By: Dr. Lawrence A. Zumo, U.S.A
Have you interacted with someone who has mental illness? There is a high possibility that you have, and that’s because the prevalence rate of mental disorders is increasing throughout the world. In 2010, WHO reports that around 450 million people experience mental or behavioral disorders (WHO 2010) Given the increasing rate of mental illness or mental disorders, you may have interacted with someone with mental illness. If so, during your interaction with that person, you may have noticed that that person is unable to recognize and understand other’s feelings from facial expressions, or carry on a conversation and stay on topic. That’s because mental illness has to do with the mind. Since mental illness has to do with the mind, don’t be surprised if you notice that a person diagnosed with mental illness may not recognize the fact that something is wrong with them.
Mental illness is as serious as any medical condition. Unfortunately the lay public (and some unenlightened educated) not seeing physical injury down plays mental illness, with serious consequences. Mental illness is not as a result of personal or individual weakness or poor upbringing. It can affect any person any time irrespective of age, race, religion or income. Of course, there are cultural specific mental illnesses, eg. anorexia nervosa in Western countries, koro in African and Oriental societies but there are common threads that run through all mental illnesses.. To meaningfully assess and treat mental illness, the afflicted person’s primary language and culture are important mileposts. It is also important to note that there are some mental illnesses, which are irrespective of culture, ie. schizophrenia which has a worldwide prevalence of about 1%. Thus resources must be made available to treat mental illnesses, the same as would be done for medical illnesses.
In many third world countries, supernatural beliefs and “over religiousity” contrary to scientific understanding mask mental illness even more . These along with social stigma makes this a tough disease to control or cure in many African societies. Public mental health education is seriously needed. (For example, epilepsy suffered a similar fate in developed countries several decades ago but with concerted professional and public health education, that is no longer the case here. A key breakthrough came when the public was made to understand that epilepsy was not contagious!).
The treatment of serious mental illness today are highly effective, if taken serious, treated with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial therapies as well as supports, not stigmatization or joking about. Nowadays approximately 70 to 90% of afflicted individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life, if treated early and consistently.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with or without rapid cycling, post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder like kleptomania, borderline personality disorder, sexual paraphilas, bestiality, “theft addicts”, etc and other conditions that are grouped under criminal insanity.
The causes of mental illnesses are numerous. Among them: family history or genetics, neurochemical imbalances, external factors such as trauma (as in postwar countries), disease or injury, exogenous drugs, life experiences and poor coping mechanisms, societal and cultural maladaptive processes, and abnormal neuropsychological factors.
The WHO (World Health Organization) reports that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed nations are mental illnesses and projects that by 2020 (ie 8 yrs from now), the leading cause of disability in the entire world and children will be major depressive illness. Just imagine Liberia, post war, with either lip service or no service to treating mental illnesses. It must be made clear that attending church or “laying of the hands and prayers by reverends” will not cut it. These just delay the inevitable. Afflicted individuals need clinical help not religious help, contrary to the current trend in Liberia.
Recovery from mental illness is accelerated and further harm related to the course of mental illness is minimized if early identification and clinical treatment are promptly instituted. However without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society at large are staggering and can be devastating: unnecessary disability, unemployment, hard core substance abuse and the crimes that comes with it, homelessness, suicide, wasted lives, potentially dangerous dissociative disorders (that is currently so rampant in Liberia, via personal interviews and communications, 2/4/2012) and more worrisome, increase in violent crimes and tendency to general open hostilities tilting us back to civil war.
The problem is further compounded if you have a ministry of health (headed by a surgeon- a big no, no in any forward thinking society after such a horrific and horrendous national calamity) that is unable to appropriately stratify and prioritize these medical and mental health needs of the society. Thus you will get what you get-ie more tragedy, more danger for all and a lurking time bomb.
“The focus of the DDRR program (Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration) was just to get the arms away from the excombatants and now we are experiencing the repercussions of a failed demobilization program relating to the psychosocial needs and mental well being of the excombatants. The repercussion is glaring in the streets of Monrovia, the capital city and the rest of the 15 political subdivisions where young girls and boys, women and men roam and ramble crazy in the streets while ghettos continue to be crammed by the day with hopeless wild youths, who regard marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs and harmful substances as forms of appeasement for their mental torment.”- Dr. Benjamin Harris, 2008, IRIN News.
To add to that toxic mix is someone with ill intent to program these kids like the zombie “Manchurian candidate”, and the next thing we hear is pooffff and there we all go again, that is all of us this time around!!!
Forewarned is forearmed. We can’t wish mental illness and its consequences away. Prayers will not cut it either. For if that were so, all those decades of prayers and with the plethora of churches all over Liberia currently , we should have been able to cure mental illnesses thru these routes every since. No lip service, no criminal diversion of funds, roll up our sleeves and we all pitch in. Not the usual Liberian way of impugning the patriotism of others and riding them on a guilt shake down trip. That just won’t work. Many are shining their eyes more than ever before. Those who are paid the bucks to do these things must start the genuine efforts and then the rest of the population will follow. Not the other way around, as usual.
Need I say more?
Lawrence A. Zumo, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
Member, American & European Academy of Neurology
International Advisory Board Member, Journal of Parkinsonism & Restless Legs Syndrome, www.jprls.org
Friday, February 17, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
LTA’S Introduction of the International Gateway Measuring System
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IGM about?
When it is introduced the data generated by International Gateways Measuring Solution will allow the LTA to measure the quality of service, volume of international incoming traffic flow, audit revenues generated by International Incoming calls and detect fraudulent use of sim boxes, among other purposes.
Is it true that raising termination rates will cause the international incoming traffic to decrease, resulting in a loss of revenue both for the local operators and the State?
Several African countries have adopted the same policy on the termination rates of international incoming calls as Liberia. Among them: Guinea, the Central African Republic, Congo and Ghana. In these countries, the international incoming traffic have remained stable and even experienced substantial increases. In Ghana, the highest total monthly volume of traffic was recorded in August 2011; more than a year after the price-setting policy was adopted.
Indeed, if this policy had a negative impact on the international incoming traffic, an increasing downward trend would have been observed in the four countries mentioned above. Yet, the figures show the opposite.
Thus, the policy on the termination rates has no negative impact on the volumes of traffic. In other words, it does not affect how often people living abroad call Liberia, nor does it affect the number of minutes they dedicate to each communication.
In the African countries where this termination rate policy is in place, some operators may acknowledge that the international traffic has not decreased, but they say that the actual volume of traffic does not catch up with the increase in their customer-base and their network extensions. They complain they are not getting the much higher traffic they could expect because of the adverse impact of the high termination rate.”
This statement disregards three important facts that do not have anything to do with the price-setting policy on the termination of international calls.
Firstly, if the price-setting policy on the termination of international calls really affected the growth of international traffic on the networks of operators in the countries in question, one would notice a significant difference between the international traffic volumes of countries that still have not adopted the policy and the international traffic volumes of the countries that have. Yet, no statistically significant difference has been recorded in that respect.
Secondly, there is always a traffic distribution factor. In a community where the number of subscribers to mobile services is limited, the number of calls received on each line will inevitably be higher than in a community where the number of subscribers is higher. A person who used a relative or friend’s telephone to make and receive calls now uses his or her own, thus causing the number of calls made and received on the other telephone to decrease accordingly. Operators must therefore take this distribution factor into account when making traffic projections based on an increase in their customer-base.
In the whole of Africa, including in Liberia, a downward trend in the Average Revenue per User (ARPU) has been observed for a few years. This trend is due to several factors, specifically the fierce competition on prices, which has led to a substantial decrease in tariffs. The traffic distribution factor also played a role in this situation.
Thirdly, the impact of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): traditional operators across the world have seen their share of the telephone traffic decrease to the advantage of VoIP providers. The impact of VoIP is admittedly less important in Africa due to lower Internet penetration, but is more and more present as a result of the rapid development of mobile Internet, which makes it possible to access VoIP via Smartphones.
From 2005 to 2010, Skype-to-Skype communications grew much more than traditional telephone traffic, which also grew, but at a lower growth rate.
With the fiber optic development and the broader access to the Internet in Liberia in the near future, VoIP is expected to have an increasing impact on the growth in international traffic for the local traditional operators. So the IGM should not be misleadingly used as the reason for reduction in inbound traffic.
The operators and the GSMA say they have studies showing that the surcharge on international incoming calls has very negative impact on the revenues of the sector and impedes its development. (This assertion seems to be the conclusion of the Deloitte & Touche study commissioned in 2011.)
The studies on the potential impact of the surcharge of termination rates on the telecom sector in Africa are scarce and mostly based, not on an independent analysis of the operators’ traffic data, but rather on interviews with the same operators. For example, the Deloitte & Touche 2011 study commissioned by the GSM Association was actually based on comments and views expressed by African operators, as explained in the preamble of the study. Deloitte & Touche also stated in the same study that they do not guarantee the reliability of the statistics on which they based the study.
