PHOTO: Amb. Michael McCarthy (3rd from right) with Pres. Weah and other officials at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia
Monrovia, Liberia- Outgoing United States Ambassador Michael A. McCarthy has said that Liberia is a pioneer in female leadership and not only bit the first country in Africa to elect a female President, it also elected a female Vice President over five years ago and now sworn in Liberia’s third female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Until early this year, fifty percent of the Armed Forces of Liberia generals were females.
Ambassador McCarthy was speaking at the 247th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America held on June 29,2023 at the historic Executive Pavilion on Broad and Ashmun Streets in central Monrovia, with President Geroge Weah personally in attendance.
The historic pavilion, which was decorated in red, white and blue (the national colours of America and Liberia), was Jam-packed with other top Liberian government officials, Christian and Muslism clerics, foreign diplomats as well as other dignitaries.
The outgoing US Ambassador stated that every country can be improved and every government can be enhanced.
“I also admired this administration’s efforts to work with the legislature to further strengthen the freedom of the press only societies with courage and maturity allow opposition figures to voice their dissent, especially during an election year. I’m am well aware that all too many countries do not protect press freedom, that has allowed me as a guest of Liberia to so fully share my concerns about the country.”
“First I’d to recognize President Weah’s administration for Liberia’s principled and unwavering stand against the unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine and Liberia’s position in defense of the Muslim minority in one of the world’s most populous nations. As exemplary global citizens, I urge you to continue to support the freedom of the oppressed against this sort of unbridled aggression.”
Ambassador McCarthy disclosed that in another sector, Liberia offered to share with the world its experience as a leader in community health worker methodology and forty-one countries took them up on it. A flagship malaria study showed why this approach is receiving so much attention as rates of infection for children five years and under plummeted from forty-nine percent in only six years. This is phenomenal and reason for hope he added.
“I have seen a glimpse of the new Liberia”. In faces of our thirty-three youth election fellows a U.S. Embassy program that deliberately selected young leaders from all different political parties and persuasions and various parts of Mama Liberia. They met for three hours a week for ten weeks while, remaining loyal to their party affiliations through ten weeks as a group listening to guest speakers, watching films and debating sociopolitical issues, they came out with a unity of purpose and an overriding love for Liberia that would make any country strong.
Ambassador McCarthy stated that our hope for all our U.S. government exchange programs is that the unique experiences and different perspectives offered by exposure to the United States will enrich emerging leaders and impact Liberian Society. These people refused to accept that progress is inevitable rather, they see that improvements are made when leaders in that society have the determination, honesty and integrity to put the needs of the country before their personal interests.
He said that the hundreds of alumni of U.S. programs he has met, some of whom were in the audience, convinced him that Liberia will have valuable patriots contributing to Liberia for years to come.
“I see the promise of a new Liberia”. In the potential of a truly independently passengers, cargo, and commodity transport rail from Yekepa to Buchanan bringing farmers cheaper consumer goods, and taking their produce from the country to the cost year-round providing passengers affordable transport in every season between the coast and the interior and exponentially increasing financial contributions for the central coffers from iron ore transport and export duties.
“I see promise in the exciting return of 13 Peace Corps volunteers who arrived in Liberia on June 6,2023, after three years absent due to COVID. As a former peace corps volunteer, I look forward to learning how their is providing profound mutual benefits for the country and their personal development. I see the future of an empowered Liberia.
“In the potential of genuine decentralization, fully enabled under law, putting resources and responsibilities in the hands of those closest to the service customer base, so that each county and city can be its own test case with custom made solutions.
“I see the growth of a wealthier Liberia. In the potential of a National financial single switch that pulls the cloak of obscurity from financial transactions and adds investor’s confidence in the Liberian banking sector.
“A more prosperous Liberia, is of course one of the main goals at the U.S. Embassy and the reason we provide substantial support to Liberia across various sectors including health, education, business and political leadership.
“Going forward, Liberia can have a bright future if it so chooses. It will require substantial follow through on these important issues, I have mentioned as well as others including peaceful, free, and fair elections just 15 weeks from now. With continued commitment and collaboration, I am confident that Liberia has the power to emerge stronger and more prosperous than ever before.
“As my time as the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia comes to an end, I want to express my deep gratitude for the warm welcome and friendship I have received during my tenure. Serving as Chief of Mission has been the honor of a lifetime and I will cherish the memories and experiences from this remarkable country forever even as I begin my journey into retirement,” the outgoing US diplomat said.