DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES

The Department of Information Services is headed by the Deputy Minister for Public Affairs, Mr. Isaac Jackson, and is responsible to disseminate information about government programs and policies to the general public. This department has several sub-divisions which are indicated below:

i. Public Affairs

The Bureau of Public Affairs which is the nerve center of information dissemination of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. For the period under review, The Bureau conducted 32 Press conferences/briefings in the conference room of the Ministry and also registered and accredited 35 Foreign Journalists; all of these Journalists came from various Media Institutions in USA, Europe and Africa. These Journalists came to Liberia at different times and for selected coverage of unfolding development during the period under review including Liberia’s 164TH Independence Day celebration held in Voinjama, Lofa County on July 26, 2011 under the theme Rallying our Nation for Peace, Reconciliation and Development.  Some journalists also came at the invitation of GOL, UNMIL United Nations Agencies, National and International Non-governmental Organizations (NGOS) and Private Volunteer Organizations (PVOS). Some also came to cover the 2011 General and Presidential Elections, amongst others.

During these Press briefings, the Bureau liaised with the information sections/ departments of various Government Ministries and Agencies to ensure a smooth, coordinated and an effective dissemination of information throughout Liberia. Ministries, Agencies, and Media Institutions that attended MICAT Thursday Regular Press Briefings for the period under review are listed below:

Individuals and Institutions

1.    Jackson F. Doe Memorial Referrer Regional Hospital in Tappita – Francis Kateh

2.    Ministry of Land, Mines, and Energy – Hon. Resovett Jayjay

3.    LRRRC Executive Director—Cllr. Watenia Dixson- Bans

4.    LRRRC Deputy Executive Director - Mr. John Saah Nyumah

5.    Ministry of Gender Development - Hon. Anita Kiawu, Deputy  Minister/Planning

6.    Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs—Robted Naejai Pailey

7.  Ministry of Commerce and Industrial – Assistant Minister Sie Gawn

8.  Ministry of Justice – Cllr. M. W. Wright, Deputy Minister of Justice

9.  NEC – National Elections Commission – Blamo Sieh, 2011 Referendum Coordinator

10. LNP – Liberia National Police – Inspector General  Mac Amblac

11. Ministry of Post and Telecommunications – Dr. Fredrick Nuket

12. LACE Executive Director – Ramsey Kumbuyah

13. LEC – Executive Director for Administration – Vamuyan F. Sheriff

14. Monrovia City Cooperation (MCC) Barkue Tubman

15. Ministry of Public Work – Hon. Johnson Gwaigloa, Deputy Minister/Administration

16. Ministry of Foreign Affairs—Assistant Minister George Waysiner

17. Lofa 2011 July 26, steering committee chairman – Hon. Francis Carbah

18. Dr.  Patricia Jabbah Wesley – Prof. of English at the Penn State University, USA.

19. Ambassador George Wallace Adviser on Foreign Affairs

20. Ministry of States for Presidential Affairs Scholarship Committee

21. Miss University (Africa)

22. Egyptian Ambassador

23. Miss Liberia

24. MCC

25. NIC--- Hon. Natty B. Davis

26. Ministry of National Defense

27. Aviation Authority

MEDIA INSTITUTIONS DURING MICAT PRESS BRIEFING

Electronic Media

ELBC , UNMIL Radio, Truth FM Radio, Sky FM Radio, Veritas Radio, Love Radio,  Advent Radio, Radio Monrovia, Lux Radio,

Community Radios

Radio Kakata, Radio Gbehzohn, Radio Piso, Radio Salala, Voice of Gonpa, Radio Palala, Radio Bomi, Radio Cestol, Radio Peace, Radio Live-Zorzor, Radio Nimba, and Radio Kehgimah,

Print Media

Heritage, Daily Observer, Monitor Newspaper, Dairy Newspaper, New Republic Newspaper, Analyst Newspaper, Informer Newspaper, Liberia Journal Newspaper, Inquirer Newspaper, Women Voices Newspaper, Liberty Watch Newspaper, Nimba Digest Newspaper, Chronicle Newspaper, Public Agenda Newspaper, FrontPage Newspaper, Insight Newspaper, In Profile Newspaper, New Liberia Newspaper, and New Dawn Newspaper.

MICAT OUTREACH

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, through the Public Affairs Department, launched What We called “MICAT Outreach” nearly two years ago. This program is intended to take government to the people and explain the policy and provide the opportunity for all citizens to have access to their leaders. During the period under review, MICAT OUTREACH visited and held discussions with cross-section of Liberia citizens as well as residence with the intent of providing information on GOL activities.