Leading the criticism is Wantoe Teah Wantoe of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), who wasted no time in condemning the remarks. In a strongly response, Wantoe described Tarpeh’s comments as reckless and dangerous for Liberia’s fragile democratic environment.

“The Chairman of the Unity Party’s statement is not just politically careless,” Wantoe wrote. “It promotes a dangerous precedent for Liberia’s democracy.” His criticism framed the issue not as routine partisan sparring, but as a fundamental question about the integrity of Liberia’s governance system.

Tarpeh’s assertion that the opposition’s “only future” lies in joining the ruling Unity Party with the added incentive of employment has been widely interpreted as reducing public service to a partisan reward system. Wantoe was blunt in his reaction. “When Luther Tarpeh says that ‘the only future the opposition has is to join the Unity Party’ and that they will be given jobs if they join, he is effectively reducing public service to partisan reward. That is not democracy. That is patronage politics.”

At the heart of the controversy is the principle of multiparty democracy. Wantoe emphasized that Liberia is a constitutional republic where opposition parties are not “temporary inconveniences to be absorbed into the ruling party.” Instead, he argued, they are essential pillars of accountability, policy alternatives, and institutional checks and balances.

More troubling, according to the CDC stalwart, is the explicit linkage between party loyalty and employment opportunities. “Public jobs are funded by taxpayers across political lines. They do not belong to the Unity Party. They do not belong to any chairman. They belong to the Liberian people,” Wantoe declared, insisting that no political organization has the authority to distribute public sector jobs as partisan incentives.

The opposition figure further warned that such rhetoric undermines meritocracy at a time when Liberia is grappling with high unemployment and institutional fragility. “If government employment becomes conditional on joining the ruling party, then we abandon meritocracy,” Wantoe stated. “We tell qualified Liberians that competence is secondary to compliance.”

He stressed that the message being sent to young professionals is deeply troubling. “We tell young professionals that their degree, experience, and integrity matter less than their political allegiance,” he wrote, warning that this could create a culture where survival depends more on political submission than on qualification or performance.

Wantoe also argued that if the Unity Party is confident in its governance record, it should allow voters to decide at the ballot box rather than enticing opposition members with promises of jobs. “A healthy democracy does not coerce alignment through economic opportunity. It competes through ideas and performance,” he maintained.

The broader concern, he suggested, is the creeping normalization of patronage politics in a nation that fought hard to secure democratic space. “Liberia fought too hard for democratic space to now entertain rhetoric that resembles one party dominance. Strong governments welcome criticism. They do not attempt to neutralize it through patronage,” Wantoe warned.

He concluded with a forceful defense of institutional integrity. “Government jobs are a public trust, not political rewards, and they must never depend on party alignment,” he wrote emphatically. “Not partisan loyalty.”

Born Evelyn Carl, the young lady notified Guinness World Records authorities in December, expressing her eagerness to undertake the twerking marathon challenge.

She accomplished her endeavour of surpassing the current record holder, Elena Sofie Sterlini from Austria, who held the title for twerking for 2 hours.

Afua Asantewaa Aduonom’s Guinness World Record attempt has brought attention to this remarkable record program.

Furthermore, as more people become captivated by Faila Abdul Razak’s cookathon attempt, it is important to also highlight the inspiring story of Silvio Sabba, an Italian man who holds even more records.Silvio Sabba, a personal trainer, has achieved over 190 Guinness World Records titles since he embarked on his journey in 2011.

Silvio’s pursuit of excellence started with his first record in 2011, where he achieved the most squats in one minute using a single leg. However, this accomplishment was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey that led him to excel in various disciplines.“For me, breaking records means working to become the very best in the world in whatever I do. Record breaking is not a hobby for me, but a job,” Silvio explained, emphasizing the dedicated effort he puts into his craft.Enduring rigorous training sessions of 2 to 3 hours a day from Monday to Friday over the past eight years, Silvio has left an indelible mark on the world of record-breaking. His diverse achievements include quirky feats like holding the record for most eggs held in the hand (palm down) (8) and most underpants pulled on in 30 seconds (16).

Beyond these amusing records, Silvio has tackled physical challenges such as the most jump squats in one minute (male) (62), highest standing jump (one leg) (1.346 m / 4 ft 5 in), and most squats on a balance board carrying a 100 lb pack in one minute (22).

