ULAA Xmas and New Year's Gift to Liberians at home who are In-need: My Role

Somewhere in November, 2009, I received a telephone call from Dr. Mariah Y. Seton. It was intended for us to discuss. And we did.

In the discussion, Dr. Seton informed me that she's now the President of The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). I was amazed. So I congratulated her on her new responsibility. Then she told me of The Union's desire.

This is what she told me:

The Union wanted to send Xmas & New Year’s gift to Liberian children, men, women and senior citizens in Liberia including others in need. She asked me if I wanted to be a part of the process. The offer was very easy for me to accept in the affirmative. And several profound reasons account for this: 1st, I’m currently working in Liberia as a volunteer, 2nd, I have been in Liberia for a little over two years, 3rd, I am already engaged in volunteer work within the community empowerment context, 4th, I master my way around the country and have built very solid contacts with higher-ups and grass-rooters, 5th, I served on the ULAA Humanitarian Commission in 2006.

So I'm very knowledgeable of this process. Combine all this and I'm in the best capacity to help Diasporic Liberian organizations and/or individuals in Liberia. So there was no way to turn down Dr. Seton’s offer. I’m always willing to help serve our poor and downtrodden people in every way. So taking food out to our needy brthren is something I find dignifying. So I am proud and anxious to be a part of any work of this nature. Not to hasten to say, this sort of work adds to my own current contribution in the country towards national reconstruction.

During this discussion period, my Mom died in Harper City, Maryland County. So early in December, 2009, I was in Harper City preparing to bury my Mom. It wasn't a funfare-situation. But I managed to understand the decisions of God, Mother nature and Father time. So, I took everything day-by-day absorbing the pain. Just after the Funeral, Dr. Seton invited me to a ULAA-and-friends teleconference. At that conference, the entire Body joined Dr. Seton to appeal for my help and support. I had no other alternative but to accept the job with ease. The Secretary/Treasurer, Sis. Charlotte, informed me that she would forward to me the funds to purchase the rice for distribution. Truly indeed, on December 23, 2009, she did. Due to the heavy traffic, Holiday fever in the City and linked with the weekend, I could not pick up the money from Western Union until December 30th. When I picked it up, I immediately purchase the rice with the help of few Liberian kids, including Thomas Seton. I had previously identified two Orphanages and communities in dire need. 1) Love A Child Orphanage on the Robertsfield Highway and, 2) Amazing Grace Orphanage in 72nd.

We delivered rice to both orphanages within one day. Later on we moved to Pipeline Community in Paynesville. This was my first time visiting the Pipeline Community. I was shocked when I entered the area. It is far off the main road. If a child or elderly person is seriously ill at night, there's no way he or she can survive. He or she is bound to die. No vehicle plys the area at night. Plus, there's not a single clinic in the area. Worse of all, former rebels are in abundance in the area. And they are not detraumatized.

Follow this picture and you'll understand why I make such a strong statement. This sort of reality adds to the crime and poverty rate in the country. Indeed, it is astronomical. Thus, the rice distribution in the area was a wise decision. It meant a whole lot to the residents. Definitively, this kind of activity and contribution on the part of ULAA is a positive sign. It encourages our brothers and sisters abroad to divorce themseves from reckless politics and personality destruction and focus on the wellbeing of our people. For me, Dr. Seton asking me to serve ULAA in this respect is a privilege and a remarkable dutybound contribution. No matter how small the quantity of rice was, it is the token that spells immense sense of patriotism. That is why I look forward to more of this kind of work in the near future from ULAA.

Thanks to Dr. Seton and the entire staff of The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). I am proud to be a part of this kind of work. Together we can raise the name of Liberia and ULAA!

I am Thomas G. Bedell, speaking and working on the ground in Liberia.

Asbestos in the Streets of Harper: local Gov't, UNMIL & EPA Powerless

I am in Harper City right now as I opine this Article. I am here because I came to help make President Sirleaf’s visit to Maryland County grand. The last time, I am told, her visit was not well-handled by those in charge. Few persons missed their assignments. So food was served late. Protocol was behind time. Chairs were not in their proper places. And all the other good things that make a President’s visit grand were a little bit off track. And so this time, I came to help make it better. Marylanders have pride. I know this. And so I’m under obligation to make it better for them. After all was said and done, the occasion was proclaimed “very successful.” The President was happy. Marylanders were happy. I too was happy! And everything was over. So the President left town. She proceeded to Grand Gedeh. But I remained in Harper. I wanted to stick around and get a feeling of how things were evolving in the community. Then the case of ritualistic killing came about. I was compelled me to stick around more. I wanted to see this case to the end.

I saw the case of ritualistic killing in the 70s. That time I was in Harper. I saw the the arrests; I witnessed the prosecution and execution of those who were considered “guilty” in the 70s on the gallow.

I was very young then. So I did not have the experience and academic education that I have today to make any sound judgment. This time, I consider it an opportunity to be here. I can compare notes of both cases and see what most likely went wrong in the 70s and what could go wrong again this time. But as it has always been during my working visit to Liberia, all kind of serious issues erupted just when I was ready to leave Harper. These sorts of happenings always caught me in an awkward position.

Here is one:

On April 21, 2010, I was on my way to complete a Proposal that I’m writing at an Internet café. This café is sponsored by the Catholic nongovernmental organization called, Caritas. On my way, I noticed in the middle of the streets sits scattered asbestos. A piece of zinc fell from the top of the building. And next thing I come to know, asbestos is everywhere in the streets.

See, the prior night, there was wind. It was strong as a bull. It blew so hard, tree branches came breaking like Popsicle sticks. As an Occupational Safety/Health expert, the presence of asbestos immediately captured my attention. I knew right away what was going on. I knew this was a question of life and death! And so I got concerned. I left my Proposal project and began to find the EPA, UNMIL civil affairs offices as well as the City Corporation and Local government. And this is where I found myself in a Those-see-partner- way kind of dance. The UNMIL civil affairs office was closed. When I asked where they were, the security told me they went to a seminar at the City Hall. So I went to the City Hall. I didn’t see them. And no one knew where the UNMIL civil affairs employees were. Somebody said, “They gone to drink some beers, somewhere around the block!” I laughed and the person too laughed. Then I passed on. I went to the Superintendent’ s office. I asked for him. The man behind the desk said the Supt went home. This was around 2pm Liberian standard Time. I asked if he could call the Supt for me. My phone was not with me. It was on charge at a booth Downtown. See, when your cell phone battery runs down and you are not home, you send it to a charging booth. Cause there’s no 24-7 electricity.

The fella in the Supt office told me he couldn’t call the Supt. Why? He told me because he did not have credits on his phone to call. See, cell phones in Liberia are mostly prepaid. So if you run out of credit, unless you purchased more credit, you cannot call out. This was the fella’s condition. So I asked him to beep the Supt. You can ONLY beep a person if you have few cents on your cell. But the fella told me the Supt told them never to beep him. So, he could not help me. Well, I asked him to direct me to the EPA’s office. He did. I knocked on the door. The EPA County coordinator let me in. I presented the asbestos situation. It was in the streets. Cars, including UNMIL vehicles, were running all over it as if it poses no harm to the human person. I impressed upon him how serious this is. While responding to me, I noticed he’s a soft-talking man. He tried to thank me. It took so long to let out his word, I lost patience. The asbestos was in the air already. And the more the asbestos got in the air, the worse it became for all of us including the EPA coordinator and the UNMIL staff. Soon he realized I was inpatient. I wanted immediate attention. So he quit thanking me. He thought we go to the site for him to see the asbestos. I got a bit upset and asked him to join me find UNMIL civil affairs staff. In my mind, these people (UNMIL) understand more about asbestos than the man I was talking to. And the fact that their lives (UNMIL) are also involved in the situation, they would take immediate action. The EPA coordinator agreed. We went to the seminar. He entered. I did not. I told him I would remain outside waiting for him. Soon when he entered, he surprised me. He took a seat. I started tripping. I began to act like a traffic man. I began waving my hands trying to call his attention. He looked and he came over to me. I asked what he thought he was doing. He asked me to wait for the seminar to end. Because by so doing, we can get the UNMIL staff. This was his idea. I rejected it. I went downstairs to find the City Mayor. She wasn’t in her office. I went to the Assistant Supt for Development’s office. She too wasn’t in. Just when I was getting weary and trying to walk out of the City Hall, I saw the Assistant Supt driving in front of the City Hall. I stopped and approached her. I explained the same thing. Then I I’m reminded she too is a soft-talking person. As she was talking, I walked behind her until we got in her office. She was just in jail for falsely being accused of ritualistic killing. And so, her spirit was a bit down. When we got in her office, she asked me what I wanted her to do. I asked her to contact the EPA Coordinator. She did. The Coordinator came to her office. She asked him to check out the situation and take appropriate action. The Coordinator asked me to follow him. We headed downstairs. As we got down, I saw a white girl. In my mind, she should be working for one of these international nongovernmental organizations or UN. I stopped her. I told her what I saw and the help that is needed. You know what she told me? “I work for the Carter Center. I cannot help you!. That’s when it clicked my mind, either she had no clue what asbestos does to the human person or she was just being insensitive to the wellbeing of the people in the area. Or she is just dumb! Whatever the case may be, I know we all were in danger. And something needed to be done ASAP!

