The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel F. McGill, said the sustenance of peace and development in Liberia depends on the collective efforts of all Liberians, pledging government’s commitment to passing the Dual Citizenship Act, in conformity to its “Once a Liberian Always a Liberian” policy.
Minister McGill said Liberia needs all hands on deck, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and political persuasion. He reiterated the government’s unwavering support to cooperate and collaborate with all for the good of the country.
The minister made the rallying call on Saturday, March 26, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when he served as chief launcher for the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas’ Development Partnership Fund Drive. The launch was part of the Union’s 47th inaugural activities, which saw J. Shiwoh Kamara and Minerva Grant inducted into office as President and Vice President, respectively.
“Liberia needs you. You are professionals of great potential for Liberia’s growth and development. As we celebrate 200 years of existence, all of you in America and the diaspora are welcome to contribute your quota in whatever way,” the Minister and Chief of Staff to the President of Liberia emphasized.
Continuing, Minister McGill reassured ULAA’s membership and Liberians in the diaspora that the Government of Liberia (GOL) sees ULAA as a true partner and not an opposition group.
To this, he said the government of President George Manneh Weah will cooperate and collaborate with ULAA and any group of Liberians for the good of the country.
“Let me assure you here today: the government of President Weah will work with the Senate for the passage of the Dual Citizenship Act,” the Minister said.
As government’s support to the fund drive, aimed at creating economic growth and reduction of poverty in Liberia, Minister McGill pledged US$100,000. Additionally, he promised that US$300,000 will be included in the next budget year for ULAA. This will be the first time for the union to be captured in the country’s budget since its foundation in 1974.
For his part, the 47th President of ULAA, J. Shiwoh Kamara, commended the government of President Weah for promoting democracy in Liberia.
“Under my leadership, ULAA will partner with the Government of Liberia (GOL) in its development agenda and in the alleviation of poverty in Liberia,” the ULAA boss said.
He said ULAA is not an opposition to the government, but a partner for the good of the country. “We will engage the government constructively for the good of the country,” Shiwoh maintained.
Minister McGill was accompanied by a cross-section of government officials, including Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, George Pattern, Gender Minister, Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr, National Oil Company of Liberia President, Atty. Saifuah Mai-Gray, and Presidential Press Secretary, Isaac Solo Kelgbeh.
The colorful ceremony was attended by US Congress members and local state representatives, a cross-section of Liberians from in and around America and former officials of government, including former presidential aspirants.