigate your way and see what the issues are and be able to solve problems and that is leadership.

I can tell you for a fact that outside of Saah Joseph, we’ve had two support from the opposition community today – that story would be changed. That fact that people believe that Montserrado is for the opposition, we have a support base in the opposition, they’re not CDCians but because our working relationship. Once it comes to the governance of country I’ve managed to build that relationship, so outside Saah Joseph we’re going to make that history and I think our party didn’t make any mistake in selecting someone that would go into the opposition community and speak to into the minds of the opposition.

The opposition would always have issues but we need someone that would cultivate and say ‘Opposition, yes, we have issues, we can talk? Can we sit? What are the issues?’ and the only way that can happen is when you have a working relationship, they’ll listen to you. So you have those issues catalogued, put on the table, move to the ruling party if it is the CDC and say Mr. President, though you’re the Chief Executive of our country but there are issues from our opposition community and get them on the table.

Given my relationship as a son – I consider myself as a son to the President and he’ll listen. The chairman of our party, the national executive committee, the governing structure of our party – these are people that would listen. So, I’m going to play that role.

The opposition, they are comfortable; probably they’re not going to come outside and day we’re going to lend support to Hon. Fallah in the open but even Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf out of respect I call her my grandmother. When the construction of the Police Academy Road came, it was Gyude Moore by then, she had the opportunity to break ground but she called Fallah to go and break ground as a son because we collaborated perfectly. We were not there causing noise or attacking but we were discussing; where necessary we needed to disagree we disagreed. So, we’ll change it, we’ll shift the paradigm this time around to ensure that we have a better working relationship with the opposition.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Montserrado is like the microcosm of the whole country, what happens in Montserrado County affects other counties; much is expected of Senators and Representatives in this position, do you think as a ruling party member, you would go against anything that the ruling party is doing against the county interest and are you capable of speaking truth to power?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: We have done it, we have done it several times. Sometimes when you’re not vocal on the radio or on the social media people believe that you cannot disagree with issues. But our style of leadership doesn’t require too much of noise except where necessary.

We can disagree with our President, we disagreed before with Madam Johnson Sirleaf when Fallah’s name was not a popular name probably because it was not the radio every now and then. We disagreed in terms of exchanges of communications – where necessary we write as a sitting Representative knowing my responsibilities, bringing matured leadership to the fray. We write the Office of the President and if she saw it necessary she would invite us to her office at the time and then we address the issue.

Go to District 5, there were times Police Academy was a dusty road, our people suffered. When they started the road network connections at the time, we said Madam President Police Academy is the place where we have the only police barracks in this country that the police people, paramilitary people go to train, today is worse because our people cannot commute perfectly, Madam Sirleaf you should please help us in making sure that in your programs in terms of road network connectivity, let Police Academy be prioritized. We did not go around causing noise and she saw the need and importance of constructing that Police Academy Road.

I remember she came from a place and they had some welcoming program for her at the Paynesville City Hall when she went from the Joe Bar end, the PCS, the road was very bad and it gave her some problems, she got upset and we said yes, Madam President you see what we talked about as District Representative.

This is the City Hall, we have the only city hall in the entire Paynesville but look at the road connection and the President saw it fit, the next day me, Hon. Fallah what can we do, I said Madam President this is the situation. Look at the LRA Road, the AB Tolbert Road, these are places that you use easily to avoid traffic congestion but because there was no attention.

So, our disagreement at the time was constructive and then it brought some dividends to our people. So, we’ll disagree, there will always be issues but we must be able to mitigate these issues through a responsible manner given our responsibility as national leaders.

Sometimes as national leader you speak and what you say becomes policy, it drives the voters even if you’re wrong. So, must be careful and balance what you say because your support base, when you say today let’s burn this village down, obviously your supporters would move. If you say let’s fix this road today, people would follow you. So, you have to be very careful how you speak, how you make public pronouncement and public engagement.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Those days were when you were opposition, now you’re ruling party, the dynamics have changed. Look at, for example, the rape issue, this week has been a very daunting week for women, they’ve been protesting for rape and many people are not happy with the response they are getting from the government. As a Senator, what would you do differently to address the situation?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: There are procedures, the first thing to commence with a big thanks to the organizers, the young people that exercised their constitutional rights, under our constitution, there was nothing wrong to take the streets. The essence of taking the streets was to make the government and international partners to know that something is happening and they are there to raise alarm to raise local and international attention which is protected by the Constitution of our country.

There was nothing wrong except where after the first 48 hours, we observed that some political flavor started to get into it.