The Coordinator came over and asked me what the white girl said. I told him what she said. Then he giggled! He told me his sad experience with white folks in these kinds of situations. We took off to the spots where the asbestos was. At the first spot, I showed him. At the second spot, I showed him. Then he alarmed at the second spot. It was a good amount of asbestos. And it was scattered. He stopped his motor bike. I got off and he did. Next thing I know, he was talking with the owners of the house where the asbestos came from. He asked them to remove it. As an expert, I knew it was wrong to ask ordinary persons to remove asbestos. But there was nothing he could do. His office has no equipment and trained staff. He did what he could do to ask the house owner to remove the asbestos from the street. The person he was talking to is a kid I used to know during my formative days in Harper. But the kid is grown now. He’s a landlord. This guy was laughing at the Coordinator as he explained to him the danger of asbestos. The guy wanted to know why the Coordinator was so concerned of removing the asbestos. In fact, why was the coordinator saying he (landlord) should wet the asbestos prior to removing it? It wasn’t sounding right to him. It was sounding funny to him. So he kept laughing. That’s when I jumped in. I re-emphasized what the Coordinator was saying. The fella anxiously asked, “Is this that serious?” I said, “Yes!” He looked me hard in the eye for a second and then tried to change his attitude towards the Coordinator. He tried to make an effort to work with the Coordinator. While he and the Coordinator were talking, I left. I had some things to attend to. On my way out, I began to convict myself on the inside. And this is what I was saying to myself on the inside, “I am an occupational safety/health expert. But Here I am, I can do nothing besides complain to the Government about asbestos sitting in the streets for several hours. But like the Coordinator, what could I do other than bring this to the attention of the Authority? Virtually nothing! This is the kind of danger we face every day in Liberia.

The next day I discovered something worrisome. The Coordinator himself did not take the asbestos issue seriously as he impressed upon me. How I know? Previously, he told me the asbestos in the streets was finally swept away. When I got in the area to check, asbestos was still everywhere in the front of Methodist Church. I asked him why? He said the Church promised to sweep it. But the Church did not. Then something clicked my mind. His motor bike ate up my shoes. The bike is so old and faulty it has no foot-rest. So while riding with him to the location of the asbestos, my shoes got caught in the spooks. And it ate up the back of my shoes. I showed him my shoes. When he looked at my shoes, he just smiled as if I should have known this is Liberia and that’s how things go. As a soft-talking man, he talked as if he’s nonchalant. But I believe he means well. I suspect because of the lack of national support and involvement in the Environment, he feels helpless.

As I opine this article, asbestos is still flying in the streets of Downtown Harper. Evidently, tens and tens of our citizens including UNMIL staff, local government and myself have by now inhaled airborne asbestos. Who knows? Only God knows what’s going to happen and for how long!

I am Thomas G. Bedell writing from on the ground in Liberia!

Free The Political Prisoners

On March 24 & 25, 2010, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Liberia authorized the arrest and subsequent detention of more than sixteen (16) Liberian citizens and one foreign national. These individuals were whisked off the streets of Harper by the Liberia National Police hands-in-gloves with The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) paramilitary force. This was done in front of terrified children, friends, relatives and the elderly. The Liberian government has accused these citizens and foreign residence of 'ritualistic killings.” Its accusation is based on a juju man’s “mojo.” Currently these detainees are being held in appalling conditions in jail without having convicted them of any crime.

Some of the Detainees are academic, human rights campaigners and Local government officials who have subscribed to certain political ideologies.

In recent years some of these individuals have worked in several areas in an effort to raise awareness of the political situation faced by the people of Maryland County. This work is thought to have angered the “power-to-Be” including the local and legislative leadership of Maryland County. And so these so-called Government officials seeking a second, third & fourth term in the Legislature are trying to present the international community with a false picture of what is occurring in Maryland County to cover-up the abuses.

The detention of these men and woman is yet another attempt to silence those who speak out against the Maryland legislative and local government. The international community needs to protest against the authoritarian and abusive policies of the Liberian government and to campaign for the release of these fine young men and woman.

I am Thomas G. Bedell I speak and work on the ground in Liberia!

Maryland County; Ritualistic killing - Similarity & Dissimilarity (1977 & 2010 cases)

There’s a high degree of similarity and dissimilarity between the arrests of perceived ritualistic killers in 1977 and that of March 2010 in Maryland County, Republic of Liberia.

SIMILARITY: In 1977 a juju person was used to identify the accused. In 2010, a juju person was also used to identify the accused. In 1977, the juju person came from RiverGee. At the time, RiverGee was part of Maryland County. Today, RiverGee is a county on its own. As for the juju person in March 2010, he also comes from the same RiverGee. In 1977, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Liberia deplored special armed men of the Liberia National Police Force to keep everything under control. At the time the name given to the special paramilitary armed force was “Special Unit.” Today, in 2010, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Liberia deplored the same paramilitary armed men. This time they call them “Emergency Response Unit” (ERU). Today as was yesterday years, ERU is now deplored in Maryland County for the same purpose of violence control. Those arrested in 1977 had their Constitutional and Human Rights abused. Those arrested in 2010 also had their Constitutional and Human Rights Abused. Both were identified by juju persons and arbitrarily arrested. Both groups’ names were circulating around town many days before the arrests. When the 1977 accused persons were arrested, they were immediately sent to the Maximum Prison Compound in Harper City. As for those of 2010, most of them were taken to the Police Headquarters where they received a high level of visitors. Only one of them was taken to the Maximum Prison Compound upon immediate arrest. And the only arrestee that was taken immediately to the Maximum Priosn Compound is Cllr. Fulton Yancy. The 1977 accused had no visitors as compared to those of 2010. Those arrested in 2010 were having a "great time". They were out in the Lobby of the Police Headquarters where girl friends as well as wives delivered food and drinks to them. With my own eyes, some of them had some alcoholic beverages. In simple terms, they did not look like arrestees. They were in a festive spirit. I saw that. So I know so. As for the 1977 arrestees, they had not the luxury to look over the windows of the Maximum Prison Compound to wave to their loved ones or friends. They were truly locked in. In 1977, the political structure was involved in the arrest of the accused. Today, it is also true politicians are involved in the politics surrounding the arrests. Pointedly, John Akel Ballout, the Senior senator of Maryland County and the Junior senator of Maryland, Gloria Musu Scott have their finger prints all over the Case.

DISIMILARITY: The juju person in 1977 was a female. The juju person of March 2010 is a male. The accused of 1977 were arrested and paraded in the streets of Harper City before their families, friends, loved ones and citizens butt-naked. Those arrested 2010 were never stripped naked. Those arrested in 1977 were mentally and physically tortured. They were placed in icy-chilly water to confess. They were beaten and testicles tied to wires and twine and drilled around town just to extract a confession. They were thrown into the chilly Atlantic Ocean. Because the juju woman told the Government by so doing, they would be weakened scientifically. And they would confess. As for those arrested in 2010, none was tortured physically. Why did all this happen in the opposite? Simple! In 1977, there were no International or local Human Rights organizations on the "ground." In 2010, we have The Catholic Justice & Peace Commission (JPC), Carter Center and more. In 1977, the United Nations was not visible on the ground. It did not have a Mission in Liberia. Today, 2010, we have The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). UNMIL has its own Human Rights Commission, Civil Affairs, Police & Military. In 1977, there were not a single social justice advocates like myself to raise an alarm over the abuses, arbitrary arrests and physical and psychological torture. In 2010, I am here and making some ripples through advocacy. Other social justice advocates and I are taking the Government of Liberia up to task and forcing it to protect and uphold the Constitution of the Republic. Most important, the sharpest dissimilarity in the two cases is that President Tolbert was totally involved in the 1977 Case. In the 2010 Case, Ellen is not directly involved. And it makes a sharp difference!

