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Phase 1 New Matadi Estate Bridge connecting to Fredrick's Island To 12th Street
2015 Annual Report
Office of Honorable Munah E. Pelham-Youngblood
District #9, Montserrado County
House of Representatives, Capitol Building
Republic of Liberia
Organization NameProposal Title
1
Office of Honorable Munah E. Pelham-Youngblood, District #9, Montserrado County
TABLE OF CONTENT
Annual Address To The District5
Profile of The Honorable5
Staff Listing6
About District #9 7
Obituary of Eminent Citizen In D#98
Activity/Contributions To Congress For DemocraticChange (CDC)8
About The Legislature9
Role of The Legislature9
Activities In The 53rd Legislature 10
Attendance In Session11
Bills/Session13
Honors14
Communication To Plenary19
Honorable Activities Within District #921
Advocacy23
Expenses Report29
Summary30
District 9 County Development Funds Scholarship Listing
Challenges & Prospects
ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE DISTRICT
Mr. Chairman and Officials of Deistrict#9 Development Council;
Present and Past Officials of our Respective Communities;
Traditional Leaders, Chiefs and Elders of our District;
Present and Former Officials of Government;
The Clergy; Members of the Press, Special Guests;
Political and Business Leaders
Youth and Student Organizations;
Fellow Citizens; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
We must again give praise and thanks to the Almighty God for his guidance and protection of our lives and our beloved District and its people. We have closed for the Annual Break,completing the 4th Sitting of the 53rd National Legislature. It is with pleasure to embark on holding talks with our respective constituents,. In memory of all those who departed this world before, during and after the entire Ebola crisis in Liberia,. I ask you all to kindly join me in a moment of silent in memory of all of our departed constituents, may their soul rest in peace. Thank You…………
Approximately nine (9 ) months ago Fellow Citizens, , we gathered to observe my Session’s 4th Sitting Annual Report. During that ceremony, we called upon the citizenry to be patriotic, to put District#9 first and to defend the tenets of democracy that are vital to our prosperity. Thank you all so much for your unflinching supporting and cooperation. We have once again gathered, in compliance with best practice; to deliver on an Annual Report for 2015. This report that you have contain my full operational report and a detail itemize data on the status of my Legislative duties and Personal initiative within the District, on the Progress made and the challenges faced during the past nine (9) months.
Mr. Chairman and Citizens of District#9; I am please to report to you all, that with the collaborative efforts, I am receiving on a daily basis District#9 is now on the fine line of developmental prosperity.
We have laid a strong foundation through establishing friendship with eminent citizens and foreign partners who have started assisting us in our developmental drive, taking into consideration the district developmental challenges. Before moving further into this report I will like to re-echo to all of you that there are many challenges facing the district and they are as follows: The lack of public toilets, safe drinking waters, poor hygienic environment, lack of bridges in some major communities’ routes, poor drainages system, lack of electricity in some parts of the District, lack of community meeting points (Palava Hut), high rate of unemployment, high rate of high school drop outs due to no income, the lack of recreational centers and a District #9 administrative office (our own building).
Going beyond that which is required by law, I have vow to sincerely work with all citizens and inhabitants of District#9 who will make their self available in our quest of bringing development to our district in meeting these challenges. I will also endeavor to ensure that I am accessible and accountable to my beloved citizenry by continuously keeping my District and Capitol Building offices fully functional; just as it has been in time past.
My beloved Citizens, let me remind us that we are all part of something greater, something more than individuals, community, parties or tribe. We all belong to one big family and that family is District#9 and we are bound together by a common destiny. I usually say; there is no community, no society, and no people in human history who have advanced only on the actions of their leaders. Every successful group of people has attained that success because each individual member played a role, made a contribution.