Actually, there is a lack of reliable statistics on international traffic data. The collection of these reliable statistics is precisely one of the many benefits of a system such as the International Gateway Measuring system being implemented by the LTA.
Some service providers are claiming that “Liberians living abroad will pay much more to call their families in Liberia.”
Supporting such a claim shows that one underestimates the importance of the law of supply and demand and the impact of competition on the international long-distance calls market. These two factors will have a crucial influence on whether or not a foreign operator will decide to pass on the termination rate increase to the retail rates of its prepaid cards or subscriptions. A foreign company has no interest in passing on this increase, as its customers would very likely be poached (or taken over) by one of its many competitors that might accept a slight decrease in the profit margin they make on the destination.
It is important that the following two things be understood: firstly, despite the increase of the termination rate in Liberia, companies based in Europe and in the Unites States will keep on making large profit margins on the Liberian destination. Secondly, fierce competition and the law of supply and demand mean that consumers living abroad will always benefit from competitive rates to call Liberia, particularly in very competitive markets such as North America and Europe. They will always have the option to not pay more than they currently do, or even to pay less.
In any case, we live in an interconnected world. This means that there are a multitude of possible routes to reach a destination and that the cheaper routes are always preferred by inbound callers.
Soon, when the IGM comes on stream in Liberia, people from the Diaspora who use heavily discounted pre-paid calling cards may see some positive difference after the implementation of the anti-fraud system, as a result of the International Gateways Monitoring System.
In general, analyses show that the implementation of the termination rates policy does not in itself significantly increase the costs of expatriate calls placed through legal channels. In other words, the rates for calls legally placed overseas remain stable. At the same time, because the system provides effective means to prevent international calling fraud, an increasing number of calls that were routed through grey market channels will henceforth be routed legally but will cost a bit more than overseas calls that are masked as local traffic by fraudulent operators.
Diaspora callers who are looking for the best possible rates may be unaware of this illicit practice and are often fooled into buying heavily discounted prepaid calling cards that provide extremely poor call quality and are ultimately not worth their reduced cost.
To be sure, the IGM system being put in place by the LTA will fight fraud, increase revenue not only for the State but also for the very Liberian service operators (some of whom are wrongly frowning on its use), and significantly improve the quality of service for the generality of Liberians who receive calls from their relatives living abroad.
It is further claimed that “Raising termination rates contravenes international telecom regulations and agreements that stipulate that interconnection rates must be cost-oriented.”
This is simply not true. Firstly, the surcharge on the termination rate is not something that is set by the operators themselves, as part of their settlement with their foreign counterparts. It is a government policy.
Secondly, ITU’s (International Telecommunications Union’s) Recommendation D.156 on network externalities clearly states that termination rates can include an increment imposed by governments and regulatory authorities to be used as a funding mechanism for universal service and development—which will enable affordable access to telecommunications services to the general population.
What about the view by some that “Foreign countries will respond to the new termination rates by applying reciprocity.”
It is the right of any sovereign country to adopt its own pricing policies with respect to international incoming calls. In Africa, termination rates are much higher than in North America, for example. Liberia is following a regional trend. Pricing policies in Africa reflect different national contexts and market conditions, such as the huge differences in teledensity (measurement of how many telephones are available), per capita income, international telecommunications trade balance, etc.
For all these reasons, although the ITU recommends that termination rates be cost-oriented, it does acknowledge that these interconnection rates are a big issue for developing countries, particularly in Africa. The ITU states that the universal access, in developing countries, requires an asymmetric approach. To quote a document published by the ITU’s Secretariat in October 1998: “the subsidies made from high teledensity economies to low teledensity ones should be unilateral, and should not carry the expectation of reciprocal treatment”.
How and why did the LTA choose Global Voices Group (GVG) for the IGM solution in Liberia?”
The LTA issued a world-wide request for proposal that was answered by 14 companies, including GVG. Of these 14 companies, 5 made a formal presentation. The LTA was looking for a provider with proven experience in the implementation of International Gateways Measuring Systems and with the technical and financial capacity to provide its solution according to a Build-Operate-Transfer Model.
GVG met all of these criteria, and is currently providing the very same solution to several other countries in Africa.
Alarms about confidentiality and privacy; for example, some claim that “The IGMS is a spy machine. It will be used to do tapping”.
The IGMS cannot be used to do tapping. Monitoring or tapping conversations is not the purpose of the solution; in fact, it does not even have the technical capacity to spy on anyone’s communications. The content of any phone calls remains totally inaccessible through the IGMS. The system only captures the signaling data, i.e.: data such as quality of service (QoS) indicators, volumes of calls, percentage of successful connections, etc. In addition to all these, the LTA Act of 2007 prohibits any such act by anyone without applying due process.
Published by the Public and Consumer Affairs Department of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Monrovia, Liberia
What is the IGM about?
When it is introduced the data generated by International Gateways Measuring Solution will allow the LTA to measure the quality of service, volume of international incoming traffic flow, audit revenues generated by International Incoming calls and detect fraudulent use of sim boxes, among other purposes.
Is it true that raising termination rates will cause the international incoming traffic to decrease, resulting in a loss of revenue both for the local operators and the State?
Several African countries have adopted the same policy on the termination rates of international incoming calls as Liberia. Among them: Guinea, the Central African Republic, Congo and Ghana. In these countries, the international incoming traffic have remained stable and even experienced substantial increases. In Ghana, the highest total monthly volume of traffic was recorded in August 2011; more than a year after the price-setting policy was adopted.
Indeed, if this policy had a negative impact on the international incoming traffic, an increasing downward trend would have been observed in the four countries mentioned above. Yet, the figures show the opposite.
Thus, the policy on the termination rates has no negative impact on the volumes of traffic. In other words, it does not affect how often people living abroad call Liberia, nor does it affect the number of minutes they dedicate to each communication.
In the African countries where this termination rate policy is in place, some operators may acknowledge that the international traffic has not decreased, but they say that the actual volume of traffic does not catch up with the increase in their customer-base and their network extensions. They complain they are not getting the much higher traffic they could expect because of the adverse impact of the high termination rate.”
This statement disregards three important facts that do not have anything to do with the price-setting policy on the termination of international calls.
Firstly, if the price-setting policy on the termination of international calls really affected the growth of international traffic on the networks of operators in the countries in question, one would notice a significant difference between the international traffic volumes of countries that still have not adopted the policy and the international traffic volumes of the countries that have. Yet, no statistically significant difference has been recorded in that respect.
Secondly, there is always a traffic distribution factor. In a community where the number of subscribers to mobile services is limited, the number of calls received on each line will inevitably be higher than in a community where the number of subscribers is higher. A person who used a relative or friend’s telephone to make and receive calls now uses his or her own, thus causing the number of calls made and received on the other telephone to decrease accordingly. Operators must therefore take this distribution factor into account when making traffic projections based on an increase in their customer-base.
In the whole of Africa, including in Liberia, a downward trend in the Average Revenue per User (ARPU) has been observed for a few years. This trend is due to several factors, specifically the fierce competition on prices, which has led to a substantial decrease in tariffs. The traffic distribution factor also played a role in this situation.
Thirdly, the impact of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): traditional operators across the world have seen their share of the telephone traffic decrease to the advantage of VoIP providers. The impact of VoIP is admittedly less important in Africa due to lower Internet penetration, but is more and more present as a result of the rapid development of mobile Internet, which makes it possible to access VoIP via Smartphones.
From 2005 to 2010, Skype-to-Skype communications grew much more than traditional telephone traffic, which also grew, but at a lower growth rate.
With the fiber optic development and the broader access to the Internet in Liberia in the near future, VoIP is expected to have an increasing impact on the growth in international traffic for the local traditional operators. So the IGM should not be misleadingly used as the reason for reduction in inbound traffic.
The operators and the GSMA say they have studies showing that the surcharge on international incoming calls has very negative impact on the revenues of the sector and impedes its development. (This assertion seems to be the conclusion of the Deloitte & Touche study commissioned in 2011.)
The studies on the potential impact of the surcharge of termination rates on the telecom sector in Africa are scarce and mostly based, not on an independent analysis of the operators’ traffic data, but rather on interviews with the same operators. For example, the Deloitte & Touche 2011 study commissioned by the GSM Association was actually based on comments and views expressed by African operators, as explained in the preamble of the study. Deloitte & Touche also stated in the same study that they do not guarantee the reliability of the statistics on which they based the study.
Actually, there is a lack of reliable statistics on international traffic data. The collection of these reliable statistics is precisely one of the many benefits of a system such as the International Gateway Measuring system being implemented by the LTA.
Some service providers are claiming that “Liberians living abroad will pay much more to call their families in Liberia.”