Please read below.


Ritual Killings Part II: The second half of the 20th century:
‘heart man’ murders

© fpm van der kraaij


“In reality, however, it is very likely that the trial of the Maryland murderers and their conviction and subsequent execution was influenced by a power struggle within the Americo-Liberian ruling class. Not more than 30 families had always decided the country’s fortunes and misfortunes, although they never ruled simultaneously.”

“During the Tubman era (1944-1971) members of the Tubman, Padmore, Barnes, Brewer, Grimes, Sherman, Weeks, Anderson and Yancy families climbed high on the political ladder. After Vice-President William Tolbert succeeded President Tubman in 1971, members of the Tolbert clan replaced them: the Tolbert, Hoff, David, McClain, Holder and Pierre families. Both Tubman and Tolbert used Liberians of tribal descent, to broaden their political base and to compensate for the loss of support from some Americo-Liberian families by giving them high positions in their Government or even cabinet posts. “
“Within the TWP, the fight for power and public positions in combination with different, opposing views on societal issues and development politics separated the two camps – although no clear line of demarcation existed due to the numerous intermarriages and other individual personal relations. E.g. President Tolbert’s daughter Wokie is married to ‘Shad’ Tubman, the eldest son of President William Tubman, whereas a deceased daughter of Tolbert had been married to a Yancy. Liberian politics prior to the 1980 coup had very much been characterized by this mixture of relations (see Fraenkel, Liebenow, Lowenkopf in References). “

“Against this background it is inevitable to pose the question: was President Tolbert sincere in his fight against ritual killings and other serious crimes? How sincere was he? “

“It is difficult to answer this question without hesitation – be it with a straightforward ‘no’ or with a convinced ‘yes’. President Tolbert, who certainly had been ‘close’ to a number of the ritualistic murders, which occurred during the Administration of his predecessor, started his presidency in a flashy way quickly introducing a number of reforms and changes. This earned him the nickname ‘Speedy’ but also brought him in conflict with the more conservative wing of the ruling powerful political party, the True Whig Party. It was not accidentally that he took a firm stand once he was firmly seated in the political arena. “
“When he took over the reigns of government, Tolbert first finished Tubman’s truncated term of office but then continued, the following four years, on the basis of Tubman’s victory in the 1971 presidential elections. In 1975 Tolbert had been elected in his own right and his 8-year presidential term had started in January 1976. He may have been determined to introduce some changes which were long overdue in the areas of foreign relations, foreign investments, relations between the Americo-Liberian political class and the tribal masses, his ‘fight against poverty, disease and ignorance, etc. As the nation’s president he held the Constitution in one hand but as a religious leader he held the Bible in the other hand. “

“His apparent sincerity in desiring political reforms and fighting lawlessness, however, is surrounded by a number of intriguing questions. Both before and after the arrest of Anderson, Yancy et al, there have been numerous cases of ritual killings. The Liberian press always very openly reported on dead bodies found ‘with several parts missing’, the most common expression to refer to ritual and cannibalistic practices. Arrests made in connection with these murders were pretty rare whereas public trials, convictions and public execution of the suspects found guilty were never reported - at least based on the same local newspapers. Were there cover-ups, like the case in Grand Cape Mount County? Or were too mighty people involved whose loss of support Tolbert could not afford? Or had relatives been involved? It should not be forgotten that the Tolbert-clan was one of the biggest in the country. “

“Furthermore, President Tolbert had signed several death warrants since November 19, 1971 when he signed the first one, sending a Nigerian science professor, Justin Obi, to the gallows. Subsequently, eight other convicted murderers had been hanged, among whom his cousin William Tolbert who had killed his wife. The latest two executed murderers were Borbor Brown and Kekulah Vogbor, in 1978, who died from the capital punishment after much public attention.”
“ The Harper hanging was the fifth in the series since November 19, 1971. Altogether, and including the ‘Harper Seven’, sixteen convicted murderers had been hanged since 1971 (The Liberian Age, Feb. 16 1979, ‘Seven hanged At Dawn’). Whatever one may think of the capital punishment, sixteen executions compares - relatively speaking - favourably with the several hundreds of convicted murderers in Liberian prisons. In fact, the capital punishment in Liberia was rarely executed. So the question emerges: why then in the case of the Harper Seven? Was it because of his feelings of ‘justice’ or did President Tolbert pursue this case because he wanted to reduce the power of some influential Maryland families, in particular those who had been close to former President Tubman? ““We may never know the answer for sure. The following year President Tolbert was brutally murdered in the Executive Mansion. In general, he shunned the mansion, reportedly because of his fear of the ‘bad spirits’, which - according to popular rumours - haunted the presidential palace and which were linked to ritual ceremonies which allegedly had taken place in it during the Tubman years. President Tolbert’s death started the decline of Americo-Liberian supremacy, but it did not stop ritualistic killings in the

Maryland is totally cut off from Liberia-Sign of impending Independence?

Well, I have been in Liberia for three years, I am residing in the US. I came here to help in the Reconstruction effort. The Country has been destroyed during a 14-year generalized anarchy of violence. So instead of blaming each other for the destruction, I thought I come in and make my contribution to Reconstruction. All along I have been visiting Maryland off-and-on. Before this current visit that I’m on now in the County, the longest that I have stayed in Maryland is one month and-the-half. This time I have been here for close to eight months. In February I came to help with President Sirleaf’s visit. She came to induct into office the president of The Tubman University, Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell. As soon as President Sirleaf left, I was on my way out when the news of ritualistic killing broke out. In no time, something happened. And that thing that happened is what I refer to as arbitrary arrest. I noticed a lot of people were listed on a sheet. And that particular sheet rotated around town several days prior to the arrests. As soon as the dragnet was launched and all of those who were on the List were arrested through a juju man “mojo,” I got deeply concerned. Immediately, I got involved in the call for the immediate release of the detainees.

Please hear me!

I am not demanding the immediate release of the detainees because I think they did not do what they have been accused of. I'm calling for their immediate release because I have no way of knowing if they did or didn’t do what they have been accused of. But the manner in which the arrest was done, made me uncomfortable. I have seen this sort of arrest before in this same Maryland (Harper to be précise).

At the time that I saw this sort of arrest at first, I was too young to know the difference. Today I have the requisite education, experience and exposure to see things differently in a rather sophisticated way. So I decided to stick around in Maryland until the end of all this came along. Because by the end of it all, I will be able to know what may have gone wrong in 1977 and what went wrong now.

So my visit that was intended for a week changed to becoming more than five months. I never complained. Because what I would learn from all this would benefit a lot of people who were in doubt including those who were arrested on cardboard box evidence.

While working on the issue of arbitrary arrest, another ship wrecked. And this particular ship that wrecked did so on the doorstep of the port of Harper. This time, the tension was high in the County amongst the common people, especially women. Several women had their goods on board that particular vessel. ( I think they called the vessel “Havea”).

As a result of the wreck, the women investment went deep in the belly of the Atlantic Ocean. This shipwreck issue was not the first time; It was not the second time; It wasn’t the third time; It wasn’t the fourth time; This shipwreck situation had been going on since 2004. And these women and business people had been on the losing side of things that long. And there has been no reparation.

Besides losing their investments, Marylanders lost lives of love ones including men, women and children. Some died in the wrecks. Up to now, the Government has not provided the exact number of citizens and residents who died on board those wrecked vessels.

The Government for some unknown reasons has not done anything to compensate these victims at all. As a result, there is economic hardship in the County. There’s gnashing of teeth across the County. Men, women and children are weeping! There’s no milk, salt, sugar and other basic needed goods on the shelves in shops across the County. Each time these women placed their goods on board each of those wrecked vessels from Monrovia to Maryland, the vessels would sink. The people of Maryland could no longer bear this. Therefore, in order to send a strong message to the Government of Liberia, we set up a 3-day Mass Protest Demonstration. It was the largest, most peaceful, most responsible, nonviolent and most focused Demonstration in most recent time in Maryland County, in fact Liberia as a whole.

Immediately President Sirleaf sent her officials of government to talk to us. The entire County was shut down for exactly three days. We made Demands: If the Ganta/Harper Highway is not paved and non Seaworthy vessels are not halted from plying our waters and killing our citizens among a host of other issues, Marylanders will refuse to pay taxes to National government, and refuse to partake in the Election of 2010. More so, Marylanders will recall all its congressional representatives from Monrovia permanently.

