Grand Cape Mount News Journal

15/02/2025

President Boakai Urges Reparations and African Unity at AU Summit

President Boakai of Liberia delivered a powerful address at the 38th AU Summit, emphasizing the importance of reparations for historical injustices.

He joined other African leaders in calling for justice for Africans and people of African descent.

President Boakai highlighted Liberia's unique ties to the struggle for reparations, emphasizing the need for unity and trust across Africa and the global African diaspora.

In addition to advocating for reparations, President Boakai praised the AU's support during Liberia's 2023 elections, which ensured a peaceful and transparent process.

He also welcomed the AU's endorsement of Liberia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council and called for continued support for African priorities such as peace, security, and economic development.

President Boakai outlined Liberia's ARREST Agenda, a plan focused on key areas such as agriculture, education, and tourism.

He reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to working with the AU and fellow African nations to build a prosperous and united continent.

President Boakai assured that Liberia would remain an active and committed partner in advancing the AU's agenda for a stronger Africa.
_02_15_25

04/02/2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut all funding to South Africa as a response to what he claims is a “massive” human rights violation against white people in the country.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his concerns about South Africa's new land expropriation law, accusing the country of treating certain classes of people very poorly.

The South African government has denied Trump's allegations, stating that the United States needs to better understand the purpose of the new law.

The law aims to address the long-lasting effects of apartheid, which ended in 1994, by redistributing land that was taken from the Black majority during that era.

However, Trump, a close ally of South African-born Elon Musk, has stood by his claims, echoing Musk's previous accusations against the South African government.

Experts in South Africa argue that while there have been cases of violence against white farmers, the issue is part of the country's larger problem of high crime rates in general.

The new law in South Africa allows the government to acquire land from private parties if it serves the public interest, leading some to fear that it could be used to target the white minority population.

South African officials have refuted these concerns, emphasizing that the law is a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in a fair and just manner.

The U.S. has been a significant contributor to South Africa's HIV/AIDS program through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), but that funding was already in jeopardy following Trump's freeze on foreign aid.

Despite Trump's criticism of South Africa's government in the past, the country remains a key trading partner for the U.S. in Africa.

Civil society groups in South Africa fear that Trump's proposed measures could negatively impact the country, urging him to direct any punitive actions towards government leaders rather than the general population.

Trump's previous claims about South Africa seizing land from white farmers and engaging in large-scale killings have been widely dismissed as false by local officials.
_02_04_25

01/02/2025

Severe food and water shortages threaten displaced Congolese amid escalating violence

Severe shortages of food and water are threatening the lives of thousands of people fleeing Eastern Congo amid escalating violence, according to World Food Program. The U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Congo highlighted that basic services are largely paralyzed in Goma, a humanitarian hub crucial for over 6 million people displaced by the conflict.

The camps for displaced persons on the outskirts of Goma, previously housing more than 300,000 people, have emptied due to the advancement of the Rwanda-backed rebels. Several WFP warehouses have been looted, limiting civilian access to food.

WFP spokesperson Shelley Thakral expressed concern, stating, “People are really running out of food, clean water, medical supplies, and that's a big concern.” She added that the supply chain has been strangled due to closed land and air access.

The priority for WFP is to secure staff safety and resume operations once security permits. The M23 rebels, backed by around 4,000 troops from Rwanda, are one of more than 100 armed groups competing for control in Congo’s mineral-rich east.

This recent violence is a sharp escalation in one of Africa’s longest wars, worsening a dire humanitarian crisis.

The rebels' offensive has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, adding to the 1 million already displaced in Goma and overwhelming hospitals with civilians wounded in the crossfire.

Credit: Africanews

01/02/2025

SADC leaders agree to maintain peacekeeping forces in eastern DRC

At an extraordinary meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, SADC leaders reaffirmed their support for the Congolese forces.

The decision to maintain peacekeeping forces in eastern DR Congo was made after Rwanda-backed rebels seized the regional hub.

The group's chairman, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, called for “bold” and "decisive steps” to boost the force’s capacity.

The SADC military mission suffered heavy losses last week, with around a dozen soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania killed as the M23 rebels seized control of Goma.

The rebels have expressed their intention to take their fight to the far-off capital, Kinshasa, while Congo’s president has called for a massive military mobilization to resist the rebellion.

30/10/2024

Date : October 30, 2024

Honorable Minister of Education
Republic of Liberia

Dear Honorable Minister,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and parent regarding the recent irregularities in the administration of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams in Liberia.

As you are well aware, there have been widespread reports of students questions booklet papers being taken then answer sheets ( shading papers)and which have cast doubt on the integrity of the results.

While I understand the need to ensure the credibility of the exam process, I am deeply concerned about the impact that this will have on the affected students in public schools.

Many of them have worked hard throughout the year and deserve to graduate and move on to the next stage of their education.

I urge you, Honorable Minister, to consider allowing public schools in Liberia to graduate their students based on their performance in other subjects, rather than relying solely on the results of the WAEC exams as private schools are also part of this situation but are graduating their students.

These students should not be penalized for the actions of WAEC's fault.

By allowing them to graduate, you will be ensuring that they are not deprived of the opportunity to further their education and pursue their dreams.

I understand that maintaining the integrity of the education system is of utmost importance, but I believe that it is also important to consider the welfare and future of the students who have been affected by these irregularities.