“My favourite records involve fitness. I like jumping records and balance board challenges most of all. The record I am most proud of is the highest standing jump onto a balance board carrying a 40 lb pack, which I achieved on a TV show in China,” Silvio shared, highlighting his passion for physical accomplishments. Source: ghbase.com

See the letter below:

In this letter to all Liberian entertainers, I have addressed 4 important subjects: The Role of Entertainers in Liberia, The Relationship between Entertainment and Politics, Comedian Paul Flomo and Musician Daniel George alias Deng, and pro-CDC entertainment fans (Why is P-Square campaigning for Peter Obi). Take a read if you can.

Dear Entertainers,

With so much love from me to you, I would like to salute every one of you for your sustained sacrifice and service to our country. I know what you go through every day to promote our culture, ease our stress, renew our hope, and add meaning to our existence. Thank you, and let me say this much, I do not take your work for granted because you exude peace and inspiration.

This is the very first time that I am even speaking to you in such a direct manner. It has become more compelling to do so at this point because our nation is in free fall; we are between hope and despair right now. My letter to you does not intend to eulogize our suffering as a people but to emphasize how important your role is to nation-building.

October 2023 is a defining moment. It is a moment to choose between poverty and prosperity. It is a moment to either remain where we are or embrace a new beginning. I beseech you to ponder over these simple but important questions: What kind of entertainment industry do you hope to see beyond 2023? As entertainers, what do you hope to achieve 6 years from now? Where do you want your career to be in 2029?

A perfect response to these questions can be found in a qualified, competent, visionary, and patriotic national leadership. Am I opposed to your choice to politically align? No, I am not, I have never been, and I won’t either. Do not get it wrong. Everyone has to vote. After all, it is your constitutional and universal right (suffrage) to participate in politics and support any politician of your liking.

I am quite aware of this right, and I will fight with every fiber of my being to protect it just in case anyone decides to deprive you of it. You have my utmost commitment to upholding this pledge.

However, your career (entertainment) and politics are NOT analogous or alike, especially in Africa. Whenever you make a choice to politically align with a specific party or politician, you’ve already put your career at risk. I hope you often consider the downside of such a decision.

Because your career (entertainment) cuts across political lines, my best advice to you would be to remain nonaligned politically. The rationale behind my advice is that your fans are from different political parties and they have different political interests. So whenever you decide to support a particular party, your choice/preference comes in conflict with some, if not most, of your fans’ interests. There could be a clash between you and them at different intervals. The German Philosopher, Karl Heinrich Marx, called this clash a ‘Class Conflict’.

As an entertainer, the fans are like your lifeline. Without them, you’ve got no career. Before taking any political decision to align and realign, you must always consider their feelings and thoughts. Respect for your fans has a lot more to do with your career’s success. This is what makes them even more loyal to you. Remember, you are NOT ordinary. You are an influencer, and I want you to underline the word “influencer”.

Am I asking you to support an opposition politician? No, I am not, I have never, and I won’t either. Am I asking you to hate Mr. George Weah or CDC? No, I am not, I have never, and I won’t either. The choice to decide your own future lies with you. My only caution to you is to be very MINDFUL of your choice/preference because there are inadvertent consequences when an entertainer decides to become a politician.

You could even lose your entire career. In this case, your talent becomes a trade-off, and politics becomes a pay-off. This is a simple scenario that I could find to share with you as a student of Economics. Don’t trade your talent for Liberian politicians –They ain’t worth it until they can value your trade (entertainment). Focus on your career to promote your country and serve humanity. You are too productive to be pranked by greedy and corrupt politicians. The E&M sector in Liberia can only rise if all of you unite to push back against politicians who want to divide you and abuse your individual talent.

Your talents have been overlooked, scoffed at, and suppressed by these very same politicians. See how you have been deprived:

2023 National Budget (Page 35):

Culture, Tourism, and Entertainment – US$0

In 2021, you also got US$0. Do you think Liberian politicians really value you? They can only value you when elections are around. That’s when they know that you have talent and influence. Don’t fall for it because it could cost you your career. It’s up to you to listen or not.

Paul Flomo-Daniel George alias Deng (Political Entertainers):

I want to address this also, and I hope you will engage it with an open mind. I have made no fuss with any entertainer before. I have no reason to do so either. I respect y’all. Flomo and Deng are supporters of candidate George Weah. They’ve got every right to support whomever they want to support, and I respect that. But they’ve got no right to distort and deceive our people.

