“Women in Peacekeeping: the Power to Empower”

ToUNMILday

May 2009 Volume 5, Issue 11 “Women in Peacekeeping: the Power to Empower”

By Sulaiman Momodu & J. Wesley Washington

esignated by the UN General Assembly in 2002, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed on 29 May is the date in 1948 when the first DUN peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), began operations in Palestine. The observance of the Day in Liberia this year on the global theme, “Women in Peacekeeping: the Power to Empower”, included a wreath-laying ceremony and a minute of silence at UNMIL’s Pan African Plaza Headquarters in Monrovia in remembrance of all fallen peacekeepers. The ceremony was attended by the United Nations family, senior officials of the Liberian government, members of the diplomatic corps and other partners. While laying the wreath at the solemn gathering, Minister of Gender Vabah Gayflor, representing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, paid tribute to UN peacekeepers who had sacrificed their lives for Liberians to live in peace. She said she was particularly inspired by the Day’s theme and hailed the role of women in peacekeeping while noting that the Liberian civil conflict was very brutal for women. The UN Secretary General’s message to mark the Day was read by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ellen Margrethe Løj. The message noted that deployment in peacekeeping is at a record high, with the number of troops, civilians and police totalling more than 113,000 worldwide. UN personnel serve in some of the most difficult and inhospitable areas on earth, where they face insta- bility, disease and violence on a daily basis. In 2008, 132 peacekeepers lost their lives in the line of duty -- the highest one-year total in the history of UN peacekeeping either by acts of violence, disease or accidents, stated the message. In Liberia, 21 peacekeepers lost their lives over the last one year. The Secretary-General’s message noted that there are still far too few women peacekeepers. The message highlighted the “power of women” to strengthen UN peacekeeping while helping women and girls themselves to transform their des- tinies, and societies, for the better. Currently in UNMIL, there are 168 females in the military force whereas in the mission’s police component there are 53 females. There are also 130 women on the Formed Police Unit out of a total of 720. Females make up 30 per cent of the international civilian staff as well as 25 per cent of the national staff. India was among the first to answer the call in 2007 with the deployment of a 125-member all-female police contingent to Liberia. A symposium at the University of Liberia auditorium moderated by the mission’s spokesperson Maimouna Mills brought together the mission’s all-female Indian Formed Police Unit Commander Annie Abraham; Melva Crouch, Chief of Integrated Support Services; Carole Doucet, Senior Gender Adviser; and 2nd Lt. Venue Dean of the Armed Forces of Liberia as panelists to discuss and raise awareness on the Day’s theme. Chief of Public Information George Somerwill also contributed at the symposium which was attended by an enthusiastic audi- ence. UNMIL peacekeepers in collaboration with officers of the Liberian Armed Forces and the Liberia National Police held series of interactive fora with students at the United Methodist University, the AME University, the Zion University and the Stella Maris Polytechnic during which students were enlightened about the work of UN peacekeepers and the need for more women to join the military and police and contribute to the country’s security sector reform. Activities were also undertaken in the sectors to mark the day.

Staff Matters Behind the Scenes Snapshots Inside This Issue HR Reforms ...... Pg. 4 Finance has Changed.. Pg. 6 Robertsport...... Pg. 10 From the Editor

ith the theme, in mid-May, the Human Resources and Management Section “Women in (HRMS) met the first major deadline for the new HR Reform Peacekeeping: process. The head of the section tells us more about the process the Power to in her own words. Empower”, this For the first time in its history, Liberia has a radio channel year’sW observance of the dedicated exclusively to the youth. Find out what the Youth FM International Day of Peacekeepers run by UNMIL Radio is all about. And, out of Monrovia, we on 29 May commemorated 61 years bring you a snapshot of Robertsport, witness the first National of UN peacekeeping. We report in Staff Association’s meeting held outside Monrovia, and narrate our cover story how the UN family how the selfless act of a peacekeeper helped save the lives of a in Liberia marked the day in remem- Liberian woman and her triplets. brance of the fallen colleagues who had paid the ultimate price of peace- Happy reading! keeping. We turn the spotlight on Finance and Budget sections as we go behind the scenes to look at the Mathew Elavanalthoduka work they do to sustain the mission. After weeks of hard work,