When the President heard this, she placed a cell phone call and asked us to withdraw our DEMANDS! We agreed on grounds she comes to Maryland in order to understand the plight of the women and business people. She promised to come to Maryland. Up to the moment we speak (four months later), she has not arrived.

Her officials arrived in Maryland. Shamefully, they came by way of Ivory Coast. Why? Because there’s no way to get to Maryland. The Ganta/Harper Highway is completely cutoff. A driving distance that used to take one day now takes two weeks or little more. Business women cannot sit and wait for their goods for that long. If one is lucky to have his or her goods arrive in Maryland by road, 75% becomes "damaged goods."

Some commercial drivers use this situation to rob the women. They lie to the women that because their vehicles stuck in the mud, thieves stole the goods of the women. The business women again become the losers. They are caught between the proverbial scissors - they cannot go to court or just leave alone the matter. It takes too much time to find the driver. And then when the driver is found, it takes ever so long to go through the court process. In the end, the women still remain the victims. Evidently, there’s no redress, no compensation for the many losses the women go through.

Due to the condition of the Road, business women find other ways to beat around the problem by going through the Ivory Coast to purchase their goods. At least, it is closer and the Ivoirians keep their roads in good shape.

Then the other obstacle becomes the Cavalla River. It swells to overflow. All traffic along the River is shut down. Now the women cannot go to Monrovia; they also cannot go to the Ivory Coast. Vessels they used to ride to come to Maryland are now sitting deep in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean due to the many wrecks.

The Aero Port which is another way to get to Maryland, is completely under the control of The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). And UNMIL does not allow a single citizen who is not an employee of its staff to fly to and from Maryland on their aircrafts. In essence, the Aero Port is HANDS-OFF and OFF-LIMITS to the citizens!

All this being considered, Marylanders cannot get to Maryland by road. They cannot get to Maryland by air (UNMIL won’t allow them). They cannot get to Maryland by sea. All the vessels besides UNMIL’s vessel, are not seaworthy. All are rotten and they all stink! Essentially, Marylanders are locked in Maryland and cannot get out. And this is uncomfortable!

Each time I go to the General Market, all I hear from the market women is for us to be independent of Liberia. Because if we cannot go to Monrovia by car, air plane and ship, then we are not part of Liberia. If we can only get our food and goods from the Ivory Coast, then we might as well join the Ivory Coast or be alone and trade with Ivory Coast. All of these are signs of desperation and frustration being experienced by Marylanders in Liberia.

All indications are, President Sirleaf will not come to Maryland soon. Maybe she won’t come at all! Maybe by the time she decides to get here, most if not all, of the business women, will have left Maryland looking for “Greener Pasteur" or maybe dead and buried from the frustration.

School fees, rent, and unpaid loans are taking a toll on the women. The banks are running after them to seize their homes that they used as collateral. If Maryland will remain an active part of the Republic of Liberia, this Government has to take serious steps in reconnecting the County to the Country.

The Liberian government has to provide some level of reparation for the women in order to begin their businesses afresh or nothing less than independence will be sought.

This is not something I am saying as an individual. This is what the common people are saying in the market, in the church, in the streets and just everywhere in the County.

All in all, this is what life feels like living in Maryland County in this day and age.

I am Thomas G. Bedell, I speak and work on the ground in Liberia

Maryland: One More Vessel on the verge of Wrecking ("TOFLO")

One More Vessel on the Verge of Wrecking (“TOFLO”)?

They call it “Toflo.”

I don’t know what the word, “Toflo” means.

But one thing I know for sure is that “Toflo” is the name of a vessel which is about the size of a Fanti boat in Harper City.

Well, I know this much because I am still in Harper City, Maryland County “grounding” with the folks.

Today, if you ask any businesswoman in Maryland County (Liberia) about “Toflo”, she will absolutely tell you it is a “blessing” to her.

Why?

Because most, if not all, of the large vessels transporting Maryland businesswomen goods and services to Maryland by way of the Atlantic Ocean have wrecked. The pieces of these wrecked vessels now rest in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. “Toflo” is the substitute. It is the only “hope” for the businesswomen of Maryland. “Toflo” picks up their goods from Buchanan, Grand Bassa County seaport and drop them off on the port of Harper.

Unlike previous wrecked vessels, “Toflo” does not carry many passengers. And that is because it is very small. But, like you and I know (I‘m talking about the average Liberian person), in today’s Liberia, everyone is “hustling” and “busting.” That means he or she is doing everything in his or her might to make a living. And so, every now and then, “Toflo” throws few passengers on board. AND THIS IS DARN WRONG!

You know it!

I KNOW IT!

And “Toflo’s” management knows this!

But, what the heck? “Only the brave and the strong survive” in this part of the world. So can you then blame “Toflo” in the absence of a Coast Guard Service?

If “Toflo” should wreck anytime during its operational period as it seems is pending, there’s no doubt in my mind that someone will have to get injured or die. Unfortunately, the victims will be mostly women. And their goods will submerge in the belly of the Atlantic Ocean once more. Either way, it is not good news for Maryland County and its people.

Now here’s “Toflo’s” story:

This morning…well, it is Wednesday morning. And it’s December 1, 2010; I wake up; I’m about to go to my regular work routine; a young man enters my residence; he wears a serious face; I notice something is wrong. But I’m not sure. He goes in the corner; He calls someone in the corner and begins to tell the person that “Toflo” is on the verge of sinking if nothing is done. The news slips out to me quickly. Because I am the Chairman for the Shipwreck Victims Action Committee in Maryland.

Next thing I come to know, the news breakout in the City. People are saying that another vessel is about to wreck in the waters of Maryland again. So Joint Security is running up and down trying to get fishermen and their boats for a rescue mission. The entire City, like it was on the fatal day of May 31, 2010, is completely nervous.

Everyone runs in different directions for help and rescue. I go Downtown. While Downtown I hear businesswomen like they did on each shipwreck occasion - wailing. For them, this will not be the first time; it will not be the second time; it will not be the third time, it will not be the fourth time. This will be the fifth time when Maryland County businesswomen lost their goods and lives in shipwrecks with no degree of reparation for their losses from shipowners and National government. This time, the question they are asking now is what can they do or where can they run? I wish I have the answer to their questions.

The news around town is that “Toflo” the last remaining vessel and the last “hope” for Maryland County businesswomen is on the verge of wrecking.

I am told the Vessel engines blew out. And that the Crew has no more control over the Vessel. The Vessel is at the mercy of the Atlantic Ocean waves. From what I am told by some members of Joint Security present in Harper City, the Vessel is being pushed around by the waves. And if nothing is done, I am told, “Toflo” might sink into the belly of the Atlantic Ocean. And truly that would raise a huge cry form the throats of tens and tens of thousands of women throughout the County.

Evidently, life in Maryland will begin to deteriorate again.

Before this pending shipwreck, rice (the staple food of Liberia) is at a price of $53 (US). Gas is scarce! If you are lucky, you’ll find a gallon. But that will cost you your “arm-leg-and-kidney.” That means you’ll pay a little less than $11 (US) per gallon. You add the rest of the other commodities prices, and you’ll see how life is unlivable in Maryland County.

If you add the Road situation, you will be talking about living in “hell.”

The Road from Ganta to Harper is cut. I mean the Road is split. One vehicle brings you from Monrovia; it stops you at the break-off point; and another vehicle picks you up from the other side of the break-off point and it finally takes you to Maryland. By the time you get to Maryland, it is about one week travel-time. Upon arrival in Maryland, you will realize you have spent $100 (US). FLAT! Mind you, this is a driving distance that used to take a little more than twelve hours. The travel fare used to be $10. Now it takes weeks to get to Maryland from Monrovia and vice versus. The cost is $100 (US). That means you can tongue-whip the chauffeur. Otherwise, you’ll pay more! This is “Dog-eat-dog” situation!

Here’s the other part:

If anyone manages to get some goods to Maryland by way of the rotten Road, the goods will be marked, “damaged goods.” Keep in the mind this description will done mentally. It will not be written on the goods. Considering the deplorable economic situation in Maryland, there’s nothing you can call “damaged goods.”

Why?

Because there’s no goods in the County on the shelves of the shops. And so any goods that get there in any shape becomes a "blessing" for those who can afford the cost. The business person with the “damaged goods” sells them at his or her own price.

Mind you, this is a Free Enterprise System. And what this means is that Government has “Less” or “nothing” to do with price. Raise your price if you want to. It is your buyers that will send you the message if they will buy your goods. If no one buys your goods, you are out of business. And so you can figure that out and adjust your price.

