Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college LATEST STORIES Christopher Tolkien, son of Lord of the Rings author, dies aged 95 Cloudy skies over Luzon due to amihan Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Harvey Weinstein rape trial Bicol riders extend help to Taal evacuees Photo from FIBA.BasketballThe Philippines bowed out of the knockout stage after taking a sound beating from Canada, 102-62, in the Fiba Under-17 World Cup at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, Argentina Thursday (Manila time).Batang Gilas, which is winless in four games, will settle for a spot in the qualification stages where the best finish they Filipinos could get is the ninth place.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Taal victims get help from Kalayaan town Superfight won’t uproot grounded UFC heavyweight star Miocic MOST READ The Canadians started off strong with a 26-7 first quarter while the Filipinos failed to score a single field goal in the opening period.It wasn’t until Carl Tamayo made a layup 1:58 into the second quarter that broke the Philippine silence but Canada already had a 34-9 lead at that point.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownGerry Abadiano had a team-high 19 points for the Philippines while Kai Sotto had 16 points and eight boards.Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe put up 22 points and 11 rebounds for Canada. In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award View comments
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)MANCHESTER, England — Jose Mourinho has stripped Paul Pogba of the Manchester United vice captaincy, but wouldn’t offer an explanation for the decision.Mourinho insisted that it wasn’t because of a dispute with the World Cup-winning France midfielder who returned to United in 2016 for 105 million euros (then $116 million).ADVERTISEMENT Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award LATEST STORIES Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew
Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college View comments UAAP: Ateneo routs UE for third straight win Mourinho told broadcaster Sky Sports that “the only truth is that I made the decision of Paul not to be the second captain any more but no fallout, no problems at all.”Mourinho added that it was “just one decision that I don’t have to explain.” Pogba had appeared to criticize United’s style of play under Mourinho this weekend when he called on the team to attack more.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissPogba watched from the stands Tuesday as United was knocked out of the League Cup by second-tier side Derby.
Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title MOST READ The Tamaraws’ 6-foot-7 center has been out of the team’s roster after suffering a high ankle sprain on his left leg in the early part of their 82-62 loss to Ateneo.Since then, FEU’s slide has continued until FEU, once in the top 3, dropped the fifth seed with a 5-6 record with just a few games left in the elimination round.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissOrizu, though, is eager to put a stop to his team’s misery as he plans to return to action on Sunday when the Tamaraws take on University of the East.“The doctors said I’m doing pretty well, my recovery’s pretty fast, I just hope I can recover fast enough so by next game I’m there,” said Orizu who admitted he frustrated with how opposing big men bullied the FEU defense. Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Angelo Kouame pounded FEU’s interior to the tune of 33 points and 27 rebounds right after Orizu went down with the injury, and the Tamaraws’ troubles underneath the basket continued for the next two games.Bright Akhuetie had his way against the Tamaraws finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds in UP’s 95-82 win while Santi Santillan and Justine Baltazar combined for 27 points and 20 rebounds in La Salle’s 65-57 victory.“If I was there it would be a lot different,” said Orizu. “If I’m there these guys won’t make those easy baskets, they’re going to bleed for it.”ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Far Eastern University is in the midst of a disappointing four-game losing streak in the second round of the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament and a large reason for that was the absence of the injured Prince Orizu.ADVERTISEMENT
For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew View comments Downward spiral leaves FEU Tamaraws fighting for survival Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college
State U stars Desiderio, Dario beat PBA Draft deadline ‘Mia’: Rom-com with a cause a career-boosting showcase for Coleen Garcia LATEST STORIES Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award The Philippine wushu team that pocketed medals in the 1st Asian Traditional Wushu tournament and some of the PBA rookie draft applicants will grace the last session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum for 2018 at Tapa King Restaurant in Farmer’s Plaza Cubao on Tuesday. Gold medalists Daniel Parantac, Thornton Quieney Lou Sayan, Agatha Wong and Jones Llabres Inso and silver Dave Degala will share the limelight with Letran’s Bong Quinto and other candidates in the Dec. 16 rookie draft to be held at Robinsons Place Manila.ADVERTISEMENT Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back Chriss Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ
No.13 lucky for Orlando Bloom Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew After winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk View comments
Japeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for Ginebra Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award MOST READ Eugenie Bouchard’s bid for Australian Open spot ends in qualifying Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title Phivolcs: Slim probability of Taal Volcano caldera eruption Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES “We really needed that win especially for the seniors,” said UE head coach Karl Dimaculangan. “Even if we have a slim chance for the Final Four the important thing is we fought and we will fight so that we won’t finish at the no.8 spot like the previous years.”Abil, who’s in her last playing year, finished things off for the Lady Warriors with a crosscourt kill.Mary Ann Mendrez led UE’s offense with 19 points while Abil finished with 13 points, 29 excellent digs, and 21 successful receptions.Princess Robles finished with 13 points for the Lady Bulldogs.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Rogue cops marked as Gamboa’s targets in his appointment as PNP chief Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college SEA Games basketball to be held at MOA Arena, after all Tom Brady most dominant player in AFC championship history The Lady Warriors improved to a 2-6 record, matching last season’s total output, as they snapped their four-game losing streak.They also got back at the Lady Bulldogs for the first-round loss and tied them at the sixth spot.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissSPORTSCoronation night?SPORTSThirdy Ravena gets offers from Asia, Australian ball clubs UE matching its record from Season 80, though, nearly got in trouble with an absolute collapse in the third set when the Lady Warriors, up 24-18, allowed NU to go on an 8-0 run to close out the period and extend the match to four sets.The Lady Warriors, however, found their mojo back in the fourth especially with Judith Abil hitting the open spots.Abil scored on a crosscourt kill for the 23-16 lead before a team block on Audrey Paran put UE up 24-16. ADVERTISEMENT MANILA, Philippines—University of the East got back on track, turning back National University, 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16 for its second win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Center.ADVERTISEMENT View comments
It may be one of the most important good news for basketball fans and teams at the beginning of 2014 as one of the long serving and passionate promoters, Abraham Samukai, is likely to lead the Liberia Basketball Association as its president.Information reaching the Daily Observer yesterday said there is a consensus among basketball leaders to petition Mr. Samukai to lead the leadership of the Liberia Basketball Association.“Samo has been a good leader, considering his support to the K-Delta Basketball Team, and leading the LBA will demonstrate his commitment to push basketball to another level,” a long time follower of basketball told the Daily Observer yesterday.He said the K-Delta Basketball Team has education and healthcare assistance for its members and with sports and education being encouraged in the country; his presence will bring fresh ideas to Liberian basketball.Another former basketball player said Samukai was in the administration of former president Tarr Harris, when the organization was known at the time as Liberia Basketball Federation, LBF.“It was one of the most successful administrations in basketball history,” he said.It is therefore no understatement that with all things being considered, Abraham Samukai could be the man to infuse new blood into the administration of basketball in the country.Meanwhile, a source from Samukai informed the Daily Observer that basketball owners need corporate support to ease the financial burden on private team owners.During a recent interview with the Daily Observer, Mr. Samukai said the Government of Liberia must also make sports development a priority.“The government,” he said, “has a commitment to develop the physical abilities of the young people and therefore with sports’ intrinsic values of fair play and respect for rules, it is in the government’s interest to make their development paramount.”He said much must be done in both the public and the private sector to move Liberian basketball to another level.Meanwhile, a source close to Samukai yesterday said he may consider any request by the members of the LBA to consider leading the LBA in a quest to improve on the game in Liberia.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Residents of Foquelleh in Panta District in Bong County were said to have been in unbelievable shock when a two-month-old baby, identified by family members as Smith Freeman, Tuesday, September 23, morning grew into a full grown man and escaped into the bush with his mother’s lappa.According to the mother of the child, Lorpu Kollie, 16, on Tuesday she and the child were on their way to the farm when the child on her back tied in lappa spoke to her and told her to put him down.She told the Daily Observer that as they approached the crossroad, the child repeated his call on the mother to untie her lappa and put him down. As soon as she put the baby down, she continued, the two-month-old boy instantaneously began to grow into a full grown man!Lorpu Kollie narrated that the child informed her that he (the child) was on his way back home since his grandmother, Lorpu Kollie’s mother, was in the constant practice of raining insult at him. He even threatened bring incense and garlic into the home.