IPNEWS: In the wake of recent imposition of sanctions on three government officials, including generous support to Liberia’s Health and Education systems, the Liberia Council of Churches on today Wednesday, August 31, 2022 awarded a plaque of appreciation to the Government and people of the United States of America through the Embassy in Monrovia for their continued support to good governance,Β peace, respect for human rights and fight against corruption.
The program was held at the Council House on 15th Street,Β Sinkor with the leadership of the Council and several church leaders in attendance.
In his opening remarks,Β the President of the Council,Β Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves Jr., recounted the immense support the US government has given Liberia since independence. He said the Council was cognizant of the role the US Government has played in successive regimes in enhancing democracy, good governance, human rights and fight against corruption for the betterment of all Liberians. He said the plaque was a manifestation of the LCC appreciation of the sacrifices the people of the United States have made to make Liberia better.
Presenting the plaque on behalf of Council, the Rev.Roseline Barnes of the African Methodist Episcopal Church thanked the people of America for standing with Liberia since independence,Β especially during the civil war.
Receiving the plaque on behalf of the Ambassador and people of the United States,Β the Deputy Chief of Mission,Β H. E. Joel Marbury thanked the Council for the recognition of the involvement of the American people in making Liberia improve in its political, social, economic and political life. Mr. Maybury said the issue of corruption is as old as humanity itself and that Liberia since the 19th century has been under the yoke of corruption in various administrations. He said the Mission Office in Liberia is to listen to all sides of the divide and work along to improve the wellbeing of every Liberia. Ambassador Maybury further said the trending news of sanctions on a few officials of government recently is not targeted or personal, but a process that has been in the making for a long time. He said corruption is the weakness of humans that could be eradicated by moral and spiritual will power.
The US Deputy Chief of Mission called on the LCC to continue its positive engagements with other religious bodies and the government to fight the ills of society. He challenged the Council to get involved in service oriented activities like cleanup campaigns, helping schools and medical centers with minor repairs and other activities. A Round Table discussion on issues of the country followed the presentation.