Samuel R. Smith Homage to Ottokar

ttokar Reiseneder, former amuel R. Smith of the UNMIL Chief Budget Technical Compliance and OOfficer and one of the SQuality Aviation (TCQA) first staff member's to arrive in Unit, Aviation Section has the mission, has passed away. passed away. “Col. Smith” as he He died on 26 April this year was affectionately called was in Austria, his home country. assigned at the James Spriggs He was medically evacuated Payne Airport. He died on from Liberia in 2007, the same Saturday, 16 May 2009 at the year he was due to retire. Firestone Hospital in Margibi Paying tribute to our fallen Obituary County. colleague, those who knew Ottokar Smith joined the UN Mission in all agree that he was one of the most Liberia in April 2004 and served as a mechanic foreman in the knowledgeable Chief Budget officers in peacekeeping mis- Aviation Section up to the time of his demise. Prior to joining sions. He joined the UN in 1968 and for nearly 40 years served UNMIL, he was a member of the Armed Forces of Liberia’s in many UN organizations starting with UNIDO in Vienna as a (AFL) Aviation Division. He was an active member of the AFL General Service staff. He also worked in Cambodia, Namibia, from 1980 to 2003. Haiti, Vukovar, Angola, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, His remains were laid to rest on 30 May 2009 at the Afghanistan and Liberia, among others. Ottokar’s legacy is his Thinker’s Village area following funeral rites at Trinity commitment to work and the UN which all staff should learn Lutheran Church in Matadi. Smith is survived by his wife, from. He will be missed by many. May his soul rest in peace! Dorothy and 10 children.

