The build-up of activities for the end of Ramadan has begun with Muslims all over the world celebrating Eid El Fitre, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, which is the ninth month on the Islamic Calendar.

The excitement of the celebration is palpable nationwide with Muslim devotees seeking ways to give out their “Sallahmafu,” which is a token usually in the form of money.

Hawa Mansaray, 6, expects to get a lot of wonderful Sallahmafu. “I will use the money to buy sweets, sunglasses and balloons.” young Mansaray says.

Expectedly, the volume of economic activities has increased. There is frenzy in commercial activities with people buying and selling essential items especially food items in bulk in preparation for Sallahmafu.

Other areas outside Monrovia with huge Muslim concentration are not left out in the Sallahmafu preparations. In Lofa, Nimba, Margibi and Cape Mount Counties, for instance, reports say most markets, especially those that deal in clothing materials are choked up. At the famous market grounds such as those in Ganta City, Sacclepea, Voinjama, Vahun, Tubmanburg and Waterside, thousands of buyers cause intimidating human traffic.

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Liberians and Ivoirians in US Cheated by Calling Cards, Rebtel Study Reveals PR Newswire UK (press release) Liberians and Ivoirians in the US who use international calling cards to stay in touch with family at home, said they almost never get all of the calling … and more »

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To the Liberian Press: Be More Investigative

Dear Mr. Editor,

If the watchdogs of the master’s house continue to allow thieves and other criminals to infiltrate the house on a regular basis and get away with valuable items, then it is logical to question the effectiveness of the watchdogs.

I say this to say that the occurrence of too many vices, such as corruption, nepotism, tribalism, envy, which are impeding national growth and development but striding with impunity, clearly indicates that the Liberian Press is not as vigilant as it should be. Regrettably, even the vast increment in the number of media institutions has not changed the situation over the years.

What is happening to the Press of Liberia? Has it been overdosed by criminal gangs?

Now, do not get me wrong, I am not shifting blames on the Liberian Press. Without shadow of doubts, the Press is playing a vital role in sensitizing the public about those problems afflicting the Liberian society.

The Liberian Press is doing well, but it can do better in a situation that is proving to be stubborn. What the Press urgently needs is persistency. It must uncompromisingly unveil the truth rather than take a bribe to shield crimes and criminals. Members of the Liberian Press must adopt the attitude of the farmer, who, though penniless, sows seeds with the hope of yielding crops tomorrow.

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FIFA gives US$400000 to Liberia for renovation of football stadium African Press Agency (subscription) APA-Monrovia (Liberia)- The world football governing body FIFA has made a US$400000 grant to the Liberia Football Association for the renovation of the …

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WomensRadio

Delta launches new flight from Liberia to US TMCnet By AP , MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) — Delta Air Lines Inc. has launched a new flight from the US to Liberia, becoming the first American carrier to serve the … In US, Expat Liberians Reunite to RebuildWomensRadio Liberia – American Airline – Delta – Makes First Flight to Liberia in 20-YearsISRIA (registration) Beware The Grandstanding: Vote Yes for Dual Citizenship and Other Hot-Button …Liberian Dialogue Breaking Travel News all 5 news articles »

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The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) technical team assigned to Margibi County, has commenced the distribution of assorted seeds and tools to over 700 farmers in 29 communities.

The MOA/FAO supplements included watering cans, shovels, seed rice, and diggers, among others.

According to the FAO Margibi Project Team’s Leader, Richard Sherman, the project was a part of government’s consolidated response to hike in the prices of agricultural produce on the local market and also part of the European Union Food Facility Project.

Mr. Sherman explained that the project was being funded by the European Union and implemented by the FAO-Liberia with the MOA Margibi branch serving as local contractor and implementer.

Speaking with the Daily Observer at the MOA Margibi Headquarters in Kakata, where some farmers received farming supplements, the County MOA Coordinator, Willie Cooper, said about 704 farmers would benefit from the exercise.

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The family of Caesar Freeman, the man accused of raping a 19-year old girl in Monrovia, has demanded a speedy trial of the case.

The rape victim has a two-year old child. But the family spokesperson for the accused told the Daily Observer in Monrovia on Monday that the delay by the chief prosecutor to try the accused was an attempt to deny him justice.

According to the spokesman, Benedictus Broderick, the delay of the case was being supported by the Criminal Court ‘E’.

The Freeman Family said when the case was last assigned for a pre-trial conference, the Chief Prosecutor filed a motion objecting to the lawyer representing the accused, Counsellor T. C. Gould on grounds that Cllr. Gould had a contract with the Government to prosecute the accused. Cllr. Gould and other lawyers representing the accused are from Kemp & Associates Law Firm.

The family said another date was set for pre-trial on Monday, September 6, 2010, but the exercise again could not be held ‘because Prosecution came up with another delay tactics’.

When contacted, a court administrator (not named) told reporters that the Court had requested the Chamber Justice to review an earlier ruling denying prosecution’s Motion.

According to the family spokesperson, the issue surrounding the accused has ‘political motive, rather than the real issue of rape.’

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Citizens of Grand Bassa County have begun massive preparations ahead of President Ellen Johnson’s arrival in the county, this weekend, for a four-day Cabinet retreat.

At a mass meeting convened by the County’s Superintendent, Julia Duncan-Cassell, at the Buchanan Unification Pavilion, last Saturday, various working committees were constituted to formulate mechanisms to give the President and delegation a rousing welcome and successful stay in the county.

Moreover, citizens have begun roadside brushing, decorating the Buchanan highway and the entire city, especially where they will line-up to give President Sirleaf and delegation rousing welcome to the county.

They are eager and enthusiastic about the President’s visit as it will afford them a chance to discuss important issues affecting the growth and development of the county.

County officials as well as the citizenry will give the President and delegation a warm welcome at the Farmington River that borders Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties.

While en route to Buchanan, the President will dedicate the city hall in Hartford, St. John River City, in Glakon Statutory District #2, which will be followed by a reception of a customary welcome in the commercial and coastal city of Buchanan by the population.

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The Impact Teenage Pregnancy Has On Every Member of Society Liberian Daily Observer Liberia has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy and malnutrition rates in the world with chronic malnutrition affecting 39 percent of children under …

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Human Greatness

By Edwin J. Barclay
Former President of Liberia

The starry hosts whose far-flung cohorts gleam
With silvery radiance on the Capes of Night
Have quenched their bivouac-fires and in wild flight;
Are hastening like a panic-hunted stream
Of crushed battalions. Mighty did they seem,
The flaming bulwarks of eternity.
But now, for all their glorious pageantry,
The filmy remnant of a faded dream.
O History! Upon thy glowing page
Time writes her judgments, but she writes in vain;
Her symbols man misreads in every age,
And garners these but legacies of pain.
Then why lift up, O man, your heart in pride?
You are but dust and even
Caesar died.

Henry Reed Cooper at 70
Former Chief Justice of Liberia

By Togba-Nah Tipoteh
Friend for 60 years

Nobody talks more than Henry Reed
This is a statement of fact indeed
And now that he has reached seventy
Certainly, he will still be talking plenty
This is plenty of talking no doubt
But this is nothing to worry about
Cause his talking is about Liberia’s History
To learn lessons that make Liberia a better story
Besides his talking, Henry Reed walks straight
Not seeking to be anybody’s bait
His straight talk is a mark of honesty
Reflecting his upbringing of respect for piety
Through his respect for piety, he found duality

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