The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Solomon T Gaye
13 October 2008
Tension has erupted at Liberia Opportunity Industrialized Center (LOIC) and the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) skill training center in Nimba over the graduation of some ex-combatants.
Accordingly, the ex-combatants have accused the LOIC and the YMCA program coordinator for deserting the program that was designed to provide skill training to ex-combatants.
Speaking to the INQUIRER in the commercial city of Ganta, Nimba County, the spokesperson of the ex-combatant, Elizabeth Charlie accused the LOIC/ YMCA program Co-ordinator, Mr. Julius Sele of deserting the skill training program for the past nine months.
She said the LOIC and the YMCA in early February 2008, established skill training to empower ex-combatants with vocational skills such as mechanic, tailoring, and hair dressing for four months.
She explained that the four months skill training program is now in limbo and the students are demanding graduation without further delay.
The ex-combatants' spokesperson said the 30 ex-combatants are threatening to demonstrate in the city of Ganta in a bid to draw the attention of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led government.
She narrated that Mr. Julius Selee has few month incentives for the trainers but has refused deliberately to disburse same.
She alleged that Mr. Selee received the funds from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Monrovia.
Also speaking with the INQUIRER, two of the trainers identified as Charleston Geh and one Flomo alleged that Julius Selee deserted the training without paying their incentives for several months.
Mr. Flomo also disclosed that he served as trainer for the Mechanical Department for the past six months without receiving his incentive from Julius Selee. "We seriously want our money from Selee,"Flomo demanded
Meanwhile an opinion leader in the area identified as Mr. Horace Yancy appealed to the ex-combatant to exercise patience and urged authorities of the YMCA and LOIC along with the UNDP to intervene.
When contacted, the accused Mr. Julius Selee said he is trying to get the funds from UNDP in Monrovia following which he would pay the trainers their balance.
Mr. Selee further disclosed via mobile phone interview that the documents are ready for the process. He denied deserting the program as alleged by the ex-combatant and the trainers
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