Paynesville, Liberia – The Deputy Director General for Lotto Games at the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Richlue O. Burphy, has urged schoolchildren to avoid gambling and embrace patience in their pursuits.
Speaking at the finals of the Shining Light National Quizzing Competition, where he was honored for his contributions to youth development, Burphy emphasized the importance of timing, discipline, and resilience in both academics and life.
Addressing young quizzers at a local church in Paynesville, Burphy cautioned: “In life, as in quizzing, every opportunity has its own timing. You may have the knowledge, but rushing unprepared can cost you your chance. When the right time comes, you might no longer enjoy it. Wait for your time.”
His remarks followed reports of minors engaging in gambling, particularly through Chinese-operated gaming machines across Liberia.
“I urge you to stay away from gambling—it distracts from studies, exposes you to adult behaviors prematurely, and could lead to deviance,”* he warned. *”Those running these machines will return to their countries, leaving our youth at risk. Don’t gamble away your future.”
Burphy, sharing lessons from his own journey, advised the quizzers to learn from setbacks:
“Every quiz is a chance to grow. Don’t fear losses—use them to improve. Your time will come if you stay committed.”
He also commissioned the participants as “ambassadors against underage gambling,” tasking them to report peers involved in such activities.
Gratitude from Shining Light Quizzing Organization
Gospellee Livingproof, leader of the Shining Light National Quizzing Organization, thanked Burphy for his timely advice: “Your words resonated deeply. Understanding the role of timing helps us focus on preparation, not just outcomes.”
Burphy concluded with a message of hope: “You are Liberia’s future leaders. Great achievements demand patience and perseverance. Stay focused—your moment will come.”
APC Teta Wilson Encourages Gender Mainstreaming In War Crimes, Anti Corruption Court Establishment Of In Liberia
Assistant Police Commissioner and chief of Gender affairs section of the Liberia National Teta Wilson has stressed the paramount need to Mainstream Gender in the establishment of war and economic crimes court and the anti corruption court in Liberia respectively.
Speaking at a one day Gender equality dialogue, Assistant Commissioner Wilson said women inclusion into the process is essential especially so when they are the most victims of the crimes committed during Liberia’s Civil War.
” There is a need for women full participation into the process and the need for Gender Mainstreaming in such exercise can’t be overemphasized “, she added.
According to her women’s inclusion will be a great help to the process stating that with their full involvement justice will be served.
Speaking further she pointed out that justice is the center for genuine Reconciliation.
” The Court will compliment truth telling, helping the nation heal while ensuring that those responsible for the crisis will face the consequences for their action and will not to be rewarded politically”, she added.
Madam Wilson who is passionate about seeing women full participation into the process also named seven key reasons for said purpose.
She named one of the reasons as justice which she pointed out needs to be served to the victims many of whom are women and girls.
At the same time she stated that the exercise will help end the culture of impunity where people will not always go scout free but will be held accountable for their actions.
Moreover, she re-emphasized the need for the strengthing of the rule of law which she said is very pivotal to the process.
Additionally, the Assistant Police Commissioner wants the process with women’s participation to serve as a deterent for future crimes.
“When people are made to account for their actions, it will serve as a warning to would be crimes violators”, she noted.
People she pointed out also need to pay for their action as such economic recovery is essential, Madam Wilson indicated.
At the same time she calls for genuine healing and reconciliation which she said is the cornerstone to the entire process.
She used the ocassion to reaffirmed the Liberia National Police’s commitment to providing professional and quality service across the Country for the betterment of society.