I am a father of three girls and I am a serious supporter of whoever or a group of people that want to go against the issue of rape. So, as a party, as a government we support that. This has not been the first time… I can remember, the little girl they call Angel, I remember the young man at the time, our youth leader, Jefferson Koijee, they took to the streets. We were in government at the time we saw attention that was paid by the government to those young advocates – some of them went to jail, some of them were beaten and all of that.

Today, the people were given the opportunity to go and demonstrate except at the end they had some disagreement.

We can speak to the President; there are laws on the book. Someone would say capital punishment, someone would say death penalty; can we look at those laws as our responsibilities as lawmakers, we must legislate, we must amend, we must repeal. So, if there are laws repeal or to add teeth to what we have currently we must enforce them. The demonstrators did their part but now it is our responsibility, so, if we went, for example, and said let’s do death penalty because the issue of rape is damaging our children, it’s the prerogative of the lawmakers to speak to that and put that into law.

If the President do go and veto and says the penalty is too harsh, we can’t do death penalty, we can come as opinion leaders, as lawmakers and say Mr. President, this is the way to go. I can go there and say Mr. President, this is how I think it should be so that it can help to curtail the issue of rape.

The issue of rape is not an individual stuff, I think the Chief Executive is inclined, the entire government is inclined, the three branches of government is inclined. As I sit here, a meeting is now going on, our colleagues received the petition, the petition would be put in a better perspective for formal legislative discussion…

While we agree holistically that rape is an issue in our country, we must play our role as lawmaker,s we can disagree with the President when we think it’s necessary to disagree on behalf of the Liberian people. I did it with Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, now my government, it gives me a better platform sit with the President, go in his living room, go in his bedroom and say Mr. President, here are the issues. I can call the party’s chairman and say Mr. Mulbah Morlu, these are the issues, these are things that I think we need to do, can we move as a governing party and I have that latitude. I can go the Justice Minister that has that statutory responsibility, I can to go the Gender Minister that has that statutory responsibility. There is something we even have at the level of the LNP, I think they call it Gender and Children, so these are things we can do. With my position now with the ruling party, I think the flexibility is there for us to have conversations on those major national issues.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Let’s look at your main challenger, the incumbent, Abraham Darius Dillon of the opposition CPP, what’s your strategy for making him a one-year Senator?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: Well, strategies are not meant to be disclosed but I think I would just speak a little on that because I think he, too, has a strategy to deny us from winning. But the first thing is hard work. Hard work is one of our tools. For the last two, three weeks, I’ve been totally involved in community engagements because you know sometimes we’re not involved in public appearance, we that’s the background of our understanding so we move in the communities.

With my experience in the Legislature, I said to myself in 2005 with a little experience at the time from school, from the plank field, a lot of people said can Fallah make it? A lot of people believed that I could not made it given my background.

But the first thing I did was to do community assessment. The community assessment was to define and know the needs of our people. I realized at the time that District 5, the issue at the time was roads, the issue of water, the issue of electricity. So, what I said to myself was how do I achieve this? That was the question I asked myself. When I got to work, at the end of the day the people saw some dividends.

Today, the Pipeline Road you see, it was under my leadership; so, there were a lot of things we did and we made sure we got dividends and we got respected by our people, appreciated by our people. That’s what I did and we would make sure to unseat him, he would be a one-year Senator. It’s not by bragging, it’s not by talk , it’s about our deeds, the work we do…

When it comes to our function, we have performed very well in terms of representation and our making of law. And we believe that we can do that for the people of Montsrrado given that what I’ve done in District 5, I allowed the people of District 5 to give us the mandate for the second terms, we will spread it over the entire Montserrado County – all sectors, the education because that’s what I know doing best. We’re going to use our oversight, we’re going to use our functions to embrace government so that we can make sure we bring development to our people and I think we know how to do that best given our level of experience.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Are you content with the situation in Liberia right now?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: Montserrado has been like this but we are hoping we can accelerate more. We can do more. From my experience in just two and half years of this government, I think a lot have been achieved when it comes to improvement in the education sector. The issue of education, encouraging our kids to take education seriously, this government has demonstrated to my understanding and opinion it. Especially where at the University of Liberia, the university has been declared tuition free. That was costing US$3-4 million annually, that’s the responsibility the government has incurred.

The issue of WASSCE – we all are parents, normally we all get worried when they say the children are going for WASSCE. At times you see children in the street corners, in the community begging, asking for assistance. This government came and took that responsibility that brought relief to us.