I trust that you will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves and take the necessary steps to ensure that these students are not unfairly punished.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to a positive resolution to this matter.

Yours sincerely,
Clarence T. Barjibo

13/10/2024

The Ministry of Education in Grand Cape Mount county is set to distribute $32,000USD worth of instructional materials to public schools.

County Education officer , Mr. Elijah Freeman, stated that the supplies aim to improve school capacity and enhance learning quality.

However, he warned school administrators to use the materials responsibly to avoid misappropriation.

Among the instructional materials to be distributed are reams of sheets, boxes of chalk, poster sheets, teachers' attendance records, and more.

Freeman commended the Minister of Education for supporting the educational system in Grand Cape Mount county and Liberia as a whole.
_10_13_24

03/10/2024

03/10/2024

Principal Expresses Concern Over Limited seating Capacity at Sinje Public High school

The Principal of Sinje Public High School, Edwin S. Balo, has expressed concern over the limited seating capacity at the institution.

Balo highlighted that this shortage has led to students fighting over chairs, ultimately disrupting classes.

Calling on the Ministry of Education for support, Balo emphasized the necessity of providing an adequate number of chairs to create a conducive learning environment.

In response, students at the school have voiced their concerns, underscoring the urgent need for the administration and the Parent-Teacher Association to address the seating capacity issue.

They shared the difficulties they face in finding seating after preparing for class, stating that the lack of chairs hinders their learning experience.

Moreover, students condemned instances of bullying during class time and urged the administration to take decisive action against those involved in such behavior to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all.
_10_03_24

01/10/2024

IVLP Alumni Takes New Initiative To Establish Press Club In Cape Mount

IVLP Alumni Jenneh Kemokai has taken a new initiative by establishing a press club in Grand Cape Mount county.

Kemokai addressed a group of emerging young journalists at Sinje Public High School, urging them to stay focused and passionate about the field as it can lead to positive improvements.

Reflecting on her own experience, Kemokai shared how joining a press club in grade school had a huge impact on her life, even taking her out of Liberia.

As the manager of Radio Cape Mount, Kemokai emphasized the importance of journalism to the students, encouraging them to pursue their interests in the field.
_10_01_24

29/09/2024

Mother Forces 15-Year-Old Daughter to Drink Custy

A shocking incident occurred in Sinje Town as a mother forced her 15-year-old daughter to drink custy.

The victim revealed that her mother accused her of witchcraft and blamed her for issues in her relationship.

In a terrifying turn of events, the mother threatened the young girl with a cutlass if she refused to drink the custy.

As a result, the victim has been hospitalized at the Sinje Health Center for treatment.

Authorities have apprehended the mother, who is currently under investigation for her actions.

The incident has caused significant concern and fear among residents of Sinje Town in Garwula District, Grand Cape Mount County.
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28/09/2024

Hon. Dosii Emphasizes Crucial Need For Women Empowerment

Hon. Mohammed Dosii, the District #2 lawmaker of Grand Cape Mount county, has emphasized the crucial need for empowering women in the county.

During the dedication of the Sinje Health Center, he expressed his concern over the disparity between the use of funds, such as the US$45,000.00 spent on a car, and the dire living conditions faced by women.

In a move to support women's groups, Hon. Dosii provided a total of US$6,000.00 last week, with plans for an additional US$10,000.00 in the near future.

He recounted a visit to Robertsport, where he witnessed women being exploited by fishermen, further solidifying his commitment to their empowerment.

In an effort to give back to his constituents, Dosii allocated funds to pay school fees for 1,200 students, along with essential supplies like copybooks and backpacks.

As part of his long-term plan, he intends to cover the tuition costs for 2,000 students annually, ensuring a tangible impact on the community.

Hon. Dosii has acquired 10 canoe engines from China to enable the women of Robertsport.

He extended his gratitude to Liberians living in America, recognizing their hard work and financial contributions to support their homeland.

The District #2 Lawmaker, commended the efforts of NACA and its US$31,000.00 project, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those working abroad.

He urged the audience to appreciate and support the endeavors of those striving to improve conditions in their home country.
_09_28_24

15/09/2024

Sen. Taylor Attributes Poor Development To The Lateness Of Churches

Grand Cape Mount county Senator Simeon Taylor believes that the late arrival of Churches in the county has contributed to poor development.

He expressed this sentiment during the official launch of the Garwula Christian Association, stating that if Churches had arrived earlier, there would be more development in the county.

Senator Taylor emphasized the pivotal roles that Churches have played in the development of Liberia, noting the positive impact on other counties such as Montserrado, Nimba, and Grand Bassa.

He specifically mentioned the Episcopalians, Methodists, Catholics, among others, for their contributions to Liberia's development.

Encouraging the association and its members to support the county's developmental agenda, Sen. Taylor promised to provide financial support by giving a $1,000.00USD cheque to the association and $700.00USD to Sinje Pentecostal.

In addition to emphasizing his commitment to building the capacity of Capemountenanes and advancing the development agenda of the county, the Senator reiterated his dedication to supporting the Christian community.

The Chairperson of the Association, Solomon, expressed gratitude to Senator Taylor for his support and stressed the importance of unity among Christians and within the association.

He highlighted unity as essential for growth and development within the community.
_15_09_24

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