UNMIL Today Published by the Public Information Office, UNMIL

Chief of Public Information Head of Publications Editorial Team: George Somerwill Mathew Elavanalthoduka Sulaiman Momodu J. Wesley Washington Photos Design and Graphics Christopher Herwig Paddy Defoxy Ilos, II Thomas S. Blidi [email protected] www.unmil.org 2- UNMIL Today - May 2009 W F J. WesleyBy Washington JMAC fortheircontributiontothe workofthemission. enthusiasm andcommitmentwhile thankingallmembersof award, Maj.-Gen.Modeycongratulated Maj.Bibersforhis had writtenontheillegalnarcotics trade.Handingoverthe sentations and,inparticular, anassessmenthe was inrecognitionofhisworkon severalpre- Bibers fromEgypt. The highlyvaluedtrophy tion handedovertheawardtoMaj. Walaa Maj.-Gen. CarlModey, attheweeklypresenta- duty isalwaysanelementofsurprise. to encouragepersonnelremaincommitted tation, the“Thinkerof Week” awardmeant tion byalocalvendoroverUS$25,000owedsomestaff their dependents,andthelawsuitbroughtagainstassocia- regarding designatedhospitalstobeusedbynationalstaff and contract duration(1July2009to30June2010),medicalissues cational grant,dependencyallowances,understandingthenew Human ResourcesReformincludingmobilityallowances,edu- feedbacks onmeetingswithseniormanagementasregardsthe remarkable,” henoted. the socialinteractionamongstcolleaguesfollowingthat,was the freeinteractiveexchangeofviewsduringmeeting,and were yettocometogetherforge aheadinharmony. Secondly, members has beensodivided.DespitetheelectionsNASA exercise achievedamongstcolleagues.“Asyouknow, NASA the outcomeofweekendmeetingandtogetherness unify colleaguesaftermonthsofdivision,wasquiteelatedat In mid-May, theDeputyForceCommander, Meeting in A3 Holds NASA The 4thGeneralMeetingaddressedamongotherthings, NASA’s President Abenego Kofie,whohadpledgedto city ofBuchanan,some88milesoutsideMonrovia. (NASA) recentlyhelditsGeneralMeetingintheport or thefirsttimeever, theNationalStaff Association usually meetattheirweeklypresen- Mission Analysis Centre(JMAC) Joint hen membersoftheUNMIL Tikrofthe Week” “Thinker another venueoutsideMonrovia. forajobwelldone.” indeed asuccess;hatsoff toNASA relieve thestressfromlonghoursofwork. The meetingwas in Buchanan,”shesaid.“Thetripdidusallgoodandhelpedto one goal.“Iwitnessedloveandunityamongstcolleagueswhile act witheachothernotonlyascolleaguesbutLiberians saying thatthemeetinggavecolleaguesanopportunitytointer- way tothe Weton Beach,amustgoplaceonsunnyafternoon. Ghanaian RecreationCentre.OnSunday, colleaguesmadetheir eaten fromNASA.” have meeting aimedatregainingtheyearsthat‘locusts’ people withacommonpurpose,”hesaid,adding,“Itwas that wedidwhatinBuchanantoseeourselvesasone da andtheorganization. “Itwaslongoverdue,butIamhappy the meetingasoneofbestsofarbothintermsagen- constitutionalissues. standing NASA Housing Authority’s housingprojectandtheresolutionoflong members. OtherissuesincludedaninsightontheNational agencies onthegeneralsecurity situation andexpectedtrends. JMAC alsoprovidesregularbriefings tootherinternational designed toimproveco-operation andintelligencesharing- Liberian Inter-Agency SecurityIntelligenceMeeting (SIM)- The nextGeneralMeetingisexpectedtotakeplaceat Albertine DixonoftheFinanceSectionsummeditupby And yes,socializetheydidonSaturdayeveningatthe Mark FreemanoftheLegalandJudicialDivisiontermed Offices. Responsiblefor runningtheweekly MILOBs andthenewlyappointed HeadsofField ed byinformationprovidedtheSectors, RRR andCivil Affairs, butisalsocloselysupport- Sections inthemission,particularSICU,PPPS, ferences. JMACworkscloselywithmanyother depth andsustainedanalyticalproductscon- are fondlynicknamed“The Thinkers” fortheirin- detailed analysisofemerging orextantthreatsand ly deploystotroublespotsundertakemore stability. The jointcivilian/militaryteamfrequent- assessments ontheriskstoLiberia’s securityand JMAC providesmediumandlonger-term May 2009- UNMIL Today - 3 Staff Matters Staff Matters T By JeanieFraser tional staff tothenewcontracts.Soon, HRMS staff began planning thelogisticsofmoving allournationalandinterna- ing HRReforminDecember, DMS,CASandHRMSbegan Management. When wereceived thefirstnoticeofupcom- and thisismostlydueto early planningbyUNMIL adopted. discontinued. The newR&RpolicyinlieuoftheORBwasalso Payments ofMissionSubsistence Allowance (MSA)willbe mobility andhardshipallowancesarentalsubsidy. adjustment, assignmentgrant(whereappropriate),shipment, installed atthemissionlocationwithpaymentofpost staff willbe sonnel underwhich age formissionper- remuneration pack- approved anew Assembly also framework. new contractual transitioned tothe Staff Ruleswillbe 300 seriesofthe the 100,200and staff membersunder Currently serving Continuing. term and Temporary, Fixed- ments are types ofappoint- July 2009thethree staff rulesandthreetypesofappointments. and harmonizationoftheconditionsservicewithoneset lution callingforthestreamliningofcontractualarrangements on 16May. 4- NI Today UNMIL NI isthefirstmissiontoget itsdocumentssafelyaway UNMIL The General Effective from1 At its63rdSession,theGeneral Assembly adoptedareso- major deadlineforthenewHRReformprocesswasmet team canslowlystartbreathingagainafterthefirst he HumanResourcesandManagementSection(HRMS) - May 2009 Easing theHRReforms cesbeo SE n rmyu dio tUMLHRMS. accessible oniSEEKandfromyour advisoratUNMIL planning board.Informationonthe newconditionsofserviceis UN staff database)before midJune!SoIguessitsbacktothe shopping trolley! ina the lastbox,tapedup,addressed andhandedtotheDHL on tothem.Finallythelastbundlewasceremoniouslyplacedin individually signedSalaryDistributionformshadtobepassed ting thevitalroleFinanceisplayinginthisHRepisode-all andofcoursephotocopying.Notforget- ing with‘specialcases’ who couldn’t printtheirePAS, soothingruffled feathers,deal- Sections likeSecurity, ISSandCITSusedplaneshelicop- sionalism ingettingthemselvesorganised. Someverylarge been totallycooperativeandhaveshowninitiativeprofes- staff have already wellpreparedtomeetthedeadline.UNMIL next stageoftheplan. track thecontentsoffilesandenableustopreparefor teamdesignedaprogrammeto important items. The HRIT reminded toupdatetheirPHP’s andcompleteePAs’s andother reviewing allstaff filesfornecessarydocuments.Staff were Now, allwehavetodoistransitionstaff onNucleus(the As thefinalinstructionsfromFPDcameinMarch,wewere over-excited staff papers, calming after missing advising, chasing sorting, correcting, began. Checking, May. the deadlineof13 HRMS offices by handed into were 1500 ‘packs’ All inall,over different Sections. areas frommany from staff intheir collect paperwork their resourcesto and theRAO’s lent staff intheSectors documents from ters toretrieve Then the‘fun’ Behind The Scenes

