As I flipped through the pages of the newspapers this Monday morning (June 17, 2013), it is highly laughable to read a sponsored news article in some of the dailies under one simultaneously captioned “Belle Yella Town Finally Connected” with all of them having the same story line. Belle Yella Town finally connected? But here’s my analysis on this fallacy, which is evidenced by the Acting Public Works Minister’s own assertion that there are still challenges including the Goma Hill. Then why jubilate the construction of the Tuma River Bridge when there still remain hurdles? But above all, what is so much about this Bella Yella Road that almost half a decade later, nothing significant has changed but yet the contractor continues to receive huge funding?

The article below was first published on December 2, 1986 in the Los Angeles Times

Today Liberia is playing host to a team of auditors from the congressional General Accounting Office sent there to determine the amount of U.S. aid money that may have been diverted for the Liberian president's personal use. Until their report is submitted to Congress, there must be an immediate cut-off of aid.

Statistics is relevant in the evaluation of the state of affairs as well as assessing the available resources to formulate and implement collective strategies to enhance development both in the national and international terrains. It aids national governments and international institution in the process of decision making as well as forecasting and predicting priorities. Some sectors that statistics contribute to on the national level are: health, education, environment, the labor market, finance, etc.  Statistical data are essential in investigating perceptions and tangible or realistic outcomes of government’s or international institution’s interventions in those various sectors mentioned supra. The availability of these data guide government and institutions in predicting trends and pattern in the growth process as well as measuring progression, hindrance(s), or regression in the implementation of development agenda.

As a young college graduate in the 1980s, I was employed at the Roberts International Airport, where I trained to become an Air Traffic Controller. I took a position as an Aeronautical Information Officer, basically doing flight planning. My supervisor at the time was Mr. Henry Valhum. He was exceptionally knowledgeable of his field and a strong disciplinarian. His immediate boss was the Director of the Air Traffic Control Department, Mr. Edward Wreh. Combined, these two men built a work culture in the department characterized by strong work ethic, stringent dress code,  timely attendance, a willingness to learn, eagerness to be coached and an enthusiasm to acquire good communication skills.