The goods that is mentally marked as “damaged goods” will be sold in the market at a price astronomically high. And this is because (at least that’s what the business people tell me) they have to compensate for losses on the Road.

Here’s the saddest thing:

Those who can afford to buy the “damaged goods” will have to buy them. And those who cannot afford to buy the “damaged goods” will have to perish. It is just that simple and cruel! But that’s how it is on the "ground."

From 2004 to May 31, 2010, many of the vessels coming and/or leaving Maryland waters by way of the Atlantic Ocean wrecked. Many of the dead are Marylanders including women, men and children. Several efforts made by The Shipwreck Victims Action Committee of Maryland and others for reparation hasn’t capture the attention of the Liberian national government. The Government seems to play deaf ears to the plight of the women of Maryland. All the women's businesses have been shutdown. Efforts to turn things around by the women after their many losses to make a better situation out of a worse one, result always into another shipwreck.

President Sirleaf promised few times to travel to Maryland to console and repair the damages of the wailing women. But she hasn’t made the first trip since May, 2010. Reparation has become a fairytale for the victims, most of whom are women.

The Issue of shipwreck is very serious in Maryland County (Liberia).

Last May was the most recent wreck. If “Toflo” wrecks as it seems to be unfolding, many Marylanders will die. And their goods will continue to sit in the belly of the Atlantic Ocean without any reparation from their Government. Good thing is that it is isn't "TOFLO" that was on the verge of wrecking. It was another boat. TOFLO helped to rescue the boat.

All in all, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf extended condolences to families of the latest shipwreck victims (May 31, 2010) and set up a committee to probe all other recent ship catastrophes in Maryland County.

The committee, according to the President's mandate, is expected to submit its report at the end of June.

Today’s date is December 1, 2010. Six months later, there’s no report to the nation by the President's Committee..

Why?

Don’t ask me! Ask the President!

I am Thomas G. Bedell; I speak and work from on the ground in Liberia

Complaint Against the UN in Maryland (Liberia)

Wives, Children & Love Ones of the March 2010 Detainees
Green Street, Harper City, Maryland County, R.L.
CELL: 0880742240/692.0151



December 16, 2010

Ellen Margrethe Loj
SPECIAL REP of the SECRETARY-GENERAL/COORDINATOR/UN OPERATIONS in LIBERIA
Monrovia, Liberia


Dear Madam Margrethe Loj:

We trust you are enjoying God’s grace and doing well with your varied responsibilities in reference to peace & stability in Liberia!

This eletter occasions an official COMPLAINT against UNMIL Security in Harper, Maryland County, Republic of Liberia and it is also in compliance to the request of Mr. Lino, officer in charge at The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) office in Harper City, Maryland County to submit our issues as they affect UNMIL & the Liberian government.

Last night, an UNMIL officer by the name of “Nicodemus” harshly approached us (women, men & children of the March 2010 Detainees) who peaceably assembled at the front gate of UNMIL Headquarters located on Maryland Avenue, Harper City to peaceably put forward our deepest concerns why our love ones are being denied Due Process under the Law. IN HIS VIOLENT ACT, "NICODEMUS" Threw fear among us. This violent approach by Mr. Nicodemus was uncalled for, irresponsible and devastating to all of us as women children. This man used profane language with intent to intimidate, scare and cause emotional distress. The little children were terrified! This traumatic situation continued for more than an hour before Mr. Lino of the civil affairs department of UNMIL interceded on our behalf. Thanks to Mr. Lino for his intersession. Otherwise, some of us (women) including the little children would have been crushed under this man’s vengeance!

Madam Loj, we are sure you are aware of the March 24-25, 2010 arbitrary arrests that took place in Harper City, Maryland County under the instructions and orders of the Government of the Republic of Liberia. Several individual citizens and residents were arrested provoking an outcry of Constitutional and Human rights violations. Suddenly, the Liberian government released a majority of the detainees arrested on cardboard box evidence driven by a juju man’s “mojo.” Addition to that, other detainees were sent to court. In the Case of Amb. H. Dan Moraise, the Harper Magisterial Court threw the Case over the window for lack of evidence. Another case is with Cllr. Fulton Yancy - he was accused of possessing human “blood.” After several forensic examinations, the Circuit Court of Maryland County exonerated Cllr. Yancy. Today, Amb. H. Dan Moraise and Cllr. Yancy are free men.

Unfortunately, Madam Loj, nine (9) other citizens and resident of ours still languish behind bars for similar charges. This particular group was arrested along with the rest that have been set free. They were to face Trial in Harper City. But in early April, the Liberian government with the help of UNMIL in Maryland whisked these detainees off to an unknown location under the cover of darkness. Fear gripped the County as a result. No one knew where the detainees (our Loves Ones) were taken and what would happen to them. Soon, we were told they surfaced in the Zwedru Maximum Prison Compound reserved for CONVICTS. Knowing fully well our Love Ones were never tried and convicted, keeping them in a facility set for CONVICTS violated their Constitutional and Human rights. When we alarmed, the Government shipped them to Monrovia, the capital of Liberia with the intent to prosecute them in a court of competent jurisdiction. But to our distaste, the Government continues to wobble in its case of prosecution. On numerous occasions, the Government claimed its witnesses are not “available.” Worse of all, some of its “witnesses’ that we know in Maryland have issued a Declaration that they (“witnesses") will never show up in Court. This line of underdevelopment tells any normal person that the Liberian government has no case and/or evidence against the accused detainees. As such, it is rather prudent and proper to release our Love Ones effective immediately and unconditionally or prosecute them on the “evidence" the Government says it has. The failure of the Government to do either one will leave us with no other alternative but to resolve to Passive Resistance, Civil Disobedience in nonviolent actions. For example, we may not vote come 2011. We might resolve to series of campaigns against unjust laws and practices.

Madam Loj, we have a serious problem with The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) activities during these series of arbitrary arrests on March 24-25, 2010. UNMIL motor vehicles were used to transport the accused to jail. UNMIL Police and Military were visibly present during the arbitrary arrests. In some cases, UNMIL personnel were involved in pointing out individuals to be arrested. When we personally approached the UNMIL staff in Harper City (Lino & Dipesh) they told us UNMIL was only providing “logistical support and advice to the Liberian government.” Madam Loj, you will agree, we are sure, this is very confusing. How can a “neutral” body like UNMIL provide support of any sort to a government engaged in unlawful, illegal and inhumane activities? Please help to explain this to us.

There’s more to all this, but we will save time and space to stop this far. Even though, as a result of the UNMIL officer’s (Nicodemus) outburst, we are undergoing emotional distress. But all the same, we are resolved to remain in the front gate of UNMIL Headquarters in Harper City until the Liberian government alongside UNMIL (the provider of logistic and advise) decides to immediately try our Love Ones in a competent court of jurisdiction or free them on or before Xmas Day, 2010!

THIS IS OUR DECISION!

We look forward to hearing from you very soon! Be well & Peace!

Sincerely,


Felecia Allison/Spokesperson


Annie Lincoln/Communication & Dissemination of Info
APPROVED:

Thomas G. Bedell/Advisor/Social Justice Advocate

Persons and Institution of the Year 2010 in Maryland (Liberia)

The following Marylanders have been selected by The Bedell Speaks & Works online column as distinct persons of the Year 2010.

MARYLANDER OF THE YEAR (2010) is Archie Richelieu Williams. He’s an aviation engineer who does not expect to be rescued (if you know what I mean). Such is the nature of Archie’s fame in Maryland and Liberia as a whole. Just about everyone in Liberia wants to meet him. He’s at the doorstep of every major problem in Maryland providing solution. He’s an “angel” sent by God providing solutions to his people even hope is revisited by misunderstanding. What does faith look like in a multicultural world? There is no better example than that of Biblical Daniel. That’s the nature of Archie’s faith and love for Maryland. Archie, after all has gone amok in Maryland, he never wavers in his commitment to the County and upholding the torch of the legacies of those on whose shoulders we stand today. We see his influence forming a bond of trust resulting in some of the most remarkable chapters of progress in Maryland especially amongst the youth. The prophecies about where Maryland plies today as a county with Archie’s love for the county is so large and convincing, critics have no choice but to grant him the “Marylander of the Year 2010.

THE MOST PROGRESSIVE MARYLANDER OF THE YEAR (2010) “We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man." ~ C. S. Lewis

Such is the nature of Amb. H. Dan Morias. He’s our “Most Progressive Marylander of the Year (2010).” In spite of all distractions, he’s continued to forge the interest and future of Maryland. He negotiated 1.4 million dollars to open The William V. S. Tubman University in Harper City, Maryland County. As a resolve o f Amb. Morais’ negotiation, in 2006 - 2007, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the NCHE set out to awaken the TU - sleeping giant. An Interim Management team was created. TU is the second most recognized public highest institution of higher learning in Liberia.

POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR 2010 Dr. Bhofal Chambers “Politician of the Year” in Maryland (Liberia). He stood up for the people of Maryland at a time when everybody else, particularly members of the Maryland Legislative Caucus, hid under the cover of leaves, disguise and wings of the ruling Unity Party. Dr. Chambers stance shook the very foundation of the power structure at its base. His stance had the Unity Party knees knocking together like a feverish child. He was threatened with imprisonment and excommunication from the ruling Unity Party, but was never deterred. Very seldom politicians risk favor with party bosses especially the President of the country. Dr. Chamber did. He’s proven to be a fearless politician who believes in the wellbeing of his people, Party and Government.

MAN OF THE YEAR 2010 Allen N. Yancy, III is “Man of the Year.” “AY,” as he’s affectionately known has outgrown local and national politics. His philosophy transcends politics. In essence, he is truly what he claims to be - “Humanistic Revolutionary.” As a leader “AY” has been faced with three serious challenges: first, to learn to govern; second, to unify his people; third, to help concioustize his people in order to gain their economic and political rights. He was successful at all three goals. He generally takes a non-aligned approach to African issues. “AY’ is best known politically for his strong commitment to the promotion of Pan-Africanism. “AY’s” biggest success in this area coming with his significant influence in the struggle for “Rice’ and “Rights” in the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA) was in he early days of the Liberian people‘s struggle for “Rights” and “Rice.”

Institution of the Year (2010) The William V. S. Tubman University (TU) is our Institution of the Year (2010). “The William V. S. Tubman University is a "new-old" institution of higher learning. It is "old" in that it is an institution of higher learning formerly known as "William V.S. Tubman College of Technology", TC, for short.” ~TU Website. TubmanU Core Values: 1. We are a caring, accessible community characterized by excellence, integrity,civility and ethics. 2. We are learner‐centered and are intellectually engaged. 3. Our focus is threefold: local, national, and international with an emphasis on the celebration of diversity and the promotion of equal opportunities. 4. We maintain the highest academic standards and comport ourselves with professionalism. 5. We value civic virtue, dependability and trustworthiness. 6. We value innovation, adaptability and creativity.

Educator of the Year (2010) The winner is Alice Wilson affectionately known as “Teacher” Alice. She’s been in the business longer than I can record. She was one of the Pioneers of The Harper Demonstration School (HEDS). Some of her many students have left Harper many, many years ago and have acquired some of the highest academic degrees academia can hold. Most, if not all, now reside in the Liberian Diaspora. Alice Wilson incomparable.

Diasporic Marylander of the Year (2010) David Anderson is our Marylander of the year 2010. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He was one-time President of the National Maryland County Association in the Americas. David is a “Jeremiah” of our time. Like the prophet Jeremiah, David help to inspire the formation of an umbrella Maryland County organization in America. Jeremiah told the Lord that he could not speak to the people because he was only a child. But God answered, "Do not say you are only a child; for you must go to every person to whom I send you, and you must tell them every word I bid you." Then the Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth and said, "I have put my words in your mouth, and I have set you over the nation to do a great work for me." David Anderson’s mouth has been touched by the Lord. May his works begin!

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia

The Constitution WILL Deliver Us from the "Evil" of the Caucus!

The birth of any nation begins with the hard work of those who came before! That's what they say! And I sincerely believe this saying!

One score, five decades, three years ago, our Forefathers and mothers brought forth a new land. They gave this land a name called "Maryland." They named this land in the stead of Maryland of the United States. Because those who came here to help build it came directly from Maryland in the United States of America. It was their wish for their children and children’s children to have a place they can call home. They wanted their children to be happy! They wanted them to live in total peace and harmony with each other. So they set within the abyss of the land the basics tenets of democracy.

These martyrs taught their children to practice and realize democracy - a process of self-government in which individuals would operate upon their environment directly and indirectly. They taught them to make decisions for themselves, pursue careers, enter into relationships with others, and otherwise live their lives and indirectly through political representatives accountable for them.

These great men and women instituted a system based on government that makes possible centralized decisions and rule-setting in matters that affect all citizens (the responsibility that accompanies all freedoms), and decentralized decision making and rule-setting in those best addressed on the local level.



It is, in short, a place for a social and political system characterized by a high degree of personal liberty and equally high degree of political liberty, protected by a legal system based upon our Constitution.



The land became the “Cradle” of Liberia’s leadership. It became the “Beacon” of hope in Liberia. It served as Liberia's “Mecca” of academic education!



Maryland, as it is being called in Republic of Liberia, offered the nation’s 18th and long-serving President, Dr. William V. S. Tubman. It offered the nation's first indigenous Vice President (Dr. H. Too Wesley). In addition to that, Marylande offered Liberia four (4) other Vice Presidents and nine (9) Supreme Court Chief Justices.




They say, "The destruction of a land in most cases, derives from incompetent leaders!" I also sincerely believe this saying as in the case of building a nation with good leaders!



This is true in today’s Maryland.



The Maryland Legislative Caucus is incompetent!

It makes Maryland a vessel of seagoing snitches - people lie and destroy each other’s character for pieces of silver. Jealousy and envy reached astronomical proportions! As such, this dull reality demands an immense sense of patriotism in order to build a new paradigm!

Such immense level of patriotism will give us the requisite ability to deal with the complex socioeconomic & political problems in Maryland. This is achieveable while thinking together and making meaning to create a shared perception of events. It will help us all get more of what we want.

What we want is to kick the Caucus out of power democratically!



Abe Lincoln once observed,



“We, the people, are the Rightful masters of both Congress and the Courts – not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution.” If we the people have the right to “alter or abolish” an ENTIRE GOVERNMENT, as enshrined in our Constitution, how much more a senator or representative? Seeking this RIGHT IS Constitutional!


Therefore the Caucus must go!




I am Thomas G. Bedell, a conservative. I write, speak and work from on the ground in Liberia!

My Starvation Story: Thelma George and Edwina James - "Guiding" Angels

When I appeared before the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on November 11, 2008, I told TRC I had so much to say. And what I had to say (I told the TRC) was important to it and to our people. When I say the "people", I mean the people of Liberia. I strongly impressed upon the TRC that everything I had to say was the truth and nothing but the truth. I informed the Commission (TRC) my witnesses to what I had to say were still alive. And it could check with them to verify my claims. I also submitted to the TRC that some of the things I had to say were purely my personal experiences. I told the Commission I had theories and they were based on my studies made. I assured the Commission that most of the things I would be talking about more or less set the basis for war and terror in Liberia.



I told the Commission that a lot of people heard me at the time when I sounded the warning of impending destruction. Had they listened and paid heed, we would have saved ourselves the pain, agony and despair of war and terror. But I became the "jeremiah" of our day preaching in the Arabian desert where all would hear but none will pay heed.



Based upon this insurmountable truth, I told informed the Commission that my stories that I was about to submit to it were RAW. So if it listens to me and takes my proposals seriously, I'm sure together we can find lasting solutions to our problems.



That’s exactly what I said to the TRC of ther Republic of Liberia.



One of the most outstanding events in my personal experiences is the one that directly affected me as a teenager; a person and a citizen who was working at the time as a volunteer for my Government and country. That time my Government turned its back on me when I most needed it. And when it turned its back on me, the Liberian government set me up for personal disaster. It caused other comrades and I (that’s what I called those who worked along with me at the time) some level of mental distress. We starved almost to death. If it weren't for our two emerging “Guiding” Angels (Mrs. Thelma George & Ms. Edwina James), our corpses would have decomposed by now prior to the uncivil war.



Why did the Government turn its back on its teenage youthful citizen that volunteered to serve it at no cost other than love for country?



This is what we need to find out in order to move forward and understand why Liberia crawl into a generalized anarchy of violence.



It is true God has Angels amongst us.



But we as humans may not know. These angels sit among us quietly as ordinary people. When the time comes for them to act, that’s the only time they take up their celestial duties and act at the command of God. And when they do act at God’s command, they significantly impact upon our lives as humans.



This was the case in Bong Mines, Lower Bong County (Liberia).



Our Angels emerged amongst us. And they left an indelible mark on our brains. One was Mrs. Thelma George. She was an elderly woman at the time. The other Angel is Edwina James. She was a teenager at the time. Both of them sat among us as humans until that day when they emerged to our rescue. They may not have known their angelic roles and powers. But we knew it. And you know why we knew it? Because we saw and felt it. It ultimately changed our lives.



