#Gabon: Ali Bongo Ondimba with gabonese community in New York

 
 

NEW YORK (AGP) - Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, met last Friday the Gabonese community in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the United States of America, on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the United Nations

The initiative Gabonese New York, mainly consist of students, engineers and traders, was a success.

Accompanied by the First Lady of Gabon, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, ministers Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet (Foreign Affairs), Nelson Messone Christmas (Forests and Environment) and Blaise Louembé (Sport), the head of state has seized the moment this meeting to build on his fellow policy emergence being implemented in Gabon.

The reforms, he has said, are beginning to bear fruit. Probably alluding to the measure, among other things, ban the export of timber in log form; measure that allowed the creation of several processing units, with, the key, creating jobs and wealth. Similarly, medical coverage for the benefit of all sections of the Gabonese population has become a reality, with the work of the National Health Insurance Fund and Social Security (CNAMGS), etc.

Ali Bongo Ondimba also stressed its willingness to invest more in the area of education and training where reforms have been initiated, particularly in terms of the award of scholarships, the aim is to ensure more of Justice, among others.

In a friendly atmosphere, the Head of State called on his countrymen to be Ambassadors of Gabon wherever they are, through responsible with, and investing in education and other activities. Everyone should have at heart the interests of the good image of Gabon, already shining on the rest of the world. The head of state also stressed the government's determination to ensure good governance, the concern is the efficiency of expenditure and public financial management, among others. Finally, the Head of State urged his countrymen to cultivate in them an atmosphere of peace, understanding and harmony, inviting them also to put aside any spirit of backbiting, easy criticism, all etc.ôté spirit of backbiting, easy criticism, etc.

Earlier, the President of the Gabonese community in New York, Bernard Oyama, welcomed the creation of a Ministry of Gabonese abroad.

Note that shortly before the reunion of the evening, Ali Bongo Ondimba has co-chaired with Germany, a high-level meeting on poaching, at the United Nations in the wake of the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations. A meeting during which the two countries, Gabon and Germany, in particular expressed their determination to fight against poaching.


                                                                           Agence Gabonaise de Presse 28-09-2014

#Gabon: Housing, better late than never

 

Among the promises of the most attractive countryside of the President of the Republic, Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2009, there was one in particular to offer cheaper Gabonese decent housing.

Among the promises of the most attractive countryside of the President of the Republic, Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2009, there was one in particular to offer cheaper Gabonese decent housing. But in the early years of his teaching is not a secret that almost nothing was done on the ground and the Gabonese, turlupinés by the deficit of housing and high rents were already beginning to recover involved speech and presidential promise. This attitude of the citizen is understandable, particularly in the tropics where political discourse often involves those who listen.



Each time thing. There is a time to sow, a time to reap, a time to laugh, a time to cry. A time to design projects, a time to execute. Do not be fooled, the art of managing the city or they will not escape this principle. For proof, returning to the issue of social housing, we note with satisfaction the launch of sites in the north of Libreville, particularly in the town Akanda at BIKELE at Mekambo and other localities. The president of the republic, has visited it a few days ago some of these sites, to finger the progress of the work. This is not an easy task in view of the delay in the home for over 50 years, but the political will is tangible and the head of state is decided to offer his countrymen cheaper and affordable housing to all exchanges.



Similarly, the government has launched the marketing of the first built by the state housing available. 'The priority is given to first-time buyers in the interests of fairness and social justice'. Also, the repayment term mortgages rose from 15 to 20 years, with less than 10% interest rate. A device for securing funding for access to housing for low-income Gabon has also been set up. 'Better late than never,' 'says the proverb.



But do not forget, it is the responsibility of every citizen to build his own house. The state should simply facilitate access to land, especially in large urban centers.


                                                                                 Ogooue Infos (OI), 24 September 2014

#Gabon: Gabon: the mechanization of agriculture in question

 

FAO and the Government of Gabon in Libreville recently organized a workshop on the issue of mechanization of farm work in Gabon.

One solution to the intensification of food crops in Gabon necessarily lies in mechanization of farm work. But how to get there, what are the constraints, facilities and issues? The FAO experts and officials of the Gabonese authorities dealing with these issues have tried for two days to respond by examining the diagnostic reports already made in the framework of the national strategy for the development of agriculture.



According to experts of the Gabonese Ministry of Agriculture, the mechanization of farm work is expected to probably reduce drudgery, increase farmlands and boost production. What constitutes an adequate response in particular to the problem of food imports and the high cost of living costs.



Nevertheless, the Gabonese government is supported not only by the FAO but also by other partners develop, for the realization of the government's desire to achieve in a few years to further mechanization of agricultural work. All major agricultural countries have been there.


                                                                 b      Ogooue Infos (OI), 24 September 2014

#Gabon: General Debate of the United Nations: the business environment seen by Ali Bongo

 

In his speech at the general debate of the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations, September 25, the President said that transparency, the formation of a skilled workforce, building modern infrastructure and access to digital and energy are prerequisites for investment and hence economic development.