It is their right as entertainers to promote THE OPPRESSORS, but it is my right too to protect THE OPPRESSED. Whenever an entertainer (e.g. musician or comedian) chooses to join ranks with the oppressors in order to oppress the oppressed, it becomes a moral imperative to push back, and that’s exactly what I am doing.

When an entertainer chooses to use his/her ‘influence’ or ‘platform’ to support rogues, killers, and power abusers, some of us feel compelled to stand up, especially in times like these when our people are hopeless and miserable. Support GMW all you want. It’s your right. But it’s my right to expose your two-facedness too. I won’t sit here and allow a politician-musician or a politician-comedian to deceive our people. When an entertainer transitions to politics, he should expect backlashes. This is normal because politics itself is conflicted due to clashing interests.

Since all of you (entertainers) are my brothers and sisters, I want to make my position crystal clear as an activist. I do NOT support Mr. George Weah for President because he is unfit, ill-visioned, corrupt, greedy, and abusive. I have no faith in our collective future with a George Weah serving as president because his first term is just more of a disaster.

Under his watch, Liberians have become poorer, unhealthier, and hungrier. It’s time to shut down this national nightmare. Am I asking you to share my position on this issue or to believe in what I believe? No. You have every right to criticize me too. This is what democracy calls for –self and mutual criticism!

To Flomo-Deng pro-CDC fans:

I have seen a few comments from some pro-CDC zealots about “Davido, P-Square, Kanye, etc.” participating in politics too. Two different scenarios. These entertainers/musicians have hit the jackpot of their game –all of them are millionaires.

Unlike Flomo and Deng, they don’t need to prostrate at any politician’s feet for crumbs. They are not supporting politicians because they need ‘money’ from them. For instance, P-Square is supporting Peter Obi out of conviction and love for Nigeria. The duo is not supporting Obi because they were called to have breakfast or lunch with Obi.

Unlike George Weah, Peter Obi has a solid public service record, and he has laid out a real vision for Nigeria. That’s why a lot of Nigerian entertainers are supporting him. Obi has even promised to take entertainment in Nigeria to a level it has never been before. What has GMW promised Liberian entertainers or what has he shown Flomo and Deng? Nothing –no vision, no agenda, no plan, and no strategy. His government has betrayed your trust.

GMW is trying to divide you. He often invites only a few entertainers, including Flomo and Deng, and care less about all of you. No serious president leads a nation like this. Your career is being politicized, and this is sad. You’ve worked so hard to give it up like that. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Think about it.

Important: Get this today. I am NOT a member of any political party, and I have never been. My membership is only with a student-based political party in Liberia (SUP). I am not loyal to any politician and I have never been. My loyalty belongs to Liberia and Liberians. I am extending an olive branch of peace and love to all of you. Let’s work together to salvage our country.

May God bless you. I love y’all. Thank you. SHALOM!

Signed: Martin K. N. Kollie

Exiled Liberian Activist and Chief Convener

Voices from Exile (VEx)

Representatives for Carter’s family confirmed the singer’s death. His fiance, Melanie Martin, asked for privacy as the family grieves.

“We are still in the process of accepting this unfortunate reality,” Martin said in a statement Saturday. “Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.”

Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brother’s boy band, and recorded several hits including “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” and “I Want Candy.”

Deputies responded around 11 a.m. following reports of a medical emergency at the home in Lancaster, a desert city about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles, said Deputy Alejandra Parra with the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Parra said the deputies found a deceased person at the residence, but she could not immediately confirm it was Carter. Authorities later said a house sitter found a man in the bathtub in the home and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Carter opened for the Backstreet Boys tour in 1997 — the same year his gold-selling debut self-titled album released. He reached triple-platinum status with his sophomore album, 2000′s “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It),” which produced hit singles including the title song and “I Want Candy.” His videos received regular airplay on Disney and Nickelodeon.

The singer earned acting credits through his appearance on television shows including “Lizzie McGuire.” He starred alongside his brother, Nick, and their siblings B.J., Leslie and Angel Carter on the E! unscripted series “House of Carters” in 2006.

Carter made his Broadway debut in 2001 as JoJo in the musical “Seussical.” In 2009, he appeared on the ABC competition show “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in fifth place with partner Karina Smirnoff. He was featured on the Food Network cooking show “Rachel vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off” in 2012.

In 2017, Carter opened up about his substance abuse on an episode of “The Doctors.” He was in rehab that same year after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana charges. He checked himself in for treatment on a few occasions in an effort to regain custody of his son Prince.

Carter’s fifth and final studio album, “LOVE,” was released in 2018.