District#9 will only move forward on the bases of hard work of its citizens and residents, and this is the true essence of patriotism, this is the love for our common patrimony, District#9. As the Representative, I have done all I can to make this possible, and we have not done it alone. These collaborative efforts are happening presently in District#9. The people, my people, our people, you the Council Leaders, the Communities Leaders, and my fellow Citizens, I thank you all for such a unique role play in advancing District#9 development drive. I like to congratulate all citizens and residents of District#9 for your individual and collective support; for your criticism and above all for the level of peace and sanity that we are enjoying. Let me express the hope that we can continue to make tremendous progress together in consolidating the sanity, advancing our development agenda and bringing prosperity to our people. The strength of District#9 democratic process will be measured by the coordination and support we give to each other. Mr. Chairman and Officials of the District Development Council, Communities Leaders, some of you have been steadfast and dependable partners in our quest to serve our people. Thank you for your invaluable services to the district. To all those who serve at the level of the District Anti-Ebola Task Force headed by the community chairman of Old Matadi Estate Mr. Kemoh Sheriff we want to in this public manner say thanks for your service to humanity. Thanks for protecting your communities and the entire district. May God continue to blessed the work of your hands. We will officially honor all of our Ebola Heroes and Sheroes in our district on Saturday January 2, 2016.
While you read this report it will provide clarity on the work that has been done at the House of Representatives, issues that are unfolding/unfolded within our district, progress made in meeting the challenges of the district and a sense of our future direction. I want you to read carefully, be objective and realistic in analyzing the work done thus far; we look forward to your comments and suggestions to enable us to become more productive and competitive.
Mr. Chairman and Officials of District#9 Development Council, Communities Leaders, Youths as well as Student Organizations, my office will continue to work closely with all of you in promoting the good image of District#9 , thereby endeavoring to make our district second to none in Montserrado County and by extension the Republic of Liberia.
You can email us at isit our website or call the district office at #0880466179 or the capitol building office at 0777638617 or drop your suggestions, recommendations and/or comments at the District Office in Lakpazee Community across from the Palava Hut.
My dear people, thanks for the support, prayers and cooperation thus far. May God bless us all and continue to protect the district.
Sincerely Yours,
Hon. Munah E. Pelham-Youngblood
Representative
District #9, Montserrado County
Republic of Liberia
HON. MUNAH E. PELHAM-YOUNGBLOOD PROFILE
INFORMATION
Position: Representative / Lawmaker
District: 9
County: Montserrado
Party: Congress Democratic Change
Religion: Catholic
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Dr. Raymond Youngblood Jr. (DBA)
Children: 1 Daughter
EDUCATION
Bachelors of Arts: Mass Communication/Sociology, University of Liberia
Master of Art: (Currently pursuing): International Relations, IBB University of Liberia (ABT)
Trainings/Diplomas: Journalism, Language Arts, Secretarial Science, Airline Ticketing and Basic Computer Education
Diploma: St Michael’s Catholic High School
ENTREPRENEURIAL / WORK EXPERIENCE
Current Member: 53rd Legislature, R.L 2012 Representative District #9
Private Corporate: Administrative Directress at J.J. Ross Memorial High School
Governmental: State Protocol Officer at Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Corporate: Public Relation Officer at Insight Media Incorporated
Entertainment: Former Fashion Model, Runway Model, Actress and National Athlete
Co-Owner: Liberia Vocational Institute
Owner/CEO:Munique Modeling/Talent Agency
Owner/President: Ladies N Things Beauty Salon
PHILANTHROPY
Founder/President: Walter Pelham Memorial Humanitarian & Educational Foundation
Founder/President: Gender In Motion International.
DISTRICT #9 ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT STAFFS
NAMESCOMMUNITY
Mr. Morris BallahOld GSA Community
Mr. Fofee KamaraBarnesville Road
Mr. Christopher W. ThomasNew Matadi Fantee Town
Mr. Lorenzo Pelham14th Street land side
Mrs. Laura ParkerFiamah Community
Ms. Patricia RicksNew Georgia Road
Mr. Wendell ThomasLakpazee Zoo Road
Mr. William ZopiCentral New Matadi Right Wing
Ms. Tina M. JallahLakpazee Zoo Road Junction
Mrs. Josephine SaydeeBarrolle Practice Ground
Mr. Henry KiehCentral New Matadi Left Wing
Mr. Varney A. Sheriff12th Street Land Side
Mr. Prince Samual ThompsonLakpazee
Mr. Siemon YielahOld Matadi
Mr. Tarley SackorLakpazee West Point
Mr. Pius S. TeeloLakpazee
Mr. Roosevelt MccayNew Matadi (KTC) Community
District#9 Press & Propaganda Bureau
Mr. Pearl H. NyenkanLakpazeeDirector
Mr. Adama SehLakpazeeCo-Director
Mr. William Brown Jr.Raymond-field Comm.Member
Ms Meggie SeegbeOld Matadi Comm.Member
Mr. Morris MassalayLakpazee Comm.Member
Special Support Team
Mr. Lamine KabaNew Matadi Estate
Mr. Frank S. FokoWroto Town
Mr. Fallah ColemanLakpazee
Mr. Kanty DoeGbargay's Town
Mr. Tony Michael CanmueWisdom Community
ABOUT DISTRICT #9
District #9, Montserrado County starts from 12th Street behind A. Glenn School and ends at the Fish Market/Fofana Yard (both sides of the street to the Atlantic Ocean). The Airstrip separates District #9 from District #10. The red lines in the district map locate the beginning and the end of the District.