Supporting such a claim shows that one underestimates the importance of the law of supply and demand and the impact of competition on the international long-distance calls market. These two factors will have a crucial influence on whether or not a foreign operator will decide to pass on the termination rate increase to the retail rates of its prepaid cards or subscriptions. A foreign company has no interest in passing on this increase, as its customers would very likely be poached (or taken over) by one of its many competitors that might accept a slight decrease in the profit margin they make on the destination.
It is important that the following two things be understood: firstly, despite the increase of the termination rate in Liberia, companies based in Europe and in the Unites States will keep on making large profit margins on the Liberian destination. Secondly, fierce competition and the law of supply and demand mean that consumers living abroad will always benefit from competitive rates to call Liberia, particularly in very competitive markets such as North America and Europe. They will always have the option to not pay more than they currently do, or even to pay less.
In any case, we live in an interconnected world. This means that there are a multitude of possible routes to reach a destination and that the cheaper routes are always preferred by inbound callers.
Soon, when the IGM comes on stream in Liberia, people from the Diaspora who use heavily discounted pre-paid calling cards may see some positive difference after the implementation of the anti-fraud system, as a result of the International Gateways Monitoring System.
In general, analyses show that the implementation of the termination rates policy does not in itself significantly increase the costs of expatriate calls placed through legal channels. In other words, the rates for calls legally placed overseas remain stable. At the same time, because the system provides effective means to prevent international calling fraud, an increasing number of calls that were routed through grey market channels will henceforth be routed legally but will cost a bit more than overseas calls that are masked as local traffic by fraudulent operators.
Diaspora callers who are looking for the best possible rates may be unaware of this illicit practice and are often fooled into buying heavily discounted prepaid calling cards that provide extremely poor call quality and are ultimately not worth their reduced cost.
To be sure, the IGM system being put in place by the LTA will fight fraud, increase revenue not only for the State but also for the very Liberian service operators (some of whom are wrongly frowning on its use), and significantly improve the quality of service for the generality of Liberians who receive calls from their relatives living abroad.
It is further claimed that “Raising termination rates contravenes international telecom regulations and agreements that stipulate that interconnection rates must be cost-oriented.”
This is simply not true. Firstly, the surcharge on the termination rate is not something that is set by the operators themselves, as part of their settlement with their foreign counterparts. It is a government policy.
Secondly, ITU’s (International Telecommunications Union’s) Recommendation D.156 on network externalities clearly states that termination rates can include an increment imposed by governments and regulatory authorities to be used as a funding mechanism for universal service and development—which will enable affordable access to telecommunications services to the general population.
What about the view by some that “Foreign countries will respond to the new termination rates by applying reciprocity.”
It is the right of any sovereign country to adopt its own pricing policies with respect to international incoming calls. In Africa, termination rates are much higher than in North America, for example. Liberia is following a regional trend. Pricing policies in Africa reflect different national contexts and market conditions, such as the huge differences in teledensity (measurement of how many telephones are available), per capita income, international telecommunications trade balance, etc.
For all these reasons, although the ITU recommends that termination rates be cost-oriented, it does acknowledge that these interconnection rates are a big issue for developing countries, particularly in Africa. The ITU states that the universal access, in developing countries, requires an asymmetric approach. To quote a document published by the ITU’s Secretariat in October 1998: “the subsidies made from high teledensity economies to low teledensity ones should be unilateral, and should not carry the expectation of reciprocal treatment”.
How and why did the LTA choose Global Voices Group (GVG) for the IGM solution in Liberia?”
The LTA issued a world-wide request for proposal that was answered by 14 companies, including GVG. Of these 14 companies, 5 made a formal presentation. The LTA was looking for a provider with proven experience in the implementation of International Gateways Measuring Systems and with the technical and financial capacity to provide its solution according to a Build-Operate-Transfer Model.
GVG met all of these criteria, and is currently providing the very same solution to several other countries in Africa.
Alarms about confidentiality and privacy; for example, some claim that “The IGMS is a spy machine. It will be used to do tapping”.
The IGMS cannot be used to do tapping. Monitoring or tapping conversations is not the purpose of the solution; in fact, it does not even have the technical capacity to spy on anyone’s communications. The content of any phone calls remains totally inaccessible through the IGMS. The system only captures the signaling data, i.e.: data such as quality of service (QoS) indicators, volumes of calls, percentage of successful connections, etc. In addition to all these, the LTA Act of 2007 prohibits any such act by anyone without applying due process.
Published by the Public and Consumer Affairs Department of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Monrovia, Liberia
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Top Liberian Female Journalist Upbeat About Development Here
Top Liberian Female Journalist Upbeat About Development Here
Wednesday, 25 January 2012 10:54 Our Reporter
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A prominent Liberian female journalist, Madam Musu Haddad, has said the transition has finally taken place in Liberia following many years of political unrest. With this hopeful achievement, Journalist Haddad, who recently returned home from the United States of America (USA), said it is now time that all Liberians join hands in making sure that the country succeeds in its development initiatives. In a weekend interview with this paper in Monrovia, the Liberian female said she will use her acquired professional skills in contributing to the rebuilding process of her country.
Hear Journalist Haddad: “My stay in the United States has taught me the role to play in the rebuilding process of Liberia. I will use my acquired skills professionally in helping to make Liberia a better place to be.”
“As a journalist, who advocates for human rights, I want to see equal participation of people that will ensure the transition that can positively affect their lives.” She continued.
According to her, the time has come for Liberians to be informed about things that positively affect their lives, adding that this will help make Liberia a better place where everyone can live and enjoy.
Counting on her contributions towards development and peace building, she said she helped to draw international attention to the human right abuses “carried out by former President Charles Taylor”.
This, Journalist Hadadd pointed out, also contributed to the peace the nation is enjoying today.
Meanwhile, the Liberian female journalist has won several local and international awards in journalism.
She won the Hellman/Hammett Human Rights Watch Award in New York, USA in 2002, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area Human Rights Award in Washington DC, USA, in 2001, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Journalist of the Year Award in Monrovia in 1999 and Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Photo Journalist of the Year in Monrovia in 1999 among others.
Published in The Heritage Newspaper. Republished with permission from The Heritage:
http://heritageliberia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1060:-top-liberian-female-journalist-upbeat-about-development-here-&catid=52:general-news
Wednesday, 25 January 2012 10:54 Our Reporter
Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on email Share on print More Sharing Services 0
A prominent Liberian female journalist, Madam Musu Haddad, has said the transition has finally taken place in Liberia following many years of political unrest. With this hopeful achievement, Journalist Haddad, who recently returned home from the United States of America (USA), said it is now time that all Liberians join hands in making sure that the country succeeds in its development initiatives. In a weekend interview with this paper in Monrovia, the Liberian female said she will use her acquired professional skills in contributing to the rebuilding process of her country.
Hear Journalist Haddad: “My stay in the United States has taught me the role to play in the rebuilding process of Liberia. I will use my acquired skills professionally in helping to make Liberia a better place to be.”
“As a journalist, who advocates for human rights, I want to see equal participation of people that will ensure the transition that can positively affect their lives.” She continued.
According to her, the time has come for Liberians to be informed about things that positively affect their lives, adding that this will help make Liberia a better place where everyone can live and enjoy.
Counting on her contributions towards development and peace building, she said she helped to draw international attention to the human right abuses “carried out by former President Charles Taylor”.
This, Journalist Hadadd pointed out, also contributed to the peace the nation is enjoying today.
Meanwhile, the Liberian female journalist has won several local and international awards in journalism.
She won the Hellman/Hammett Human Rights Watch Award in New York, USA in 2002, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area Human Rights Award in Washington DC, USA, in 2001, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Journalist of the Year Award in Monrovia in 1999 and Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Photo Journalist of the Year in Monrovia in 1999 among others.
Published in The Heritage Newspaper. Republished with permission from The Heritage:
http://heritageliberia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1060:-top-liberian-female-journalist-upbeat-about-development-here-&catid=52:general-news
Monday, January 9, 2012
Liberia's Arts and Crafts Celebration
Annual Event at the U.S. Embassy
Recently, the Embassy of the United States of America held its Second Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition, featuring Liberian arts and crafts. The Embassy’s annual Arts & Craft Exhibition celebrates Liberian artists and showcases the best of Liberian Arts and Crafts.
The event also provided an opportunity for members of the Diplomatic Corps and of the NGO community, the public at large, Embassy employees, and friends of the Embassy to purchase arts and crafts, including paintings, quilts, and other art works directly from the artists who produce them. The occasion further provided an outstanding opportunity for participants to come out and enjoy a festive day highlighted by cultural activities, and ethnic food.
The event was a reflection of the United States Embassy’s support for the work of Liberia’s artists, as can be seen hanging on Embassy building, including homes artworks by Liberian artists..