We’re talking about infrastructure – the roads. In two and half years go to Rehab today, go see Johnsonville Road, go see my own district VOKA Mission it’s paved. We can name on and on. There are lots of companies around here, Bishop Michael Francis Road. These roads [have] been in existence from time immemorial. In two and half years, I think more has been done but more needs to be done so that would be my role as a Senator. When I am presiding over the county, I’ll make sure that we encourage the current government to do more; where there are interventions needed, we can make those interventions collectively.

In the legislature where budgetary support are needed, we are going to make sure we work and cooperate with the Executive.

Like the issue about the rape, we need serious budgetary attention and that would be one of my focus points. Where we need to focus or finance, shit or focus some of the priorities, where we need to finance the Ministry of Gender because there are logistics issues; the Ministry of Justice there are issues to fast track some of those cases this is where we use our resources.

So, we’re going to make sure the Liberian people show, we all show that we want to tackle and fight rape then we must put our resources there. We’ll use our role perfectly, negotiating with our colleagues in the Legislature.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Speaking of priorities, a lot of people thing there’s no priority given to victim support. For example, the man that raped his 15-year-old step mother, the mother is now saying that when the man goes to prison, there would be no support coming to the victim anymore. As a Senator, how are you going to ensure support for victims for their families?

REP. FALLAH: Budgetary support, budgetary support because it’s not an individual thing. It should take the collective responsibility and interest of national government’s strength is within the national cake which is the budget so if the budget so if the budget is being discussed, these are things as national leaders because when someone is victimized and there is not much attention given, to help develop the mind of that kid or individual, it helps to traumatize the mind. The stigmatization about rape is a terrible thing so there must be provision in making sure that that person’s life is protected, that that person’s life is managed in a way that he or she would feel that they can be integrated into society again and contribute positively into society… Once these supports are given people would come out willfully.

“The opposition, they are comfortable; probably they’re not going to come outside and day we’re going to lend support to Hon. Fallah in the open but even Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf out of respect I call her my grandmother. When the construction of the Police Academy Road came, it was Gyude Moore by then, she had the opportunity to break ground but she called Fallah to go and break ground as a son because we collaborated perfectly. We were not there causing noise or attacking but we were discussing; where necessary we needed to disagree we disagreed. So, we’ll change it, we’ll shift the paradigm this time around to ensure that we have a better working relationship with the opposition“

– Rep. Thomas Fallah, Montserrado County Senatorial Aspirant

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: One of the proposals of the anti-rape campaigners for a state of emergency to be declared in Liberia. Is it something that you would support?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: It’s not something to say yes or no. State of Emergency is a constitutional issue.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: If it is brought to the flow of the Senate will you support it?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: We have to look at the merits and demerits of it. there must be issues that can be justifiable. I’m not going to say gentlemen, state of emergency. We will look at the merits and demerits, when I believe the merits is enough for us to support it, why not. If we see that we have a lot of demerits, then we’ll have to make the public to understand.

When you announce state of emergency, it has economic implications, it has security implications. There are a lot of implications that are involved in announcing state of emergency. So, we have to look at the merits and demerits and not just the political aspects of it. Some of these comments are made to gain some political relevance or dividends, forgetting that some are a lot of technical issues that we need to look at.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: This election is very critical, your victory or your defeat could greatly decide the fate of 2023.

REP. THOMAS FALLAH:: We’re going to win. We’ve got no history of losing elections since we got into politics, we maintain that we have very good working relationship in the 17 electoral districts. Opposition representatives and Senators today, they may not come out openly. You go today in some of the constituents… just my community engagements these few days have made me to realize that lots of people in Montserrado County have appreciated me. They are of the opinion that we get the opportunity to be elected as Senator more would come rather than just the talk and talk, but we need to actualize what we say to our people and make things to work.

I think what we need in our country now is actualizing what we talk, strong network, strengthen your base and working with the opposition community to make things happen. That’s what going to be demonstrated coupled with the support base of the political institution that we come from, our strengths, our ability to bring the ruling party to the table. We’re going to win, you can be assured. I understand the dynamics of Montserrado County – I understand it very well.

The commissioners today, you ask any of them they’ll tell you we have good working relationship. How can you be a Senator of Montserrado County, you have no working relationship with the Superintendent of the County – that’s the local governance structure of the county. How can you be the Senator a county you don’t know the name of one township commissioner? You’re the Senator of the county, you have no working relationship with the caucus members, because you’re the Senator for the 17 of us, you have no working relationship. You have no better working relationship even with the three branches of government.