District #9 consists of 21 official communities and its environs, namely:
12th Street - Behind A. Glenn
13th to 14th Street - Seaside
14th Street - Landside
15th to 18th Street - Landside (ICA Camp)
16th - 18th Streets (Wisdom Community beach side)
19th - 21st Streets - Landside
19th – 24th Street - Behind J. F. K. (People United Community)
22nd Street-Plank Field Community
Fiamah Community15th Street Beachside
New Matadi Estate CommunityFish Market/Fofana Yard
Central Matadi-Left WingGSA/Stryker/Vamoma Community Central Matadi–Right Wing 24th street Farrah Communi
Old Matadi EstateGbarngay's Town
Lakpazee CommunityWroto's Town
Raymond Field/Barrolle Practice Ground Community
OBITUARY OF EMINENT CITIZENS IN DISTRICT# 9
It is often hard to accept the passing away of love ones, but we take solace in the memories of the role; they played in the life of this district. In the past years, we have lost some of our eminent citizens may their soul rest in perfect peace.
- Sen. Peter Fineboy of Lakpazee Community
- Madam Gbalaw Kortuof New Matadi Community
- Mr. Ben Cooper of Raymond Field Community
- Madam Komassa Zayzay & Martha David of Lakpazee Community
- Mr. Alfred Turay & Manyou kamara Sr Lakpazee Community
- Mrs. Mary Nyenkan & Mother Lue Harmon of Lakpazee Community
- Mrs. Beatrice Barlay of Matadi Community
- Mr. Roland Weayeh of Lakpazee Community
- Mrs. Puchie Sackie of Gbargay's Town
- And those that fall prey to the deadly EBOLA VIRUS in our district and Liberia.
While the others are unknown but we still pay honor to all of them for their contribution to our District and Nation.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONGRESS FOR DEMOCRATICCHANGE (CDC)
Donation to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)
We must always be party discipline and must support our beloved party; as such with no regret I am pleased to report my contribution for the period under review.
Occasion / Purpose / Amount- CDC District#9 Leadership
- CDC District#9 Leadership
- CDC District#9 Youth league
- CDC
- CDC Supreme Sister
- CDC Trip to Sinoe County
- CDC Youth League election
- CDC District #9 Leadership
- CDC District #9 Leadership
- CDC District #9 Leadership
Total $9,826.00 USD
Total $248,000 LD
ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE
The Liberian Legislature is the first of the 3 branches of Government. The Legislature consist of two separate houses which include the Liberian Senate and the Honorable house of Representatives, The official seat of this branch is the Capitol Building. Which is located on Capitol Hill, Monrovia Liberia. The present Legislature is the 53th Legislature it comprised of a 30 member Senate and 73 member Representatives.
The Lawmakers assemble in 'Regular Session' beginning the second working Monday in January each year and adjourn for Annual Break on the 31st day of August of each year.
The assemble of the lawmakers in each house is call Plenary. It's the highest decision making body. The works of the Legislature is mainly done through committees which submit report to Plenary for final determination.
The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia is the President and Presiding Officer of the Liberian Senate. The Speaker is the Head and Presiding Officer of the house of Representatives, who subsequently presides over both Houses in a Joint Session, thus making him the ceremonious Head of the Legislature.
THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE
According to the Constitution, the Senate is composed of two Senators elected by the registered voters in every county and for the tenure of nine years, while members of the House of Representatives are elected to serve a 6 years term, by voters of their respective districts.
According to Article 34 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, the mandate and function of the Representative is in threefold:
Law Making-By this the Legislature is require to formulate Law for the governance of the State. He/she can also repeal the law. Meaning your representatives can change some old things and put some new things in the law that will be in the interest of the people.
Representation -By this, the Legislature articulates the views and aspiration of their constituents. They are the direct representation of the people in the governance process.
Oversight -By this, the Legislature provides check-and- balance in the Government, that is, it receives performance reports from Government functionaries; review same thus ensuring accountability for public funds and properties. Speaking in the interest of the Liberian people.
ACTIVITIES IN THE 53RD Legislature
NATIONAL COMMITTEES
Co-Chair Contracts, Concession Public Procurementand Monopolies
Member
Rules Order & Administration
Foreign Affairs
Gender & Child Development
Banking & Currency
Youth & Sports
Oil & Gas
OTHER COMMITTEES
Financial Secretary- Women Legislative Caucus
Secretary General - Montserrado County Legislative Caucus
Secretary General - Congress for Democratic Change
Member - Joint Committee on Modernization
Member - Affordable Housing & Legislative Team of Senators and Legislators
Assistant Secretary General - IMF/World Bank Liberia Chapter Legislative Committee
COMMITTEES ACTIVITIES
Committee on Youth and Sports
Hon. Pelham-Youngblood is a member of this committee she was able to represent them at the following meetings
- Post Ebola Recovery Donor Conference meeting in New York
- Attended the MRU Post Ebola recovery meeting for youths development in Guinea
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Hon. Pelham-Youngblood along with her colleagues on this committee were able to reviewed and ratified agreements that are presently being implemented by the Government.
Assistant Secretary General on the IMF/World Bank Legislative Network
As Assistant Secretary General on the IMF/World Bank Legislative Network (Liberia Chapter) the member’s responsibility is to monitor World Bank and IMF projects in and around Liberia.
Committee on Banking and Currency
Hon. Pelham-Youngblood is a member of this committee she was able to represent them at the following meetings
- WAMZ & WAMF Annual meeting Gambia
- World Bank & IMF Annual meeting in Washington DC USA 2014.
- World Bank & IMF Spring meeting in Washington DC USA.2015
LEFT OPEN INTENTIONALLY
Hon. Munah E. Pelham-Youngblood Financial Secretary General WLCL
Honorable Pelham-Youngblood represented the Caucus at the following events:
- 2015 Conference on the Statues of Women (CSW) at the United Nation Headquarters.
- Serve as panelist in Accra Ghana at the Sheroes International Forum discussing Women in political position
- The Official Launching of the Campaign Women and Access to Information in the times of crisis and recovery sponsored by Cater Center Liberia
- HE 4 She campaign sponsored by UNwomen.
- Hope for women international reproductive and breast cancer awareness program.
- At a 2 days training session collaboration with UNDP on the strengthening women's capacities to engage lawmakers, political parties, executive and leaders on gender parity and quotas.
ATTENDANCE IN SESSION
Fellow Citizens, we very much delighted to report to you that during the period under review, the 4th Session of the 53rd. Legislature, specifically the Honorable House of Representatives from September 1, 2014 To October 5, 2015. This include the period that we did not close due to the Ebola Crisis in the Country. (Emergency Sessions)
Total Number of Emergency Sessionafter the 3rdSitting (September to December 2014) 26days
Total Number of Session During the 4thSitting: Sixty-Six(66 days) (January 2nd Monday to August 30, 2015)
Total Number ofExtra-ordinarySession During the 4thSitting. Thirteen Days (13)(Aug. 30, 2015 to October 6, 2015)
Total Session in all 105 days
Total Number of Session that I was Present: Ninety-One days (91)
Total Number of Excuse from session: Fourteen Session Days (14)
Hon. Pelham-Youngblood absence from session for 14 session days which is Tuesdays and Thursdays were all official absent. She was attending to matters concerning the well being of the people of Liberia.
COMMUNICATION TO THE LAWMAKER
Total Communication Received for the period under reviewed is 807 different kinds of communications. Ranging from personal assistance to official matters.