The U.S. Embassy’s Annual Arts & Craft Celebration takes place at the compound of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section at Mamba Point in Monrovia. The Celebration brings together artists, and supporters of artists from all walks of life.
Annual Event at the U.S. Embassy
U.S. Ambassador, Ms. Linda Greenfield (right) was also at the Annual event
Arts and crafts at the celebration came from a wide range of artists.
Samples of Paintings displayed at the Event
Hand bags made from calabash and other local products
Liberian Artists showcase their talents and entertain 
Recently, the Embassy of the United States of America held its Second Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition, featuring Liberian arts and crafts. The Embassy’s annual Arts & Craft Exhibition celebrates Liberian artists and showcases the best of Liberian Arts and Crafts.
The event also provided an opportunity for members of the Diplomatic Corps and of the NGO community, the public at large, Embassy employees, and friends of the Embassy to purchase arts and crafts, including paintings, quilts, and other art works directly from the artists who produce them. The occasion further provided an outstanding opportunity for participants to come out and enjoy a festive day highlighted by cultural activities, and ethnic food.
The event was a reflection of the United States Embassy’s support for the work of Liberia’s artists, as can be seen hanging on Embassy building, including homes artworks by Liberian artists..
The U.S. Embassy’s Annual Arts & Craft Celebration takes place at the compound of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section at Mamba Point in Monrovia. The Celebration brings together artists, and supporters of artists from all walks of life.
Annual Event at the U.S. Embassy
U.S. Ambassador, Ms. Linda Greenfield (right) was also at the Annual event
Arts and crafts at the celebration came from a wide range of artists.
Samples of Paintings displayed at the Event
Hand bags made from calabash and other local products
Liberian Artists showcase their talents and entertain 
Monday, January 2, 2012
Barracuda – A New World in Liberia
By: Musue Haddad
For a long time Westernized Liberians returning home have had to worry about where they would take their kids to enjoy outdoor activity that are apparently a part of their kids leisure lives in America and Europe.
But it appears that Liberians returning home can begin to feel at ease when it comes to places of leisure and entertainment for the whole family. In the same way, visitors can also feel at home in Liberia. Barracuda Marine Leisure club on the Roberts Field Highway has a lot to offer kids, including Water parks, Boat rides, swings, slides, plus more. That was evident during the Christmas and New Year’s celebration.
Even though Barracuda doesn’t have the water splash in Atlanta, Georgia’s rocky mountain, or Pennsylvania Doney Park fast speed ride, or Florida’s rocket, but Barracuda brings to parents and kids a whole new sense of satisfaction that is growing weekly. A visit to Barracuda over the last few weeks shows a gradually change –a new addition weekly that is attraction more customers, and an indication that soon, Liberia will have a part of America and Europe.
In addition to the play activities, Barracuda also has a lot more to offer including the fast food that is a part of the menu most families including burgers, French fries, hot dog, cookies, etc. However, the meal at Barracuda is not only appealing, but much tastier. Unlike other fast food places outside Liberia where the meals are processed, pre-prepared in large amount and stored, at Barracuda, the products are not only grown locally, but each meal is freshly prepared.
Water Park enjoyed by all Kids 
Slides and rides for kids 
Morgan Celebrates her birthday at Barracuda 
At Barracuda, kids do have fun
Yummy 
Great time for the family 
While kids play, parents have time to interact and take it "cool"
For a long time Westernized Liberians returning home have had to worry about where they would take their kids to enjoy outdoor activity that are apparently a part of their kids leisure lives in America and Europe.
But it appears that Liberians returning home can begin to feel at ease when it comes to places of leisure and entertainment for the whole family. In the same way, visitors can also feel at home in Liberia. Barracuda Marine Leisure club on the Roberts Field Highway has a lot to offer kids, including Water parks, Boat rides, swings, slides, plus more. That was evident during the Christmas and New Year’s celebration.
Even though Barracuda doesn’t have the water splash in Atlanta, Georgia’s rocky mountain, or Pennsylvania Doney Park fast speed ride, or Florida’s rocket, but Barracuda brings to parents and kids a whole new sense of satisfaction that is growing weekly. A visit to Barracuda over the last few weeks shows a gradually change –a new addition weekly that is attraction more customers, and an indication that soon, Liberia will have a part of America and Europe.
In addition to the play activities, Barracuda also has a lot more to offer including the fast food that is a part of the menu most families including burgers, French fries, hot dog, cookies, etc. However, the meal at Barracuda is not only appealing, but much tastier. Unlike other fast food places outside Liberia where the meals are processed, pre-prepared in large amount and stored, at Barracuda, the products are not only grown locally, but each meal is freshly prepared.
Water Park enjoyed by all Kids 
Slides and rides for kids 
Morgan Celebrates her birthday at Barracuda 
At Barracuda, kids do have fun
Yummy 
Great time for the family 
While kids play, parents have time to interact and take it "cool"
Thursday, December 22, 2011
LTA Regrets Cellcom's Action
Liberia Telecommunications Authority
Monrovia, Liberia
PRESS RELEASE
Monrovia, Liberia -- Thursday December 20, 2011: The Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is expressing regrets that the GSM service provider Cellcom, has refused to submit to Interconnect (ICC) data requested by the LTA for the investigations of the interconnectivity dispute which has been ongoing between Cellcom and the Lonestar communications company.
The LTA notes that despite the LTA’s order on November 30, 2011 requesting Cellcom to provide key Call Data Record (CDR) and supporting information requested by the ICC, Cellcom has deliberately refused to pay heed and adhere to the deadline of Thursday December 1, 2011 for compliance with the order.
Since September this year the LTA’s attention has been drawn to, and has appropriately been dealing with an ongoing interconnectivity fees dispute between Lonestar and Cellcom in which Lonestar is alleging that Cellcom owes it certain amounts in interconnection payments; a claim Cellcom is disputing.
Given the gravity of the situation, especially its ongoing adverse impact on telephone subscribers of both GSM companies, the LTA has since brought in an external auditor – Interconnect – (ICC) for the purpose of verifying the interconnectivity fees claims being made by both Cellcom and Lonestar.
While the LTA has been endeavoring to achieve a speedy resolution of the dispute, the LTA regrets to note that Cellcom has bluntly refused to provide upon request of the ICC, data necessary for the ongoing investigation into the interconnectivity fees claims.
The LTA Board wishes to have sector stakeholders informed that despite this uncooperative stance by Cellcom, the LTA is determined to bring to a timely closure the interconnectivity dispute between Lonestar and Cellcom, thereby providing relief to affected subscribers.
Indeed, the LTA remains mindful of its statutory responsibility to ensure that no service provider operating in Liberia is allowed to violate the terms and conditions stated in its license and, by extension, the Telecom Act. Among other things, the Act mandates the LTA to ensure that the right of consumers to freely interconnect and communicate at any time throughout the country is not compromised.
Chapter VIII, Section 34 (2) of the LTA Act of 2007 also states that the following actions or practices shall be deemed to be in violation of the Telecom Law:
(a) obstructing or delaying negotiations, or failing to make reasonable efforts to resolve outstanding disputes;
(b) refusing to provide information about a service provider’s own telecommunications services or telecommunications network or other facilities that are necessary for the interconnection arrangements.
Section 11, 1) t and u, also states that the LTA has the capacity and responsibility to:
• require information to be provided that the LTA needs in order to exercise its powers or perform its functions under this Act, including network or service development plans, financial, technical and statistical information, accounting records and any other information that the LTA reasonably requires;
• on the initiative of the LTA or upon request by another person, investigate complaints against licensees or other service providers, and conduct such other investigations as the LTA deems necessary to ensure compliance with this Act, a regulation, rule or order, and issue an order in respect of anything prohibited, required or permitted to be done under this Act, a regulation, rule or order
Meanwhile, the LTA is actively considering other cases relating to potential breaches of licensing terms and conditions by service providers concerned and will make the outcome known to the public at the appropriate time.
--30 ---
Monrovia, Liberia
PRESS RELEASE
Monrovia, Liberia -- Thursday December 20, 2011: The Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is expressing regrets that the GSM service provider Cellcom, has refused to submit to Interconnect (ICC) data requested by the LTA for the investigations of the interconnectivity dispute which has been ongoing between Cellcom and the Lonestar communications company.
The LTA notes that despite the LTA’s order on November 30, 2011 requesting Cellcom to provide key Call Data Record (CDR) and supporting information requested by the ICC, Cellcom has deliberately refused to pay heed and adhere to the deadline of Thursday December 1, 2011 for compliance with the order.
Since September this year the LTA’s attention has been drawn to, and has appropriately been dealing with an ongoing interconnectivity fees dispute between Lonestar and Cellcom in which Lonestar is alleging that Cellcom owes it certain amounts in interconnection payments; a claim Cellcom is disputing.
