The NEWS (Monrovia)
Alloycious David
29 October 2008
Monrovia — Three Liberian media executives have described President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's US$100,000 donation to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) as "nationalistic".
Veteran journalists Kenneth Y. Best, Stanton Peabody and Robert Lormia in separate testimonies at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Tuesday said they see nothing wrong with the President's contribution to the union.
Mr. Peabody, Editorial Consultant of the Daily Observer indicated that the president's US$100, 000 gift was given to the PUL as a national institution.
He said he could have problem with the US$100,000 had it been provided by a private company like Mittal Steal because it will appear that the company wants to buy the media.
Mr. Peabody disclosed that several individuals including former President Charles Taylor donated money for the construction of the PUL headquarters which was never accepted by the union.
The Liberian media veteran believes that President Sirleaf's action was a result of national interest.
Daily Observer Publisher, Mr. Kenneth Best described the president's gesture as "patriotic" adding "even the US government has a way of identifying with media institutions".
He noted that Liberia do not have a foundation that will contribute to institutions like the PUL.
Mr. Best said it is unfortunate that people who made money in Liberia never give back to the country, emphasizing "they left our people in poverty."
He defended that President Johnson-Sirleaf doesn't have any interior motive for contributing to the PUL headquarters construction.
Journalist Lormia told the hearings that he sees nothing wrong with the PUL accepting "internal gifts" as long it receives external donations.
Mr. Lormia said during the administration of former President Taylor he personally handed over US$100,000 on behalf of Foreign Minister Monie Captin to the PUL as his contribution to the headquarter project.
He also disclosed that several persons contributed to the headquarters project stressing that President Sirleaf's donation of US$100,000 was not negative.
Deputy Information Minister Gabriel Williams said the president's donation was done in good faith noting "she will one day leave office but the construction will remain".
Recently, President Johnson-Sirleaf donated US$100, 000 to assist with the construction of the Press Union of Liberia headquarters in Sinkor.
The president's donation created debates among journalists and the public with some describing the US$100,000 as an attempt to buy the media.
Some journalists residing in the United States want the PUL to reject the president's offer because it was unethical to accept money from newsmakers like president Johnson-Sirleaf.
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