We must have a Senator that can take phone and call the Office of the President and be able to disagree with the President properly or agree with the President on policy issue. But you have a Senator who has no connection, absolutely. How do you bring development to the community? How do you bring development to the people because you join the executive of the three branches of government in driving development as they go.

As a Senator, you administer the affairs of the county, compile those issues and be able to present it in a perfect and professional way that brings dividends to the people because you’re not going to take it from your pocket. You may push forward policies, write letters, bring it to the table, that would just be for the public because for those communications to be transferred into impacting the lives of the people you need to that cooperation that the Constitution speaks about.

What kind of Senator that has no rapport with the Judiciary. There are judicial issues that you’ll need to talk about, how do you go there and say Mr. Minister of Justice or the Chief Justice, can we sit, can we look at these issues, there’s no way. Even in the Legislature that you work, you come and vilify all those that you met – some of those guys have been working, they’re experienced, they are educated more than even me and you, you come and call all of them “weak”.

How can you work in the Legislature and call the legislators spineless and weak? What it means is that you’re saying even your political leader is weak. I said it in one of my forums, you have Nyonblee Kangar, she’s the political leader of the Liberty Party; so you’ve got a Senator from the Liberty Party, the guy came and said the Legislature is spineless and weak, meaning Nyonblee Kangar you’re weak, by that you have campaigned against Nyonblee Kangar in Grand Bassa.

CPP has got strong lawmakers, there are strong Senators in the Senate that have been vocal on national issues. You look at someone like Oscar Cooper you say he’s weak; you look at someone like Varney Sherman that have been around.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: I think most of these comments were before the impeachment of Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh. In that vote to impeach Associate Justice Ja’neh, do you think it’s something that deserve criticisms?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: It’s good to criticize but not to come to your workplace and say Rodney you’re weak. This is not criticism, this is different from disagreement. It’s a theatre of disagreement in Legislature. If I come and tell you that you’re weak, in my understanding, it’s beyond disagreement. So you look at all the CPP people, they’re all spineless in the Legislature so how do you get their cooperation to proffer a bill.

I learned there is a bill that has been proffered, who do you go to to lobby to say this is what I want us to do and you’re making sense you want this to happen and get the guys to work along with you, to vote along with you, give you the support so that it can be passed and become a law to benefit you and the Liberian people, but you call of your colleagues weak and spineless.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Are you happy with the salary you’re making now?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: I’m happy, I’ve been content.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Will you be willing to have a cut?

REP. FALLAH: You know the Legislature, sometimes people talk. We already had a cut. This issue of salary cut was raised long ago. Acarous Gray raised this issue during Madam Sirleaf’s government. Someone is just trying to take the glory and trying to glorify themselves. That issue was raised and we’ve been working on it as we speak, the salary is cut.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: How much are you making right now?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: It’s below US$6,000. We make like US$5,500, it includes everything as a package. Before someone could even proffer this bill, the salary was cut. You listen to the Legislature debate, a lawmaker took the floor and said because we are having a state of emergency, we should wave some of the benefits, so these things happen, that is how government runs. It’s something that we all need to cooperate at times and have a smooth operation.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Do you think you have an advantage over your opponent because you’re an incumbent in terms of resources like we see you dividing rice around the country. How do you explain your sudden interest in all these things happening?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: You have had advantages over our opponent because as you know I have won elections three times. It’s not about cash. You know sometimes, I hear people say I going around distributing and giving money. These are all lazy arguments. You see, when people lack leadership, they don’t understand how to partnership and network in government. They go about complaining. You hear them talking about I have three functions, my responsibility is not to build roads, it is not my responsibility that when your house gets burned, I should come – I differ.

I tell someone with my experience, I understand Legislative politics. I introduced what we call the fourth component. The fourth component is the social contract theory with your people which, of course, is not binding. You went to the people and solicited their votes and they said they’ll support you, you said to them that I would advocate on behalf of you at the National Legislature.

You as a sitting Senator, you have a responsibility to develop a network that you can attract investors, businesses. You have a responsibility to put a framework into place that you can sit somewhere and say gentle one oldma house got burned, what can we do as a Senator?

I can call Jeety and say Jeety because of my partnership and network can you give me 10 bundles of zinc. Is that what someone calls inducement? You must have a network, you preside over the county.

In Montserrado, there are businesses, there are investors; is there anything wrong with going to K&K and say K&K can you give me 50 or 100 bags of rice to identify with my people? That is the social contract theory. While I am negotiating with central government to come and improve the lives of the people, there will be process, there will be bureaucracies in attracting government attention to the community.