Given the gravity of the situation, especially its ongoing adverse impact on telephone subscribers of both GSM companies, the LTA has since brought in an external auditor – Interconnect – (ICC) for the purpose of verifying the interconnectivity fees claims being made by both Cellcom and Lonestar.
While the LTA has been endeavoring to achieve a speedy resolution of the dispute, the LTA regrets to note that Cellcom has bluntly refused to provide upon request of the ICC, data necessary for the ongoing investigation into the interconnectivity fees claims.
The LTA Board wishes to have sector stakeholders informed that despite this uncooperative stance by Cellcom, the LTA is determined to bring to a timely closure the interconnectivity dispute between Lonestar and Cellcom, thereby providing relief to affected subscribers.
Indeed, the LTA remains mindful of its statutory responsibility to ensure that no service provider operating in Liberia is allowed to violate the terms and conditions stated in its license and, by extension, the Telecom Act. Among other things, the Act mandates the LTA to ensure that the right of consumers to freely interconnect and communicate at any time throughout the country is not compromised.
Chapter VIII, Section 34 (2) of the LTA Act of 2007 also states that the following actions or practices shall be deemed to be in violation of the Telecom Law:
(a) obstructing or delaying negotiations, or failing to make reasonable efforts to resolve outstanding disputes;
(b) refusing to provide information about a service provider’s own telecommunications services or telecommunications network or other facilities that are necessary for the interconnection arrangements.
Section 11, 1) t and u, also states that the LTA has the capacity and responsibility to:
• require information to be provided that the LTA needs in order to exercise its powers or perform its functions under this Act, including network or service development plans, financial, technical and statistical information, accounting records and any other information that the LTA reasonably requires;
• on the initiative of the LTA or upon request by another person, investigate complaints against licensees or other service providers, and conduct such other investigations as the LTA deems necessary to ensure compliance with this Act, a regulation, rule or order, and issue an order in respect of anything prohibited, required or permitted to be done under this Act, a regulation, rule or order
Meanwhile, the LTA is actively considering other cases relating to potential breaches of licensing terms and conditions by service providers concerned and will make the outcome known to the public at the appropriate time.
--30 ---
LTA’s Ongoing Issue with Cellcom
In 2009, the LTA issued the Interconnection Regulation setting forth the basic guidelines for cell phone companies to interconnect with a view to increasing access to communications across networks for the benefit of subscribers.
Interconnection in the realm of telecommunication is the physical linking of the network of one telecommunications carrier to another carrier’s network for the sole purpose of transmitting voice and data. Usually, the terms and conditions of such arrangements are concluded in an agreement between the interested parties to prevent dominance and monopolistic tendencies by bigger carriers.
Ms. Angelique Weeks, Chairperson, LTA Board of Commissioners
Unfortunately though, the month of August witnessed a lot of communication exchanges between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the LoneStar Communication Corporation on one hand and the Cellcom GSM service provider and the LTA on the other hand. The exchanges actually centered around an interconnection dispute between the two GSM service providers – Lonestar and Cellcom.
The dispute dates back to early August this year when a complaint from Cellcom was filed with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority alleging that the Lonestar GSM Company had blocked all the interconnection devices and equipment which enabled Cellcom subscribers to get connected with Lonestar subscribers and vice versa.
LTA as regulator of the telecommunications sector quickly intervened in the dispute when the situation between the two GSM entities was brought to its attention with the view of ensuring that subscribers using the network of the two disputing GSM operators remain connected and not victimized, and secondly to bring the escalating situation between the two entities to an amicable resolution.
“Unacceptable Practice”
As a result the Liberia Telecommunications Authority warned both Lonestar and Cellcom to desist from making it difficult for subscribers to easily connect and remain connected with other subscribers and that it will not tolerate what it considered as an “unacceptable practice” designed to frustrate hundreds of thousands of consumers using the facilities of the GSM networks in the country.
Speaking on the issue in early September, the Commissioner in charge of Consumer and Public Affairs, Lamini A. Waritay, disclosed that the LTA had been receiving numerous complaints from GSM subscribers throughout the country about difficulties they are encountering in seamlessly communicating with each other while using their mobile phones.
He noted that most of the interconnection complaints were coming from Cellcom and Lonestar subscribers, with Cellcom subscribers complaining that they often find it extremely difficult to connect with Lonestar network, and vice versa.
Commissioner Waritay disclosed that the LTA was aware of an ongoing interconnectivity fees dispute between Lonestar and Cellcom in which Lonestar is alleging that Cellcom owes it certain amounts in interconnection payments, a claim Cellcom is disputing with Cellcom claiming that it is the Lonestar that owes it.
Commissioner Waritay further disclosed that the dispute has been so serious that the LTA, in consultation with the two GSM companies, resolved to bring in external auditors for the purpose of verifying the interconnectivity fees claims being made by both Cellcom and Lonestar.
While the LTA was taking steps to resolve the impasse between the two GSM service providers it reminded all network operators, especially Lonestar and Cellcom, of the LTA’s statutory responsibility of ensuring that all subscribers have unimpeded access to all licensed telecommunications networks and that subscribers get value for their money by enabling them not only to connect easily and stay connected on the various GSM networks, but also to enjoy a reasonable level of quality of service.
The telecommunications regulatory body stressed that it will take swift and appropriate measures against any GSM company that violates the terms and conditions stated in its license and, by extension, the Telecom Act that mandates the LTA to ensure that the rights of consumers to freely interconnect and communicate at any time throughout the country are not compromised.
Pursuant to the Authority granted to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) by the Liberia Telecommunications Act of 2007, the Board of Commissioners of the LTA issued and published, on the 19th of August 2011, an LTA order -0004-08-19-11 stating among other things that in consultation with the Lonestar Communications Company and Cellcom Communications, it has appointed an independent Consultant for the purpose of auditing the interconnection records of both Lonestar and Cellcom.
The LTA further noted with serious concern in the Order the practice adopted by the Lonestar and Cellcom companies to flood it (LTA) with a mirage of complaints and counter-complaints rather than cooperating with the Independent Consultant on a constructive level to bring the interconnection matter to closure within a reasonable timeframe. The LTA Order consequently issued a stop order to both Lonestar and Cellcom to immediately cease and desist from sending any further complaints and counter-complaints and any other communication touching on the interconnection dispute between the parties directly to the LTA. In the Order, LTA also directed that any such communication related to and connected with the ongoing interconnection dispute between the Parties be forwarded to the Independent Consultant for appropriate redress.
Concluding, LTA Order -0004-08-19-11, pursuant to its statutory obligations and powers, ordered both Lonestar and Cellcom to sign an interconnection agreement between them and submit a signed copy to the LTA within a period of one calendar week effective as of the date of publication of this Order in the National Gazette. An amount of US$50,000.00 (Fifty thousand United States Dollars) payable to the LTA was stated in the Order as penalty for non-compliance.
Cellcom’s Refusal
On August 22, 2011 a letter from the LTA General Counsel G. Wiefueh A. Sayeh informed the Chief Executive Officer of Cellcom, Mr. Avishai Marziano, of the challenge raised by Lonestar to the bond filed by the Insurance Company of Africa (ICA) in favor of Cellcom. In this regard, the LTA mandated Cellcom to file a replacement bond to which Cellcom complied. The Lonestar again objected to the new bond tendered on behalf of Cellcom by the ICA within the three days allowed by the LTA, stating the following reasons for the objection:
1. That the period of the dispute stated in the Cellcom bond was misquoted—that said period should reflect June 2009 to March 2011;
2. That said bond also stipulates that in the event of the failure of Cellcom to make payment of the amount(s) as determined by the independent auditor, it is the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) that is to serve notice of Cellcom’s refusal to make payment. Lonestar’s position is that it is Lonestar that will serve ICA with notice of Cellcom’s failure to make payment in order for ICA to make immediate payment without delay;
3. That ICA provides a copy of its most recent audited financial statements together with its bank statement for the period July 1, 2011 to August 15, 2011.
The LTA concurs with Lonestar on Count One regarding the start date of the dispute and requested that Cellcom informs ICA to make the necessary corrections.
The LTA however disagrees with Count Two, stating that since LTA is serving as the administrative agency to whom the issue was brought before for resolution, it will be the LTA that will inform ICA of Cellcom’s failure to comply with LTA’s order to make payment to Lonestar based on the findings of the independent auditor, and order ICA to make payment to Lonestar in keeping with the bond posted by ICA for and behalf of Cellcom.
Regarding Count Three, the LTA agrees with Lonestar that ICA provides its most recent audited financial statements as part of due diligence to be conducted by Lonestar—given that ICA, as guarantor for Cellcom in the event it is determined that Cellcom is liable to Lonestar and Cellcom fails to make full payment to Lonestar. To ensure that ICA has the financial capacity to fully redeem the bond, LTA says it is consistent with law and practice that ICA makes available most recent audited financial documents requested by the Lonestar Counsel.
