… Pres. Boakai Urges Liberian diasporas.
By G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has charged Liberians around the world to actively engage in the rebuilding of Liberia by contributing their expertise and investing resources that will enhance Liberia’s development.
The Liberian leader made the charge on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the farewell program marking the “2024 Diaspora Annual Return,” asserting that diasporas’’ talents are needed to help transform Liberia’s future.
“As I bid you farewell, I urge every one of you to embrace boldness in participating in Liberia’s development. The time has come for us to think differently, to think boldly, and to actively engage in the rebuilding of our country.
We need your expertise, your investments, your resources, and your ideas. The talents you possess gained through your experiences in the diaspora are exactly what we need to help transform Liberia’s future. The government stands ready to provide a conducive environment, including security and infrastructure, for you to invest, to contribute, and to make Liberia a land of opportunity for all.”
President Boakai averred that Liberia is not only open for business, but it is also secure. And that his administration has worked tirelessly to create an environment where safety, stability, and peace prevail.
He provided that investments and contributions that are geared towards developing Liberia will be protected, as his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and fostering an atmosphere of trust.
“Liberia is not only open for business, but it is also secure. Under my leadership, we have worked tirelessly to create an environment where safety, stability, and peace prevail. Your investments and your contributions will be protected as we remain committed to upholding the rule of law and fostering an atmosphere of trust. Our country is strong, and we are ready to move forward together.”
He lauded diaspora Liberians for their remittances back home that continue to contribute to national development. However, he asserted that with the remittances to family back home, there is a call to build a country that works for all its citizens now and for future generations.
Therefore, urged Liberians abroad to think about making Liberia the beacon of hope for which it was founded.
“Let us think about making our country the beacon of hope for which it was founded. Let us think of the youth, the children, and the unborn who will inherit the Liberia we shape today.
We owe it to them to ensure that they live in a country where opportunities abound, where their dreams are not limited by circumstances, and where their future is filled with hope.”
The Liberian leader continued by saying that his administration will continue to engage with the diaspora in meaningful ways to strengthen relationships that are geared toward Liberia’s development.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to engage the diaspora, I have had the privilege of meeting with Liberian communities across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
These interactions have been valuable, and I want to assure you that my government will continue to engage with you in meaningful ways, strengthening our relationship as we build Liberia together.”
He revealed that in April of this year, his administration will hold the first-ever Liberian Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C., asserting that the Conference will serve as a platform for engaging in critical discussions about Liberia’s future.
At the same time, the Director for the Diaspora Office at the Ministry of State, Erasmus Williams, added that the diaspora engagement is geared towards providing services to Liberia through the relevant authorities.
“In addition to our activities, we will be providing direct services to Liberians home through the various institutions.
We just donated a fire truck to the National Fire Service.”
Williams further added that the essence of the diaspora engagement is to strengthen Liberia’s relationship with other international partners to enhance the capacity of government institutions.
“We are working with other partners to enhance the capacity of the Police. And we will be doing that for other institutions, including the Ministry of Health.” William stated.
