Liberia: A Rich Nation With HUNGRY People

An partial view of West Point in Monrovia

Liberia turned 166 on July 26, 2013. This transition reminded Liberians that this oldest republic on the African continent had for 166 years, remained a low-income country, in spite of being so rich with natural resources including iron ore, gold, diamonds, natural rubber, vast forests for logging and timber harvesting, and abundant agriculture land for tilling.

And yet, throughout these 166 years, the most popular description of Liberia has been “one of the poorest and underdeveloped countries of the world.” Of course, Liberia will continue to be described this way because the pockets of the economic, political and social heavyweights continue to get deeper and deeper, while the poor are left to live and die in abject poverty, they say.

Doe’s Dream Mansion Lies in Ruins

Many of Africa's leaders have continued to use their countries' meager resources to build some outrageous buildings that very much suited their egos.  For instance, Felix Houphouet-Boigny of Ivory Coast in the 80s used at least $300 million to construct Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix in his hometown, Yamoussokro. 

Though it is modeled on the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, it is much larger, making it the biggest church in the world. As pictured below, here is Liberia's late President Samuel Doe’s dream mansion erected in the city of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh, his hometown. Unlike the Basilica of Yamoussokro, Doe’s dream mansion was never completed.

In Liberia: Rape Still a Weapon

President Sirleaf (attired in gray & black) flanked by women at this year's celebration of Int'l Women's Day in Liberia

Rape, especially child rape, is disgustingly becoming a way of life for some selfish, irresponsible men within the Liberian society. I mean, babies as young as three months are often preyed upon by these thugs, with impunity. Granted that rape became endemic as a weapon of fear during Liberia’s decade-long civil war. But why is it still rampant, going unpunished more often than not?

My Newfound Friend Clocks TWO

The birthday boy (Sekou) looked cheerful throughout the party

It all began with a weeklong planning of little Sekou Bility’s two-year birthday party by his parents. Whether they were planning an intimate gathering of friends and family or an all-out bash, one thing was certain—they knew their little man's second birthday celebration was bound to be special! Oh yes, Mr. Abraham A.S. Bility, the Vice President for Operations (VPO) of FELMAUSA, and his darling wife, Isatu Bility, also knew their little cutie-pie deserved to have some fun, even though he might or might not remember this party, and may even be overwhelmed by it. Yet, every effort was made to ensure a flawless hosting of Sekou’s day.

And when the day finally arrived—March 9, 2014—little Sekou, who happens to be my newfound best friend due to his breathtaking smartness that knows no bounds, was taken to a colorful outdoor birthday party at the Chuck E. Cheese located on Federick Avenue in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Is the Use of Technology Making Us That Lazy?

Ok folks, here's what's really being on my mind lately, and I figure I'm in need of your invaluable inputs on. In fact, to admit, this is something that has been on my mind for a while now.  Here's it:

1. Is the ability of humans to think for themselves seriously deteriorating, because we are increasingly reliant on technology to solve problems?  

2. OR, to what extent is technology undermining our use of mental abilities that are essential or necessary for thinking for ourselves?

Kindly share your thoughts.