The LTA General Counsel letter concluded by stating that LTA expects Cellcom to ensure that the issues raised by Lonestar’s Counsel will be resolved and that the documents along with the corrected bond requested by the said Counsel, will be made available no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday August 26, 2011.
Subsequently on November 30, 2011 the LTA sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cellcom Telecommunications Inc. stating its regrets over Cellcom’s non-cooperation with the audit being carried out by Interconnect (ICC) relative to the Cellcom and Lonestar interconnection fees dispute. The Chairperson of LTA Madam Angelique Weeks expressed on behalf of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA its profound regrets that the anticipated cooperation and support from Cellcom has been less forthcoming than from Lonestar.
In her letter she pointed out that “Although Cellcom has relevant staff to enable ICC to gain an in-depth understanding of Cellcom’s systems and processes for preparing the interconnection billing data and bills, Cellcom has refused to issue both the Call Data Record (CDR) and supporting information that ICC has requested including the following:
• CDRs for 26/05/11 and 31/10/11
• To-Be process/systems data
• 2 years interconnect records
• Monthly call totals incoming and outgoing – may be just for 2009 since 2008 lost
• Emails showing interconnect bill generation process flow
• Screenshots of To-Be- raw/processed CDRs & interconnect billing module & report
• Analysis Mason Network Report (COO advises this is actually a marketing study)
• Tariff history & current details
• Timeline of Core Network changes
• Timeline of Billing System changes
• 2009/2010 audited accounts
• Organization Chart
Based on information provided by ICC, the LTA’s understanding is that Cellcom has refused to provide the outstanding data and information requested by ICC until LTA addresses certain issues regarding the scope of work. Consequently, the unavailability to ICC of such critical CDR information is preventing ICC from progressing or completing the key tasks associated with the audit scope of work that had been sent to Cellcom for review and to which Cellcom had agreed.
Punitive Measures
The LTA chairperson’s letter further stated that while the auditors may have been able to progress with other tasks based on the information that has been gathered from interviews and records provided over the last several weeks, ICC cannot finalize its assessment and findings until Cellcom provides the supporting information that has been requested.
In apparent reference to Cellcom’s refusal to provide the outstanding data and information requested by ICC until LTA addresses certain issues regarding the scope of work, LTA Board of Commissioners Chairperson Weeks reminded Cellcom in her letter of the LTA’s position on the issue as previously stated by Commissioner Henry W. Benson during the ICC/Cellcom introductory meeting on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
According to madam Weeks, that position was, and remains that the issues raised by Cellcom will be addressed at the conclusion of the ICC final report. The Chairperson’s letter further assured Cellcom that if its concern is not addressed, the LTA would obtain the requisite expertise to implement said task. To further allay Cellcom’s concerns, the LTA informed Cellcom that the LTA believes that the billing issue relating to the LTA’s 2008 Order (relative to the range of interconnection rates authorized to be charged), can be easily resolved once Interconnect completes its audit and report regarding the accuracy of billing records of Cellcom and Lonestar.
The chair stated that thereafter, LTA can conduct a regulatory review, make findings and reach conclusions relative thereto. The letter concluded by stating that in view of the foregoing, Cellcom is expected to provide the information requested by ICC in order to complete its assignment. It went to state further that since Cellcom have heretofore had ample time to submit the required information, the deadline for submission of requested documents was being set at 12 noon on Thursday, December 1, 2011. The letter then urged Cellcom to take the matter seriously and comply without further delay, and that failure to do so will leave the LTA with no alternative but to take appropriate punitive measures against Cellcom for non-compliance with LTA’s order...
To date, Cellcom has failed to heed LTA’s order and advice.
Interconnection in the realm of telecommunication is the physical linking of the network of one telecommunications carrier to another carrier’s network for the sole purpose of transmitting voice and data. Usually, the terms and conditions of such arrangements are concluded in an agreement between the interested parties to prevent dominance and monopolistic tendencies by bigger carriers. Ms. Angelique Weeks, Chairperson, LTA Board of Commissioners
Unfortunately though, the month of August witnessed a lot of communication exchanges between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the LoneStar Communication Corporation on one hand and the Cellcom GSM service provider and the LTA on the other hand. The exchanges actually centered around an interconnection dispute between the two GSM service providers – Lonestar and Cellcom.
The dispute dates back to early August this year when a complaint from Cellcom was filed with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority alleging that the Lonestar GSM Company had blocked all the interconnection devices and equipment which enabled Cellcom subscribers to get connected with Lonestar subscribers and vice versa.
LTA as regulator of the telecommunications sector quickly intervened in the dispute when the situation between the two GSM entities was brought to its attention with the view of ensuring that subscribers using the network of the two disputing GSM operators remain connected and not victimized, and secondly to bring the escalating situation between the two entities to an amicable resolution.
“Unacceptable Practice”
As a result the Liberia Telecommunications Authority warned both Lonestar and Cellcom to desist from making it difficult for subscribers to easily connect and remain connected with other subscribers and that it will not tolerate what it considered as an “unacceptable practice” designed to frustrate hundreds of thousands of consumers using the facilities of the GSM networks in the country.
Speaking on the issue in early September, the Commissioner in charge of Consumer and Public Affairs, Lamini A. Waritay, disclosed that the LTA had been receiving numerous complaints from GSM subscribers throughout the country about difficulties they are encountering in seamlessly communicating with each other while using their mobile phones.
He noted that most of the interconnection complaints were coming from Cellcom and Lonestar subscribers, with Cellcom subscribers complaining that they often find it extremely difficult to connect with Lonestar network, and vice versa.
Commissioner Waritay disclosed that the LTA was aware of an ongoing interconnectivity fees dispute between Lonestar and Cellcom in which Lonestar is alleging that Cellcom owes it certain amounts in interconnection payments, a claim Cellcom is disputing with Cellcom claiming that it is the Lonestar that owes it.
Commissioner Waritay further disclosed that the dispute has been so serious that the LTA, in consultation with the two GSM companies, resolved to bring in external auditors for the purpose of verifying the interconnectivity fees claims being made by both Cellcom and Lonestar.
While the LTA was taking steps to resolve the impasse between the two GSM service providers it reminded all network operators, especially Lonestar and Cellcom, of the LTA’s statutory responsibility of ensuring that all subscribers have unimpeded access to all licensed telecommunications networks and that subscribers get value for their money by enabling them not only to connect easily and stay connected on the various GSM networks, but also to enjoy a reasonable level of quality of service.
The telecommunications regulatory body stressed that it will take swift and appropriate measures against any GSM company that violates the terms and conditions stated in its license and, by extension, the Telecom Act that mandates the LTA to ensure that the rights of consumers to freely interconnect and communicate at any time throughout the country are not compromised.
Pursuant to the Authority granted to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) by the Liberia Telecommunications Act of 2007, the Board of Commissioners of the LTA issued and published, on the 19th of August 2011, an LTA order -0004-08-19-11 stating among other things that in consultation with the Lonestar Communications Company and Cellcom Communications, it has appointed an independent Consultant for the purpose of auditing the interconnection records of both Lonestar and Cellcom.
The LTA further noted with serious concern in the Order the practice adopted by the Lonestar and Cellcom companies to flood it (LTA) with a mirage of complaints and counter-complaints rather than cooperating with the Independent Consultant on a constructive level to bring the interconnection matter to closure within a reasonable timeframe. The LTA Order consequently issued a stop order to both Lonestar and Cellcom to immediately cease and desist from sending any further complaints and counter-complaints and any other communication touching on the interconnection dispute between the parties directly to the LTA. In the Order, LTA also directed that any such communication related to and connected with the ongoing interconnection dispute between the Parties be forwarded to the Independent Consultant for appropriate redress.
Concluding, LTA Order -0004-08-19-11, pursuant to its statutory obligations and powers, ordered both Lonestar and Cellcom to sign an interconnection agreement between them and submit a signed copy to the LTA within a period of one calendar week effective as of the date of publication of this Order in the National Gazette. An amount of US$50,000.00 (Fifty thousand United States Dollars) payable to the LTA was stated in the Order as penalty for non-compliance.
Cellcom’s Refusal
On August 22, 2011 a letter from the LTA General Counsel G. Wiefueh A. Sayeh informed the Chief Executive Officer of Cellcom, Mr. Avishai Marziano, of the challenge raised by Lonestar to the bond filed by the Insurance Company of Africa (ICA) in favor of Cellcom. In this regard, the LTA mandated Cellcom to file a replacement bond to which Cellcom complied. The Lonestar again objected to the new bond tendered on behalf of Cellcom by the ICA within the three days allowed by the LTA, stating the following reasons for the objection:
1. That the period of the dispute stated in the Cellcom bond was misquoted—that said period should reflect June 2009 to March 2011;
2. That said bond also stipulates that in the event of the failure of Cellcom to make payment of the amount(s) as determined by the independent auditor, it is the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) that is to serve notice of Cellcom’s refusal to make payment. Lonestar’s position is that it is Lonestar that will serve ICA with notice of Cellcom’s failure to make payment in order for ICA to make immediate payment without delay;
3. That ICA provides a copy of its most recent audited financial statements together with its bank statement for the period July 1, 2011 to August 15, 2011.