“This was my first time seeing a two-month-old baby talking so clearly like a five year old child,” Lopu Kollie explained through a mobile phone interview with our reporter.She told the Daily Observer the baby who grew into man immediately took away her lappa and made his way with it into the bush.The 16-year-old mother intoned that she had earlier had dreams of her son where they both went into a town and entered a house without doors but they leaned on the house and found their way in as instructed by her son, Smith Freeman.She explained that in the dream, her son was the one serving guests with the food and her son emphatically warned her not to dare telling the dream to anyone. But according to her, she revealed the dream to her mother, Gormah Kollie.Lorpu Kollie was swift to tell this newspaper that Smith Freeman did not have any scar or deformity on his body that could convince community dwellers that the baby was somehow belonging to the dark world.“The boy told me that he was going back home because my mother had threatened to bring incense into the house. He said the grandmother told him she had the power to drive away any witch craft, Lorpu Kollie told this reporter.Speaking earlier to this newspaper, the father of the baby, Watson Freeman said since his girlfriend, Lorpu Kollie conceived, she complained of body and other related pains until she finally gave birth.Watson Freeman described the mysterious disappearance of his son as incredible and mind-blowing, saying he did not experience any apprehension about him being beyond being a normal human being.For his part, the grandfather of the baby, Jerome Kowan, said the unexplained vanishing of two-month-old Smith Freeman is the handiwork of the dark world.He maintained that the situation could stigmatize his daughter and drive away any man who may wish to take her as a future wife.Meanwhile, traditional leaders in the area have commenced a traditional investigation into the situation and advised people who made farms in the direction to which the baby escaped to stay away for a couple of days and observe.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has described communication as a tool that fosters reconciliation and development.Speaker Alex Tyler said the dissemination of accurate pieces of information are paramount in ensuring that peace as well as the overall development is strengthened in the new political dispensation of Liberia. He spoke over the week end in the concession area of Bong Mines when he officially launched the Voice of Fuamah Communication Radio Station in Fuamah District, Bong County.Speaker Tyler asserted that the establishment of the radio station in the district through the instrumentality of Rep. Corpu Barclay must be seen as a breakthrough in the dissemination of information owing to the difficult circumstances when people had to walk long distances to deliver messages for district meetings or other gatherings.He cautions the people of Fuamah to use the radio station to promote peace, reconciliation and developmental issues that will impact the living condition of residents.“Don’t use the radio station to condemn and spread hate messages but rather use it to promote peace, reconciliation, development and other issues such as education and health,” Rep. Tyler stated.He furthered called upon them to contribute to the sustenance of the station and not to leave everything on Rep. Corpu Barclay, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the establishment of the radio station comes to fruition.Speaker Alex Tyler contributed one thousand United States Dollar (US$ 1,000) towards the management of the station.For her part, Bong County’s District # 7 Representative Corpu Barclay expressed her satisfaction to Speaker Tyler and 12 other lawmakers who had traveled along to attend the ceremony.She promised to protect the interest of her people and called upon them to join hands with her in moving the district forward.Rep. Barclay was reelected in the 2011 Elections as representative for District # 7 in Bong County.The Bong lawmaker also informed her people that the establishment of the Voice of Fuamah Community Radio Station is not politically intended but to transmit the views and aspirations of the people of the district.Something she underscored had bridge the gap in the dissemination of information in the district.According to Rep. Barclay, US$5,000 was used to set up the radio station. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