Mrs. Thelma George was the chief dietician of the Bong Mining Company. You know what that means. It means she prepared the best food for all the Caucasians and privileged Liberians in Bong Mining Company staff. This woman was trained (she passed on now) to prepare the best of food that anyone can bite on. This woman was so good in her job, I just would like for you to imagine eating something that you ate before. But it is cooked by a different person with a completely different and excellent twist therefore giving it a rather different taste.



This was a finger-licking experience for me and my comrades. I mean eating such good food is an experience that will make you "holler" (ebonically speaking) right over the window. As of the other Angle - Edwina James – she was a teenage high school student at Bongtown High School. She was living with her parents. And so for her to have such an impact on the lives of others, meant that God was sitting right there. Because there were several women with so much power and could have made a significant difference. But the teenager made the difference. She and Mrs. George did something unforgettable in our lives. No matter how long it took for me to tell to the world, I had to tell the story. And that’s why I decided to first tell it to the TRC and then to the whole wide world.



Just so you know: I know I never admired the TRC that much. Because it is my belief the TRC is not capable of producing the expected result - Reconciliation. The reason is simple: 1st, it holds its head above its chest as if it is all that of clean people. 2nd, it was detached from the reality on the ground - there's no way its "recommendations" will be accepted by the current Government. Because most, if not all, of its membership is responsible for the carnage and the near-destruction of Liberia. 3rd, it had friends all in the Government (in fact that's how they were selected - friendship basis). And so there's no way the TRC can deliver the anticipated goods. Yet and still, it is my view that through its work, the world can listen to what other people who took part in the generalized anarchy of violence in Liberia as well as those who know much about the war did during and prior to the violence.



In my opoinion, those that came to the TRC to testify or make presentations would somehow reveal how they helped or hurt their Compatriots and country during and prior to the violence.



Mrs. George and Ms. James deserve to be talked about.



They did a good job for us as fellow Compatriots. Although Mrs. George passed on (joined our martyrs), but her name still lives. And it live on forever. She’s truly a martyr. She cannot be forgotten.

As for Edwina, she’s still around. Thank God for her.



Well, let me tell you the story. Here’s how it evolved of these gallant women who I consider as our “Guiding” Angels.



It is 1980, I first return from the sister African Socialist Republic of Ethiopia. I am supposed to be assigned in Maryland County to run the Government’s adult literacy Program there. Although I am just a high school graduate, I was trained to run such a Prgoram effectively and efficiently.



Notice, I just graduated high school from Maryland. I lived in Maryland all my formative days. I come to Monrovia to pursue further academic studies. So I being in the Monrovia area will add to my experience for me to make a different. So when my assignment is set for Bong Mines, Zaweakomu Clan, Lower Bong County, I have no problem.



This is how the decision for me to work in Lower Bong County comes about.



Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh was chairman for The Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA). Dr. Tipoteh is invited by the Bong Mines Workers’ Union to serve as orator for the first Redemption Day Anniversary. Those days MOJA was a household name. It led and began the Liberian struggle for "Rice" and "rights" from the 70s up to the 80s. Dr. Tipoteh was known all over the country. I heard his name for many years before I ever came to see and know him. Had he spoken that day, that would have been my very first time hearing and sitting on the same platform with this great man. But he did not attend the Program. So he asked Mr. Siahyakron Jlay Kpakeh Nyanseor, current co-owner, Perspective online Magazine, USA, to proxy for him. I don't know Mr. Nyanseaor at the time. From what I learned that day when I first met Mr. Nyanseor (he came directly from the US to Liberia to help the nation building process), he fascinated me a lot.



I didn’t know anything about this function that was supposed to be held in Bong Mines.



I was visiting with friends and relatives in Monrovia. Well, this was my first time as a high school graduate to move around in Monrovia. Suddenly, I run into the man I consider one of my most outstanding revolutionary teachers. His name is Wleh Snoh Bulu. Bulu asks me to join him visit with the late Nippy Manneh at PHP. See, “PHP” is opposite the Antoinette Tubman Ball Park in Monrovia. This little enclave is reputable for producing great people from athletes to politicians. In fact, the Commanding General, Thomas Quiwonkpa, and others on the People’s Redemption Council (PRC) that launched a military overthrow of the Tolbert government comes from “PHP.” Unconfirmed reports tell me the 1980 “revolution” was born in “PHP.”




I did not know Nippy Manneh. Later on I come to know Thomas Wehsyen, vice head of state and vice chairman of the People's Redemption Council (PRC), Nicholas Podier, speaker of the PRC, Thomas Quiwonkpa, commanding general of the Liberia Army and other top notch members of the PRC met frequently at Nippy's house. I come to know later on they were all friends and buddies of Nippy.



See, “PHP” is a little enclave right on the Beach. It is right behind the Military Barracks – Barclay Training Center (BTC). It also sits right behind the Antoinette Tubman Ballpark. In this little enclave is where my life started taking a different shape.




This day, I remember I have nothing much to do with myself. So I'm visiting with friends and relatives in Monrovia. Keep in mind, I just come to Monrovia - "New Kid on the Block." I'm not in school yet. I mean I am not in university yet. I am not working for money, either. And this particular time I'm talking about, is vacation time (Summer time). This is when every student has free time to play around. Some find vacation jobs. And being a “new kid on the block” in Monrovia, I am using my vacation time to learn my way around the City. So I follow Bulu. We get to Nippy’s house. Nippy isn't home. That’s what we are told.




They told Nippy is at Nyanseor's residence visiting. I don't know who is Nyanseaor by this time yet. But I will soon know. And very soon too! I think Bulu knows Nyanseor. Nyanseor's residence is few houses down towards the Beach. From Nyanseor's residence in “PHP” to Nippy's house is just an armed-stretch apart.



Nyanseor's residence is few yards from where the PRC executed The True Whig Party (TWP) government officials. I heard about that in Harper. I was in high school when all this happened. And so I have no concrete clue on the event. However, being in Monrovia and having the free time, I wanted to see the area for my own records. So while going to Nyanseor’s place, I asked Bulu to take me there on the Beach where the Officials were shot to death. Bulu did. While standing there and looking, I see the place. Poles on which these men laid their backs before bing shot at point-blank-range, remain standing.


Bulu explains to me how this whole thing took place. His explanation breaks my heart. But I am too young. So I have not much to say. My interpretation and view are very limited. After it all, we leave the area. We go to Nyanseaor’s house. In the house we meet other comrades: Kpannah Doe, Duworko and others. Nyanseaor has a vehicle sitting in front of the house ready to take him to Bong Mines. When we walk in, we are offered to go on the trip. Bulu looks me in the eye. I look at him too. We shake heads. And say, “What the heck, let’s go!” And we did.



By mid day we are out of town. This will be my first time traveling to Bong Mines. So I am eager to go. In no time we are there. The workers are set for us. Because it is their day. They organized the function. By now they know Dr. Tipoteh is not coming. They are dissappointed, though. But they are told Nyanseaor is in Dr. Tipoteh's place. So, when we get in, they embraced Nyanseaor. They settled us down. But Nyanseor wants us visit with Mrs. Thelma George. It seems like he knows Mrs. George. And so we join him. That's when the pendulum of the clock of history began to tick.




Just so you know, Nyanseaor is one of those Monrovia “Boys.” What that means is, he knows his way around (if you know what I mean). A lot of people in the area knows him and vice versus.



So we visit with Mrs. George. When we get there, she welcomes us as if she knew we were coming. She provides food and we ate religiously. I remember she gave us some delicatessen. And that freaked us up. We licked our fingers so much we wanted more. At least, I did! But it ran out. Whatever it was became the best I ever had besides my aunt’s cooking.



See, my Aunt reared me, you know. So I know she's the best cook in this world. She puts together some food no one on earth can put together. After eating what Mrs. George gave us, we left for our assigned Guest House. This visit brings me closer to one of my Angels. And trust me; I have no idea. I have no clue. But I am sitting in the presence of my "Guiding" angel! And from the look of things, Mrs. George seems not to have any clue, whatsoever was unfolding.




It was my first time meeting Mrs. Thelma George. And I had no idea few weeks later she would be one of my “Guiding Angels.” Little did I know she would be one of my idols when I play ball for Mighty Barrolle Ball Club. She mentored the Ball Club before my time. I find this out three years later - she was a sponsor of Ball Club. I wished she was alive when Mighty Barrolle recruited me along with Ambassador George Weah. But she passed on before I wore the gears of Mighty Barrolle! This woman would have been proud of me in Barrolle's gears. Cause, I play some ball for the Ball Club to international class! Well, it wasn't meant to be. So she did not see me!