Take Budget Seriously

By Sulaiman Momodu Section also lines up resources accordingly. While admitting that there are sometimes delays for issues he refrain, “there is no budget”, is the catchphrase which to get sorted out, the section’s personnel proudly confirm that we often hear when it comes to something we need to the policy and motto of the section is that documents should not Tdo. So, what exactly is the work of Budget Section? stay more than 12 hours before appropriate action is taken, “Budget Section doesn’t keep funds to allocate to section unless there are follow up queries that could lead to such delays, except those sections that initially submitted their requirements explains the chief. She encourages colleagues not to send out during the initial budget preparation,” says the Chief of Budget, their request at the eleventh hour. “Some staff members wait Immaculate Njeru. until the last minute to put in their request and when such are Working directly under the supervision of the Director of treated as urgent, errors could creep in.” The Chief of the small Mission Support who is the custodian of all the mission’s but busy section of seven states that staff members should treat resources (financial, human and physical assets), Njeru says budget issues seriously in the same way they plan for their own Budget Section is responsible for ensuring proper implementa- salary, MSA, VLA and any other incomes. “Nobody just wakes tion, monitoring and control of the Mission’s current year budg- up and say I am going to buy 20 pairs of shoes without prior et by ensuring that correct account codes are charged and that planning,” she says, emphasizing, that proper planning and there are no over-runs. The section is equally responsible for objective goal setting is eventually rewarding. accountability of the previous year budget by ensuring that per- Emilia Samura who was in Finance says, “From a layman’s formance reports are accurate. This is done by providing prop- point of view, moving to Budget with a finance background er justifications on any variances/deviations between the should be an easy change. But here it is quite challenging. We approved budget and the actual expenditures during the budget deal with all sections and the staff strength is only seven.” She year. In addition the section is responsible for proper strategic points out that for the mission to keep running, everything guidance and coordination during the preparation of next fiscal revolves around proper budgeting, monitoring and implementa- year’s budget proposals by working closely with its clients who tion of the mission’s resources. are mainly the Self Accounting Units (Cost Centres). Alhegne Atnafu notes that sometimes, especially in The budget year cycle for peacekeeping missions runs from September and October when they have to send the mission’s July to June. Instructions are sent in advance to all sections budget to New York, they work long hours, on weekends and requesting them to submit their plans for the following year even on holidays. But is the oldest serving staff in the section, (e.g. travel, consultancy, training, human resource, etc). A lot of Nepa Golda Bryant, working since 2004, happy with it? “I work and communication takes place between the sections, its enjoy working because I am eager to learn more,” says the clients and the HQ to ensure accuracy before the reports are national staff. The staff attributed the section’s professional eventually submitted to the relevant legislative bodies development to the foundation laid by their former chief, (ACABQ, 5th Committee and the General Assembly) for final Reiseneder Ottokar, who passed away in April this year. As approval. As the mission gradually reduces its strength, Budget they continue their duties come rain or shine, Chief Njeru’s appeal to all staff is, “Please take budget seriously. May 2009 - UNMIL Today - 5 Behind The Scenes Finance has Changed

By Sulaiman Momodu Working in Finance can be quite tough. Trisano, Supervisor of Cashier’s Office who is more than five years in the mission, f you think someone is your friend wait until it comes to says sometimes they have a lot of pressure and have “to run money matters, says Ms. Modupe Adebanjo, the OiC of around all over PAP to get things done.” No one in the mission IFinance, with a smile. She says Finance has changed and gets money without going through Cashier’s office and all pay- that the previous bad experiences should not becloud the cur- ments require bank signatories which is outside the section’s rent positive changes within the section. Although many col- control. Finance Officer Hadija Sisoko of Cahier’s Office says leagues may not have met her, at the end of every month, the most challenging part of the job is when some colleagues UNMIL personnel eagerly look forward to receiving a mail especially those leaving the mission go for their money, and it from Ms. Adebanjo in their inbox about dates they should visit is not ready; “their mood immediately changes.” She also reit- the Cashier’s Office. erates that working in the unit requires special care. “You have Amid demanding official duties, one easily notices Ms. to be fully ‘awake’ when making payment because just a zero Adebanjo’s amiable interaction with staff all of whom were can land you in trouble.” Cashier personnel say they double busy diligently doing their work during a snap tour of the sec- check every paper that lands in their office before making pay- tion. Finance Section comprises five units including Payroll ment. headed by Danieh Duah, Payment Unit by Anthony Yao Azaglo “When documents come to our unit, we work on them while Invoice Processing and Cashier’s unitis are supervised immediately. But delays happen due to insufficient documenta- by Mirjana Sipus and Jorge Mariano Trisano respectively. Ms. tion. And although some people submit incomplete documents, Adebanjo, who is also Chief of Accounts, explains that work in they still want payment immediately,” comments Gershon Yao- Finance is a challenge trying to make people happy but at the Dablu of Payment Unit, pointing out that their work requires a same time trying to ensure that rules and regulations are com- lot of patience. Supervisor of Invoice Processing Unit Mirjana plied with. “Someone’s output is another person’s input; we all Sipus notes that in paying local and international vendor for work together as a team,” she stresses. Contrary to some per- goods and services, “We are just a small part of the chain.” She ception that Finance staff handle a lot of money, the colleagues stresses that all payments to vendors are expedited if supporting say apart from petty cash imprest, they only work with papers. documents are available.