As a sitting Senator, you have a responsibility to move in. We had a situation in police academy to remove garbage. It’s the statutory responsibility of government and the Paynesville City Corporation. So, if the Paynesville City Corporation cannot clean the garbage in Red-Light, is there anything wrong with me calling one company, looking at my role as a Senator, to say can you get me two, three machines and trucks, move in the community, while we wait on government.

It’s not one person’s responsibility, it’s the collective responsibility to make these things work.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Would you be open for a debate with Abraham Darius Dillon?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: The theatre is a debate theatre, we’re not going there for confrontation. He’s my friend, we call one another, we laugh a lot, we joke a lot. He understands, he knows Fallah. He knows how Fallah got in this whole stuff, he knows what’s up. He knows very well that Fallah is a serious-minded person. It’s not about debate, the debate would come and go, but it’s what I can do for my people.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA:  It’s not about the debate, I think most people feel that when people are elected into office, when they change, so they want some assurance in the form of debate where the two of you can say who’s the best person.

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: I am the best person. It’s evidenced by my role played over the years. I am the best person and my brother and friend is aware. The people of Montserrado, they are quite aware. I have not been in the social media, I have not been the radio guy, but have you ever seen a Senatorial candidate that has received endorsements like Fallah in less than two weeks? Someone would say it’s stage managed. We saw Geraldine, we saw Joyce Musu Freeman Sumo, we saw even my friend and brother, we saw my brother Saah Joseph, but watch out, it’s all over the place because the people follow the track record. Today, everywhere, I go, endorsements, endorsements, because they know that this guy is a serious-minded person. And working with this government, it has given an added advantage.

In the opposition, I work there for 12 years, I managed to be elected in succession – the first time, the second time, the third time as a CDC candidate. You know what you’re talking about Fallah being part of the ruling party where he has a complete network with the office of the Chief Executive, the office of the judiciary, the office of the legislature, the Speaker, the Pro-Tempore; working with the 102 Representatives and Senators.

The people of Montserrado County are going to benefit a lot. Government or personal initiative, you can rest assured that it’s going to be done.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Someone wants to know, the government says it does not have money, but you’re leaving an elected position in the lower House to the Senate. That’s a vacuum you’re creating for another by-election.

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: Every competition requires the best player on the team. Since there is no law, I don’t want to delve into that. This is a competition – the ruling party is contesting against the opposition for a seat in the Senate, the both institutions have to field a candidate. In the wisdom of the CDC, they believe that Hon. Fallah is the best suited candidate to run because you want to win. So, once it’s not a law, there will always be issues, government would always find funding and Fallah is not the only person. If you check the opposition community, there are a lot of my colleagues that are running to become Senators.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Will you support a law or bill preventing that?

REP. FALLAH: If that should come, I wouldn’t mind because like I said, I want to be very careful. In the legislature, it’s not about your personal feelings, it’s about the holistic view of the body. If the body thinks this is something for us to do, even if I disagree, I’ll support it. The body believes that it’s going to be in the interest of the people.

FRONTPAGE AFRICA: Your university, your institution, is it tuition-free?

REP. THOMAS FALLAH: I have a school, I run a school T-Five Academy, the name I carry today, it has been in existence since 2007. The first thing I established was how do I give help to the people. Someone would say that’s Fallah’s personal thing. I have a child that goes to school. Sometimes transportation is very high. Sometimes, tuition is rocketing high. Some people pay three hundred, some people pay five hundred and it even go up to one thousand. Fallah built a school in a densely populated community. Some people cannot afford, some have even forgotten about school because they cannot afford which is just L$10,000.

I built a school that has been in the existence for the last 12 years, the highest school fees 12^th graders pay is L$18,000… Is it not affordable for someone to be in my school and pay L$18,000? Have you gone to my school? We have modern facilities. It’s compared to any facility in the Repulic of Liberia. Good facilities, spacious, auditorium, library, everything is there. We managed that institution so that we can give back to our people and then giving job opportunities to our teachers. We’re not getting any benefit from that. There is no return. My thought is I should be able to give back to the community, encourage the young kids to go back to school…

Like the university we’re talking about today, we used our network, our connections, we used our resources – I am from the business background, I was trained to from selling plastic bag to waiter market. All through my life it’s business before becoming politician. I managed my life, I managed myself.