Speaking on 25 September, during the general debate opened yesterday as part of the 69th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the President wished to draw the attention of his peers on several issues compared with the involvement of the international community in security, and health issues related to diet.

Calling for the diversification of the economic base, Ali Bongo said he was "deeply convinced that to give a solid foundation for our post-2015 agenda, we need to shape our economic environment so that transparency guide the allocation of public contracts and permit the return on investment, but also respect for the obligations of economic operators vis-à-vis the state. ".

According to him, the goal now is to "enhance employability to provide a skilled workforce in the labor market work and accelerate the integration of young people into the workforce." For, he has argued, that "in the short term (the Gabon plans) to make additional efforts in education and training in order to improve the performance of the basic education system." A more legitimate ambition that human capital formation, construction and upgrading of infrastructure, including the development of digital technology and the increase in energy capacity, are key competitive factors. Or has he supported "the strategy implemented by the Gabon aims to accelerate the structural transformation of its economy by the way, in the near future, a cash economy to an economy of industries and services with high added value. "

Wanting pragmatic and carrying a holistic vision, the president addressed the issue of food security, suggesting that either now established a "link between human rights and sustainable development." For him, the establishment of institutional instruments such as the National Council of good governance and the National Commission for the fight against illicit enrichment (CNLCEI) part of this logic. "All (our) efforts can truly thrive in a political, economic and social environment where good governance," he argued, acknowledging in passing that more needs to be done, particularly in terms of involvement of national and local PME in the implementation of public policies related to food security. "The development of agriculture, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, including food security, continues to receive sustained attention from my government," he said.

On a completely different note, Ali Bongo said he was concerned about "serious threats to peace and international security" that the nations of the world face for several years, he felt that "never has the terrorist threat as strong as in recent times, jeopardizing the survival of the institutions of the countries affected by this terrible phenomenon. ""In Africa, activism Boko Haram pushes entire populations to live away from their original homes in terror, insecurity and despair," said he regretted, adding, "There are point of religious terrorism. There are point of fundamentalist terrorism. Terrorism must be fought with fierce determination, because we can not tolerate violent extremism. We must do everything so that terrorism does not give credit to any idea of ​​a struggle of civilizations or religions. (...) To meet the security challenge it represents, we need to strengthen the operational capacity of our defense forces and security in accordance with the spirit of the Global Counter-United Nations ". In the process, he heckled assistance on the health situation on the continent, emphasizing the emergence of Ebola virus in West Africa and the threat it poses to other African countries, especially those where tensions are still visible as the Central African Republic, Mali and south Sudan.


                                                                               Gabonreview, September 26, 2014

#Gabon Haro on the indebtedness of public officials

 

Meeting within the Council of Ministers on 19 September, the government decided to removing withholding to protect state employees against the debt spiral.

The purchasing power of the average Gabonese seem to worry the government. Thus, in its meeting of September 19, the Cabinet decided to "suppression of withholding taxes (to) protect state officials against excessive debt which is likely to destroy all the efforts to improve the purchasing power of Gabon. "Accordingly, the government will begin formulating a "plan to restructure the banking and financial system of the state.

But what is it exactly? To understand this measure, it must be remembered that the "tax is the amount withheld at source by the creditor of a person while the latter owes a third. The person responsible for withholding, recovering such payment to the creditor of the debtor. So is there any dues to social security funds or compulsory health insurance are deducted at source by the employer on the remuneration of its employees. "In everyday reality, the tax results in levies paid by merchants and other credit agencies, who do not hesitate to increase by 4 to 5 times the cost of public employees' bank accounts. A practice that has left many agents in the vicious cycle of debt. There are even some who are no longer able to receive a good salary at month end. Others have come to mortgage more than 60% of their income.

According to a study conducted by the management of the balance, 29,524 employees are indebted while 2,660 are in debt beyond the norm. The study also revealed that 49.95% of indebted servants are part of the forces of defense and security, 21.66% are carried to the Ministry of Education and 6.48% are in service to the Department of Health. Among those who were taking more than 60% of monthly income, the officers of the defense forces and security account for 43% and the Department of Justice 57%. "Young official, I undertook to furnish my studio. So I was contacted a Lebanese merchant who had been presented to me and I chose: stereo, TV and VCD, wardrobe, bed and mattress. I do not deny that for 3 years I was not able to fully pay the debt. The guy took its money directly to pay and I could do nothing. I worked all the time as if I was still unemployed. Because I did not have e crumbs that do not even allow me to pay my taxi, "said one official. "This decision will ensure that people support themselves and plan their lives," he says. "The state will no longer collect money at source from the salaries of officers for the reserve for credit institutions. With the banking operation launched by the Ministry of the Budget, it is the agent of the state to deal directly with the bank to pay its debts, "says, Apollinaire Moukila Maka, Communication Advisor to the Minister of Budget . Meanwhile, the backlog of borrowed money owed by state agents will be donated.

                                                                           Friday, September 26, 2014, Gabonreview

#Gabon: Media, For adapted to the challenges of his time press "

Freedoms and trade union rights in the media in Gabon." Is the theme of the conference which brings together media professionals from 25 to 27 September in Libreville.

