Following the decision of the special bidding committee that gave the Universal Telecommunication Exchange the opportunity to operate the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation, the President/Chief Executive Officer of the UTE, James S. Yarclay, says his company is set to run the LTC with standard and on pad with other telecommunications companies around the world.

Speaking during a press conference at a local hotel over the weekend, Mr. Yarclay sees his coming into picture to run the LTC as an opportunity to improve the system, adding, "Telecommunication system today is not just telephone as usual, it is more then that because it can run a whole nation." The Liberian said his desire is to see the LTC entrusted to someone with reliable, efficient and knowledgeable and who understands the industry to run it so that it makes impact on society.

He sees the decision of the Bidding Committee as responsible, saying that he had met the guideline set up by the Contract and Monopolies Commission (CMC) that qualifies a bidder to get the opportunity of run a privatized LTC.

He further noted that the fate of the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation is now in the hands of Chairman Bryant to make a wise and just decision - a decision that would certainly revitalize the LTC.

According to Mr. Yarclay, the interest of the LTC vis-à-vis the interest of the Liberian people is now in the court of the transitional chairman, that if he decides to crucify the interest of the people or illuminate their hope remains the litmus test.

"We have won the bid and we believe that the committee's decision was based on what it evaluated us to be - capable and knowledgeable. But we know too much money has been spent to destroy people lives. It is over. Now is the time for us, Liberians, to take the initiative to build our country. It should be said here that no business can run without a telecommunication system," said Mr. Yarclay.

Mr. Yarclay said what Liberians need now is to go above politics line, adding, "Our children are at risk; Liberia is underdeveloped. Liberia is loosing money daily, so the lives of the citizens should not be politicized.

According to the UTE boss, he has already made US$15,000.00 arrangement to run the Corporation, while he is mobilizing.

The UTE president has in fact raised the hope of the employees of the LTC saying that he will pay arrears of the employees apart from other worthy ventures he has earmarked, following the endorsement of the decision of the bidding committee by Chairman Bryant.

The UTE came first among three bidders who were rated high by the special bidding committee set up by Chairman Bryant to find capable, competent, viable and responsible companies to revitalize the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation.

Mr. Yarclay, who heads the UTE, is said to have been in the country for more than eight months in pursuit of his project to operate a privatized LTC, for the first time the nation's history.

The decision to privatize the LTC became necessary when it was glaring that the corporation was incapable of offering the vital services of telecommunication to the country.