All my friends that know me, I’m not a social guy. I’m not everywhere. I leave from work, I go home and from home, I go to work. So, all of my resources I’ve gathered over the years, my business partners, my connections built that university.

I proffered a bill for Paynesville Community College. While we’re negotiating with government, it passed from the House of Representatives, it’s now with the Senate for deliberations, we hope the Senate can concur, that would be an added responsibility on government.

But we said to ourselves since I have a high school up to 12^th grade, can I build a university…The strength of Montserrado County in terms of number is Paynesville. Can we build one quality university here and get professors that would give quality education to our people so that it can help alleviate the transportation difficulties, risk of accidents, for our people in Paynesville and its surrounding…it’s about giving back. I would have taken that money to build hotels.

FRONTAPGEA AFRICA: Have you declared your assets?

REP. FALLAH: I have declared my assets, except sometimes when you add a kitchen you have to add an addendum.

FRONTPAGE  AFRICA: Any final message for the Liberian people?REP. THOMAS FALLAH: Liberian people I would continue to encourage you. We know these are hard times, we understand, it’s just that we need your patience, your courage in working with the government, understanding the government, the people of Montserrado County, here we come because I know you know me, we have visited almost all of the districts in this county; we are coming with development , we are not coming with noise, we are coming with reconciliation because we know after this entire process it would be my responsibility to reconcile all of our people. You can rest assured that with my colleagues, our working relationship that we have had, I’m prepared to work with you, I’m prepared to move the county forward, I’m prepared to work with the three branches of government, especially working with the legislature – the theatre where I come from. We’ll like to say we’ll come into your community, our community engagement, please accept us. It is time for us to move forward void of violence. Like me, I follow a leader that is not violent, President George Weah who has always instilled that in us.

Monrovia – Milton K Kesselly is a Liberian living in Beijing, China. He has been living there since 2016 after spending three years studying at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, where he earned a Masters in Economics with a specialty in International Trade.

KesselIy, in an exclusive online interview with FrontPageAfrica, said after his study he opted to return to China to seek greener pasture. He was determined to settle in Beijing where he is now married to a Chinese. The couple has a child. Kesselly says he has integrated well in the Asian nation.

But when news of discrimination against black Africans heightened in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak in China, Kesselly had a mixture of experiences. He has been telling FPA about his experience in the world’s most populous nation.

In this exclusive interview, he shares his experience.

FrontPage Africa: For how long you’ve been in China and how is life with you there?

Kesselly: I have stayed for about 6 years in China including my time in school and I’m currently married to a Chinese. Together we have established a business including an English training center that was set up last November but was soon interrupted due to the coronavirus outbreak. Besides, we run an online program. It’s an online program where we entertain our viewers with personal stories and fun and sell products like is done on Alibaba or Tiaboa. We have also registered a business in Liberia called Continental Link-LIB or COLL for short. Life in China is very competitive. So, one must be to the task at all times.

FPA: Have you been discriminated against?

Kesselly: As a black man living in China, it’s obvious to be discriminated against by some Chinese. Even though it’s not a central government’s policy but it’s a common practice to see adverts that says for white only. I have had several offers to teach but as a black man you are to receive less the wages as compare to whites who you might at times be qualified than by far. I have also had contract with the European American Chambers of Commerce to organize traders who wanted to visit factories in China. However, none of those were ever sustainable. As a foreigner dating a Chinese it is sometimes met with so much resentment from society. You must be strong to withstand.

To maintain a relationship with a young Chinese lady, you must keep the love stronger between you two and make sure she’s always happy. Devoice in China is very common. In fact, if you are black your rights could be very limited during times of conflicts; however, there are human rights groups that are willing to help people who want to settle so, it’s good to look for them just in case you might have to need them and it is always important to keep in line with the law. I have read a lot of the common laws and can easily justify based on what is on the books.

I had just started my training program when the virus broke out in Wuhan, not so far from where we had established our training school. And good enough, it was around the same time with the Chinese New Year Festivities and at when we have released students to go on breaks. Upon hearing about the disease and I knowing the severity of new out breaks based on training I have gained while in Sierra Leone as a refugee and in Liberia as public health officer with MSF Belgium and Oxfam GB. I had some sense of what might occur and so I took some precautionary measures.

Then we started hearing of tension between the USA and PRC about the outbreak, I quickly told my wife it was time we relocate to Beijing from Zhangjiakou where we had established the training program. My first fear was, many Chinese are ignorant when it comes to English speakers and that running an English school could fit you into a target for any retaliation or aggression, if things went off hand. I could be a target of locals who didn’t care to know the difference. She accepted my request and then on April 2 we moved in the suburb of Beijing, Yanjiao.