In one of the classes I teach at a local university, I asked my students to explain the role of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications or MoPT in Liberia. Out of 23 students, only ONE student was able to provide a response substantial enough to be considered the answer. Her response was: “In addition to handling postal activities of Liberia, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications is the policy maker of the ICT sector. ICT here is an umbrella word for telecommunications, radio and TV broadcasting, etc.” The rest of the class responded with an “I don’t know” or that the Ministry is merely the “Post Office” of Liberia.I find it very interesting how many Liberians between the ages of 18 to 45 do not know the role of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications or many of the other ministries. Obviously, this is because people of this generation rarely use the post office; they email, Skype, or just do everything on Facebook. And it seems that many believe that the MoPT has been attenuated since the creation of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority. So, if that’s the case, why does this ministry exist? Why can’t it be changed to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Industry as I suggested in one of my previous articles? The answer to these questions will be left for another article. Today, I have decided to take an evenhanded approach to bringing light, in a more telling manner, to the “UNNOTICED” progress that has been made by a government institution.I remember returning to Liberia a few years ago and seeing a Ministry as a refugee camp where dirt was thrown from upper level floors to the middle of the complex below. Today, the building is revamped, postal services have been rekindled, and mail boxes can be retrieved or bought, to name a few. But, there are few other things that one must give the administration and its staff additional credit for. Firstly, the Ministry’s Expedited Mail Services (EMS) now effectively delivers mail in FIVE working days and packages in EIGHT working days.Secondly, the ministry’s regular mailing services work but I take the liberty to surmise that the plurality of mail being handled tend to be particularly international. Thirdly, within the premises of the Ministry you will also find, Western Union, Money Gram and an IB Bank depot, an added convenience and new experience for the customer. Most noticeable is the professional attitude of the staff; something you don’t find at other government agencies. In fact, the Ministry has a customer service desk to accommodate the needs of customers.The Ministry should be credited for developing the country’s ICT policy giving us a roadmap and guide to achieving a modern ICT sector for national development. But reigning paradigms do need to be adjusted to reflect the changes of time, hence, the ICT policy may need to be updated soon. For example, the IT world now speaks of Cloud Computing, Open Source Software, Green Computing, Quantum Computing etc. What is our policy on these technologies? The corollary of failing to adjust to the changes of time is that economic, social, cultural, and political life suddenly becomes even more challenging. Our ICT sector needs to make with sufficient rapidity the sweeping, transformative choices it demands– a modern approach unshackled from the inconveniences of politics and corruption, the “metastasis” which plagues every nadir of our society and threatens development. We need policies that will transmogrify our ICT sector making it a more viable one.In a country like Liberia encumbered by the lack of infrastructure, illiteracy, and several other challenges, demand for new capabilities and services is often best met by utilizing generation-leaping technologies (for example the development of open source software), a phenomenon that is helping to drive a large global craving for landmark technological innovation. I am not proposing a re-conceptualization of the current paradigms. And I am in no way attempting to co-opt the verve and urgency for a new ICT paradigm but rather my aim is only to create awareness in this realm. In recent times, the Ministry in collaboration with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia created the Chief Information Officer, Republic of Liberia (CIO) “regime”. Subsequently, the Ministry put up and advertisement for the CIO position at various government institutions. Personally, I had hoped to see COUNTY CIOs instead of CIOs of government institutions, since those institutions already have IT Director positions. A County CIO with mandate to champion ICT in his/her county would at the very least kindle a national approach to ICT integration in Liberia, I would assume.Another development at the Ministry is the setting up of a Project Management Office within its premises. I understand this is done in collaboration with LTA via a WARCIP project being funded by the World Bank. I cannot give you details on this since I stopped following its developments for some time. But it is my hope that this initiative is successful.While we acknowledge the achievements and progress being made at the MoPT, I personally still maintain, as I wrote in a previous article that this ministry should be changed to a Ministry of Science, Technology and Industry. Such a ministry will enable Liberians to become PROSUMERS and not just consumers. PROSUMERs are those who produce and consume what they produce. This approach could ignite a viable manufacturing industry and provide jobs for our youthful population and those who our educational system has failed.This can be done without any significant personnel changes as the current minister, I have been told, has vast experience in industry and people familiar with his services to government have informed me that he made significant strides with regard to industry when he once served at the Ministry of Commerce.Also, I strongly believe that an agency that champions ICT should be instituted where an “empowered” CIO becomes the head and bring some sanity to ICT in government in Liberia. A courier service that competes with the likes of DHL and FedEx could also be set up to handle “postal affairs”. And