-As Liberia, AGI sign capacity building agreement
The Government of Liberia and African Governance Initiative (AGI) of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for capacity building and technical support initiative to the Liberian government.
AGI is a global governmental technical support and capacity building initiative established and headed by Mr. Blair.
The agreement was signed in Monrovia by President George Manneh Weah on behalf of the Government of Liberia and former Prime Minister Blair, who signed for the Africa Governance Initiative.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, the MOU provides opportunity for the AGI to work with the Government through the President Delivery Unit (PDU) to build capacity and provide sustainable support to enable it achieve its programs and projects in the country.
President Weah said the former British Prime Minister has been a strong partner to Liberia in many ways, ensuring that government achieves its goals by meeting the expectations of the Liberian people.
According to President Weah, the AGI capacity building and technical support initiative will provide opportunity for the government to develop plans in the interest of the people of Liberia.
The Liberian leader who referred to himself as a democrat, expressed commitment to upholding democratic governance in Liberia, and stressed the need for the government to develop achievable programs and projects in the next two years for the people, if the government is to make impressive marks in six years.
President Weah said his administration would explore every opportunity to engage global institutions for support to enable the government achieve its priorities in a desirable timeframe, perhaps not more than five years.
“We must work and we must give our time and focus in order to succeed,” he emphasized. He informed the Former British Prime, Minister Blair that Liberians are good people and that it was important to continue to tap on that for the growth of their nation.
Also speaking, Mr. Blair said it was an honor to be in the country and to meet with the Liberian leader and officials of the government.
“There is a goodwill for Liberia at this time because there is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm from the people,” the former British PM told the gathering. “The toughest thing in government, especially when you
are dealing with huge expectations, is to try to set priorities to get things done.”
He acknowledged the tough times Liberia experienced over the years and how it has worked to consolidate peace, and stressed that the most important thing is how the government can deliver change to the people.
“All of you Ministers are coming with your plans and visions, the toughest thing is to translate them into reality; that is why it is important to focus on things that matter to the people,” Mr. Blair emphasized.