This woman left something indelibly on my mind. She made me believe that God put her here on earth as an Angel amongst us for our protection. I am convinced about that! She really was one of those Angels planted to save my life. Otherwise, knowing what I know now, I would have been dead and buried.



After all the visitations and consultations, the Program is held. Siayankron Jlay Kpakee Nyanseor is the orator. He delivers a powerful speech. It is the most outstanding speeches of the decade. He turns the entire community upside down with firing remarks. Keep in mind, Mr. Nyanseor is a product of the 70s “struggle.” And that's why he is well-versed and experienced in the message necesry for the day. So he knew what he was saying. He knew the time in which he found himself and what was required to make it known. He knew who was listening.




If you ask me if I knew things Mr. Nyanseor was saying, I'll say "No!"I am just a "new-kid-on-the-block. But after his speech, I am full with knowledge. When all is said and done, we returned to the Guest house. And there’s where all things begins to fall in place.




The leader of the Workers’ Union delivered a firing remark to show his appreciation for the support we gave and the speech from Mr. Nyanseor. In his remark, he calls for an adult literacy program in the area for the workers. From all indications, his remark was based on previous meeting they held among themselves. The Workers’ Union’s leadership apparently had this set up before they came to see us. And so the remark was on target. They want Bulu and I to run the Program. Why the chose Bulu and I, remains a mystery today. But we consented. Three weeks later, we reported for duty. From that point onward, my life took another dramatic shift.




The Ministry of Education sent us to Bong Mines. It instructs us to contact the Personnel Manager. The personnel manager is Mr. Williams. I don't remember his first name. We meet with him at his office and deliver Minister Fahnbulleh’s letter. He reads it and takes us to a Guest house. This Guest House is different. It is rather huge. It has a Golf Course about the size of West Point in Monrovia. The Central Air is kicking like dog in the sand. It is as if we are in Alaska or Siberia. There are alcoholic beverages everywhere in the house. But one strong contradiction exists: in the midst of so much alcoholic beverages, there is no food to be seen anywhere. We look around for the least trace of food. But there is none. So we decid to kick up in the Lazy boy and relax for few minutes. We wait for food. Because Mr. Williams says he'll be back. But we don’t ask him when he'll be back. The first day is Friday. Then we get to know most top brass Company staff go to Monrovia for weekends.



So Mr. Williams is gone to Monrovia too. We don’t know for sure. There's no way we can find out. No working phone digits available. We go through Friday without food. Saturday comes. It is the same - we go through no food!



We are locked in Bongtown. And here we are don't know our way out. The area is conservative. People do not hang around the streets for us to ask questions. So we keep indoor waiting for someone to show up. But no one did. Then it clicks my mind. I met a girl friend during our first visit to Bong Mines. Edwina James is her name. But I don’t have her phone digits. While looking around I find the phone book. I flip the pages. And I find the phone digits for the "James" family. I dial the digits. Someone answers. I ask if this is the James’ residence. The person says, “Yes.” I ask for Edwina. The person says she isn’t at home. So I leave a message and our phone digits.



In few minutes the phone rings. We don’t know whether or not to pick it up. Because this is not our home. But anyway, I pick it up. And the voice says, “This is Edwina. Did anybody call for me?” I say “yes. This is Thomas Bedell.” And Edwina alarms. She is happy. I am not. Because I am hungry. But I am a bit happy at the same time. So I'm ambivilant! I don’t know what to do. Should I cry or should I laugh? I did all at the same time - laugh and cry. It hit me that by speaking with Edwina, food will be coming our way. Edwina asks me for my location. I tell her. She figures it out immediately. “Just few houses away from my Dad’s.” She says, “I’ll be there in a second.” And she sure did.



Bulu and I are happy she comes over. I am too darn weak and hungry to start a conversation. I can't say a lot. I just say, “Edwina, we are starving.” It seems like she wants to ask what happened. But when she looks at us, she sees all our eyes wiggling in their sockets. So she quickly says, “Follow me.”



Isn't that what Jesus said to his Disciples? Of course, that’s exactly what Jesus said! So we follow Edwina. We get at her dad’s residence. She places an order for some food. And it comes quickly. Truth be told, I ate as if I am a hostage. Imagine being a hostage. I had not eaten for three days. I am starving. After eating, we want to rest and concentrate. So we go home. Later on, we come back. This time we meet Edwina’s dad. Mr. James speaks with us. He explains how the "system" in the area works. He provides appropriate information to guide us on Monday morning when we meet the Personnel Manager. We thank him. We thank his wife. We thank the children. Edwina walks us halfway to the Guest House. On our way, they gave us some carryout food. And that helped us throughout the night.



The next morning was another hectic experience. I look back and I realized this was the first time in my life I ever starved. From that experience I discover the difference between being hungry and starving. I find out quickly. We are starving! This never happened to me in my own country. When I graduated from high school and left my aunt's residence, she never warned me this would be my first test in real life - starvation. No Owner’s Manual to explain all this. The Manual would tell me what to expect after I move out of my aunt's home to be a man of my own. This awkward experience makes me appreciate my Aunt more. Because this could not have happened in her home. I would never be hungry for a second without getting food. This experience teaches me a lesson. Even though the lesson is cruel, it teaches me a lot. I know now life wasn’t going to be easy for me. The "ups" and "downs" will be gigantic. I have to accept the reality that my Aunt’s job is done. The rest is up to me. And there's where Edwina steps in and makes a significant difference like an Angel would do on my life!



How we met Mrs. George the second and last time is also a sign of angelic intervention. Bulu and I just left our new assigned residence in the Bachelor’s quarter when a van pulled over near us. Now keep in mind. We passed threshold of starvation. We are bright and energetic. This Van stops closed to us. In the Van is a lady. She is in the front passenger seat. She is Mrs. Thelma George. We find out later on. She asks us if we remember her. Man! This is the worst thing happenning after our starvation experience. We say, “No!” to a woman who serve us the best dish during our first visit on Redemption Day. well, she reminds us. She's Thelma George! Then we recaptured ourselves. And we jumped to our feet. We greet her in grand style. Then she asks us to hop in the van. We hop in! She takes us to her office at the Mess Hall. Just few minutes’ drive from where we are residing. She takes us around the Mess Hall. It is a giant Hall. She introduces us to her staff. She asks us if everything is okay. We say “Yes.” But it is a lie. Everything isn’t alright. The reason we lie is, we don’t want to start telling on people too soon. So we decide to keep quite on what happened when we starve. Unfolding events would tell the story. This is how we felt!



See, Mrs. George lived and worked in the area for too long. So she knows what is obtaining in the area. We could not deceive her. It appears she heard what happened to us. But she never mentioned it. She instructs her staff to provide us food three times a day as long as we are in Bongtown. She also instructes her staff to deliver the food to our cabin. And our cabin was about a hundred yards away from the Mess Hall. From this day on, our food problem is solved. We never had any problem with food. We got our breakfast. We got our lunch. And we got our dinner on time. In fact, we had so much food so we helped to feed almost all our volunteer facilitators, as well as students who had no jobs and means to sustain themselves. The food we got was not just regular or ordinary. This food was top of the line food. The sandwiches were so big and juicy, two-to-three persons could share one and still get full. The juices and soft drinks were out of this world. The food we ate was not just for belly full. It was nutritional. She fed us.



She checked on us regularly to know how things were evolving. Every now and then she dropped us a purse to help us meet other needs. Because of her support, we never worried over Government’s neglect. Because of the support we enjoyed from Mrs. George, we were able to travel far and near and build centers deep, deep in the belly of the hinterland. From Nyenye to Manwuah; straight to Haindi we walked from village to village establishing centers. In most cases, we were taking serious risks in the jungles of the Faumah District. We were not members of the people’s cultural societies. But they embraced us and protected us throughout our stay in the area. Upon our return in Bongtown from the villages, our food was always there waiting for us. In fact, other facilitators were looking forward to joining us on the dining table. So they waited for as long as it took for us to arrive. And together we ate the food and went about our private businesses after the work day.



Mrs. Thelma George and Ms. Edwina James were our “Guiding” Angels. They saved us from starvation when the Liberian government turned its back on us. I pray Mrs. George soul rests in Perfect Peace and Light Perpetual shine upon her. Wherever Edwina James is, I say Go Girl and Thanks for your help!