6- UNMIL Today - May 2009 Finance has Changed

Ignorance of some staff members to properly complete nec- essary documents is identified as the main headache con- fronting Finance, which leads to telephone calls and email reminders. However, to ensure that colleagues are aware of financial procedures and requirements, Ms. Adebanjo notes with delight that a handout has now been produced for use as

induction material for new arrivals and is also available on Behind The Scenes UNMIL Intranet under Finance: Information for New Staff Member. “It is the A to Z of Finance from arrival to the mission to departure,” she says. In recent times, some UNMIL personnel say payment of entitlements or reimbursement for fuel and security are much faster than before. The OiC explains that some structural adjustments have been made to accelerate payments, including reorganisation of Payment Unit, eliminating duplicate check- point and introduction of customer service hours. “The new system is definitely effective. Finance is changing and we are here to serve,” Ms. Adebanjo sums up. Tune in to Youth FM 97.1

ozens of Liberian youths came together on Unification future are properly structured,” said Minister of Information Day, a public holiday celebrated on 14 May in Liberia, Laurence Bropleh, motivating the youths to work towards Dfor the joint official launch of the country’s first Youth achieving their dreams. FM (YFM) radio channel by the Government of Liberia and the Chief of Public Information George Sommerwill said YFM United Nations Mission (UNMIL). is a new initiative which is needed in Liberia especially as the With the motto: “For the youth, by the youth and about the mission begins to gradually drawdown. Chief of Radio Joseph youth”, the inauguration Roberts – of YFM97.1 at UNMIL Mensah noted Radio premises in that the youth Monrovia attracted make about 50 Liberian Government per cent of the officials such as the Liberian popula- Minister of Defence and tion. “We have a Representative Kai big job to do, to Farley, UNMIL person- bring up our chil- nel, and parents and dren,” he guardians of the young stressed. broadcasters. Facia Harris Etmonia Tarpeh, and Sayou Liberia’s Minister of Tequah are the Youth and Sports, and two supervising Acting President of producers of Liberia at the time, YFM, which is noted that the launching basically a chan- of YFM on Unification nel of UNMIL Day had a great signifi- Radio. The duo cance in uniting the says they will be youths cross the country. working with 32 volunteer youngsters ranging from 13- 25 Director of Mission Support Stephen Lieberman said years old. The youth will discuss and produce their own pro- UNMIL has done its own part to provide the facility and chal- grammes. Mary Larine Browne, President of Stella Maris lenge the youths to make the most of the opportunity. “It is an Polytechnic, was keynote speaker. The youths thanked UNMIL opportunity to learn and an opportunity to start a career in for YFM and for T-Shirts and caps which were distributed to broadcasting.” He said it is not enough for the youths to criti- them as gifts. Teen Talk, On the 18, For True, The Link, are cize but should also come up with solutions. some of the programmes on the 24-hour channel. Stay tuned to “This country can never have a future until our children’s FM 97.1. May 2009 - UNMIL Today - 7 Around Liberia A J WesleyBy Washington A By Seblewongel Worku taken againstthesesocialills.“You aredoingthis young Liberiansfortheimportant movethey’ve Information, George Somerwill, laudedthe Liberians areexpectedtojointhis initialgroup. Pythons, Alvin Tarpeh. Moreyoung NPA Doe and Ama Adjei-Darko; andastarplayerof Lapenta; twoMissMalaikafinalists,Christie Bendu Parker;FlipStars basketballteamplayer, Franco the projectwerecurrentMissLiberia(2007-2008),Ms. them inthisinitiative.Otherssigninguptoparticipate foritsgoodworkinthecountryand including UNMIL team, speakingonbehalfofhiscolleagues,thanked messages onUNbillboards/postersthroughoutLiberia. six Liberiansagreedthattheirportraitsbeusedwithsocial Exploitation and Abuse (SEA),rapeandothercrimes. The on significantsocialissuesincludingHIV/AIDS,Sexual Mission inLiberiaitsefforts tosensitize thepopulation committed themselvestosupporttheUnitedNations ing centre. tions, whoalsopledgedtheirsupporttothenewly-openedread- Civil Affairs, andHumanRightssec- Office inBomi,UNMIL meet andshareinformation. grammes. Shesaiditwillalsoserveasvenuewherewomen them tobeactiveparticipantsincommunitydevelopmentpro- knowledge oflocalandcountrywideactivities,thusenabling County, saidthedailynewspaperswillenhancewomen’s other relatedissues. education,therapelaw, domesticviolenceand items ongirls’ while theCountyGenderOffice promisedtofurnishreading feeding inBomiCounty, pledgedtoprovidereadingmaterials tre. Mary’s Meals,acharityorganization engagedinschool the