To reflect on the conditions of life and work of professional press in Gabon, the Gabonese Federation of Professional Communication organizes 25 to 27 September a seminar on "Freedom and trade union rights in the media in Gabon." Organised with the support of the International Federation of Journalists (FIJ), the conference is fully in line with the Declaration of Windhoek, through which Africans undertake to fiercely defend the freedom of the press and to promote economic development companies in the sector of the press and communication. This meeting will be an opportunity for leaders of associations and unions of media professionals to scrutinize their future, which involves the negotiation of a collective agreement for the sector and the revision of the legal framework journalist.

 This conference comes as Central Africa faces two major deadlines in 2015: the forced migration of the media goes digital and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In this context, promising media must fight on several fronts for the survival not only of the means of production but also of human capital. "From the institutional framework of the exercise of freedom of communication in Gabon"; "From Convention 87 on labor freedom and protection of the right to organize"; "From Convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining"; "The Collective in Gabonese media"; "The transformation to a trade press: Bottlenecks and Prospects"; "Media professionals face to digital: Issues and Challenges"; "The gender approach in Gabonese media union involvement of women in question" are the themes developed during the symposium.

 According to the President of the Gabonese Union of Business Communicators (UGPC), Sylvestre Moundounga, "This meeting is an opportunity for leaders of associations and unions in the sector to explore, yet again, the tracks may lead to a wellness (...) in our work, experts will present the international standards that underpin trade union rights including collective agreement. This instrument steering is certainly the most anticipated in our industry because it will require both private businesses and public or semi-public companies to disclose. "

In the same vein, the President of the Trade Union of Central African press (Usypac), Stanis Nkundiye think this conference will "do the autopsy of trade union freedoms and as experienced in the media in Gabon. ""At a time when the digital poses new problems for both workers and employers of the media, it is important that you can look into his eyes, so as not to suffer the events caused by technological change. The future of journalism and media in Gabon is in your hands. May this conference help you move forward in defending the interests of the profession and the consolidation of the fourth power in the Gabonese company, "he added. Opened by the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications and the Digital Economy, Monique Oyane the work of the conference should lead "on concrete proposals that can be submitted to the government."


                                                                Gabonreview,, Friday, September 26, 2014

#Gabon:NRBC risks: Gabon working on an early warning system and response

 Aware of the danger posed by NRBC hazards (nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical), Gabon is activated to prevent such threats.

 Libreville hosted on 23 and 24 September a seminar on the launch of the active phase of Project 33 of the European Union (EU) which aims to improve the preparation of Gabon to NRBC risks (nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical).

The first day of work was marked by a variety of interventions including a reminder of what the project, its objectives and its program and a presentation of Component 1, which deals with legal texts. So it was to "define how to work on the legal texts of Gabon that address NRBC in order to identify what needs to be improved or what is missing; on the basis of the laws of the United Kingdom, France and the European Union, "said the project coordinator of the EU 33 for France international expertise (FEI). This step has implemented a "tabletop exercise with several scenarios where we put in the position meeting participants vis-à-vis a number of incidents NRBC." "Whether malicious or accidental, so ask a number of questions relating to both the legislation, organization of the intervention on these incidents in order to identify what is lacking and all that needs to be done over the next 2 years in training and working on the texts, "said Michel Richard.

The second day was devoted to training. According to Michel Richard, the issue was "clearly identify training needs, equipment and exchanges in the Gabonese authorities, first responders and command." "We worked on the legal texts. We also had the presence of a specialist in the NRBC is putting a program specifically tailored to the needs of Gabon. We also had further discussion on the legal texts of Gabon. Whether the texts concerning the implementation of international treaties, national laws, regional laws with other countries in Africa. And it descends to the level of orders and decrees of implementation and guides. We also discussed the need for equipment. What equipment including Gabon needs to cope with such threats, whether malicious or accidental origin, "Has he suggested.

Involved in this seminar, Nicaise Moulombi, executive secretary of healthy growth environment, declined the role of ONG and the Observatory to promote sustainable development of products and services industries Gabon (Oddig) in this project. "We are the local partner of FEI, which took over the project of the European Union whose national focal point for Gabon's Jean Maurice Ayilé. Our role is to support FEI in terms of logistics and assist the focal point in the data collection: everything law and also have training, "he has explained, continuing:" This training require significant additional resources to enable all stakeholders in the territory to appropriate NRBC risks. This requires additional support as it is that budget support set up by management stability of the European Union can not meet all needs. Which could lead to reduced efficacy even though the subjects are important, "adding:" After this seminar, the designated authority in the country has an obligation to make the rounds of ownership , awareness throughout the country. This is far from being possible if do not have the budget and logistics. "And announce: "In this regard we have initiated discussions with the Prime Minister and we hope that in the coming months, an order for a budget support to be provided to the national platform for the prevention and disaster risk reduction. "

                                                                              Gabonreview,, Friday, September 26, 2014