-As President Weah vows to uphold the Constitution
By Our Staff Writer
“The time is now to reverse corruption and its corrosive and contagious effects,” United States Ambassador to Liberia, Christine Elder has said.
Speaking during a ceremony to mark America’s 243rd independence anniversary at the US Embassy in Monrovia on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, Amb. Elder said corruption is among one of the complex challenges Liberia has to successfully overcome.
And she said the Liberian government and people must use “the determination and perseverance Liberia summoned to end war, defeat Ebola, and bring about a peaceful transition of power are now the foundation of this nation.”
She said this is possible as the country continues to strengthen the economic, judicial and political institutions essential for a brighter future.
In a prepared speech delivered in front of President George MannehWeah, senior officials, the diplomatic corps and others, the US envoy said:
“The time is now to strengthen an economy that provides opportunities in more sectors and where open and transparent competition rules the day. The time is now to give women and girls a life free of abuse and an equal chance to apply their talents and bring solutions to their community’s and the nation’s challenges. The time is now to offer ideas on how to improve Liberia’s economic situation, not solely criticize or exacerbate the problems.”
Liberia has over the years been rocked by repeated alleged corruption rackets. In the over one year of CDC administration alone, a number of corruption sagas have been unearthed including the 16 billion Liberian dollar banknotes scam and the US$25 million mop-up exercise. In both cases, the US government funded the hiring of an international forensic audit firm, Kroll and Associates, which unearthed gross discrepancies.
Amb. Elder spoke of the need to “recognize the recognize the extraordinary importance of civil society in helping the country to achieve a lasting peace” as Liberia, the oldest independent black African country “charts its journey to self-reliance.”
As she called on the Liberian government “to develop the private sector capable of sustaining the livelihood of the Liberian people,” the US Ambassador lauded President Weah for opening discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) “regarding measures that could restore confidence in the economy and set the stage for growth ahead. “
Amb. Elder however expressed the hope that “the Liberian government, and the Liberian people remain open to what the IMF recommends so that Liberia can lay the groundwork for future economic productivity and prosperity.”
She hailed the longstanding and close relationship that has existed between Liberia and the US.
“America could not ask for a better friend in Africa, nor one with whom our history is more closely tied. Please be assured that in good times or in difficult times, we proudly stand in partnership with the government and people of Liberia.
Ambassador Elder praised the courage, dedication and resilience of the Liberians, something she said “have repeatedly impressed” her doing the course of duty in this West African country.
The US independence date is July 4 but the American envoy said she decided to hold the 2019 ceremony ahead of the main date, because some of her senior staffers were ending their tour of duty in Liberia and they won’t be in the country by July.
Responding, President Weah praised the warm relationship that continues to exist between Liberia and the US, which he said he would remain steadfast in promoting for the mutual benefits of the two nations.
The Liberian leader vowed to uphold the Liberian constitution by protect the fundamental rights of all citizens, but at the same time ensuring the safeguarding the peace and stability of the country.