On my way from Zhangjiakou where we were to Yanjiao where we are, there were series of checkpoints but before leaving we were told that we need medical certificates to prove that we were COVID-19 negative and we did the test and obtained the certificates. At the checkpoints Chinese were accepted to move on even though we had all been traveling together but I was kept there for at least 25 minutes and where only let go when they have made several phone calls, I don’t know where.

I had several other encounters with the police or securities with less stress once I was in the compound I have registered to live in. However that wasn’t so long till I decided to visit some shopping malls and where I could get few things for our new home. The security guards at the shopping mall tried to stop me, I known what they were up to but I just stood there and told them I couldn’t go back because I wanted to go to the mall. Actually, I didn’t know that the route we once used were no more in service and that all entrances to residential compounds were now heavily secured due to the virus. Anyway, I was later escorted to the mall by their security head.

FPA: What is your view on criticisms about Chinese being discriminatory?

Kesselly: There is some form of discriminatory behavior in almost all places; I do not think it is exclusively a Chinese problem. You know it happened all over the world. I saw some of the videos of Chinese allegedly mistreating blacks to be specific in other communities most especially in Guangzhou, I have not experienced such extremity here so far. And for that I am grateful.

When I was in Zhangjiakou Zhangbei, I came out and went to their markets. I was served happily because I’m well known in that small city. In there, I have over a hundred thousand followers on my social media outlet and many of them had wished to be friend with me. In fact, I was selected to go with a team on an assessment to a popular tourist site in that area. Zhangjiakou is selected to host the 2022 winter Olympic Games, and I will look forward to seeing some Africans participating in those winter sports, even though Africa is known as a hot sport, lol.

I saw a video of a Liberian alleging that she was discriminated against or being harassed by officers but from my own assessment of the video, the police was simply doing their job. I was told the identity of the person who did the recoding. According to investigation, she had people living with her in Guangzhou the very day the police went to investigate.                                       I think as a foreign resident, its good to be law abiding at all times. When you are in a country where the laws don’t even joke with citizens, as a foreigner, you are to be very mindful. I think that was wrong on her part. Once those who are visitors start to act unlawful, it becomes difficult to protect other foreigners who look like them even if they are very law abiding.

FPA: Where do you think the misunderstanding is coming from?

Kesselly: So, some of the problems that led to mishandling of blacks in Guangzhou is partly due to misunderstanding of the facts by ordinary Chinese when they see a black person and some due to the kind of misrepresentation of that Liberian you could hear on the video recording from Guangzhou.  Sometimes is due to the act of some bad foreign residents and sometimes is just hate for blacks especially by people who are very ignorant about the truth. I am in great sympathy with brothers and sisters, meanly blacks who were thrown out of their homes. I learned that there were speculations that Africans were allowing their undocumented friends reside with them. I think the security in Guangzhou wanted to weed out those they think were undocumented living in Guangzhou, even though central PRC government had early warned that foreigners in China shouldn’t be trouble for papers during the pandemic. I understand how humiliating that can be, forcefully taking one out of their homes; however, I’m encouraging all blacks or Africans, especially Liberians to live in the scope of the laws. We are direct ambassadors of our respective countries and mostly our race. One doesn’t have to wait till their documents expired. It’s easy for people to stigmatize a group for a bad thing than they will praise them when one good thing is done.

So, let’s keep being on the right side of the law so that when we present our cases the law will be on our sides. When the law is on your side, even if they try to show injustice, they might simply ask you to go.  I know the Central Government of China is working hard to keep a good relationship with their   Africans counterparts. If African unite and remained positive, we stand to have a win-win. But if we cannot, we will always be at the losing end. Africans are usually overlooked and taken advantages off. Our continent is so divided, and even as blacks, we hold so strongly to our artificial divides till we don’t see the common thing that unite us. The real misunderstanding is that people see blacks as poverty and as people who aren’t contributing to humanity in general and until we can come together as Africans, we will only be use and wouldn’t get credit for anything.

FPA: So, how is the COVID-19 situation in China?

Kesselly: China is getting better; however, the restrictions are still everywhere as the pandemic is not over. But shops been opened all through the outbreaks, there is enough food and other necessary supplies once there is money. There is also a very good level of understanding now between Africans here and their Chinese friends. I’m on most of the social groups with Africans in China, I’m also a part of some foreign social grouping apart from the African groups and I think it’s fine with those I have interacted with, though the regular teaching jobs are not available for now and those who had depended on teaching will find it difficult especially where there is lockdowns everywhere. In China foreign or international students enjoy the best facilities from government and are well protected, so I expect less of a complaint from the student’s community.

