The Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC) International Summit has been launched in Liberia.
Speaking Monday at the launching ceremony held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, Deputy Minister for Diaspora Affairs at the Ministry of State and Presidential Affairs, Anthony J.W. Quiwonkpa, said the establishment of Diaspora Affairs was intended to engage Liberians living in the Diaspora to contribute toward the growth and development of Liberia.
Minister Quiwonkpa stated that the initiative started in 2010 under the past administration with engagement of Liberians in the Diaspora, but the African Union (AU) developed policies to attract Africans who have left the Continent of Africa to get involved with the development of the Continent in their respective countries.
He indicated that the Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC) was founded in 2006 in response to AU African Diaspora and people of African Descent around the world to become involved in the AU’s work toward uniting and lifting African people in the Continent and through the world.
According to him, Liberia is doing everything possible to get Liberians living in the Diaspora and other African descents to participate in the socio-economics of the country.
Minister Quiwonkpa underscored that Liberia has a major role in the processes of representing West Africa at major summits relating to bringing African living the Diaspora together.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Sehwah Liberia Incorporated, Louise Siaway, said Liberians should embrace SRDC to move the development of the nation forward.
Siaway stated that her organization has partnered with several African descents in the United States of America who are willing to contributes, in the development process of every sector, such as school and entertainment.
She indicated that the Diaspora Liberians and others are working together to help transform the development of the Continent of Africa.
For her part, the Superintendent of Montserrado County, Florence Brandy, said the government of President George Manneh Weah is seeking the legislation on dual citizenship in Liberia.
Superintendent Brandy pointed out that the government has sent a bill to address the issues surrounding dual citizenship to allow Liberians who obtain citizenship in the Diaspora to maintain Liberian citizenship at the same time.
She noted that the current law in Liberia does not allow Liberians who deny Liberia’s citizenship to own property in the country.
The summit, which the 13th SRDC is expected to end Thursday, will bring together officials of government, including Liberians from all walks of life, to discuss issues relating to every sector of the country.