The LTA concurs with Lonestar on Count One regarding the start date of the dispute and requested that Cellcom informs ICA to make the necessary corrections.
The LTA however disagrees with Count Two, stating that since LTA is serving as the administrative agency to whom the issue was brought before for resolution, it will be the LTA that will inform ICA of Cellcom’s failure to comply with LTA’s order to make payment to Lonestar based on the findings of the independent auditor, and order ICA to make payment to Lonestar in keeping with the bond posted by ICA for and behalf of Cellcom.
Regarding Count Three, the LTA agrees with Lonestar that ICA provides its most recent audited financial statements as part of due diligence to be conducted by Lonestar—given that ICA, as guarantor for Cellcom in the event it is determined that Cellcom is liable to Lonestar and Cellcom fails to make full payment to Lonestar. To ensure that ICA has the financial capacity to fully redeem the bond, LTA says it is consistent with law and practice that ICA makes available most recent audited financial documents requested by the Lonestar Counsel.
The LTA General Counsel letter concluded by stating that LTA expects Cellcom to ensure that the issues raised by Lonestar’s Counsel will be resolved and that the documents along with the corrected bond requested by the said Counsel, will be made available no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday August 26, 2011.
Subsequently on November 30, 2011 the LTA sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cellcom Telecommunications Inc. stating its regrets over Cellcom’s non-cooperation with the audit being carried out by Interconnect (ICC) relative to the Cellcom and Lonestar interconnection fees dispute. The Chairperson of LTA Madam Angelique Weeks expressed on behalf of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA its profound regrets that the anticipated cooperation and support from Cellcom has been less forthcoming than from Lonestar.
In her letter she pointed out that “Although Cellcom has relevant staff to enable ICC to gain an in-depth understanding of Cellcom’s systems and processes for preparing the interconnection billing data and bills, Cellcom has refused to issue both the Call Data Record (CDR) and supporting information that ICC has requested including the following:
• CDRs for 26/05/11 and 31/10/11
• To-Be process/systems data
• 2 years interconnect records
• Monthly call totals incoming and outgoing – may be just for 2009 since 2008 lost
• Emails showing interconnect bill generation process flow
• Screenshots of To-Be- raw/processed CDRs & interconnect billing module & report
• Analysis Mason Network Report (COO advises this is actually a marketing study)
• Tariff history & current details
• Timeline of Core Network changes
• Timeline of Billing System changes
• 2009/2010 audited accounts
• Organization Chart
Based on information provided by ICC, the LTA’s understanding is that Cellcom has refused to provide the outstanding data and information requested by ICC until LTA addresses certain issues regarding the scope of work. Consequently, the unavailability to ICC of such critical CDR information is preventing ICC from progressing or completing the key tasks associated with the audit scope of work that had been sent to Cellcom for review and to which Cellcom had agreed.
Punitive Measures
The LTA chairperson’s letter further stated that while the auditors may have been able to progress with other tasks based on the information that has been gathered from interviews and records provided over the last several weeks, ICC cannot finalize its assessment and findings until Cellcom provides the supporting information that has been requested.
In apparent reference to Cellcom’s refusal to provide the outstanding data and information requested by ICC until LTA addresses certain issues regarding the scope of work, LTA Board of Commissioners Chairperson Weeks reminded Cellcom in her letter of the LTA’s position on the issue as previously stated by Commissioner Henry W. Benson during the ICC/Cellcom introductory meeting on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
According to madam Weeks, that position was, and remains that the issues raised by Cellcom will be addressed at the conclusion of the ICC final report. The Chairperson’s letter further assured Cellcom that if its concern is not addressed, the LTA would obtain the requisite expertise to implement said task. To further allay Cellcom’s concerns, the LTA informed Cellcom that the LTA believes that the billing issue relating to the LTA’s 2008 Order (relative to the range of interconnection rates authorized to be charged), can be easily resolved once Interconnect completes its audit and report regarding the accuracy of billing records of Cellcom and Lonestar.
The chair stated that thereafter, LTA can conduct a regulatory review, make findings and reach conclusions relative thereto. The letter concluded by stating that in view of the foregoing, Cellcom is expected to provide the information requested by ICC in order to complete its assignment. It went to state further that since Cellcom have heretofore had ample time to submit the required information, the deadline for submission of requested documents was being set at 12 noon on Thursday, December 1, 2011. The letter then urged Cellcom to take the matter seriously and comply without further delay, and that failure to do so will leave the LTA with no alternative but to take appropriate punitive measures against Cellcom for non-compliance with LTA’s order...
To date, Cellcom has failed to heed LTA’s order and advice.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Random Thoughts: Why People Cheat in Relationship
Dearest Mama,
It’s almost Christmas time, and believe me, Christmas items are flying everywhere: Christmas trees, ornaments, candles, posters, among others. Chickens and goats are also competing for space in vehicles, as they are being transported from one place to the next. Sit on the road for few minutes, and you will see a sheep, or goat or some four legged animal mounted erect on the top of a vehicle here. Sometimes these animals look like a military commander standing upright, ready to receive salutes.
While waiting for vehicle to go home yesterday’s evening, I was fortunate to be in the company of two persons. These two persons discussed a range of issues from development, to street peddlers, the global economic challenge, and then the discussion turned to relationships. As I listened to the two persons illustrate “how unfaithful” a spouse was in a relationship, I wanted to interrupt, but decided to hold my peace. Holding my peace was a way to allow the discussion flow without interruption so that I could understand the arguments raised by the two, and also to practice my listening skills. I did just that!
While it is true it took a lot of guts to remain silent, it also helped me to recognize that though infidelity and cheating is disgusting in my view, maybe, just maybe, some infidelity and cheating could be a result of problems in a relationship. Now before the "Zoedaes" (Lorma for female traditional Zoes) start throwing their hands in the air, let me state that I agree that some people are naturally promiscuous, and will engage in infidelity even if things are going smoothly in a relationship.
Aside being the natural disposition of a partner, it is well evident that cheating or infidelity could be an indication that there's a breakdown in communication, a partner feels lonely, there's lack of passion, there are lingering issues of trust. Other factors that could influence cheating or infidelity could include one partner finding someone who treats them better or who appreciates them more than their current spouse.
In relationships, few people intentionally plan on committing infidelity, especially not the first time it happens. In most relationships, when people make promises to be faithful, most people are serious and have every intention of keeping their word. Unfortunately, when situation arises in relationship, the situations have the tendency to influence our behavior, which then degenerates and lead us down paths we had no intention of traveling.
Psychologists tell us that there are three separate emotional systems involved in cheating and infidelity. The three emotional systems are sexual desire, romantic love, and attachment. And often these distinct emotional systems pull people in different directions. In short, most infidelity occurs, not because it is planned, but because people find themselves in situations where their emotions overwhelm them.
The article, “How Do People Make the Decision To Cheat,” outlines several situations that influence human emotions and bring out the worst behavior. Some of the emotions, according to How Do People Make the Decision To Cheat,” are: being close or interdependent on someone other than one’s spouse for emotional support, being around someone who is sexually interested, spending a lot of time one-on-one with someone else, not feeling close or connected to one’s spouse (e.g., feeling lonely, being upset or angry with a spouse, etc.), situations that create the sense of opportunity - the feeling that one will not get caught (e.g., meeting someone in private, out of town trips, etc.), situations involving alcohol or drugs, among others.
“When placed in these types of situations, one's emotions often prompt people to act in ways which are contrary to what is right. On occasion, poor decisions get made. Unfortunately, for many people, it is very difficult to always be in control of one's emotions when placed in these types of situations,” the article stressed.
Overall, infidelity, like many other human behaviors, is sometimes difficult to control if there are problems in a relationship. Being faithful to a spouse is more complicated than simply making promises to do so. Being faithful to a spouse often requires avoiding situations which bring out the worst in our behavior, and also ensuring that spouses work together in building their relationship.
Consequently, if there are unresolved issues in relationship, it is important to patiently discussed the issues, find ways to resolve the problems, maintain a strong communication, among other factors that will keep the relationship strong.
Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing Oldman Beggar this Christmas.
always,
musue
It’s almost Christmas time, and believe me, Christmas items are flying everywhere: Christmas trees, ornaments, candles, posters, among others. Chickens and goats are also competing for space in vehicles, as they are being transported from one place to the next. Sit on the road for few minutes, and you will see a sheep, or goat or some four legged animal mounted erect on the top of a vehicle here. Sometimes these animals look like a military commander standing upright, ready to receive salutes.