I think it’s under control but we got to remember how this virus started.  It was from a single person and to the rest of the world. China is still recording cases and that means no one should feel absolutely safe. We can only feel so, when we are vaccinated with a potent vaccine or when cure are readily available to us.

FPA: What is your message to Liberians back home?

Kesselly: My message to Liberians is keep safe the virus is real and deadly. The virus has brought powerful nations to their knees. We should not expect to play careless and think others would endanger their lives. Stay safe, constantly wash your hands with clean water and soap, keep a distance and follow all health Practices.

Like I have been saying to my followers on Facebook, the virus is nearly everywhere in the world, so if one plays careless, there wouldn’t be much help coming from those who been helping, there is already donor fatigue. The USA cut aid to WHO and other countries are equally fighting their own share of the pandemic. Liberia will have to manage her resources and stay safe.

Even after this pandemic, the hardship is likely to be around for a longer period.  The president should seek concerted efforts from all stakeholders, health, security, religious and Economists. We must fight the virus as us and not me. When I heard the President, Dr. George M. Weah saying “I worked with government” and that he had his own project to help Liberians, I think that is a mistake. The president is the leader; he should lead a joint effort that deal with a whole country, when you are the president of a nation, and your country is faced with a problem like this, you deal with it on national level and not doing personal projects. Even though the virus says stay apart, but logically we should work together by supporting one another.

Stakeholders should continue to re-strategize plans to meet the Liberians needs, supply chain must go closer to (markets) the people in communities. To ease the risk of spreading the virus.

FPA: How can you describe China’s relationship with Liberia? And what needs to be Done to improve it?

Kesselly: I think there is a great relationship between China and Liberia. We see lot of doing business between Liberia and China, through bilateral scholarship programs, a continue training of manpower who are contributing to the growth of Liberia. The truth is Liberia is a small country and China is like a continent, the relationship can never be equal; however, we need to set our own priorities straight. If you are going to negotiate, do not wait for the man you are negotiating with to set your priorities. They will work to obtain their agenda, we too must work to meet ours that is when win-win comes to play, else they will win and win.  China is leading the production of goods and services around the world. What do we want from their vest experience in industrial setups?  We need to look for a direction to push our country towards. We are a small country we cannot produce all we want but we can start producing some things and try to specialize in an area, in that, we could gain skills and efficiency.

Maybe we try furniture making, since we have so many wood, we could be an exporter of furniture instead of wood. Building partnership with a country like China needs critical thinkers. I always think, we continue to be exported by powerful nations because we don’t set our agenda straight. We could spend very little in training people in that area and create a better industry that will supply some of the best furniture around the world. It shouldn’t be like what we have done with the Firestone, I think if we wanted to learn what Firestone is doing with rubbers she takes from Liberia, instead we be thinking that Firestone think to build a factory in Liberia and implement for us. We would have trained people to work with rubber or tire and set up our own tire factory but after hundred years we are stay asking Firestone to build our people good housing units and so on, lets train people to do what those who come for our natural resources are doing with them. And as China is stay around in needs of resources from Liberia, lets identify our strength and train people who will work in there.

FPA: Any final word before we leave you?

My final message to our government and people, government, please try to send out ambassadors, the people you sent out there who are using your passports represent you, they could promote you or bring your moral down. Today if I do anything wrong in China, the news will be a Liberian man… if so many good people represent you, everyone will try to associate with your nationals. During this time of COVID-19, please try to work on things that will unite the people rather than divide them. We are one people, no matter the differences in ideas, whether it be political or religious, we are Liberians and should find a way to unify. 

And to those out there, please let’s respect ourselves so that others can respect us. Blacks are wonderful, we are so unique and people who come closer to us enjoy the experiences, if we are conscious of who we are and do what is right, in no time we will gain all the respect we need around the world. Africans should work together but let’s be positive and legal. I am called Blackman where I am, I am here legally, so if anyone with black eyes don’t want to see me cut your hair and burst your black eyes that make you to see me in the first place. I also want to use this time to say to Africans, lets overlook the artificial borders and work together, lets be honest with one another and build a strong African society. African Union should lookout to help in Weaker member nations who goes into trade negotiation with powerful countries, I think if Africans are speaking out for one another, we will be respected