this “courier service” would embark upon 21st century approaches to delivering mail. That is creating a “digital post office” in rural areas, allowing our folks in those areas to be able to communicate with the families abroad, digitally. For example, set up a Digital Post Office that allows Ma Juah or others who can’t afford a camera phone, to send a photo of herself to her son in Sweden, who she hasn’t seen in years A low cost generator, at least five computers with scanners, printers, a low cost camera at each “Digital Post Office” could make this a reality!All of what I have discussed in today’s article may not be all that the MoPT has achieved in recent times. In fact, I believe much of what they’ve accomplished has been omitted, inadvertently in this article. But I felt it necessary to write about this ministry today, simply because 22 out of 23 students could not tell me the role of the MoPT and many Liberians only know it for its postal services. I also believe it is one of the many UNSUNG institutions of Government. I hope this article provides new insight!Until next week, Carpe diem!!Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Sixty-eight-year old Jucontee Thomas (Tom) Woewiyu, has been arraigned in a United States Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania on charges of fraudulently attempting to obtain citizenship and fraud in Immigration documents.Woewiyu faces a US$4 million fine and 110 years of imprisonment if he is found guilty.Woewiyu also known as “Jucontee Thomas Smith” was arraigned on a 22-court charge of indictment, providing false information on his form number 400 Application for Naturalization and his involvement in the civil war in Liberia.He was also the former spokesperson of the NPFL and Defense Minister in President Charles G. Taylor-led National Patriotic Reconstruction and Assembly Government (NPRAG) in what was then ‘Greater Liberia.’According to the indictment, Tom Woewiyu allegedly provided support to the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) a rebel group that executed civilians, killed peacekeepers of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) as well as forced sexual slavery and raped of girls and women, according to the indictment.He was further accused of conscription of child soldiers and murdered of humanitarian aid workers.The Grand jury in their indictment stated that on January 30, 2009, in the US Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere the defendants Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, in his declaration certificate verification a statement, question 18 on his form was false in that he knew at the time he made the statement, he did not disclose his 1970 New York State conviction for falsification of business record, in violation of title 18 of the US code section 16.21 2.It further alleged that he did not disclose that while he was a member of the NPFL, he persecuted others because of their political opinion and membership particularly, member of the Krahn and Mandingo tribes in violation of Title 18 of the US Code section 16.21.2.“While he was under oath before a competent tribunal, the defendant falsely stated, while responding to question 11 on the form he did not disclose that he was member of other organizations, including the NPFL that prosecuted political opinions and members in the particular social group,” the document said.It also said, “in response to question 8A and sub B on his form, Defendant Woewiyu knew that he did not disclose his membership and association with all organizations other then the Union of Liberia Association in the US, including but not limited to the NPFL and the NPFL-CRC.”Woewiyu earned a bachelor’s degree in labor studies from Rutgers University in 1981 and is pursuing a Master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He has made his living through real estate investment.He first applied for citizenship in 2006, submitting a form that prosecutors now say contained many misrepresentations.Asked whether he had ever advocated the overthrow of another government, Woewiyu said no during his application. He also allegedly failed to mention his association with Taylor when asked whether he had ever engaged in political persecution, according to the indictment.But Raymond Basso, Woewiyu’s Philadelphia-based immigration lawyer, on Tuesday questioned why prosecutors had waited eight years to bring a criminal case against his client.Homeland Security agents interviewed Woewiyu in 2010 for nearly four hours about an unrelated case, the lawyer said. He described that meeting as “cordial.”And though Woewiyu’s citizenship application had been denied in 2009, federal authorities did not indict him until January or arrest him until Monday.Basso said Tuesday that his client took no part in the more brutal aspects of Taylor’s campaign.“Tom had nothing to do with any of that,” Basso said. “Immigration and the U.S. government were fully aware of that.”Woewiyu has maintained legal residency in the United States since 1972, while shuttling back and forth between here and Liberia — at times even serving as its Labor Minister and President Pro Tempore.Woewiyu was returning from a recent trip to Liberia, where he has declared his intention to contest in the up-coming senatorial race for Grand Bassa County, when U.S. Homeland Security agents detained him Monday at Newark Liberty International Airport.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)