While waiting for vehicle to go home yesterday’s evening, I was fortunate to be in the company of two persons. These two persons discussed a range of issues from development, to street peddlers, the global economic challenge, and then the discussion turned to relationships. As I listened to the two persons illustrate “how unfaithful” a spouse was in a relationship, I wanted to interrupt, but decided to hold my peace. Holding my peace was a way to allow the discussion flow without interruption so that I could understand the arguments raised by the two, and also to practice my listening skills. I did just that!
While it is true it took a lot of guts to remain silent, it also helped me to recognize that though infidelity and cheating is disgusting in my view, maybe, just maybe, some infidelity and cheating could be a result of problems in a relationship. Now before the "Zoedaes" (Lorma for female traditional Zoes) start throwing their hands in the air, let me state that I agree that some people are naturally promiscuous, and will engage in infidelity even if things are going smoothly in a relationship.
Aside being the natural disposition of a partner, it is well evident that cheating or infidelity could be an indication that there's a breakdown in communication, a partner feels lonely, there's lack of passion, there are lingering issues of trust. Other factors that could influence cheating or infidelity could include one partner finding someone who treats them better or who appreciates them more than their current spouse.
In relationships, few people intentionally plan on committing infidelity, especially not the first time it happens. In most relationships, when people make promises to be faithful, most people are serious and have every intention of keeping their word. Unfortunately, when situation arises in relationship, the situations have the tendency to influence our behavior, which then degenerates and lead us down paths we had no intention of traveling.
Psychologists tell us that there are three separate emotional systems involved in cheating and infidelity. The three emotional systems are sexual desire, romantic love, and attachment. And often these distinct emotional systems pull people in different directions. In short, most infidelity occurs, not because it is planned, but because people find themselves in situations where their emotions overwhelm them.
The article, “How Do People Make the Decision To Cheat,” outlines several situations that influence human emotions and bring out the worst behavior. Some of the emotions, according to How Do People Make the Decision To Cheat,” are: being close or interdependent on someone other than one’s spouse for emotional support, being around someone who is sexually interested, spending a lot of time one-on-one with someone else, not feeling close or connected to one’s spouse (e.g., feeling lonely, being upset or angry with a spouse, etc.), situations that create the sense of opportunity - the feeling that one will not get caught (e.g., meeting someone in private, out of town trips, etc.), situations involving alcohol or drugs, among others.
“When placed in these types of situations, one's emotions often prompt people to act in ways which are contrary to what is right. On occasion, poor decisions get made. Unfortunately, for many people, it is very difficult to always be in control of one's emotions when placed in these types of situations,” the article stressed.
Overall, infidelity, like many other human behaviors, is sometimes difficult to control if there are problems in a relationship. Being faithful to a spouse is more complicated than simply making promises to do so. Being faithful to a spouse often requires avoiding situations which bring out the worst in our behavior, and also ensuring that spouses work together in building their relationship.
Consequently, if there are unresolved issues in relationship, it is important to patiently discussed the issues, find ways to resolve the problems, maintain a strong communication, among other factors that will keep the relationship strong.
Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing Oldman Beggar this Christmas.
always,
musue
Friday, November 25, 2011
Meet Acarius Moses Gray
© Musue N. Haddad
The Congress for Democratic Change, (CDC) is one of the political parties that participated in the national elections in Liberia. Winston Tubman is Standard bearer of the CDC, and George Oppong Weah is the Vice Standard bearer of the party. Another vocal person, who’s also executive of the party, is Acarius Gray.
Acarius Gray, a household name among Liberians is heard whenever there are major events undertaken by the party, including making statements, energizing partisans for Protest Marches.
Acarius Gray won his electoral seat as Representative for Districts # 8 Montserrado County, during the recent electoral process.
Meet Acarius Moses Gray, a member of the House of Representative for the next six years!In his position as Hon. Acarius Moses Gray, Acarius will be among others who will be debating policies, and making critical national decisions about our country and its people.
Acarius Moses Gray
Acarius Moses Gray in the middle, flanked by Varfley Dorley on the left, and another staunch supporter of the CDC on right.
CDC partisans on the streets of Monrivia during it's recent Protest March.
The Congress for Democratic Change, (CDC) is one of the political parties that participated in the national elections in Liberia. Winston Tubman is Standard bearer of the CDC, and George Oppong Weah is the Vice Standard bearer of the party. Another vocal person, who’s also executive of the party, is Acarius Gray.
Acarius Gray, a household name among Liberians is heard whenever there are major events undertaken by the party, including making statements, energizing partisans for Protest Marches.
Acarius Gray won his electoral seat as Representative for Districts # 8 Montserrado County, during the recent electoral process.
Meet Acarius Moses Gray, a member of the House of Representative for the next six years!In his position as Hon. Acarius Moses Gray, Acarius will be among others who will be debating policies, and making critical national decisions about our country and its people.
Acarius Moses Gray 
Acarius Moses Gray in the middle, flanked by Varfley Dorley on the left, and another staunch supporter of the CDC on right.
CDC partisans on the streets of Monrivia during it's recent Protest March.
Friday, November 4, 2011
ACE Submarine Cable Arrives in Liberia
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The landing of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable in Liberia yesterday marks Liberia's entrance into the Digital age. ACE the new submarine cable serves more than twenty-five countries in Africa and Western Europe by linking France to South Africa. The ACE cable will offer the West African coastal region true broadband connectivity to telecommunications networks in Europe, America and Asia.
The ACE submarine cable system is stretched from France to South Africa connecting most countries along the West coast of Africa. The ACE Submarine Cable is Liberia's first Optical Fiber cable system.
The submarine carrying the cable landed behind Liberia’s main Military Barracks in Monrovia.
The Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable was initiated by France Télécom-Orange and administered by a consortium of 17 operators in various countries.
The cable is will be operational in 2012. The ACE cable will provide access to the global broadband network for the first time for Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Sierra Leone, making possible the launch of new services.
The cable was welcomed by the Cable Consortium of Liberia, including wireless providers, and members of Liberia’s Telecommunication Agency, and onlookers who gathered at the beach hours before the landing ceremony.
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---------
Pulling the cable onshore
The landing
Ms. Angelique Weeks, Chairperson, Liberia Telecommunications Authority at the landing of the cable
The ship carrying the submarine cable
Staff of Liberia Telecommunication Authority, led by Chairperson Weeks
Onlookers gather to witness the landing of the cable
LTA's Director of Public Affairs, Anthony Selmah keeping up with updates, is flanked by Chris Harrris-Williams.
Angelique Weeks, Chairperson, Liberia Telecommunications Authority and CCL Board Member Ciata Victor preparing to make statements
The cable is connected
Before the cable was connected.
LTA Chairperson Angelique Weeks, CCL Board Member Ciator Victor, Lonestar Member, Nathaniel Kevin, Cellcom Member, William Saamoi Jr. and other memebers of CCL and Libtelco.
E.Blamo Robinson was present.
Walter Dean and Lonestar's Nathaniel Kevin -
The landing of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable in Liberia yesterday marks Liberia's entrance into the Digital age. ACE the new submarine cable serves more than twenty-five countries in Africa and Western Europe by linking France to South Africa. The ACE cable will offer the West African coastal region true broadband connectivity to telecommunications networks in Europe, America and Asia.
The ACE submarine cable system is stretched from France to South Africa connecting most countries along the West coast of Africa. The ACE Submarine Cable is Liberia's first Optical Fiber cable system.
The submarine carrying the cable landed behind Liberia’s main Military Barracks in Monrovia.
The Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable was initiated by France Télécom-Orange and administered by a consortium of 17 operators in various countries.
The cable is will be operational in 2012. The ACE cable will provide access to the global broadband network for the first time for Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Sierra Leone, making possible the launch of new services.
The cable was welcomed by the Cable Consortium of Liberia, including wireless providers, and members of Liberia’s Telecommunication Agency, and onlookers who gathered at the beach hours before the landing ceremony.
-----------
---------
Pulling the cable onshore
The landing
Ms. Angelique Weeks, Chairperson, Liberia Telecommunications Authority at the landing of the cable
The ship carrying the submarine cable
Staff of Liberia Telecommunication Authority, led by Chairperson Weeks
Onlookers gather to witness the landing of the cable
LTA's Director of Public Affairs, Anthony Selmah keeping up with updates, is flanked by Chris Harrris-Williams. 
Angelique Weeks, Chairperson, Liberia Telecommunications Authority and CCL Board Member Ciata Victor preparing to make statements
The cable is connected
Before the cable was connected.
LTA Chairperson Angelique Weeks, CCL Board Member Ciator Victor, Lonestar Member, Nathaniel Kevin, Cellcom Member, William Saamoi Jr. and other memebers of CCL and Libtelco.
E.Blamo Robinson was present.
Walter Dean and Lonestar's Nathaniel Kevin -
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