dailynewspapersthatarenowaccessibleatreadingcen- thanked PIOfortheeffort andurged citizensofBomitoread the facility. The Mayorof Tubmanburg City, GbelleyKarnley, centre. Sheurged youngpeople,especiallygirls,tomakeuse of PIOfortakingtheinitiativetoestablishreading UNMIL Superintendent RebeccaBensonexpressedappreciationto centre. papers andotherperiodicalsareavailabletothepublicat 8- NI Today UNMIL nhsrmrs h he fUMLPublic In hisremarks,theChiefofUNMIL Mark Smith,acelebrityoftheUhuruKingsbasketball HeadofField The openingwasalsoattendedbyUNMIL Rebecca Boakai,headofthe Women GroupinBomi During theopeningceremony, Assistant Development o n iein onUMLSensitizationCampaign Young LiberiansJoinUNMIL competition aswellsportspersonalities,have Miss Liberia,somefinalistsoftheMalaika number ofyoungLiberians,includingcurrent laboration withBomiCountyauthorities.Dailynews- County, byUNMIL’s PublicInformationOffice incol- reading centrehasbeenopenedin Tubmanburg, Bomi - May 2009 Bm edn ete Opens ‘Bomi ReadingCentre’ die r te NI sectionsinvolvedinthisinitiative. Adviser areotherUNMIL young people. popular figureswithshortmessagesorslogansoftentargeting Monrovia andaroundthecountry. Mostcarrytheportraitof The billboardshavebeenstrategicallylocatedinareas particularly youth,withmessagesonsignificantsocialissues. boards asamajoroutlettoreachouttheLiberianpopulace, this country,” shesaid. Liberians, particularlytheyoungpeoplewhoaremajorityin cially importantthatyouLiberiansworkingforyourfellow getting importantmessagestotheircommunities.“Thisisespe- Odera, expressedherjoyinseeingyoungpeopleinvolvedwith people ofLiberia.” because youbelieveinitwhilesettinganexampleforallyoung The Offices oftheSeniorGender Adviser andSeniorLegal PublicInformationSectionhasbeenusingbill- UNMIL ChiefofConductandDiscipline,Ms.Roselyn UNMIL W T as well. peacekeeping andpeace-building butwithenvironmentalissues showcasesthatitisnot only concernedwith trees, UNMIL trees andassuchtherewasnoneed toplantmore.Byplanting people hadindicatedthatthey alotoftreessuchasbanana forests orhardwoodtreesareto be plantedandnotedthatsome sion’s Environment Unittotakeandplant.Rwandekeyesaid seedlings totheeffort whichstaff canrequestfrom themis- the Pakistanibattalion. Administration hasprovided500 to plant1,145treesinthatarea,including500beplantedby Voinjama forinstance,colleagueshavecommittedthemselves embracing thecampaign,target islikelytobeexceeded.In 1,500 treesbutwithcolleaguesincludingthoseinthefield organizations. The mission’s initialtarget wastoplantatleast the campaignwillbetakentoschools,communitiesandother tree attheplaceofwork,residenceandincommunities.Hesaid planting treesandstaff areencouragedtovoluntarilyplanta hasfullyembracedthecampaignfor Charles, saidUNMIL campaign. Liberia. Sheappealedtoallinthemissionparticipate adding thattheeffect ofclimatechangeisalreadyfeltin Liberia ifwearegoingtofightclimatechange,”shesaid, mate change.“We needmoretreesallovertheglobeincluding main politicalprioritiesoftheSecretaryGeneralfor2009iscli- Representative EllenMargrethe Løjreiteratedthatoneofthe initiative. converged atPan African Plazaannextoplanttreesjointhe personnel Campaign. Inthesearingsunon28May, UNMIL work intheinterestofpeaceanddevelopment. the localresidentstosendtheirchildrenschoolandalways sincerely renderingassistancetoLiberians.Healsoencouraged Gen. EzekielOlofinthankedthePakistaniEngineeringteamfor souvenir tothedepartingpeacekeepers.Sector1Commander free medicaloutreachinthearea. mocks. Added tothebridge,peacekeepershadalsoconducted sick diedonthewaywhilebeingtakentohospitalinham- walk onlogsandtrektoothervillages.Someresidentswhofell was damagedduringthecountry’s civilwarforcingresidentsto several villagesthatwereseparatedovertheyears. The bridge “Friendship” bridgeandrehabilitatingtheroadwhichnowlinks Liberia. 10) whowerereturninghomeafterrenderingtheirservicesin Under thePlant forthePlanet:Billion Tree Campaign, The Officer-in-Charge ofEnvironmentUnit,Rwandekeye Officially launchingthecampaigninUNMIL,Special Amidst singinganddancingtheresidentshandedovera The residentslaudedthepeacekeepersforconstructing show appreciationtoPakistanipeacekeepers(PakEng Monrovia, recentlycametogethertobidfarewelland he peopleof Wolakor neartheLiberiancapital, UN EnvironmentProgramme’s Billion Tree Nations MissioninLiberia(UNMIL)hasjoinedthe ith climatechangeaglobalconcern,theUnited NI JoinsBillion Tree Campaign UNMIL oao ShowsAppreciation Wolakor o NI officials plantedtreesatthelaunchingceremony. ior UNMIL Special RepresentativeHenriettaMensa-Bonsuandothersen- to thelocalenvironment.SpecialRepresentativeLøj,Deputy the plantingofindigenoustrees,andtreesthatareappropriate person shouldplantatree. The campaignstronglyencourages end of2009equallingtheworldpopulationwhichmeansevery hassetanewgoalofplanting sevenbilliontreesbythe UNEP May 2009- UNMIL Today - 9 Around Liberia Robertsport, spot of scenic beauty

