2 January 2009
Liberia's U.S. Ambassador M. Nathaniel Barnes has, while wishing Liberians a "happy and prosperous" New Year, unveiled measures to strengthen US-Liberia relations and to improve the lots of Liberians residing in the U.S.
He predicted that 2009 will be a good year for Liberia and encouraged all Liberians to do whatever is in their might to help Liberia meet its goals and aspirations.
"It is imperative that we understand that all of us must do whatever little we can in unity to make Liberia the best that it can be," said Amb. Barnes.
The Liberian envoy comments were contained in a New Year Message he delivered on behalf of the President of Liberia and Liberia's Foreign Service. In view of that national imperative, the ambassador said, he has initiated the establishment of a Liberian Diaspora Advisory Board to work closely with the Embassy.
He did not say what the Diaspora Advisory Board would do, who were the likely members, and where such board would be based. He however noted that he was open to suggestions.
He said the establishment of the board and other measures the embassy was contemplating on taking were in realization of the fact that Liberians in the United States have incredible potential to assist in resolving some of the most pressing challenges currently facing Liberia.
"Additionally, the Embassy has just finalized a 36 month Strategic Plan that encompasses engaging institutions and individuals across the United States at all levels, including the U.S Government, the private sector, non-governmental agencies, as well as academic and scientific institutions," he said.
According to him, the fundamental thrust of the plan is to clearly articulate the development and strategic objectives of the Government of Liberia's and to establish a focused and effective means to accomplish them.
He acknowledge the immigration problems facing thousands of Liberians in the U.S. and called on those affected to rest assured that the Liberian Embassy under his administration would help seek solutions to those problems.
"Be confident that we are aggressively engaging the U.S. Government to take the necessary actions that will address this matter in a comprehensive manner," he said.
He said as the issue was being tackled, he would continue to consult and meet with Liberian groups on this and other pertinent concerns.
He described as "clear indication of the improvement and progress" Liberia's qualification for the threshold program of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and noted that his administration intends to work closely with the responsible sector ministries and agencies in Monrovia as their Washington-based representative to ensure success for Liberia in this innovative program.
"In the coming months, I will continue to make my way across the United States meeting with many of you to listen to you and to discuss issues concerning our nation," Amb. Barnes said.
He meanwhile declared the readiness of the embassy and its staff to help lift Liberia by continuing to represent Liberia at peace-building, economic, social and political forums around the United States.
"In the same vein, please feel free to call upon us should you require our direct participation in your efforts," the Liberian envoy said.
Read comments. Write your own.
Copyright © 2009 The Analyst. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
This is an open letter to Ambassador Barnes.My concern is: Why is no effort being made by the Liberian government and the Liberian embassy in the USA to establish dual citizenship for Liberians who are American citizen? If Liberians enjoy the previledge of dual citizenship,I believe they will make emmense contribution to Liberia's developement effrot.They could live and work here in the states and at the same time take business and job opportunities to Liberia. Presently, when a Liberian becomes an American citizen, he lost his natural birth right as a born Liberian citizen. Conseqently, he or she loses all… [Read Full Text]