By J. Wesley Washington

t the luxuriant hilltop midway to the crest of the 1,068- foot mountain stands a reconditioned brick church, its Abell tower soaring amidst the 19th century buildings. Looking from that altitude one can see the snow capped waters hitting the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Adjacent is Lake Piso, originally called “Pling Soo” or “pigeon hole”, Liberia’s largest lake which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This Snapshots is the scenic seaside city of Robertsport, the provincial capital of Grand Cape Mount County. Named “Wakolor” in the local Vai vernacular, Robertsport is surrounded by topical green hills with the remains of many fine old buildings that once graced this picturesque city. It is a mixture of the promontory, with its dense green foliage sloping downward to the Atlantic Ocean, rocky intrusions along the coast of Sierra Leone and having spent some time there. They coast to the west, with Lake Piso to the east and several small later moved on to Monrovia to join others to establish a com- islands that create the breath-taking scenery. monwealth and the Republic. “This city is older than the Scattered around the hilltop are old western-style homes Republic of Liberia,” Superintendent Khasu says, citing the reminding one of the past. Most prominent are the remains of Mount Zion Baptist Church which was constructed and dedicat- the Episcopal Church’s boarding institutions of the Episcopal ed in 1837. High School – the House of Bethany for girls looking over Lake Another resident, McDonald Mason, who spent all his life Piso and St. John’s for boys looking over the Atlantic Ocean. in the city as a teacher, concedes that over the years Robertsport For decades these institutions were major centres of learning in has changed. “This city used to be a thriving seaside resort the country. attracting many foreigners,” he said. The Portuguese were the On the east end of the city overlooking the white sandy first to begin trade here, later the Dutch and then the Germans, beach was the county-owned hotel, Hotel Victoria, a 50-room he added. They were succeeded by the Lebanese and Syrians three-star hotel with a presidential suite, now a shell of its for- who established businesses all along the main streets. mer glory. Likewise, just above the hotel was what used to be Vacationers, especially from the concession areas like Bong the Tubman Center for African Culture, constructed in the Mines, Yekepa and even Firestone frequented Robertsport for 1960s in honor of President William V.S. Tubman -- an exqui- its clean beach and serene atmosphere. site building which once housed a large collection of artifacts Now almost everything is gone, lost during the country’s and books on Liberian and African history and culture. civil war. But as there is a steady increase in the number of Providing some historical insight, County Superintendent Liberian and foreign visitors to the banks of Lake Piso and the Catherine Watson Khasu narrated that the city is named after pristine beaches and good surfing conditions at Robertsport, Liberia’s first president Joseph Jenkins Roberts and is one of they seem to be alerting the nation of the significant tourism the first settlements for freed slaves who migrated from the potential of the area. “We hope with the road being rehabilitat- United States of America in the early 19th century. ed and investors now visiting to see the city’s potential, it can Khasu says Roberts along with Stephen Allen Benson, who regain its pre-war status,” says Mason optimistically. later became Liberia’s second president, first landed on the shores of Robertsport after the breakdown of their ship near the Peacekeeper Rescues Mother, Triplets

pregnant Liberian woman who later gave birth to a set of mother and triplets. her triplets The Bangladeshi peacekeeper who is the team leader of Awere rescued MILOB Team Eleven in southeastern Zwedru, Grand Gedeh in May when an County, rescued the four after a medical emergency case was UNMIL Military referred from River Gee County to the Martha Tubman Observer (MILOB), Memorial Hospital in Zwedru. Relatives of Jarbo had tried to

Lt.-Col. Ershad get a donor with the right blood type but to no avail. As the lives Around Liberia Hossain, donated his of the pregnant woman and her unborn babies were on the blood to save their brink, the peacekeeper came to their aid. The proud mother and lives. True to the adage her three babies are presently doing well. The family says it will ‘He who gives blood, forever remain grateful for the humanitarian assistance. saves life’, Lt.-Col. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ellen Hossain, voluntarily Margrethe Løj, the Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. ATM Zahirul donated blood to save Alam and his deputy, Maj.-Gen. Carl Modey, have all com- Menemon Jarbo, a mended the military observer.

I did everything I could to keep them honey A Woman in White When war gave birth to death in Ivory Coast and Congo I drained my tears and washed their sorrows By Isatu Umu Tucker And when Ethiopia wrestled with Eritrea I put on my white robe, with my blue flag and sang the When nations are broken hearted under the sky peace song. I’m always there questioning their conscience why When war stamps its ugly prints on her sand My dream is for life to be glassy smooth I erase her bad memories with my aging hand Like a dozing ocean lying quite under the glares of a smil- That is why I am always in white, flagging the blue flag ing twilight.

And singing the peace song. Poem But man is as stubborn as a blazing gun Two months ago Beirut was in flames The world is always looking at me in disbelief I couldn’t believe what I saw on TV Thames Because I marshal tuff men with guns and thugs Today, Darfur celebrates Christmas when December had Not to live in rags and fuss but in kisses and hugs long kissed good-bye I hate the silence With flares and booming carols we hear Especially when cruel men unleash their violence We scamper in fear and whimper in tears That is why I am always in white, flagging the blue flag I want to be there, dressed in white And singing the peace song. Waving the blue flag and singing the peace song Because I am the woman who is always dressed in white When Sierra Leone and Liberia were in bitter agony I am the United Nations. May 2009 - UNMIL Today - 11 It’s time to say Odabo

By Olufemi Olugbemi currently serving with a number of sections/units in UNMIL. he Yorubas say Odabo, the English I am proud to have been a part of the say goodbye, the French say au UNV programme and each of us should be Trevoir. An exciting phase of my proud of our contributions to the peace career path is coming to an end and it will be process of Liberia. As I begin a new chapter unforgivable if I fail to inform you that I am in my new life, I take this opportunity to leaving Liberia to continue rendering servic- express a heartfelt thank you to each and es in the peacekeeping mission in Chad. every one of you for the services that you My life as UNV Programme Manager render and for the support and friendship I during the past 30 months has been filled received as well as the opportunity to serve with immense personal and professional sat- as your Programme Manager. I am persuad- isfaction that words alone cannot describe. ed that neither a new career, nor finance, Since 7 November 2006, we have been nor self attainment, nor education, nor geo- active in profiling and strategically re-posi- graphical location, nor new culture, nor tioning volunteer modality in UNMIL ambition, nor religion shall be able to sepa- through the ongoing implementation of var- rate us from volunteerism which is in serv- ious development initiatives. We have mean- ice to humanity. ingfully and actively participated in advocat- I will miss the UNV Programme, espe- ing for volunteerism through Volunteers’ Voices, Volunteer cially my able team, and I will miss Liberia. I will also particu- Recognition Event, International Volunteer Day (IVD) and larly miss our unity in our diversity. It has been a most pleasant other fora and together, we are incorporating volunteerism into experience working with all of you! As is our tradition, I leave the work of the mission, with special focus on academia, trans- you with this message: “Above all nations is humanity and fer of skills, youth and civil society. All these also complement above all humanity is God.” the mobilization of over 1,000 UN Volunteers of which 225 are Peace! UNMIL Int’l Makes Waves in Local Basketball

iuseppe Cafiero, Administrative Assistant in the and honour for me,” says the 36-year-old Italian who has been Office of the Director of Mission Support, has playing basketball for the past 22 years, including at profes- won the hearts of many Liberians for his sensa- sional level. tional performances in a local basketball team, As the tallest in the team, Cafiero plays in the centre which Mighty Barrolle. gives him the advantage to score points. “When we win a ArguablyG the tallest man in the mission, Cafiero, who is 6ft game, all the players and fans will hug me. It is just a special 9in, is the only non-African in the Division 1 local basketball kind of feeling.” With games played at the Sports Commission team. His team mates say his brilliant playing prowess has in downtown Monrovia, some UNMIL personnel including taken Mighty Barrolle from relative obscurity to the limelight senior members of management have spared time to watch again, reaching the semi final of the Division 1Liberia basket- Cafiero play with his Liberian friends. Expected to return to ball championship in April. Italy sometime this year, Cafiero appeals to other UNMIL Cafiero’s talent was spotted by a local basketball player who staff to play the game and support the development of basket- invited him to join their team. “This is the second year that I ball in Liberia. have been playing in a local basketball team. It is a pleasure